The On Ramp: Daily Bible Reading

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John 11 - Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead Jan 15, 2024

Show notes

R.A.M.P. (READ-APPLY-MEMORIZE-PRAY)
This is what I READ:

Jesus said Lazarus was sick so that God would be glorified (vs 4).
Jesus was “glad” that Lazarus died, because His work/miracle would lead to their belief in Him (as the Messiah) (vs 14).
Jesus - “I am the resurrection and the life.” Anyone who believes in Him will live, even after dying (vs 25).
When Jesus saw the mourning, He was angry (vs 33).
Jesus was still angry when He arrived at the tomb (vs 38).
Jesus - “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” (vs 40).
Jesus prays to the Father and does the miracle “SO THAT” they would believe He was sent by God (vs 42).

The miracles of Jesus served a purpose. Many times He was demonstrating by miracles that He was the Messiah, so that people would believe in Him. Four times in this chapter, Jesus communicates the necessity of believing:

“I’m glad I wasn’t there, for now you will really believe.”
“Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.”
“Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believed?”
“I said it out loud… so that they will believe You sent me.”

Believing in Jesus does not merely mean believing that He existed. Rather it means believing His claims by faith:

that Jesus is God (and that He performed miracles to prove it)
that He lived a perfect (sinless) life
that He died on a cross to pay the penalty for our sins
that He rose from the dead
that He is offering us the gift of forgiveness and hope of a resurrection to eternal life

In the story of Lazarus, Jesus was angry with the mourning. He was angry when He saw the tomb. Why? I think it was because He saw unbelief. After all He had done - after all the miracles - after such amazing displays of His power - the people were still slow to believe that He could do anything, even raise the dead.
APPLY:
I wonder if I sometimes have the same unbelieving heart. I know what scripture teaches about Jesus. I’ve seen Him work so many times in my life - and still I freak out when hard things come, or I choose things that are far less than Jesus.
MEDITATE:
Hebrews 3:12-13 - “Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. You must warn each other every day, while it is still called “today,” so that non of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God.”
PRAY:
Jesus keep my heart tender toward you - help me believe everything You said, and live like it’s true.
Today we’re reading John 11 from the New Living Translation.
Listen now - today is your "On Ramp!"
Shawn.
Ps -
Check out our sponsor – Compassion International – and help release children from poverty in Jesus’ name!

The On Ramp + World’s Biggest Small Group have teamed up to create the “John 21 Day Reset” study. Get started today for free!
Get more fun & meaningful content like this at Hope Nation.
If you need prayer, you can share online here, or call 281-652-5555 (Mon-Fri, 7a-9p Central).

The On Ramp is a podcast production from Hope Media Group.

Genesis 11- What happened at the Tower of Babel? Jan 15, 2024

Show notes

R.A.M.P. (READ-APPLY-MEMORIZE-PRAY)
This is what I READ in the story of the Tower of Babel:

The context of the Tower of Babel is that it’s in a city that Nimrod built.
They wanted to build a great city with a tower that reaches into the sky (vs 4).
This will make us famous and keep us from being scattered all over the world (vs 4).
The LORD saw their unity and it concerned him (vs 6).
And so He confused them with different languages (vs 7).

Babylon was a real place - known for its wonders and beauty - and also known for its great wickedness and sin. For more, see the notes on Genesis 10.
Most likely the “tower” was actually a ziggurat - or a step-style structure that somewhat resembled a pyramid. These types of buildings were used for worship in ancient Babylonia - only these people didn’t worship the true God, Yahweh - they worshipped false gods. Archaeological discoveries have revealed that the cities of Babylonia were built around these places of worship.
APPLY:
Unity in a family, church, or our country can be a beautiful thing, but this chapter shows us that not all unity is celebrated by God. The unity we see in this chapter seems to be fueled by human pride and pagan worship. There is a kind of unity to be pursued, and a kind of unity to be avoided. How awesome that as Christians, we can find unity around the gospel!
MEDITATE:
The kind of unity that Jesus prayed for was based on the truth of who He is - John 17:20-21, “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one - as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.”
PRAY:
Yes, Jesus - please make your people one in YOU so that the world will know!
Today we’re reading Genesis 11 from the New Living Translation.
Listen now - today is your "On Ramp!"
Shawn.
Ps -
Check out our sponsor – Compassion International – and help release children from poverty in Jesus’ name!

