Month: January 2023

God Makes Holy Ground

Old Testament Reading: Exodus 3 & 4
Psalms Reading: Psalm 30
New Testament Reading: Romans Introduction Below

These words in Exodus 3:5 always give me pause:

5 “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” (NIV)

In this situation, Moses saw a burning bush that was not being consumed by the fire and walked over to investigate it. He hears God’s voice from within the bush and approaches it, but God reminds Him of some important boundaries and guidelines (don’t come any closer, take off your sandals, remember this is holy ground). In verse 6 we read, 

6 Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God. (NIV)

If you stop here, you would think Moses gets it. He recognizes he is hearing from God Almighty. Yet, somehow, it doesn’t seem to completely sink in for him. I say that because Moses proceeds to pepper his conversation with God with all kinds of doubt and questioning.

God acknowledges that he has seen the suffering of His people and shares His plan with Moses in verse 10:

10 So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” (NIV)

Moses has the audacity to question God. 

11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” (NIV).

As we read on, we see many instances of “But God, what about this or what about that.” 

I would like to contrast this dialogue between Moses and God with David’s words of praise in  Psalm 30.

1 I will exalt you, Lord,

    for you lifted me out of the depths

    and did not let my enemies gloat over me.

2  Lord my God, I called to you for help,

    and you healed me.

3 You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead;

    you spared me from going down to the pit. (NIV)

David gives God the praise he is due. 

-Kristy Cisneros

Reflection Questions:

  1. In reflecting on today’s reading, are you more like Moses or David?  
  2. If you find that you fall into a Moses mode more often than you would like, what steps could you take to be more like David?
  3. There have been many different human responses to God – some good, some bad – but what do we learn about God Himself in these passages? How does having a better understanding of who God is and how He works help us have a proper response. Is there perhaps something Moses didn’t understand at the time about God?

For our New Testament reading, we will be spreading out the gospels throughout the year, and reading Acts after we read Luke, so tomorrow we will jump ahead and begin reading the book of Romans, one chapter a day. In preparation, enjoy this

Romans Introduction

I’ll start by saying that I love the book of Romans.  It’s among my relatively few favorites.  

Similar to the book of Exodus, the book of Romans talks about slavery.  Slavery to sin, and deliverance from that slavery.  The book of Exodus records God’s laws for his people; but the book of Romans shows that no-one is able to obey that law completely.  And because nobody is able to follow God’s laws completely, all of us deserve to die.  Fortunately, the book of Romans also gives the antidote.

In the Book of Romans, we find what some call the “Roman Road to Salvation”.  There are a few variations, but it goes something like this…

  1. Romans 3:23, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of GOD.”
    • Do you recognize you are a sinner and have disappointed GOD?
  1. Romans 6:23, “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of GOD is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”
    • Do you recognize the punishment for sin is eternal death?
      • Do you want this gift of eternal life that GOD wants to give you?
  1. Romans 5:8, “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
    • Do you believe Jesus died to pay the punishment for your sins?
  1. Romans 10:9 says, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
    • Do you believe God raised Jesus from the dead?
      • Do you agree to make Jesus Lord of your life?  This means living a life like he lived.
  1. Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”.
    • Do you have peace with God?  If not, go back to step 4.
  1. Romans 12:1-2 describes the metamorphosis that takes place in all true believers, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
    • Does this accurately describe you?  If not, go back to step 4.

-Steve Mattison

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Obedience in the Face of Fear

Old Testament Reading: Exodus 1 & 2
Psalms Reading: Psalm 29
New Testament Reading: Matthew 28

For me, the theme of today’s reading was obedience in the face of fear. If God is calling us, the only right answer is obedience. In yesterday’s reading of Matthew 28, we read about the agony Jesus experienced on the cross and how he alone had to bear the crushing weight of humanity’s sins. Jesus felt fear on the cross, but that did not stop him from responding with obedience to God’s plan. In Exodus 1 and 2 we learn that Israel is becoming a formidable threat to Egypt. Pharaoh tries to minimize this threat by ordering the Hebrew midwives to kill any newborn boys right after they are delivered. The Hebrew midwives would not hear of taking part in such an abomination. They were obedient to God’s laws and the result was victorious. In Exodus 1 we read,

20 So God was good to the midwives, and the Israelites continued to multiply, growing more and more powerful. 21 And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own. (NLT)

We read about more bravery in Exodus 2 when Moses’ mother kept the baby Moses hidden for three months. She then concocted a plan to place him in a basket among the river reeds. Moses’ sister Miriam hung out to see what would happen. As the story goes, Pharaoh’s daughter finds him and takes pity on him. I have to think Moses’ mother and sister had to have been afraid when they went to execute their plan, but they felt the fear and did it anyway. 

