Bible Verse Devotionals

 BIBLE VERSE Hebrews 4:15-16 (NLT) "This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most."  * WHAT DOES IT SAY?  * Our High Priest, Jesus Christ, is not distant or unable to understand our struggles and weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15a).  * Jesus was tempted in every way that we are, experiencing the full range of human trials and temptations (Hebrews 4:15b).  * Even though He was tempted, He never gave in to sin (Hebrews 4:15c).  * Because of this, we can approach God's throne with confidence and boldness (Hebrews 4:16a).  * When we come to God, we will receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16b).  * WHAT QUESTIONS DO I HAVE ABOUT WHAT IT SAYS?    a) Historical Context  * Who was the author of Hebrews...

BIBLE VERSE Mark 9:23-24  "Anything is possible if you have faith."The father instantly cried out, "I do have faith; help me overcome my unbelief!" (NLT) Mark 9:23-24  WHAT DOES IT SAY? Jesus tells someone that having faith makes anything possible (9:23). A father immediately responds to Jesus, affirming his belief (9:24a). The same father then asks Jesus for help with his lack of faith or doubt (9:24b). WHAT QUESTIONS DO I HAVE ABOUT WHAT IT SAYS? a) Historical Context : What was happening right before this interaction? What kind of situation would lead to this statement from Jesus and this response from the father? What was the common understanding of "faith" in Jewish culture at that time? b) Cultural Context : What would it mean for a father to "cry out instantly" in this setting? Was it common for people to openly express both belief and doubt to a religious teacher like Jesus? c) Theological Context : What does "anything is possible...

 BIBLE VERSE Daniel 9:23 (NLT) “The moment you began praying, a command was given. And now I am here to tell you what it was, for you are very precious to God. Listen carefully to the message, for it explains the future.” Daniel 9:23 (NLT)  * WHAT DOES IT SAY?  * An angel, identified as Gabriel in the broader context of the chapter, comes to Daniel. (Daniel 9:21-23)  * The angel explains that a command from God was given at the exact moment Daniel began to pray. (Daniel 9:23a)  * The purpose of the angel's visit is to deliver this divine message to Daniel. (Daniel 9:23b)  * The angel gives a clear reason for Daniel receiving this special message: he is "very precious to God" or highly esteemed. (Daniel 9:23c)  * The angel instructs Daniel to pay close attention to the message because it reveals future events. (Daniel 9:23d)  * WHAT QUESTIONS DO I HAVE ABOUT WHAT IT SAYS? a) Historical Context  * What was the political and social situation for...

 BIBLE VERSE Matthew 6:6 (NLT) But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Matthew 6:6 (NLT)  * WHAT DOES IT SAY?  * When you pray, you should go to a secluded place and be alone with God. (Matthew 6:6a)  * The text suggests a specific action for prayer: shutting the door to be in a private space. (Matthew 6:6a)  * The purpose of this private prayer is to pray to your Father in secret. (Matthew 6:6b)  * God sees everything, including these private moments of prayer. (Matthew 6:6c)  * Your Father will reward you for this private prayer. (Matthew 6:6d)  * WHAT QUESTIONS DO I HAVE ABOUT WHAT IT SAYS? a) Historical Context  * What was the typical practice of prayer in Jesus's day, and how does this teaching contrast with it?  * Were public displays of piety common at that time, and why would Jesus be so opposed to them? b) Cultur...

 BIBLE VERSE Romans 12:1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Romans 12:1 WHAT DOES IT SAY?  * Paul urges believers to offer their bodies to God (Romans 12:1a).  * This act is a response to all that God has done for us (Romans 12:1a).  * This offering is to be a living and holy sacrifice that God accepts (Romans 12:1b).  * This act of offering our bodies is our true and proper worship of God (Romans 12:1c). WHAT QUESTIONS DO I HAVE ABOUT WHAT IT SAYS?  * Historical Context: To what is Paul referring when he mentions "all he has done for you"? How would this have been understood by the early Roman church?  * Cultural Context: The concept of "sacrifice" was common in Roman culture. How is a "living sacrifice" different from the typical sacrifices of that time? What do...

 BIBLE VERSE Galatians 2:20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20  * WHAT DOES IT SAY?  * The speaker's "old self" has been crucified with Christ (20a).  * The speaker no longer lives, but "Christ lives in me" (20b).  * The speaker now lives in their "earthly body" by trusting in Jesus (20c).  * This trust is placed in the Son of God, who "loved me and gave himself for me" (20d).  * WHAT QUESTIONS DO I HAVE ABOUT WHAT IT SAYS? a) Historical Context  * What was the relationship between Paul and Peter that led to this strong statement in Galatians?  * How did the Galatians' legalistic tendencies (following Jewish law) contrast with Paul's message of faith in Christ? b) Cultural Context  * How would the concept of being "crucified with Christ" have been unde...