Seeking the Lord is our priority and greatest reward. The problem lies in our ability to recognize it, then doing something about it. The world tells us, “put it off, seek self-pleasure, it can wait”, but when acted upon, we realize the pleasure lasts but a moment. Pursuing God lasts a lifetime, and beyond (eternally). If we could compare the two paths, side by side, it wouldn’t really be fair. Pursuits that are eternal show us how small the desires of this world really are. Do you seek God like a hidden treasure? Is your desire to truly know Him?
1 My child, listen to what I say,and treasure my commands.2 Tune your ears to wisdom,and concentrate on understanding.3 Cry out for insight,and ask for understanding.4 Search for them as you would for silver;seek them like hidden treasures.5 Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord,and you will gain knowledge of God.
Proverbs 2:1-5
An Ordinary Man's Pursuit of the Extraordinary God of the Bible. These are daily insights from reading the Bible from cover to cover yearly. It is intended to point others to the Truth, and inspire people to pursue the God of the Bible individually.
Monday, March 9, 2026
Sunday, March 8, 2026
Knowing His Place…
Abram (later named Abraham) wasn’t selfish. He didn’t abuse his status, his seniority, or use his wealth to get his way. When it came to choosing land in which to live, he gave his nephew Lot first choice. When it came to plunder (after rescuing Lot from invaders), Abram chose to give the spoils to the king of Salem, and the rest to the men who fought to get his nephew back. Abram was smart, tough, humble, and not selfish. His relationship with God is what sustained him. He wasn’t perfect, for he did some bone-headed things, but it was knowing his place in this world, belonging to the Lord, that made him who he was. His character was defined by his faith. God was all he needed. And since he was walking with God, the world didn’t have the influence on him, that it has on most people. Make God your life, your refuge, and your home, and you’ll find your desire for the things of this world diminish like sand sifting through your fingers. Jesus is enough. He supplies all our needs, and fulfills our greatest desire (even if we don’t realize it yet).
8 Finally Abram said to Lot, “Let’s not allow this conflict to come between us or our herdsmen. After all, we are close relatives! 9 The whole countryside is open to you. Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we will separate. If you want the land to the left, then I’ll take the land on the right. If you prefer the land on the right, then I’ll go to the left.”10 Lot took a long look at the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley in the direction of Zoar. The whole area was well watered everywhere, like the garden of the Lord or the beautiful land of Egypt. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) 11 Lot chose for himself the whole Jordan Valley to the east of them. He went there with his flocks and servants and parted company with his uncle Abram. 12 So Abram settled in the land of Canaan, and Lot moved his tents to a place near Sodom and settled among the cities of the plain. 13 But the people of this area were extremely wicked and constantly sinned against the Lord.14 After Lot had gone, the Lord said to Abram, “Look as far as you can see in every direction–north and south, east and west. 15 I am giving all this land, as far as you can see, to you and your descendants as a permanent possession. 16 And I will give you so many descendants that, like the dust of the earth, they cannot be counted! 17 Go and walk through the land in every direction, for I am giving it to you.”18 So Abram moved his camp to Hebron and settled near the oak grove belonging to Mamre. There he built another altar to the Lord. Genesis 13:8-18
17 After Abram returned from his victory over Kedorlaomer and all his allies, the king of Sodom went out to meet him in the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).18 And Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High, brought Abram some bread and wine. 19 Melchizedek blessed Abram with this blessing: “Blessed be Abram by God Most High,Creator of heaven and earth.20 And blessed be God Most High,who has defeated your enemies for you.” Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the goods he had recovered.21 The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give back my people who were captured. But you may keep for yourself all the goods you have recovered.”22 Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I solemnly swear to the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, 23 that I will not take so much as a single thread or sandal thong from what belongs to you. Otherwise you might say, ‘I am the one who made Abram rich.’ 24 I will accept only what my young warriors have already eaten, and I request that you give a fair share of the goods to my allies–Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre.” Genesis 14:17-24
