rumination

How Would You Rank These?

I met a good friend for lunch the other day and he posed this question:

How would you rank in order – sacrifice, dependence, and obedience?

Based on Scripture, here is my ranking of Sacrifice, Obedience, and Dependence, ordered by how I believe God prioritizes them throughout the Bible:

1. Dependence (Highest Priority)

Why: Dependence is the heart of faith. It acknowledges that apart from God, we can do nothing (John 15:5). Dependence precedes obedience and sacrifice. It is the posture of trust that fuels both.

Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding…”

Psalm 51:17 – “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”

John 15:5 – “Apart from Me you can do nothing.”

Dependence is the root; obedience and sacrifice are the fruit.

2. Obedience (Next in Priority)

Why: God desires obedience over ritual or offering. Obedience demonstrates love and reverence for God (John 14:15), and it is frequently elevated above sacrifice.

1 Samuel 15:22 – “To obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.”

John 14:15 – “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”

Deuteronomy 10:12-13 – “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord, which I am commanding you today for your good?”

God asks for obedience as an expression of love and fear.

3. Sacrifice (Lowest of the Three)

Why: Sacrifice is meaningful only when it flows from dependence and obedience. God often rejected sacrifices offered with disobedient hearts (Isaiah 1:11-17, Amos 5:21-24).

Hosea 6:6 – “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.”

Psalm 51:16 – “For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it…”

Conclusion (Ranked Order):

Dependence – posture of trust
Obedience – fruit of trust
Sacrifice – expression of trust and obedience, but never a substitute

This order reflects not only the logic of Scripture but also God’s recurring emphasis on the heart over the outward act.

From Intimidating to Inviting: Reading the Bible with SPACES

Using the SPACES Bible Study Tool

Overview

Reading the Bible can feel intimidating. The SPACES acronym is a simple tool to help you engage with Scripture, understand it, and apply it to your life. You can write this acronym on a piece of paper or in your journal and use it as a guide every time you read a chapter.

What SPACES Stands For

S — Sin to Avoid

Look for sins mentioned directly or shown through characters’ actions.
Ask: What behavior or attitude should I avoid?

P — Promise to Claim

Identify promises God gives in the passage.
Ask: What can I confidently trust God for in my own life?

A — Attribute of God

Notice what the passage teaches about God’s character.
Ask: What does this reveal about who God is?

C — Command to Obey

Find explicit or implicit instructions to follow.
Ask: What is God calling me to do or change?

E — Example to Follow

Observe positive examples in characters’ lives.
Ask: Who should I imitate in this passage?

S — Something to Pray About

Turn what you read into a personal prayer.
Ask: How should I respond to God in prayer based on this passage?

How to Use It

Write “SPACES” at the top of your notes when you start a chapter.
As you read, jot down insights under each letter.
Use your notes to guide prayer and application.
Share it with a friend or in a small group study to help others engage with Scripture.

Why Use SPACES?

Reduces intimidation when reading the Bible.
Encourages deeper understanding and reflection.
Makes it easier to discuss and share Scripture with others.

Start using SPACES today and enjoy a more meaningful time in God’s Word!

Adapted from content by Jeremy Vuolo, shared in an Instagram video post.

July 10, 2025 – Bible Recap Journal

Isaiah 5-8

Common Theme

God exposes the deep moral decay of His people and warns of coming judgment through foreign nations, yet He also affirms His sovereignty by promising a future sign of hope through Immanuel. These chapters show both His righteous anger against sin and His steadfast commitment to His redemptive plan.

Questions

What do these chapters reveal about God’s response to persistent rebellion and hypocrisy among His people?
How does the promise of Immanuel shape our understanding of God’s long-term purposes despite immediate judgment?

God Shot

God is the holy and righteous King who cannot tolerate sin, yet He graciously offers a sign of His enduring presence through Immanuel. He is unwavering in justice and relentless in His commitment to bring salvation.

God Sold the Cattle

Based on a story recounted in The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson, Chapter Ten: “The Cattle on a Thousand Hills”

Shortly after Dallas Theological Seminary opened its doors, their doors almost closed because of bankruptcy. Before their 1929 commencement day, the faculty gathered in the president’s office to pray that God would provide. They formed a prayer circle, and when it was Harry Ironside’s turn, he circled Psalm 50:10 with a simple Honi-like prayer:

“Lord, we know you own the cattle on a thousand hills. Please sell some of them, and send us the money.”

The time lapse between our requests and God’s answers is often longer than we would like, but occasionally God answers immediately. While the faculty was praying, a $10,000 answer was delivered. One version of the story attributes the gift to a Texas cattle rancher who had sold two carloads of cattle. Another version attributes it to a banker from Illinois. But one way or another, it was God who prompted the gift and answered the prayer.