I think the acts of boldness of the Hebrew midwives and Moses’ mother and sister demonstrated that they must have had a healthy and reverential fear of God as David did. 

In the first two verses of Psalm 29, David highlights God’s splendor, glory, power and might.

1 Honor the Lord, you heavenly beings;

    honor the Lord for his glory and strength.

2 Honor the Lord for the glory of his name.

    Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. (NLT)

Following God often requires boldness and not letting our fears overshadow what God has called us to do. We have a special reminder in verse 11 of Psalm 29 that God equips us during hard times:

The Lord gives his people strength.

    The Lord blesses them with peace. (NLT)

If we trust in God’s goodness, we know that He has our best interest at heart and will supply us with the strength we need. Therefore, feel the fear and be obedient anyway.

-Kristy Cisneros

Reflection Questions:

  1. Do you struggle with being obedient to God’s calling? Do you feel fear overshadows doing the right thing? Pray to God to deepen your trust. As we learned in yesterday’s reading, it is important to trust in God’s timing and goodness— even in the face of fear.
  2. What do we learn about God and His character in our Bible reading today?
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Crying Out to God

Old Testament Reading: Exodus Introduction Below
Psalms Reading: Psalm 28
New Testament Reading: Matthew 27

In today’s reading, I couldn’t help but see some parallels between David and Jesus. In both of these passages, we see a crying out to God in a time of true despair or suffering.  

In Psalm 28, we read David’s heartfelt words:

1 ​​To you, Lord, I call;

    you are my Rock,

    do not turn a deaf ear to me.

For if you remain silent,

    I will be like those who go down to the pit.

2 Hear my cry for mercy

    as I call to you for help,

as I lift up my hands

    toward your Most Holy Place.
(NIV)

The words, “For if you remain silent” stood out to me. Up until that point, David clearly felt that God had been silent. He wanted to be reminded that God was on his side and actively fighting for him. 

In Matthew 27:46, Jesus also cried out to God in distress:

46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). NIV

To me, that sentence contains some of the most poignant words in scripture. Jesus is truly taking on the weight of the world at this moment by bearing all of humanity’s sins. The weight of it must have been crushing. It must have felt so terribly dark and cold. In this case, he alone had to pay the price and it was not the plan for God to rescue him from death; however, we know how the story ends. We know God did not forsake him in the grave. We read in Acts 2:31: 

31 Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. (NIV)

When we are in the depths of despair or metaphorically running from danger, it can seem like God is silent and turning a deaf ear to us. However, His word assures us in Romans 8:28 that He is not turning His back to us. 

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (NIV)

In the latter portion of Psalm 28, we read David’s recognition that God came through for him.  

6 Praise be to the Lord,

    for he has heard my cry for mercy.

7 The Lord is my strength and my shield;

    my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.

My heart leaps for joy,

    and with my song I praise him. (NIV)

Notice the words from verse 7: “my heart trusts in him.” How do we cultivate trust in God? One of the best ways is to learn about Him through His word. His character radiates beautifully all throughout scripture. One aspect of God’s character that really spoke to me in today’s reading is His tenderness. In Psalm 28:9 we read: “Save your people! Bless Israel, your special possession. Lead them like a shepherd, and carry them in your arms forever.” (NLT)

Isaiah 40:11 gives us more insight into how He shepherds His flock: 

He tends his flock like a shepherd:

    He gathers the lambs in his arms

and carries them close to his heart;

    he gently leads those that have young. (NIV)

God carries us close to His heart. Now that’s an amazing image! Where we are might feel very cold and alone in the moment, but God is there holding us close to His heart. Unlike Jesus on the cross, we never have to bear the weight of our burdens alone. He is working things out for the good for those who love Him. It might not look like how we imagined, but it will be beautiful in the long run. Trust His timing. Trust His goodness. 

-Kristy Cisneros

Kristy is married to Pastor Andy Cisneros who pastors Guthrie Grove Church in Pelzer, SC. This May they will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary! They are the proud parents of two awesome children: Brooke and Logan. 

Reflection Questions:

  1. Do you feel that you trust in God’s timing and goodness? If not or maybe not as much as you should, make it an intentional prayer that God will help you grow in these areas.
  2. How can you use this year’s Bible reading plan to grow further in your appreciation of God’s timing and goodness? Remember this year’s plan is focused on reading with a lens for understanding God’s character more richly.