The On Ramp + World’s Biggest Small Group have teamed up to create the “John 21 Day Reset” study. Get started today for free!
Get more fun & meaningful content like this at Hope Nation.
If you need prayer, you can share online here, or call 281-652-5555 (Mon-Fri, 7a-9p Central).

The On Ramp is a podcast production from Hope Media Group.

BONUS: R.A.M.P. - God noticed Noah's heart Jan 13, 2024

Show notes

This year, we're encouraging you to go a little deeper into your Bible with the acronym - R.A.M.P.
It stands for READ-APPLY-MEDITATE-PRAY.

READ: What did you notice when you read or listened to the Bible? Did you learn something new or make a connection you've never seen before? What is the context, or what is the meaning of what is being discussed?
APPLY: How does this apply to your life?
MEDITATE / MEMORIZE: Is there a truth you need to meditate on?
PRAY: Is there anything you need to pray about today?

Grab a notebook, pen, and your Bible - or tap it out in your favorite note-taking app. :)
During the week I'll be sharing some of my R.A.M.P notes in the daily readings.
If it's been a while since you've read your Bible -
Listen anytime because today is your On Ramp!
Shawn.

Genesis 10 – Who was Nimrod? Jan 12, 2024

Show notes

R.A.M.P. (READ-APPLY-MEMORIZE-PRAY)
Here is what I READ:
Genesis 10 is sometimes also called the “Table of Nations.” It details the generations of Noah and his sons, following the great flood. As you read, you’re likely to see some names you recognize from other places in the Bible.
A couple people and places that stand out to me - Magog, Tubal, and Meshech. These descendants of Japheth represent nations & geographical areas that are significant in bible prophecy. See Ezekiel 38-39, and Revelation 20. Those are both fascinating reads.
Another name of significance is Nimrod. He is identified as a great hunter & heroic warrior. While both of those identifiers sound awesome - let’s dig a little deeper. If you pull out some Bible study resources, you’ll see that his name can mean “valiant” or even “rebellion.” Look closely at his legacy - he built his kingdom in Babylonia (also called Shinar, Sumer, or the land of the Chaldeans). In the next few chapters of Genesis, God will call a man named Abram to leave this land. The cities Nimrod built were known for their wickedness - such as Nineveh from the book of Jonah.
But one city in particular that was built by Nimrod was the city of Babylon. Without a doubt it was a significant city in Old Testament history.
Babylon was a real place - known for its wonders and beauty - and also known for its great wickedness and sin. The city is also significant in prophecy. In the book of Revelation it not only seems to represent a real place, but is also credited as the consummate worldview and religious system that is in opposition to Jesus. Babylon is called the “mother of all ... obscenities in the world” and is the one who was “drunk with the blood of God’s holy people who were witnesses for Jesus.”
Babylon’s destruction will ultimately come - and you can read more about it in Revelation 17-18.
APPLY:
People and places matter to God.
Acts 17:26-27 says “From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries. His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him - though he is not far from any one of us.”
Look at the amazing history in Genesis 10. These people and places were… and ARE significant. This leads me to think about YOU.
The time and place where you have been born is significant too. God’s purpose for your life is that you might SEEK after Him and FIND Him. Though He might feel far away, He is very close to you.
MEMORIZE:
This week, I’m working on John 9:31 “We know that God doesn’t listen to sinners, but he is ready to hear those who worship him and do his will.”
PRAY:
I’m praying that in light of what we’ve read about today that you’ll seek Jesus, find Him, worship Him, and do His will.
Today we’re reading Genesis 10 from the New Living Translation.
Listen now - today is your "On Ramp!"
Shawn.
Ps -
Check out our sponsor – Compassion International – and help release children from poverty in Jesus’ name!

The On Ramp + World’s Biggest Small Group have teamed up to create the “John 21 Day Reset” study. Get started today for free!
Get more fun & meaningful content like this at Hope Nation.
If you need prayer, you can share online here, or call 281-652-5555 (Mon-Fri, 7a-9p Central).

The On Ramp is a podcast production from Hope Media Group.

John 10 – How is Jesus like a shepherd? Jan 12, 2024

Show notes

R.A.M.P. (READ-APPLY-MEMORIZE-PRAY)
Here is what I READ:

He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out (vs 3).
He walks ahead of them and they follow Him (vs 4).
His purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying (abundant) life (vs 10).
He knows His sheep (vs 14, 27).
He gives them eternal life and they will never perish (vs 28).

