Wednesday, July 16, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: Hebrews 8

In the summer of 1984, my household finished breakfast at McDonald’s and jumped into “Betsy,” the family station wagon. I handled the wheel as we drove down Tiffin Avenue. My little legs couldn’t reach the pedals, but my hands alone (whilst in the driver’s lap) navigated our direction. Five-year-old me didn’t know better, and clearly, neither did the adults.

Then there was the time I received my first diagnosed concussion after an airborne collision during football practice. Doc ordered me to remove my helmet and take a knee. The ringing in my head didn’t go away overnight, but apparently, I was good to go the next day.

I began to suspect that other people didn’t necessarily know what was best. And so I spent much of my twenties and some of my thirties (and occasionally my forties too!) deciding I, alone, understood what was best for me.

I can confidently claim I was 100% right on any given Tuesday, but Tuesdays only come once a week. Those other days welcomed bad ideas. For instance, a hacksaw and a couch don’t go together. Neither does taking drinking advice from a rap song, or any song for that matter. I probably shouldn’t have gone to blows over a racial slur. And holding onto my guilt was a disaster that kept repeating itself.

2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

How often does self-inspiration turn into self-doubt because our misguided ways cloud the truth?

Today’s societal culture shapes how we feel and think, more than ever before. We become confused by the illusion of our own authority. We start believing it’s okay to crown ourselves King or Queen, because everyone else does. Every one of us is being controlled in one way or another.

If you could line your feelings, societal norms, and the validation of others up against God’s Word, it would be easy to see how often the first three fail to stay consistent. But God’s Word stands the test of time and provides stability. Let it lead the way, because your own authority offers more consequences than championships.

Questions:
How do you view your past selves? Have you tried trusting God’s Word? How did it help?

Next Steps:
Trust the authority of Scripture by viewing it as God’s special way of communicating with you. Commit to reading the Bible for 15 minutes a day for a full week. The Gospel of John is a great place to start.

If you're confused, try comparing verses across the Bible asking yourself questions like: Do different authors echo the same truths? Consider the book's purpose and see how each verse fits within that message.

Prayer:
God, any success I’ve experienced wouldn’t have been possible without you leading the way. Your authority guides me from my broken path and watches over me when I venture back toward it. Thank you for not giving up on me. I pray for the strength to continue the work you put into me, and for the patience and confidence to see it through. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Psalm 85:8
I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for he speaks peace to his faithful people. But let them not return to their foolish ways.

This post was written by Jaron Camp, a Findlay attendee and regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.