And tomorrow we will begin reading in the book of Exodus for our Old Testament reading. So, here is our introduction to the book of Exodus…

Exodus Introduction

The book of Exodus continues the story from Genesis of God’s creating a nation of His own from the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  These people would be different from the rest of the people on Earth.  It tells of the oppression His people faced as slaves in Egypt.  It then tells how God raised up a deliverer (Moses), and miraculously rescued His people from slavery – to eventually bring them to the promised land.  

Many times throughout Exodus, we can recognize parallels to the way God rescued us from slavery to sin by raising up a deliverer (Jesus), so we can eventually inherit the Kingdom of God.

There are incredible parallels between God’s sparing the Israelites at Passover by the blood of a lamb, and the way we are spared death by the blood of the Lamb of God (Jesus).

The Israelites were figuratively baptized when the Red Sea parted so they could walk through on dry ground.

As if all this weren’t exciting enough, God, through Moses, led the people to Mount Sinai, where the people saw the mountain engulfed in flame, and heard the physical voice of God, as he gave them the 10 commandments.  (See a parallel of this to us in Hebrews 12: 18-29.)

The Israelites were so terrified they begged Moses to talk with God, and then bring word back to the people.  They thought they would die if they heard God speaking anymore.  God agreed that this was a good idea, and promised to later send a spokesman, raised up from among his brothers – like Moses, who would represent God to the people.  This was ultimately fulfilled by Jesus.

The rest of Exodus, as well as all of Leviticus, and part of Numbers, takes place at Mount Sinai – as God gave His laws to His people.  As you read, you’ll find out that His people had difficulty obeying God’s laws.  

In 1 Peter 2:9, we’re told that God has chosen us, just like he originally chose Abraham’s descendants.  And He expects us to be different – to declare the praises of God.  How well are you obeying?

-Steve Mattison

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This Only Do I Seek

Old Testament Reading: Genesis 49 & 50

Psalms Reading: Psalm 27

New Testament Reading: Matthew 26

(Sorry, if you didn’t receive this earlier today – it seems to have appeared on wordpress and facebook this morning, but not to the email list…Or, sorry if you DID receive it earlier this morning and this is now a repeat.)

If you could have anything in the world, what would it be?


For some of you, the answer might be a trip to a neat destination (Ireland seems pretty awesome). For others, it might be to finally marry that person of your dreams. Maybe you would ask to have children one day, or for your current children to have successful lives. If you’re in some financial difficulty, like so many are, maybe you’d wish to just be debt-free. None of those things are bad of course! However, they aren’t the most important thing; and thankfully, you don’t need to have a magic genie in a bottle to acquire the most important thing. It is readily available to each and every believer right now.


In Psalm 27, the author (likely not David due to his references to the Temple) states that the only desire he is seeking after is to be in the presence of YHWH in His holy temple. For the author, God’s presence was the most precious gift one could ask for; it surpassed all the greatness to be found on earth. For in God’s presence, one can finally be at rest and peace (see Psalm 23), and receive the forgiveness of sins that all of us long for (see Psalm 25). Being in God’s presence is everything; and thankfully, it is readily available to us.


In the New Testament, Jesus says that “wherever two or three are gathered in my name, I am there in their midst” (Matthew 18:20), and wherever Jesus is found, God’s presence is found, too (see John 1:14; 14:9). If you truly want to experience God’s presence today, the greatest gift that you could ever experience in this life, it is available with other believers. When we gather together to worship, to serve, or even to eat a meal, the presence of God is there. We feel closest to God when we are surrounded by our brothers and sisters in the faith, gathering together in Jesus’ name. And while you can pray to God in private by yourself, you will never experience His powerful glory if you remain alone; we need to prioritize time together as believers (Hebrews 10:25). We were not designed to be alone (Genesis 2:18), but to enjoy fellowship with each other.

Brothers and sisters, come and join with your fellow Christians today and this week. There is no greater gift on earth than what you can experience there.

-Talon Paul

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

  1. What verse from Psalm 27 would be a good one to have on your refrigerator and in your heart this week? Make it so.
  2. What are the benefits of being together with your Christian brothers and sisters? List as many as you can. In what ways can you make more opportunities and time to do this more and more?
  3. What do you learn of God in your reading today?
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This Only Do I Seek

Old Testament Reading: Genesis 49 & 50

Psalms Reading: Psalm 27

New Testament Reading: Matthew 26

If you could have anything in the world, what would it be?