This passage reminds me of Psalm 23 - “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.”
Check out the things that the Good Shepherd - Jesus - does for His sheep (those who believe on Him for salvation).

He calls them by name
He leads them
He walks ahead of them
He gives them an abundant life
He knows them
He gives them eternal life

Noteworthy in this passage is the often quoted verse John 10:10 - “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying [abundant] life.”
Jesus tells us who the thieves are - “all who came before Him” (vs 8). This teaching from Jesus flows from the end of John 9 when Jesus was talking with some Pharisees present. The religious leaders of Israel had mis-represented God and His law. As we see many times through the gospels, Jesus wasn’t afraid to confront their hypocrisy.
APPLY:
Jesus stands in stark contrast to all others. What stands out to me in particular is that as Christians, we are KNOWN. “I know my sheep…” Sometimes you might feel unknown - but you are not forgotten by Jesus. He has shown you the full extent of His love in the cross, and I’m praying that if you’ve never given your heart to Him that you’ll reach out to Him in prayer today.

Genesis 9– Why did God make rainbows? Jan 11, 2024

Show notes

R.A.M.P. (READ-APPLY-MEMORIZE-PRAY)
Here is what I READ:

God gives mankind power over the animals (vs 2).
God establishes respect for human life & consequences for those who take life (vs 5-7).
God makes a promise to mankind not to destroy the earth with a flood, and gives the rainbow as a sign of that promise (vs 8-17).
Noah planted a vineyard and got drunk. Two sons respected their father, one son did not (vs 18-28).

God made rainbows as a sign of His promise not to destroy the earth with a flood. This is called an “eternal covenant” in verse 15. God has literally just cleansed the earth of sin and wickedness, and Noah and his family are now establishing a new way of life in the post-flood world.
But the person who had practiced habitual obedience to God had a weak moment. He allowed alcohol to take control and he became drunk. The chapter ends with a curse pronounced on Canaan, the son of Ham. Later, during the time of Moses and Joshua, the Canaanites would occupy the Promised Land. These people full of wickedness and idolatry would need to be conquered by the children of Israel following the exodus from Egypt.
APPLY:
Scripture admonishes us to beware of any intoxicating influences in our lives. While drugs & alcohol can be obvious culprits, there may be influences that are less obvious - like pride, lust, or coveting.
2 Timothy 2:22 says “Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.
MEMORIZE:
I’m going to write this verse from today's NT reading on my white board at work!
John 9:31 “We know that God doesn’t listen to sinners, but he is ready to hear those who worship him and do his will.”
PRAY:
I’m praying for you and myself today that we’ll RUN from anything that is trying to pull us away from Jesus. I’m praying that you’ll find close friendship with others who love God’s Word and are seeking to do His will!
Today we’re reading Genesis 9 from the New Living Translation.
Listen now - today is your "On Ramp!"
Shawn.
Ps -
Check out our sponsor – Compassion International – and help release children from poverty in Jesus’ name!

The On Ramp + World’s Biggest Small Group have teamed up to create the “John 21 Day Reset” study. Get started today for free!
Get more fun & meaningful content like this at Hope Nation.
If you need prayer, you can share online here, or call 281-652-5555 (Mon-Fri, 7a-9p Central).

The On Ramp is a podcast production from Hope Media Group.

John 9 – Why was this man born blind? Jan 11, 2024

Show notes

R.A.M.P. (READ-APPLY-MEMORIZE-PRAY)
Here is what I READ:

Jesus saw a man who was blind from birth (vs 1).
The disciples assumed the blindness was because of sin (vs 2).
Jesus said it was so that the power of God could be seen (vs 3).
Spit + mud + go wash = a miracle! The man could see (vs 6-7).
Those who knew the man barely recognized him (vs 8-9).
He gave testimony about what Jesus did for him (vs 10-12).
Pharisees say: “Jesus is not…” | Others say: “He is…” (vs 16).
Formerly blind man questioned. Parents questioned, but they fear the Jewish leaders because anyone who said Jesus was the Messiah would be expelled from the synagogue (vs 17-24).
The man stands up for Jesus again and is thrown out of the synagogue (vs 25-34).
Jesus found the man and revealed Himself as the Messiah (vs 35-39).

