Yuki Tanaka

Partakers of Divine Nature

Peter says God's divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through knowledge of him. Then he lists the progress: faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godline

Bitter and Sweet

John is given a scroll to eat, and it's sweet in his mouth but bitter in his stomach. I read this when I was processing something I'd learned that I couldn't unknow. The knowledge itself was beautifu

The Spirit and the Bride Say Come

The invitation stands open: let anyone who hears say 'Come,' and let anyone thirsty come. The gospel's call is universal and free. Not earned, not purchased. Come and drink. That's the final word of S

The Bread of the Presence

You shall take choice flour and bake twelve loaves of it; two-tenths of an ephah shall go into each loaf. You shall place them in two rows, six in a row, on the table of pure gold before the Lord. Tw

The Two Witnesses

John is given a measuring rod and told to measure the temple of God and the altar, counting those who worship there. But exclude the outer court because it's been given to the Gentiles, who will tramp

Do Not Fear or Be Dismayed

Joshua repeats something to his commanders that God had said to him at the beginning - be strong and courageous. But now it's not God saying it to Joshua; it's Joshua, the experienced military leader,

Jonah Fled From the Presence of the Lord

God calls Jonah to go preach repentance to Nineveh, and Jonah's response is to buy a ticket on a ship going the opposite direction. He doesn't disobey openly - he just leaves. He boards a ship to Tars

Strength Found in Community, Not Isolation

I'm a young adult pastor, and I work with people in their twenties who are often intensely isolated despite being digitally connected. Paul talks about being strong in the Lord and in the strength of

Satan's Final Rebellion

When the thousand years are over, Satan is released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, and gather them for battle. In number they'r

Pray for Us

Paul asks for prayer. Not as a sign of weakness - he's an apostle. But as a recognition that we all need intercession. I've been praying for my pastor and my leaders differently since reading this. N

Hate to Follow

If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, such a person cannot be my disciple. This sounds like Jesus is calling fo

Each Should Remain in Their Calling

Paul establishes: 'Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them.' Stay where you are and be faithful. I wanted

Noah Found Grace in the Eyes of the Lord

I was reading this right after my divorce finalized, and the word 'grace' hit differently. Noah wasn't perfect - we find out later he drinks too much and acts shamefully. But he found grace. Not becau

Preparing Aaron for Service

The ordination of Aaron required a specific protocol: a young bull, two rams, unleavened bread, and the presence of the entire community. This wasn't a private moment. The people gathered to witness A

The Offering Made of Grain

When someone offers a grain offering, the person shall take a handful of the fine flour and oil, with all the frankincense, and the priest shall turn this memorial portion into smoke on the altar. A m

Letters Written on the Heart

Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men. Paul is defending his apostolic authority to the Corinthians. But his proof isn't impressive credentials. It's them. They're the ev

Wisdom That Bows Low

In seminary, we studied 'wisdom literature,' and I learned to think of wisdom as knowing deep truths about how the world works. More information, better analysis. But James completely reframes it. He

The Provocation We Should Refuse

Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. After describing the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit, Paul ends with this warning about community. Don'

Dead in Sins, Not Just Struggling

The pastor preached on this and I had to resist the urge to walk out. 'Dead in your transgressions and sins' - that's brutal language. I hadn't killed anyone. I was a basically decent person with a mo

More Than Enough

Bezalel and the other craftspeople begin the work of building the tabernacle. Eventually, the people bring so much material that the workers tell Moses, 'The people are bringing more than enough for t