In a moment that is reminiscent of the day Peter knocked on the door of the house where his friends were praying for a miraculous jailbreak, the president’s secretary interrupted the prayer meeting by knocking on the president’s door. Dr. Lewis Sperry Chafer, founder and president of DTS, answered the door, and she handed him the answer to prayer. Turning to his friend and colleague, Dr. Harry Ironside, President Chafer said,

“Harry, God sold the cattle!”

Attribution: Story from Chapter Ten of The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson

Birthing Bigger

Disruption

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.”
— Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

Babies come out crying because they’re upset! They’ve only known the comfort of the womb. Leaving what’s familiar is hard—it’s usually not something we want, at least at first. And birth? It’s messy. Painful. Even when it’s beautiful, it’s not pretty.

But this is how growth works. We get pushed out of what’s comfortable and placed somewhere new. God won’t bless you here with what He’s planned for you there. If He gave you your there-blessing while you were still here, you’d never leave.

So sometimes, when it feels like your prayers aren’t being answered, it might be because the blessing doesn’t fit where you currently are. It’s not that God is being mean—He’s being a loving Father. You can’t learn to walk if you’re always being carried. You have to take steps to grow.

It takes effort to move from where you are to where you’re meant to be. God isn’t keeping your blessing from you—He’s just placed it there, right in the middle of where He’s leading you.

But the space between here and there is uncomfortable. It’s a place of transition. Just like a baby moves from the womb to the birth canal, it’s tight, dark, and painful. But you can’t stay in the incubator forever.

Embrace the shift. The best is on the other side of birth.

Adapted from “Birthing Bigger” in 100 Days of Believing Bigger by Marshawn Evans Daniels (DaySpring, 2020).

Speak Life: The Transforming Power of Words in Ephesians 4:29

Ephesians 4:29 – Context and Authentic Meaning

Ephesians 4:29 (ESV):
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

Context:

Ephesians 4 is part of Paul’s appeal to believers to walk in a manner worthy of their calling (4:1). After affirming the unity and diversity of the church (vv. 1–16), Paul urges Christians to live differently than the Gentiles (unbelievers) in thought, character, and behavior (vv. 17–24). This includes putting off the “old self” and putting on the “new self” created after God’s likeness in righteousness and holiness.

Verses 25–32 give specific applications of this new life in Christ. Each instruction contrasts former sinful behaviors with righteous alternatives. Verse 29 fits into this pattern, focusing specifically on speech.

Authentic Meaning:

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths”
The Greek word translated “corrupting” (sapros) literally means rotten or foul—as used to describe spoiled food. It refers to speech that is destructive, unwholesome, or morally degrading (e.g., slander, gossip, vulgarity, insults).
“But only such as is good for building up”
Christian speech should edify—that is, strengthen or constructively encourage others. Words are meant to serve others, not tear them down.
“As fits the occasion”
This underscores discernment—knowing what kind of speech is appropriate and helpful in a given moment.
“That it may give grace to those who hear”
Words are not neutral; they carry spiritual weight. They can be a channel of grace—bringing encouragement, healing, or truth that reflects God’s goodness.

In Summary:

Ephesians 4:29 teaches that Christian speech should be deliberately edifying, timely, and grace-giving. It contrasts with the corrupt and careless speech of the old self. It’s not just about avoiding “bad words,” but using words as tools of love, encouragement, and spiritual building.

Application:

Paul’s call challenges both the content and intent of our speech:

Are my words helping or harming?
Am I speaking to serve others or myself?
Does what I say reflect the grace I’ve received?

This verse is deeply communal—our speech affects the body of Christ and is a key marker of spiritual maturity.

Our Father, Our Guide: A Daily Devotion from the Lord’s Prayer

Shout out to my friend Kyle for providing this guide to our group!

Praying the Lord’s Prayer

Source: “Praying the Lord’s Prayer” by Brad Boyston, November 2006 – Original PDF document

Introduction

Jesus gave His disciples a model prayer—not simply a formula to recite but a framework to guide hearts in communion with God. The Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9–13 teaches us how to approach God with reverence, dependence, and surrender.

1. “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name”

This opening line affirms both intimacy and majesty. God is our Father—personal and present—but He is also holy, worthy of awe and adoration. To “hallow” His name is to recognize His sacred character in every prayer and every part of our lives (Matthew 6:9).

2. “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”

Here we submit our plans and desires to God’s sovereign rule. This prayer aligns us with His purpose and invites His reign in our relationships, choices, and culture. We express our desire to see earth mirror heaven, yielding to God’s redemptive work (Matthew 6:10).

3. “Give us today our daily bread”

Jesus instructs us to ask for what we need each day—both physically and spiritually. This request nurtures our trust in God’s provision and reminds us of our dependence on Him, just as Israel relied on manna in the wilderness (Matthew 6:11; Exodus 16).

