November
November 11 Daily Reading Insights - Genesis 28
Gen 28:8-9 ‘Esav also saw that the Kena‘ani women did not please Yitz’chak his father. So ‘Esav went to Yishma‘el and took, in addition to the wives he already had, Machalat the daughter of Yishma‘el Avraham’s son, the sister of N’vayot, to be his wife." CJB
How many times have we judged a situation based on what seems reasonable, only to realize later that our perspective wasn’t entirely true? Take Esau, for example. He’s often viewed negatively by those in the church for nearly everything he did — but that’s not the full picture. Even flawed people can make poor choices for motives that seem understandable at the time.
When Esau married Machalat, the daughter of Ishmael, was he doing it to spite his parents, as many church teachings suggest? Or was there a simpler, culturally logical reason behind his decision? Remember, he did this after Isaac had sent Jacob to his mother's family to get a wife.
👉 1. Family Connections
Ishmael was Abraham’s son — Esau’s great-uncle. Their families lived in overlapping regions, and Genesis 25:9 shows Ishmael and Isaac came together to bury Abraham, proving some contact remained. Esau likely knew exactly where Ishmael’s descendants lived — east and south of Canaan (Genesis 25:18).
👉 2. A Deliberate Choice
Genesis 28:6–8 says Esau noticed that his Canaanite wives displeased his parents. Contrary to common teaching, he wasn’t trying to provoke them — rather, he wanted to regain favor. By marrying within Abraham’s extended family line, through Ishmael’s household, he hoped to realign himself with the covenant family, though it still wasn’t a true heart change.
👉 3. Known Tribal Lines
Tribal identities and records were strong in those days. Ishmael’s sons became princes (Genesis 25:12–16), and their territories were well-known. Esau could easily locate Ishmael’s family and propose to Machalat, Nebaioth’s sister, through proper clan channels.
In short, Esau didn’t just happen to find Ishmael’s family — he acted intentionally, guided by family knowledge and social customs. His marriage to Machalat was a calculated attempt to please his father, not an act of rebellion.
Sometimes, Scripture invites us to look again — not to excuse wrong motives, but to understand the fuller story behind the choices people make. Haven’t we all tried to do the right thing, but in the wrong way, at one time or another? Think about it!
– PJ
August
August 20 Daily Reading Insights - John 12
John 12:20-22 "Among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greek-speaking Jews. They approached Philip, the one from Beit-Tzaidah in the Galil, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Yeshua.” Philip came and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Yeshua." CJB
There are some serious nuggets in this chapter, but let’s focus on this one. A group of Greek speaking proselytes (who would have come to the Passover Festival with Hellenistic or Greek-speaking Jews), had come to worship at the feast. Wanting to meet Yeshua, they approached Philip—a disciple with a Greek name, from a region with Gentile influence (Bethsaida), and someone who seemed approachable to them. Yet Philip didn’t take them straight to Yeshua. Instead, he consulted Andrew (also with a Greek name), and together they brought the request to Yeshua.
This raises some interesting questions:
Since Peter, James, or John were known to be the closest to Yeshua, why didn’t these Hellenistic Jews and Greek proselytes go to them directly? Did they sense a barrier with those closest to Yeshua—or did God direct them to Philip for a reason?
Since Philip was just as much of a disciple of Yeshua as Andrew, why didn't he simply bring them to Yeshua himself? Was it uncertainty, fear, or a need for confirmation? How often do we hesitate and go to someone else when the Spirit is nudging us to do it?
When Philip and Andrew came before Yeshua, who actually voiced the request—Philip or Andrew? That detail points us to a vital truth: salvation cannot be secondhand. The Greeks had made their request to Philip, not Andrew, and Philip was the one who carried it forward. In the same way, no one can come to Yeshua through another person’s prayer.
These Greek proselytes ultimately needed to encounter Yeshua for themselves. Likewise, we can only direct others to meet Yeshua. They must get to know Him themselves by praying their own prayer and taking their own step of faith.
This small exchange in John 12 shows us that the Gospel is personal, prophetic, and purposeful. Yeshua’s door is open and those of us that have gone through that door must never forget we can only direct others to the door. They must step through it themselves. Think about it.
PJ
July
July 1 Daily Reading Insights - Mark 2
Never noticed before today that story about "not putting new wine in old wineskins" is preceded about believers fasting because the groom is away. I think this significance gets overlooked in today's world.
