Monday, March 2, 2026

Bible in a Year: Psalms 66-68 | Acts 25

There was a time in my life when, for me, thinking and being meant living for myself. It was always less stifling than the alternative - giving up control. 

The concept makes sense if you’re looking to live from a place of self-empowerment. You get to own your time, define personal success, and make moves that speak to your authentic self. You feel like you’re learning answers to questions the world keeps hidden. 

One of those ideas about living for myself was inspired by a framework known as Supreme Mathematics. How did a kid from Findlay learn about those teachings? The Wu-Tang Clan’s music, and later, The Encyclopedia Britannica. 

Supreme Mathematics uses numbers to explore ideas about meaning and personal growth. Like many ideas that promise fulfillment, they sound good on the surface, but youthful inexperience and a longing for meaning can lead us to places God never intended for us. Concepts like this one focus on knowledge through proof, which runs counter to Christian theology and faith. 

Following these ideas and relying on our own understanding often lead to a sense of emptiness. And when we are living our lives focused on our own perspective, we miss out on the deeper truth and transformation that comes from allowing the Holy Spirit to work within us.  

Colossians 3:3
For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.

Living (solely) for yourself equals a life of personal desire, which leads to dissatisfaction. You don’t believe in anything more than you. There isn’t anything to look forward to when it’s over, so you go the wrong way when life doesn’t fit your ideology. You focus on keeping score, clapping back, and shutting down. 

You avoid those things by finding faith and dying to the old you. Changing your focus to faith in Christ’s sacrifice means believing that death isn’t permanent, and living in Christ brings new life beyond this place. It fills your spiritual tank because death doesn’t end with you; God defeats that enemy.

Death becomes you. 

You throw away the scorecard by dying to your ego. You choose peace by dying to public validation. Stress no longer shuts you down because you die to emotional avoidance. Your body is now compatible with faith. Dying is a small choice to share in God’s glory.

Questions: 
What do you really think about when it comes to death? Do your beliefs lead you to shift your focus in your daily life? If so, how?

Next Steps: 
Start practicing daily surrender by choosing obedience, forgiveness, and humility. Renew your mind through Scripture. Choose a Bible study and memorize verses. If you need a place to start, try Luke 9:23.

Prayer: 
Lord, I choose to die to old habits, anger, pride, and the validation of others. I no longer walk my own path; instead, I choose to follow your steps. Remind me that daily sacrifice leads to eternity in a new life. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:
Colossians 3:10
Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.

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