Why was this man born blind? Jesus was clear that his blindness was so the power of God could be seen in him.
The miracles of Jesus are definitely interesting. Seldom in the gospels does He perform the same miracle in the same way. In this instance, He spit on the ground, made some mud, and put it on the man’s eyes. Jesus sent him to go wash in the pool of Siloam. The blind man obeyed - and he experienced miraculous healing.
This is where we begin to see the power of God in this man’s life. He was healed, yes - but I think it goes even deeper. The reason Jesus performed miracles wasn’t merely to make people’s lives better - it was so that people would believe His message.
Upon being healed, this (formerly) blind man now had a message of his own and he immediately began sharing it with his neighbors - who brought him to the Pharisees - who eventually threw him out of the synagogue, but not before many had seen and heard this powerful testimony about Jesus!
As best as I understand it, to be thrown out of the synagogue was to be cut off from the spiritual and social life in Israel. Where would he worship? Where would he sacrifice? Where would he find fellowship and community?
Romans 1:16 - “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes - the Jew first and also the Gentile.”
The blind man was not ashamed. He took a bold stand for Jesus and met the long awaited Savior!
APPLY:
Standing for Jesus might get you in trouble. It might get you thrown out of a school, workplace, or maybe a close relationship. We can talk in generalities about “God” all day long, but the name of Jesus divides, like we see in this passage.
If you have experienced some level of persecution because of your faith in Jesus, here are 3 verses that I hope encourage you:

2 Timothy 3:12 “Yes and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”
Matthew 5:10 “God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right…”
1 Peter 4:19 “So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.”

MEMORIZE:
I’m going to write this verse from today on my white board at work!
John 9:31 “We know that God doesn’t listen to sinners, but he is ready to hear those who worship him and do his will.”
PRAY:
I’m praying for you today if you’re someone who is experiencing persecution because of your faith in Jesus. I’m praying that you’ll find close fellowship with Jesus, and great community in a local church!
Today we’re reading John 9 from the New Living Translation.
Listen now - today is your "On Ramp!"
Shawn.
Ps -
Check out our sponsor – Compassion International – and help release children from poverty in Jesus’ name!

The On Ramp + World’s Biggest Small Group have teamed up to create the “John 21 Day Reset” study. Get started today for free!
Get more fun & meaningful content like this at Hope Nation.
If you need prayer, you can share online here, or call 281-652-5555 (Mon-Fri, 7a-9p Central).

The On Ramp is a podcast production from Hope Media Group.

John 8 – What did Jesus say to the woman caught in adultery? Jan 10, 2024

Show notes

R.A.M.P. (READ-APPLY-MEDITATE-PRAY)
Here is what I READ:

Jesus was in the temple early in the morning teaching a crowd that had gathered (vs 2).
The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in the act of adultery and pronounced their judgment on her (citing the law of Moses) right in front of Jesus and the crowd (vs 3-5).
They asked Jesus “what do you say?” (vs 5).
Scripture reveals that their intention was to trap Jesus, not render justice (vs 6).
Jesus challenges the religious leaders & Pharisees to consider their own sins (vs 7).
When the accusers leave, Jesus assures the woman - that He wouldn’t condemn her. He tells her to “go and sin no more” (vs 11).

What did Jesus say to the woman caught in adultery?
“Neither do I [condemn you]. Go and sin no more.”
I’m sure they interrupted a great Bible study. Jesus was teaching a crowd of early risers in the temple when the religious leaders brought a woman caught in the act of adultery. They pronounce their judgment - “the law of Moses says to stone her.”
But wait. Let’s look at what the Law of Moses actually says…
Deuteronomy 22:22 - “If a man is discovered committing adultery, both he and the woman must die. In this way, you will purge Israel of such evil.”
“Both… must die?” So… where’s the dude? If she was caught in the act, there must be another person, right?
Scripture tells us that these religious leaders didn’t care about justice. They were looking for a way to trap Jesus into saying something they could use against Him - and Jesus (who knows everything) knew their sinful hearts.
APPLY:
Jesus sees through the hypocrisy of those who want to mis-use God’s Word. He also sees the heart of those who are truly broken over their sin. Who am I going to be?
MEDITATE:
Psalm 51:17 - “The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.”
PRAY:
Jesus, thank you for your complete forgiveness! Please teach me to run away from the things that break your heart.
Today we’re reading John 8 from the New Living Translation.
Listen now - today is your "On Ramp!"
Shawn.
Ps -
Check out our sponsor – Compassion International – and help release children from poverty in Jesus’ name!