8 Finally Abram said to Lot, “Let’s not allow this conflict to come between us or our herdsmen. After all, we are close relatives! 9 The whole countryside is open to you. Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we will separate. If you want the land to the left, then I’ll take the land on the right. If you prefer the land on the right, then I’ll go to the left.”10 Lot took a long look at the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley in the direction of Zoar. The whole area was well watered everywhere, like the garden of the Lord or the beautiful land of Egypt. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) 11 Lot chose for himself the whole Jordan Valley to the east of them. He went there with his flocks and servants and parted company with his uncle Abram. 12 So Abram settled in the land of Canaan, and Lot moved his tents to a place near Sodom and settled among the cities of the plain. 13 But the people of this area were extremely wicked and constantly sinned against the Lord.14 After Lot had gone, the Lord said to Abram, “Look as far as you can see in every direction–north and south, east and west. 15 I am giving all this land, as far as you can see, to you and your descendants as a permanent possession. 16 And I will give you so many descendants that, like the dust of the earth, they cannot be counted! 17 Go and walk through the land in every direction, for I am giving it to you.”18 So Abram moved his camp to Hebron and settled near the oak grove belonging to Mamre. There he built another altar to the Lord. Genesis 13:8-18
17 After Abram returned from his victory over Kedorlaomer and all his allies, the king of Sodom went out to meet him in the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).18 And Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High, brought Abram some bread and wine. 19 Melchizedek blessed Abram with this blessing: “Blessed be Abram by God Most High,Creator of heaven and earth.20 And blessed be God Most High,who has defeated your enemies for you.” Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the goods he had recovered.21 The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give back my people who were captured. But you may keep for yourself all the goods you have recovered.”22 Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I solemnly swear to the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, 23 that I will not take so much as a single thread or sandal thong from what belongs to you. Otherwise you might say, ‘I am the one who made Abram rich.’ 24 I will accept only what my young warriors have already eaten, and I request that you give a fair share of the goods to my allies–Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre.” Genesis 14:17-24
Saturday, March 7, 2026
Real Love Does The Hard Things…
If you love someone, you’ll love them enough to tell them the truth. Jesus did this very thing. In the sermon on the mount, the aspect of adultery was addressed. The men of that day had twisted Moses concession (God’s allowance) on divorce to mean it was perfectly acceptable for any reason. Jesus set them straight. Adultery and divorce were not seen in its proper light. Jesus set the record straight, then took it up a notch. He warned of the consequences of Hell. He told them that losing an eye or hand doesn’t even compare to what you’ll suffer in Hell. It was better to live a handicapped life here on earth than live a life seeking pleasure for yourself, ignoring God. Ask yourself, how many people tell me the truth these days? I’m not talking about “their truth”, I’m talking “the truth”. How many people present consequences for sinful actions? We live in a day where “don’t judge me” and “how dare you tell me what to do” reign in the minds of every person, never allowing truth to be told. We live in a day where sin is exalted and righteousness is prejudice, racist, and hateful. We live in a day where consequences for sinful behavior is lobbied away through legislation, or made out to be excused because someone didn’t react in a way that’s acceptable to the sinner. Jesus warned us about Hell. He knew of its intolerable consequences. If you truly love someone, you’ll love them enough to tell them the truth, willing to accept whatever consequences that come from the conversation. Real love does the hard things. Jesus’ example here should solidify our resolve to follow Him, by being like Him. Don’t live by the world’s standards; it’s not really living, just existing.
