Daily Bread or Dead Treasure? A Call Back to Living Faith

by with No Comment English Blog

By: Max Kure

In a world that constantly tells us to buy more, save more, secure more, Jesus whispers something radically different: receive daily, trust fully, cling to nothing but Me.

Jesus echoes this truth in Gospel of Matthew 6:31–32:

“Do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ … your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.”

God provided Israel with fresh manna every morning while they were traveling through the desert. It was sufficient. Not more. Not too much. Enough for that day. Additionally, it rotted when they attempted to store it. God’s provision is meant to be trusted, not stored up. That was the clear lesson.

When Does a Good Thing Become a Treasure?

The boundary is measured in attachment rather than quantity.

Size is not a factor in treasure. It could be a cell phone or a mansion. It could be an extensive bank account or a modest but highly protected reputation. The question is straightforward and sharp:

To what does your heart cling?

If something keeps you from loving God above all else…
If something stands between you and obedience to Jesus…
If something defines your security more than God’s promises…

You have that treasure. And when treasure is lost, it turns into idolatry.

In today’s consumer-driven culture, we are trained to believe that “more” equals peace. However, trust is the source of peace, not wealth. The heart gradually moves away from God when it clings to material wealth, social standing, relationships with others, or even ministry success.

Your trust will be where your treasure is.
Your comfort will be where your treasure is.
Your god will be where your treasure is.

The Freedom of Loving God Above All

Imagine living a life in which your only source of security is God. where daily provision is accepted with thankfulness rather than fear. where your happiness is not influenced by material possessions, social acceptance, or market values.

God’s hand is open. The question is—are ours?

Our relationship with “all things” changes when we put God first. We do not worship them, but we do enjoy them. They don’t use us; we use them. We freely give because we have faith in the One holding us, not in what we own.

A Moment of Honest Reflection

Take a moment to reflect and ask yourself:

  • What is the thing I’m most afraid of losing?
  • What’s on my mind all the time?
  • What do I think I “cannot live without”?

Be honest. Idols are rarely ugly statues; they are often respectable attachments.

Turning from idols does not mean rejecting all possessions. It means loosening our grip. It means saying, “Lord, even this belongs to You.” It means choosing obedience over comfort, trust over control.

Prayer for Today

Lord, may my true treasure be knowing You and following You. Search my heart and reveal what I cling to more than You. Give me courage to release every idol. Teach me to trust You for daily bread. May nothing stand in the way of Your love for me and my love for You.
Amen.

How to Fall in Love with the Bible

by with No Comment English Blog

–Max Kure

Let’s be honest: we know the Bible is important. We’ve heard sermons, read devotionals, and maybe even memorized some verses. But if you’re like most Christians, you’ve probably struggled to read the Bible consistently.

Why is that?

Because knowing what to do is easy. Doing it every day? That’s the real challenge.

Maybe you’ve said something like this:
“I don’t know where to start.”
“I read it, but it feels dry.”
“I get confused with all the names, places, and old customs.”

You’re not alone. I was raised in church, could recite memory verses by heart, but didn’t have a true habit of meeting God through His Word. That all changed when I stopped treating the Bible like a task and started treating it like a relationship.

Here are 4 powerful, practical tips to help you dive into God’s Word.

1. Begin With Prayer – Invite the Author In

Imagine getting a letter from someone who loves you deeply. Would you skim it like a grocery list? Of course not. You’d read every line carefully, looking for their heart.

That’s how we should approach the Bible. The Holy Spirit—the One who inspired every word—is right there with you. He’s not distant; He’s personal. When you open the Bible, pause and pray first.

“Lord, I don’t just want information. I want to know You.”

I even wrote “PRAY FIRST” on the inside cover of my Bible as a reminder. Prayer turns Bible reading from routine to relationship. Jesus said in John 16:13 that the Holy Spirit will guide us into truth—so why not ask Him for help before you begin?

Read in Context – Don’t Just Grab a Verse and Go

Let’s say someone texts you:

“I’m done with you.”

Alarming, right? But what if it was a joke after you beat them in a game? Context changes everything.

The Bible isn’t a collection of fortune cookies. It’s a library of 66 inspired books written over 1,500 years by 40+ authors in different places and cultures. Reading one verse without its context can lead to confusion—or worse, false beliefs.

🔍 Ask these questions as you read:

  • Who wrote this?
  • Who were they writing to?
  • What was happening at the time?
  • Why did they write it?

When I first realized Paul wrote the book of Philippians from prison to encourage others—while he was in chains!—it changed everything for me. His words weren’t just poetic, they were powerful and real.

👉 Get tools like a good study Bible, Bible dictionary, or commentary. Apps like the Bible Project or Blue Letter Bible are great too.

3. Change Your Perspective – Read With Ancient Eyes

We often ask, “What does this mean to me?” when we read Scripture. That’s okay, but it’s not the best first question.

Instead, ask:

“What did this mean to the people it was originally written to?”

The Bible was written in an Eastern culture, not a Western one. It’s filled with symbols, stories, parables, and poetry. We want to analyze and dissect it like a science textbook—but God often speaks in pictures, not bullet points.

📖 For example, when Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches” (John 15:5), He’s not giving us a biology lesson. He’s painting a picture of deep connection, growth, and dependence.

Don’t just analyze Scripture—immerse yourself in it. Picture the dusty roads, hear the shepherds’ flutes, feel the tension in the crowds. Let the text breathe.

4. Move From Head to Heart – Let the Word Transform You

The Bible isn’t just a book to know, it’s a book that knows you.

Hebrews 4:12 says the Word is alive and active. It doesn’t just inform you—it forms you.

You can memorize Psalm 23, but if it doesn’t calm your anxiety, you’re missing its power. You can quote 1 Corinthians 13, but if it doesn’t soften your heart toward difficult people, it’s just noise.

This year, don’t just seek head knowledge—seek heart transformation.

✅ After reading, ask:

  • “What is God revealing about Himself here?”
  • “What needs to change in my life because of this?”
  • “How can I obey what I’ve learned today?”

📘 A friend of mine used to journal one sentence after reading Scripture:

“Today, God showed me…”
And it changed the way she experienced God’s voice.

📅 Reading the Bible Is a Lifelong Journey

You won’t master the Bible in a year—and you’re not supposed to. This isn’t a race. It’s a relationship.

Each time you read, you’re stepping deeper into the heart of God. Some days will feel exciting; others might feel dry. But trust this: God meets you in the pages, whether you’re crying on the floor or sipping coffee at 6 AM.

You’ll read the same stories again and again—and still find something new. Why? Because the Author is alive. He speaks differently to you at different stages of life.

Final Challenge for you

This year, don’t just read the Bible—let it read you.
Don’t just study Scripture—let it shape you.
Don’t just know about God—truly know Him.

Fall in love with His Word again. And as you do, you’ll realize: you’re not just holding a book—you’re holding a lamp for your feet, a sword for your battles, and a love letter from your Father.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105