For some of you, the answer might be a trip to a neat destination (Ireland seems pretty awesome). For others, it might be to finally marry that person of your dreams. Maybe you would ask to have children one day, or for your current children to have successful lives. If you’re in some financial difficulty, like so many are, maybe you’d wish to just be debt-free. None of those things are bad of course! However, they aren’t the most important thing; and thankfully, you don’t need to have a magic genie in a bottle to acquire the most important thing. It is readily available to each and every believer right now.


In Psalm 27, the author (likely not David due to his references to the Temple) states that the only desire he is seeking after is to be in the presence of YHWH in His holy temple. For the author, God’s presence was the most precious gift one could ask for; it surpassed all the greatness to be found on earth. For in God’s presence, one can finally be at rest and peace (see Psalm 23), and receive the forgiveness of sins that all of us long for (see Psalm 25). Being in God’s presence is everything; and thankfully, it is readily available to us.


In the New Testament, Jesus says that “wherever two or three are gathered in my name, I am there in their midst” (Matthew 18:20), and wherever Jesus is found, God’s presence is found, too (see John 1:14; 14:9). If you truly want to experience God’s presence today, the greatest gift that you could ever experience in this life, it is available with other believers. When we gather together to worship, to serve, or even to eat a meal, the presence of God is there. We feel closest to God when we are surrounded by our brothers and sisters in the faith, gathering together in Jesus’ name. And while you can pray to God in private by yourself, you will never experience His powerful glory if you remain alone; we need to prioritize time together as believers (Hebrews 10:25). We were not designed to be alone (Genesis 2:18), but to enjoy fellowship with each other.

Brothers and sisters, come and join with your fellow Christians today and this week. There is no greater gift on earth than what you can experience there.

-Talon Paul

Reflection Questions

  1. What verse from Psalm 27 would be a good one to have on your refrigerator and in your heart this week? Make it so.
  2. What are the benefits of being together with your Christian brothers and sisters? List as many as you can. In what ways can you make more opportunities and time to do this more and more?
  3. What do you learn of God in your reading today?
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Put IT to Work

Old Testament Reading: Genesis 47 & 48

Psalms Reading: Psalm 26

New Testament Reading: Matthew 25

In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus tells a parable about a man who entrusts his money to three of his servants while he is away. They each receive a different amount of wealth: 10, 5, and 1. The master doesn’t instruct them on what to do with it; he simply leaves it in their possession and takes off. The first two double their money: the 10 now having 20, and the 5 now at 10. However, the servant who only had 1 chose not to risk losing it; he chose to bury it in the ground so that his master wouldn’t be upset with him. He was terrified of what his master might do to him if he was to lose his one and only amount of money. Unfortunately for him, this was the wrong choice and he was punished for it, because he could have made at least a little amount from it at the bank.


The parable is revealing of our Christian walk as well. Our Master, Jesus, has entrusted us with different things in this life to use and bring others to saving faith. Some of us have more money and opportunities than others, but every single one of us has been entrusted with something. You might have money, people, a position at work or school, a certain hobby, physical health, or a variety of different gifts. Jesus expects us to use whatever we have been given for the sake of the Kingdom of God. He doesn’t want us to waste it, and honors it when we give it a shot (did you notice that both of those who tried doubled their investment?). When we choose not to make an attempt, we are operating out of fear, which is the opposite of what Jesus and God empowers us with (2 Timothy 1:7).


What have you been entrusted with by your Master? Take some time to write down what skills, people, and possessions you have been given in a column on a piece of paper. How can you use that to further the gospel message of the Kingdom? Take some time to brainstorm and write down in a separate column next to that first list any ideas that come to mind.


You’ve been given something; don’t waste it. And Jesus is with you always through the process, so don’t fear anything (Matthew 28:20)

-Talon Paul

Reflection Questions

  1. Take some time to create your two columns: What have you been entrusted with by your Master? and How can you use that to further the gospel message of the Kingdom? Return to it throughout the weekend with more thoughts. What have you been given that you never considered using to spread the good news of the Kingdom?
  2. Has fear stopped you from using your talents? What should we be most fearful of (men, what others think, what if I mess up – or – what will happen when the Master returns)?
  3. What can we learn from the other two parables in Matthew 25?
  4. What do we learn of God and His Son Jesus in our reading today?
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And then The End will Come

Old Testament Reading: Genesis 45 & 46

Psalms Reading: Psalm 25

New Testament Reading: Matthew 24

I am practically lost without an instruction manual. I have relied on instruction manuals for everything, from constructing Legos and Bionicles when I was young (does anyone remember those?), to building cheap furniture from the department store. Instruction manuals bring order to the chaos; they provide a clear path forward to your desired goal. I admire people that can “wing it” and still accomplish their task without a set of instructions; I am not one of those gifted people. However, I believe that instruction manuals are a good analogy for our Christian life and purpose moving forward; after all, Jesus gave us clear instructions too.