Yeshua's presence changes everything. And when He's not “physically” present, fasting becomes a way of drawing near, longing for His return, and preparing our hearts to carry the “new wine” of His Spirit.
PJ
May
May 19 Daily Reading Insights - Revelations 9
Rev 9:21 “Nor did they turn from their murdering, their involvement with the occult and with drugs, their sexual immorality or their stealing.” CJB
The Greek word translated as "drugs" in this passage is pharmakia. While it originally referred to the use of drugs or potions, in biblical contexts it is closely tied to witchcraft, sorcery, and the practice of magic or enchantments. Historically, such substances were commonly used in pagan religious rituals and in the worship of demons. Tragically, even some misguided Christian practices have incorporated drug use in attempts to encounter Yahweh or engage the spiritual realm—practices that are both unbiblical and spiritually dangerous.
From a biblical standpoint, there are four primary forms of drug misuse:
Using drugs to explore spiritual realms – seeking supernatural experiences or altered states of consciousness through chemical means.
Using drugs to engage in witchcraft or sorcery – participating in occult activities while under the influence of mind-altering substances.
Administering drugs to others for manipulation or control – a form of sorcery intended to dominate another person’s will.
Using drugs solely for pleasure – although this may seem less severe, it still poses serious spiritual danger. Beyond the physical and psychological harm, such use can expose a person to spiritual experiences that may appear divine but are demonic in origin. Scripture clearly teaches that Yahweh reveals Himself through His Word (Romans 1:16–17; 10:8–17), not through drugs or hallucinogens
Mind-altering drug use can have lasting, even generational, consequences. It is not something to be taken lightly. Just as a virgin cannot return to a state of virginity after sexual intercourse, a person cannot return to their original state after using such substances. The spiritual and psychological impact can fundamentally alter a person—and those effects can extend beyond their own life to future generations. As this reading from our Daily Reading in the Book of Revelations says, He that have ears, let him hear. Peace.
PJ
March
March 17 Daily Reading Insights - Colossians 3
Do not be deceived. Search the Scripture, for it reveals that much of what’s happening today in the Christian world is not of God, but was, in fact, predicted by Him.
If we are truly born again and are actively shedding our old nature, we would either avoid or be doing less and less of the things Scripture warns against in today's reading. We definitely would not be celebrating behaviors that contradict the Word of God and allow us to rejoice in ungodly Pharisaic behavior, as many who claim to be believers are doing today.
For those of you who may not be engaging in the physical sins Paul lists at the start, ask yourself: How can you feel good about your faith if you harbor and justify anger, frustration, cruelty, or engage in slander—because that’s what your favorite media outlet promotes? How can you justify using foul language or hateful terms? If you profess to be a Christian, then read and follow the Word that speaks directly to us. The all-caps emphasis is mine.
Col 3:5-11 "5 Therefore, put to death the earthly parts of your nature — sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed (which is a form of idolatry); 6 for it is because of these things that God’s anger is coming on those who disobey him. 7 True enough, YOU USED TO PRACTICE these things in the life you once lived; 8 but now, put them all away — anger, exasperation, meanness, slander and obscene talk. 9 Never lie to one another; because you have stripped away the old self, with its ways, 10 and have put on the new self, which is continually being renewed in fuller and fuller knowledge, closer and closer to the image of its Creator. 11 The new self ALLOWS NO ROOM FOR DISCRIMINATING between Gentile and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, foreigner, savage, slave, free man; on the contrary, in all, the Messiah is everything" CJB
Once again, don't be deceived. Read the Word, obey it, and don't get swept up in the current climate. We have been forewarned. Peace!
PJ
February
Feb 1 Daily Reading Insights - 2 Kings 4
"How Yahweh meets our need"
Throughout this chapter you find people in need. But in each case, Yahweh not only met their need. He used what they already had and multiplied it to meet their needs, with extra left over. Yeshua did the same thing. He took what people had, like the loaves and fish, and multiplied it to feed the crowd, with plenty left over.
It’s time for Yahweh’s people to recognize this pattern, as it often holds true. Offer what you have to Yahweh and allow Him to multiply it. He’ll not only meet your needs, but there will be some left over. Think about it! Peace!
PJ