27 “You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’28 But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.29 So if your eye–even your good eye–causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.30 And if your hand–even your stronger hand–causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 31 “You have heard the law that says, ‘A man can divorce his wife by merely giving her a written notice of divorce.’32 But I say that a man who divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful, causes her to commit adultery. And anyone who marries a divorced woman also commits adultery. Matthew 5:27-32
27 “You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’28 But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.29 So if your eye–even your good eye–causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.30 And if your hand–even your stronger hand–causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 31 “You have heard the law that says, ‘A man can divorce his wife by merely giving her a written notice of divorce.’32 But I say that a man who divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful, causes her to commit adultery. And anyone who marries a divorced woman also commits adultery. Matthew 5:27-32
Friday, March 6, 2026
When We Give Our Whole Heart…
A simple principle stated throughout scripture: the desires of our heart determine the pathway in which we walk. Ignore it and pay the ultimate, eternal price. Follow it and reap a lifetime of security, immeasurable strength, and ultimate peace, independent of circumstances. It’s only when we give our whole heart to God, that He gives more of Himself to us. You’ll never find God if you don’t seek Him out. No one has ever stumbled upon God. He will not allow people to know Him if they have little desire to do so. As a matter of fact, He will make sure people never find Him if they chose to never seek Him out. In a world full of distractions, this truth is of the utmost importance. Don’t neglect it.
28 “When they cry for help, I will not answer.Though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me.29 For they hated knowledgeand chose not to fear the Lord.30 They rejected my adviceand paid no attention when I corrected them.31 Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way,choking on their own schemes.32 For simpletons turn away from me–to death.Fools are destroyed by their own complacency.33 But all who listen to me will live in peace,untroubled by fear of harm.” Proverbs 1:28-33
28 “When they cry for help, I will not answer.Though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me.29 For they hated knowledgeand chose not to fear the Lord.30 They rejected my adviceand paid no attention when I corrected them.31 Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way,choking on their own schemes.32 For simpletons turn away from me–to death.Fools are destroyed by their own complacency.33 But all who listen to me will live in peace,untroubled by fear of harm.” Proverbs 1:28-33
Thursday, March 5, 2026
The Death Penalty…
The death penalty is ordained by God. If someone murders another person, they forfeit their own life. I’m not talking about killing, war, etc... these are outlined in Deuteronomy. Murder is the taking of life for selfish reasons. It’s wrong because man was created in God’s image. When life is taken through murder it desecrates God’s image. When this is done, the blood of the murderer is then demanded as restitution. The death penalty is a deterrent to those who believe they can take the life of another human being. It makes them think twice before doing it. So when they go ahead and murder, they know when they are caught, their own life will be demanded. So if you really think about it, a murderer knows the consequences of their actions beforehand, so they have no legitimate excuse. When people argue against the death penalty, they are clearly disagreeing with God. The funny thing is that most people who argue and stand against the death penalty are the very same ones who promote and stand for abortion. You can’t be for one and not the other, or vice versa. You either believe God, or you don’t. There is no middle ground when it comes to God. You may not like or agree with some of His ways, but you have to accept them. He is in control not us. The death penalty is 100% God’s idea and plan, regardless of what we want to think or believe. It serves a purpose well beyond our rational minds.
5 “And I will require the blood of anyone who takes another person’s life. If a wild animal kills a person, it must die. And anyone who murders a fellow human must die. 6 If anyone takes a human life, that person’s life will also be taken by human hands. For God made human beings in His own image. Genesis 9:5-6
5 “And I will require the blood of anyone who takes another person’s life. If a wild animal kills a person, it must die. And anyone who murders a fellow human must die. 6 If anyone takes a human life, that person’s life will also be taken by human hands. For God made human beings in His own image. Genesis 9:5-6
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Freewill Is A Gift…
It’s not until we make Jesus Lord that our freewill actually benefits us and leads us down the right path. Until then, our lives are bent towards evil thoughts and actions. Freewill is a gift from God. It’s proof of His immense love for us. It shows where his priorities are, and that His desire for us is to reciprocate love back to Him. If our tendency is bent towards evil, but God grants us freewill, what does that tell you about His character?
