Matthew 22:20-22 – Rendering to Caesar

Christian Walk, Devotions

Daily Devotional Bible Verse

And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said, “Caesar’s,” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away. (Matthew 22:20-22 ESV)

The Pharisees were plotting against Jesus, attempting to “entangle him in his talk” (Matthew 22:15). The Pharisees, being cowards like many overly religious people, sent their disciples to Jesus with a controversial question, hoping to provoke a condemnable response. The Pharisees’ lackeys approached Jesus and prefaced their question with flattery to deceive him, and then asked, “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” Matthew records here that, “Jesus, aware of their malice” (Matthew 22:18) asked the hypocrites why they put him to the test, and proceeded to give a gospel answer that encompasses all of life. He held up a coin and it was plain that Caesar’s image was upon it, stamped as a sign of ownership, validating Jesus’ response to “render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s”. Continue Reading →

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Romans 1:15 – Eager for the Gospel

Devotions, Encouraging, Gospel, Jesus

Daily Devotional Bible Verse

So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also in Rome. Romans 1:15 (ESV)

This simple phrase is surrounded by some very “high profile” texts, and can often be read over without much notice taken. But consider for a moment Paul’s excitement, or eagerness, at preaching the gospel to the Romans. What motivated him to anticipate his preaching to them? Read on, and Paul clearly describes natural man’s misplaced worship. That we worship the created rather than Creator (Romans 1:25). But what makes Paul eager to preach the gospel is the One whom the gospel reveals, Jesus! Continue Reading →

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Psalm 16:11 – Ever Present

Devotions, Faith, Psalm, Relationships

Daily Devotional Bible Verse

You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
(Psalm 16:11 ESV)

Have you ever really enjoyed being in the presence of someone?  It might have been a boyfriend or girlfriend.  Maybe someone who always made you laugh, and you probably still look forward to spending time with them.  The Psalmist wrote that in God’s presence there is a fullness of joy for us.  In the Old Testament, God dwelt in the Holy of Holies, and it was where His presence was (Leviticus 16:2).   Once a year, a priest was chosen to enter there. But, we read that after Jesus died on the cross, its separating veil was ripped (Matthew 27:51). Therefore, God no longer dwells there. Continue Reading →

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2 Corinthians 5:21 – Resting in Righteousness

Christian Walk, Devotions, Jesus, Sin

Daily Devotional Bible Verse

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV)

Jesus traded His perfect rightness before God for our utter depravity. His sacrifice was not lacking, it was complete, flawless, and whole. In fact, Jesus said it Himself, “It is finished” (John 19:30). However, often we attempt to add to Christ’s finished work. We justify ourselves in our own minds and hearts by doing good things (i.e. reading our Bibles, going to church, giving our tithe, serving others). When we do these good things we come to believe that we are good people. Yes, Jesus is the only way to the Father (John 14:6), but God’s opinion of us is still largely based on the merit we earn by doing the right things. Continue Reading →

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Deuteronomy 1:27 – Freedom is Hard

Christian Walk, Church, Devotions, Faith

Daily Devotional Bible Verse

And you murmured in your tents and said, ‘Because the LORD hated us he has brought us out of the land of Egypt, to give us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us. (Deuteronomy 1:27 ESV)

From Jordan,

Shortly after graduating high school I remember having a pit in my stomach. This pit stemmed from the realization that I was transitioning from the safety of my parents’ home to the uncertainty of my own life! I was scared that I wouldn’t be able to handle college, a job, a wife, and especially a family. But of course, like millions of other young adults, I soon realized that though freedom is hard, and difficult choices are plentiful, this stage of freedom was exactly what I needed to continue growing. Although growing up in 21st century America isn’t a perfect analogy to the people of Israel’s plight, we can draw a few similarities. Continue Reading →

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Proverbs 9:8-9 – The Wise Graciously Take Criticism

Devotions, Leadership, Relationships

Daily Bible Verse

Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; 
reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
  Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; 
teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. (Proverbs 9:8-9 ESV)

Taking criticism can be difficult. Nobody likes to be told what they are doing is wrong, especially when they think they are right. However, a wise person takes criticism graciously. A wise person understands that they don’t know everything. If you’re acquainted with someone who believes they know everything, chances are they aren’t truly as wise as they perceive themselves to be. Continue Reading →

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