In Matthew 24, we find one of the most interesting and debated texts in the entire Bible. There are details that depict what is going to happen when the city of Jerusalem is conquered by Rome in 70 AD, and there are details about when Jesus will come again on the clouds of heaven to establish the Kingdom of God. Books on top of books have been written about this passage, and its parallels in Mark and Luke; however, not enough has been said about the practical instructions Jesus gives to us here among all the chaotic images described. In verse 14, we are told that, in the midst of all the craziness, we Christians have one job: to share the gospel of the kingdom to the whole world. In fact, Jesus tells us that he will not return until this job has been accomplished.


Brothers and sisters, the greatest contribution you can make in this life is telling someone else about God’s coming kingdom. It is in this message that true salvation is found. It is in this message that God will redeem humanity and the earth. It is in this message that your sins can be forgiven. This message needs to be shared not just in other countries, but with your friend, your neighbor, and everyone else in your life. This is our only mission in life as Christians before Jesus comes back: let’s follow the Great Instruction Manual given by Jesus by sharing the same message that he shared (Luke 4:43). You can truly save a life.

-Talon Paul

Reflection Questions

  1. What are your thoughts and feelings as you read Matthew 24? In your opinion, what is the best part of the chapter? What do you find of great value?
  2. Reading through Matthew 24 what instructions, warnings and promptings do you find from Jesus?
  3. What are you doing to share the good news of the coming Kingdom? What might Jesus like to see you doing this month that you haven’t already been doing?
  4. What did God reveal about Himself today in your reading of His words?
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Siblings in the Faith

Old Testament Reading: Genesis 43 & 44

Psalms Reading: Psalm 24

New Testament Reading: Matthew 23

Jesus, the great King of God’s Kingdom, told us that he came to “serve, not be served” (Mark 10:45). His entire ministry revolved around giving up his life for the sake of those around him and for the entire world. Paul tells us in Philippians 2 that Jesus considered others as more important than himself, and Jesus himself tells us that he was not trying to accomplish his own will, but the will of his heavenly Father (John 5:30). You see, Jesus wasn’t interested in titles, status, or holding a special office; he only cared about serving the needs of those who he loved. Jesus calls us to be the same way, which is completely different than what the world around us wants us to do. We are told over and over to keep shooting for higher and higher status, and for more sophisticated and respected positions, but this isn’t the way things are supposed to be in the Church: we are all equals.


In Matthew 23, Jesus tells us that nobody among his disciples should seek after any title: not “Teacher”, “Leader”, or “Father”. Instead, we are to consider each other “brothers and sisters” (equals), like the apostle Paul tells us in Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” None of us is to think too highly of ourselves, even if we do hold official titles in the Church, like “pastor”, “elder”, “youth leader”, or anything else: we are supposed to be like Jesus and only care about serving each other, not exalting ourselves to some high position. We should be humble and lead like Jesus led: by stooping low and washing feet.

This also means that we all have an equal responsibility for the Church and the mission of Jesus to make disciples. It’s not just the job of the pastor and other leaders; it is every believer’s responsibility. We are all supposed to care for what God has given us in this world, since it’s all His anyways (Psalm 24:1). It doesn’t matter if we get to sit in on Board meetings and make major financial decisions for our church buildings; we all have a share in the Church’s larger plan and the later Kingdom of God.

Brothers and sisters, let’s all contribute and serve each other. We will only be as healthy as we are humble. Be like Jesus today and consider others as more important than yourself, and don’t seek after those titles and statuses, even if they do eventually come your way. Our focus should be on loving our siblings in the faith and doing what Jesus has called us to do.