4. “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors”

This part teaches humility and grace. We acknowledge our need for God’s mercy while extending it to others. Forgiveness is both a gift received and a command to be lived out in community (Matthew 6:12; Ephesians 4:32).

5. “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one”

We pray for protection against both spiritual pitfalls and the schemes of the enemy. This final petition declares our dependence on God for moral strength and spiritual safety (Matthew 6:13; 1 Corinthians 10:13).

Conclusion

The Lord’s Prayer is a daily invitation to center our hearts on God’s glory, kingdom, provision, grace, and power. It forms a rhythm of reliance and reverence that transforms our relationship with God.

Citations:

Matthew 6:9–13 – The Lord’s Prayer
Exodus 16 – God’s provision of manna
Ephesians 4:32 – Call to forgiveness
1 Corinthians 10:13 – God’s faithfulness in temptation
Brad Boyston, “Praying the Lord’s Prayer,” November 2006 (PDF source)

Waiting on the Lord: The Strength of Stillness

“Wait for the LORD.” — Psalm 27:14

Waiting might seem simple, but it’s one of the hardest things for a Christian to learn. It’s easier to charge ahead than to stand still. Sometimes, even when you really want to do what’s right, you just don’t know what to do next. What then? Give in to fear or frustration? Back down, panic, or make impulsive decisions? No—just wait.

Wait by praying. Talk to God about your situation. Be honest about your confusion and ask Him to help you. In moments when you’re torn between two paths, come to God like a child, humbly and simply, and let Him guide you. It’s a good place to be when you recognize you don’t have all the answers and are ready to follow His lead.

Wait with faith. Don’t just wait and worry. Trust that God is working, even if you don’t see it yet. Even if He seems slow, He’s always right on time. His promises never fail.

Wait with quiet patience. Don’t complain about what’s happening. Instead, thank God, even in the struggle. Don’t blame others or wish for the past. Accept your current situation as part of His plan, and hand it all over to Him—your thoughts, your fears, your decisions—saying:

“Lord, not my will, but Yours.
I don’t know what to do, and I’m at the end of my rope, but I’ll wait.
I’ll wait for You to calm the storm or clear the way.
I’ll wait as long as You want, because my heart is fixed on You alone.
I trust You, God. You are my hope, my rescue, my shelter, and my strength.”

Citation:
Inspired by Charles H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening: Daily Readings, August 30 entry. Public domain.

Image Source: Heartlight.org

How Prayer Shapes Your Spiritual Future

The Power of Prayer: Why I Can’t Afford to Go Without It

There are countless books on prayer, but every now and then, a quote hits with unusual clarity and conviction. This one, from Mark Batterson’s Be a Circle Maker, captures something deeply true about why regular, intentional prayer matters so much in my life.

“It is absolutely imperative at the outset that you come to terms with this simple yet life-changing truth: God is for you. If you don’t believe that, then you’ll pray small timid prayers; if you do believe it, then you’ll pray big audacious prayers.

And one way or another, your small timid prayers or big audacious prayers will change the trajectory of your life and turn you into two totally different people.

Prayers are prophecies. They are the best predictors of your spiritual future. Who you become is determined by how you pray. Ultimately, the transcript of your prayers becomes the script of your life.”

— Mark Batterson, Be a Circle Maker, p. 21. Copyright © 2011, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

This quote reminds me that prayer isn’t just communication; it’s formation. When I take prayer seriously, it reshapes my mindset, refocuses my vision, and reorders my life. That’s why I can’t afford to treat it lightly—or sporadically. My future depends on it.

Where are You?

Image by Vecteezy

When God Delays, He Still Hears

Prayer sometimes feels like a beggar waiting outside a palace gate, lingering long after the request is made, longing for the King to appear. And though we’ve prayed earnestly, the silence can feel like a heavy sky of brass. Like Jeremiah, we may cry, “You have covered Yourself with a cloud so that no prayer can get through.”

“Unanswered petitions are not unheard. God keeps a file for our prayers—they are treasured in the King’s archives.”

But this waiting is not rejection. It is the sovereign Lord exercising His wisdom, choosing to strengthen our faith by delay—not denial. He is not deaf to our pleas. Every prayer is recorded in heaven’s archives, every tear collected in His bottle, every groan written in His book. Our requests are never lost; they are treasured.

When God chooses to delay, it is not because our prayers lack passion or faith, but because His timing is better than ours. Satan may whisper that silence means abandonment, but we must resist the lie. Our God is the God of truth. His promises are not forgotten invoices—every past-due blessing will arrive right on time.

So, tested believer, wait patiently. Your prayers are heard. Soon, He will trade your waiting garments for robes of joy. His answer will come, and it will be worth every moment you endured.