20 Then Noah built an altar to the Lord, and there he sacrificed as burnt offerings the animals and birds that had been approved for that purpose. 21 And the Lord was pleased with the aroma of the sacrifice and said to Himself, “I will never again curse the ground because of the human race, even though everything they think or imagine is bent toward evil from childhood. I will never again destroy all living things. 22 As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night.” Genesis 8:20-22
20 Then Noah built an altar to the Lord, and there he sacrificed as burnt offerings the animals and birds that had been approved for that purpose. 21 And the Lord was pleased with the aroma of the sacrifice and said to Himself, “I will never again curse the ground because of the human race, even though everything they think or imagine is bent toward evil from childhood. I will never again destroy all living things. 22 As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night.” Genesis 8:20-22
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Estrangement From God’s Presence…
Cain was the first to experience estrangement from God’s presence, even though his parents got kicked out of Eden, God was still with them. He murdered his brother Abel, so God banished him from the land and His presence. Cain’s very words give us a glimpse into the mindset of what Hell will be like, “my punishment is too great for me to bear”. And just as God punished Cain, giving him the ability to endure it, so will all those who choose to live life without God. They will experience pain and suffering, but have no way to end it. Then when death comes, they will forever experience Hell with no way to end it, but have the ability endure with no relief. Now that’s scary. Something I would never wish on anyone. And yet so many choose it without blinking an eye. Pray for the world, that God would open the eyes of those who have the slightest inclination of an honest heart. Pray for receptivity of the Gospel. Then go out and live it out.
1 Now Adam had sexual relations with his wife, Eve, and she became pregnant. When she gave birth to Cain, she said, “With the Lord’s help, I have produced a man!” 2 Later she gave birth to his brother and named him Abel.When they grew up, Abel became a shepherd, while Cain cultivated the ground. 3 When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the Lord. 4 Abel also brought a gift–the best of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The Lord accepted Abel and his gift, 5 but He did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected.6 “Why are you so angry?” the Lord asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected? 7 You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.”8 One day Cain suggested to his brother, “Let’s go out into the fields.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother, Abel, and killed him.9 Afterward the Lord asked Cain, “Where is your brother? Where is Abel?”“I don’t know,” Cain responded. “Am I my brother’s guardian?”10 But the Lord said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground! 11 Now you are cursed and banished from the ground, which has swallowed your brother’s blood. 12 No longer will the ground yield good crops for you, no matter how hard you work! From now on you will be a homeless wanderer on the earth.”13 Cain replied to the Lord, “My punishment is too great for me to bear! 14 You have banished me from the land and from Your presence; You have made me a homeless wanderer. Anyone who finds me will kill me!”15 The Lord replied, “No, for I will give a sevenfold punishment to anyone who kills you.” Then the Lord put a mark on Cain to warn anyone who might try to kill him. 16 So Cain left the Lord’s presence and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden. Genesis 4:1-16
1 Now Adam had sexual relations with his wife, Eve, and she became pregnant. When she gave birth to Cain, she said, “With the Lord’s help, I have produced a man!” 2 Later she gave birth to his brother and named him Abel.When they grew up, Abel became a shepherd, while Cain cultivated the ground. 3 When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the Lord. 4 Abel also brought a gift–the best of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The Lord accepted Abel and his gift, 5 but He did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected.6 “Why are you so angry?” the Lord asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected? 7 You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.”8 One day Cain suggested to his brother, “Let’s go out into the fields.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother, Abel, and killed him.9 Afterward the Lord asked Cain, “Where is your brother? Where is Abel?”“I don’t know,” Cain responded. “Am I my brother’s guardian?”10 But the Lord said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground! 11 Now you are cursed and banished from the ground, which has swallowed your brother’s blood. 12 No longer will the ground yield good crops for you, no matter how hard you work! From now on you will be a homeless wanderer on the earth.”13 Cain replied to the Lord, “My punishment is too great for me to bear! 14 You have banished me from the land and from Your presence; You have made me a homeless wanderer. Anyone who finds me will kill me!”15 The Lord replied, “No, for I will give a sevenfold punishment to anyone who kills you.” Then the Lord put a mark on Cain to warn anyone who might try to kill him. 16 So Cain left the Lord’s presence and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden. Genesis 4:1-16
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