The On Ramp + World’s Biggest Small Group have teamed up to create the “John 21 Day Reset” study. Get started today for free!
Get more fun & meaningful content like this at Hope Nation.
If you need prayer, you can share online here, or call 281-652-5555 (Mon-Fri, 7a-9p Central).

The On Ramp is a podcast production from Hope Media Group.

Genesis 8-What did Noah do after the flood? Jan 10, 2024

Show notes

R.A.M.P. (READ-APPLY-MEDITATE-PRAY)
Here is what I READ:

Amid the destruction, God remembered Noah and the animals (vs 8).
Noah used a raven and a dove to see if the flood waters had dried up (vs 6-12), but…
Noah didn’t leave the boat until God told him to leave (vs 15-17).
Most of the animals had the job to “be fruitful and multiply” (vs 17), but others had been set apart to be a sacrifice (vs 20).
Noah built an altar and sacrificed the animals that had been approved for that purpose (vs 20).
The LORD was pleased with the aroma of the sacrifice (vs 21).

God had a plan for Noah and the animals that went beyond reproduction. In the pre-flood earth, things went wrong because people turned their hearts away from the true & living God. They stopped worshipping their Creator, and had started worshipping other things.
As we’ve read, Noah lived in a way that was different from the culture. He walked in close fellowship with God (Gen 6:9). He did everything exactly as God commanded him (Gen 6:22). And following the flood, he sacrificed some of the animals as burnt offerings in worship (Gen 8:20).
I believe that part of Noah’s responsibility after the flood was to reinstate and model the proper worship of Yahweh. And so, I see three important aspects of worship in Noah’s life: close fellowship with God, obedience to His Word, and sacrifice.
APPLY:

We can worship God when we spend time with Him. This can look like talking to Him in prayer, or spending time in His Word.
We can worship Him through obedience. Jesus said it in John 14:15 “If you love me, obey….”
We can worship Him through sacrifice and giving Him the best of our time, talents or resources. Worship has little to do with a song - it has everything to do with the response of our hearts toward Him!

MEDITATE:
John 4:23-24: “But the time is coming - indeed it’s here now - when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”
PRAY:
Jesus, teach me what worship really means. Teach me to live a life of obedience and sacrifice in close fellowship with You.
Today we’re reading Genesis 8 from the New Living Translation.
Listen now - today is your "On Ramp!"
Shawn.
Ps -
Check out our sponsor – Compassion International – and help release children from poverty in Jesus’ name!

The On Ramp + World’s Biggest Small Group have teamed up to create the “John 21 Day Reset” study. Get started today for free!
Get more fun & meaningful content like this at Hope Nation.
If you need prayer, you can share online here, or call 281-652-5555 (Mon-Fri, 7a-9p Central).

The On Ramp is a podcast production from Hope Media Group.

John 7 – What is “living water?” Jan 09, 2024

Show notes

When Jesus met the woman at the well a few chapters ago, He said, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water (John 4:10)”
In today’s reading, Jesus says all who are thirsty can come and drink and experience rivers of living water flowing from their heart! John the Apostle (the writer of the Gospel of John) tells us that Jesus was talking about the Holy Spirit who would later be given to all who believe (see Acts 2). But at this point the Spirit had not been given because Jesus had not yet ascended to Heaven.
Notice how the crowds respond to Jesus in the verses that follow.
He will have a lot more to teach us about the Holy Spirit as we continue in John (specifically chapters 14-16)!
Today we’re reading John 7 from the New Living Translation.
Listen now - today is your "On Ramp!"
Shawn.
Ps -
Check out our sponsor – Compassion International – and help release children from poverty in Jesus’ name!

The On Ramp + World’s Biggest Small Group have teamed up to create the “John 21 Day Reset” study. Get started today for free!
Get more fun & meaningful content like this at Hope Nation.
If you need prayer, you can share online here, or call 281-652-5555 (Mon-Fri, 7a-9p Central).

The On Ramp is a podcast production from Hope Media Group.

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