-Talon Paul

Reflection Questions

  1. Would you rather…exalt yourself now, OR be exalted by Jesus later? Why is it only one or the other?
  2. Jesus said, “The greatest among you will be your servant.” (Matthew 23:11) How are you doing as a servant?
  3. What do you think of Talon’s statement: “We will only be as healthy as we are humble”? How healthy, or ill, are you currently? What could you do to improve your health and your humility today?
  4. What did God reveal about Himself in your reading of His Scripture today?
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God Speaking to You

Old Testament Reading: Genesis 41 & 42

Psalms Reading: Psalm 23

New Testament Reading: Matthew 22

I have recently developed a new appreciation for the Psalms. I am not one that enjoys poetry; I prefer historical accounts and factual information (I know; what a nerd!). However, after joining a weekly prayer meeting with a group of pastors in town, I have grown to see that the Psalms are not to be read like most of the other books; instead of reading for information, the Psalms are meant to be read to “hear”. We often call the Bible “the Word of God”, but rarely do we treat it like God is speaking to us. That is how I have learned to read this set of poems and songs, and I’d encourage you to try it.


In Psalm 23, God tells us that He is our shepherd, guiding us along life’s difficult paths towards green pastures and waters of rest. Although most of us don’t know what it’s like to be a sheep herder, what is obvious is that shepherds care for their flocks. They make sure that their flock has water, food, and shelter; they make sure that their flock is at peace and protected from danger. This is what God does for us as our shepherd; he provides, protects, and allows us to enjoy rest.


In a time when anxiety is higher than it has ever been, and people are worried about all sorts of different issues, this Psalm should speak to every single one of us and be an encouragement. We don’t need to worry, like Jesus says (Matthew 6:34); God has us and will take care of what we need. He allows us to rest in peace when we are in His presence, safe from the difficulties that surround us. The only requirement we have is to follow Him and stay close to Him, because
when we are with the Great Shepherd, nothing can harm us.


Our Father is calling to you today; calling you to come before Him and calling you to rest. Enjoy this wonderful, merciful gift now, knowing that He has everything taken care of.

-Talon Paul

Reflection Questions

  1. If you haven’t yet, reread Psalm 23 specifically looking for what God is speaking to you about Himself.
  2. Is God promising to remove all scary, bad things from your life if you follow Him (see especially verses 4 & 5)? What does He offer to remedy anxiety and worry even in the midst of dark shadows and enemies?
  3. How have you already benefited by having God as your shepherd? Is anything required from you to remain part of His flock?
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Do It!

Old Testament Reading: Genesis 39 & 40

Psalms Reading: Psalm 22

New Testament Reading: Matthew 21

None of us really enjoy chores. There were many that I didn’t enjoy growing up that were very specific to me; one of those was mowing the yard. Since my grandfather had shown me how to take care of the grass at the age of eight, I was the one in charge of making sure it was cut every week. Now to be fair, I did prefer this chore over folding laundry or vacuuming (and I still do), but on our four-acre property growing up, it was a whole-day ordeal to finish. However, although I didn’t necessarily like it, and some days I protested (like all kids do), I made sure the yard was cut so that bugs and rodents were kept away from the house.


In Matthew 21, we find two sons who were supposed to go out and take care of their family vineyard. The first protested, but later regretted it and did as his father said. The second son initially said that he would go out, but wound up avoiding his chores. Jesus tells us in this story that the one who, at first, grumbled and complained about it, but still followed through, was the one who “did the father’s will”. This may seem obvious to us, but that’s the point Jesus is making; talk is cheap. Very few things are as disappointing as when someone doesn’t follow through on what they say.


This is true of our lives as Christians; we need to “walk the walk”, not just “talk the talk”. The book of James tells us that “faith without works is dead” (James 2:17). If we are not willing to do something with what we believe, it is useless. We can say that we “believe in God”, or even that we are a “Christian”, but unless that translates into action, we are only fooling ourselves. Jesus says that those who will inherit God’s Kingdom are those who “produce the fruit of it” (Matthew 21:43). Does your faith stir you and make you move? Or are you just all talk?


The Christian life isn’t always exciting and can seem boring at times; there are weeks where we don’t want to go to church or read our Bibles yet again. But just like cutting the grass, unless we are willing to go out and put the work in, even if we don’t “want to”, it will get out of control. Our lives need constant, consistent maintenance, just like a garden or a lawn. Every week is not going to be exciting, but it’s still necessary; fight past your initial protest and do what you’re supposed to do anyway. It will be better for you in the long run.

-Talon Paul

Reflection Questions

  1. Which of the two sons are you more often like? In what area(s), do you need more “walk the walk” (perhaps even without protesting first) in order to do the will of the Father?
  2. What is the danger in not producing fruit? What fruit does God want to see you producing now?
  3. What do we learn about God from the teachings of His Son? What does God want us to learn about His Son?
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