Jesus Is Better

Shaped by the Word is a daily, Bible-reading devotional. I do not publish supplemental commentary on Sundays, but I do include a suggested Scripture reading for the day. We are currently in the Christmas season, so we are looking at passages that better help us understand the purpose for Christ’s coming into the world. Please be sure to subscribe to this page and follow along every day. Thanks for reading! Reading the Word Hebrews 8:3–6 (ESV) 3 For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; thus it is necessary for this priest also to have something to … Continue reading Jesus Is Better

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Is Your Burden Great?

  Reading the Word Matthew 23:1–12 (ESV) 1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, 3 so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. 4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. 5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, 6 and … Continue reading Is Your Burden Great?

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Love for God and Others

Reading the Word Matthew 22:34–40 (ESV) 34 But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. 35 And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend … Continue reading Love for God and Others

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Love Is the Law

Reading the Word Luke 13:10–17 (ESV) 10 Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. 11 And behold, there was a woman who had had a disabling spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. 12 When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said to her, “Woman, you are freed from your disability.” 13 And he laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and she glorified God. 14 But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, said to … Continue reading Love Is the Law

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Praise the Lord for His Word

  Reading the Word Psalm 147:12–20 (ESV) 12 Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion! 13 For he strengthens the bars of your gates; he blesses your children within you. 14 He makes peace in your borders; he fills you with the finest of the wheat. 15 He sends out his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly. 16 He gives snow like wool; he scatters frost like ashes. 17 He hurls down his crystals of ice like crumbs; who can stand before his cold? 18 He sends out his word, and melts them; he makes … Continue reading Praise the Lord for His Word

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The Wonderful Word of God

Reading the Word Psalm 119:1–8 (ESV) 1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! 2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, 3 who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! 4 You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. 5 Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! 6 Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments. 7 I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your … Continue reading The Wonderful Word of God

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