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Bible Gleanings, devotions, sermons

Sin’s Defense Attorney | Bible Gleanings | October 10-11, 2026

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His head and heart were at war—an empath in his soul, a psychopath in his mind. Fyodor Dostoevsky’s fictional character Raskolnikov, in Crime and Punishment, feels compassion for the impoverished and exploited of society, but contemplates brutally murdering an old moneygrubbing woman he deems unworthy of life. He knows killing someone is wrong, but reasons that it is right because she was wrong. As a child, he witnessed a horse mercilessly beaten to death and wept at the malevolence of the act. Yet as an adult, he planned to swing an axe at another human being, lamenting that it had not been done already!

His conscience told him that homicide was heinous, but his heart excused it as a “necessary evil.” Raskolnikov is not so fictional after all. He represents the spiritual machinery operating within every fallen soul. Namely, the human heart often fabricates justifications for sins which the conscience knows are wrong. Sinners seldom sin because they do not know better—instead, the “desperately sick” heart rises as sin’s defense attorney (Jer. 17:9), arguing in favor of evil although the conscience knows that sin cannot be excused, defended, or rationalized.

Sinners and saints alike “suppress the truth” (Romans 1:18b), silencing the loud-and-clear voice of the God-given conscience when it tries to hinder what the heart sinfully desires. Like a defense counsel, the heart looks for loopholes and downplays the facts. Despite the Lord’s clear verdict against sin, supported by the corroborating witnesses of His word and the believer’s conscience, the heart will work overtime to find some “technicality” to make vices appear as virtuous. Like a smoke alarm sounding off at the smell of smoke, a Bible-informed conscience will ring when the fire of sin is threateningly close—and that is when the heart frantically waves a towel beneath it to shut it up. Within every sinner’s heart are false weights and measurements that make sin lighter than God says it is (Prov. 11:1; 20:10).

Caiaphas reasoned that it was better for Jesus to die than for all Israel to perish (John 11:47-50), and sinners often reason in a strangely similar manner: “I know gossip is sinful, but everyone needs to know what she did. I know I should forgive, but he hasn’t even apologized. I know I should speak the truth, but I don’t want to be offensive. I know I shouldn’t visit this website, but I can ask for forgiveness later.”

Whenever the conscience says, “I know,” the sinful heart will always come racing with a “but.” Do not allow your heart to speak louder than your Christ-cleansed conscience (Heb. 9:14; 10:22). God has rendered His righteous verdict against sin—do not let your heart appeal His ruling. Never reason yourself into doing what the Lord has already told you is wrong. The heart may manufacture a thousand arguments for sin, but obedience only needs one: God has spoken.

Brandon is the pastor of Bandana Baptist Church in Bandana, Kentucky, where he lives with his wife, Dakota, their much-prayed for son, Oliver, and their three dogs. Brandon and Dakota previously served as foster parents through Sunrise Children’s Services of Kentucky. Brandon is also a published author and his Bible Gleanings columns are featured in over sixteen publications throughout Kentucky, Illinois, Tennessee, and Indiana. He is also a devotional contributor for Kentucky Today, a news publication of the Kentucky Baptist Convention, and an editor at Reforming the Heart.

Bible Questions, devotions

Crying for Milk | Bible Gleanings | September 19-20, 2026

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The chilling cry shatters the serene stillness of midnight. It disrespects the disarming dawn, too—as the sun rises higher, the unsettling shriek grows louder. The sharp-edged screech is unpredictable and may strike you anytime and anywhere. Even the sacred space of a sanctuary is not exempt—the hysterical wailing disrupts the preacher’s sermon and disturbs the congregation’s singing. The scream erupts from the lungs of my baby boy when he is hungry—and he makes certain that his voice is heard. 

Two seconds too late and his countenance becomes crimson. You cannot convince him to wait or distract him with toys. His appetite is insatiable, and he must be fed now. Of course, he sometimes whines from boredom and whimpers when he wants to be held, but he has never once sobbed over news headlines, the color of his onesie, or because his stuffed animals looked at him the wrong way. His serious tears are solely for milk because his highest priority is being fed.

He puts me to shame because I tend to cry over spilled milk: when foul weather ruins a hike, traffic makes me late for an appointment, or technology refuses to cooperate when I need it to work. But how frequently am I agitated by an irrepressible hunger for the milk of God’s word? What irritates me more: someone’s unkind words or how little I have heard from the word of truth (James 1:18)? And how often am I distracted by worldly amusements which diminish my desire for the law of the Lord, to where I forget how much I need it? A Bible that often rests unopened on my desk testifies against me. 

However, all believers—myself included—should “throw a fit” for the nourishment of the word of God. As Peter commanded, “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation” (1 Peter 2:2). Christians should ache with gnawing hunger morning, night, and throughout the hours between for the faith-food of Scripture. The Bible is not an optional appetizer or an occasional dessert—your spiritual life depends on it: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4). Consequently, whether babes in Christ or seasoned saints, all children of God should crave the Scriptures, cry out for them, and drink deeply from its pages with a desperate urgency.  

I have watched my son skyrocket from an eight-pound newborn who couldn’t hold up his head to a four-month-old who can roll over, belly-laugh, and say “mama” (despite strong coaxing to say “dada” first). He can do what he’s never done because he eats like he’s never eaten. Likewise, to grow in Christlikeness like you never have and do for God what you’ve never done, you must eat the truth of Scripture like you never have before (Jer. 15:16; 2 Tim. 3:16; Ps. 119:11).

Brandon is the pastor of Bandana Baptist Church in Bandana, Kentucky, where he lives with his wife, Dakota, their much-prayed for son, Oliver, and their three dogs. Brandon and Dakota previously served as foster parents through Sunrise Children’s Services of Kentucky. Brandon is also a published author and his Bible Gleanings columns are featured in over sixteen publications throughout Kentucky, Illinois, Tennessee, and Indiana. He is also a devotional contributor for Kentucky Today, a news publication of the Kentucky Baptist Convention, and an editor at Reforming the Heart.

Bible Gleanings, devotions

When the Way is Unclear | Bible Gleanings | August 29-30, 2026

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Only thirty miles from freedom, four runaway slaves stopped in their tracks beneath the starlit darkness. Behind them was a life of slavery, but before them was a frigid creek that appeared impassable—one they were instructed to wade through by the woman who promised to lead them to liberty. They had no lamps, no map, and no clear path ahead—just faith in Harriet Tubman and confidence that she knew the path to freedom. On the other side of the bitter stream was an abolitionist-friendly safehouse that would send them toward independence, but they didn’t know that. They didn’t know what Tubman knew, and they couldn’t see what she saw—so, not knowing the way to go, they trusted in the one who did.

And this is what the Scripture instructs believers to do when the way in life is unclear: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Prov. 3:5-6, KJV). Life sometimes brings you to a creek you don’t want to cross—a tumultuous tribulation, a season of unanswered prayer, or a consequential decision that is nearly impossible to make. But remember, only the Lord sees what is on the other side. You do not know what He knows, nor can you see what He sees. Therefore, when you do not know the way to go, trust in the One who does. 

King Jehoshaphat once stood where the water looked deep. Advancing upon him were the mighty Moabites and the aggressive Ammonites, and he was severely outnumbered—or so he thought. With nowhere else to look, he looked up, and prayed, “O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (2 Chron. 20:12). This is what faith says in times of uncertainty: “I don’t know what to do, but I know where to look. I don’t know where to go, but I know who to follow. I don’t know how this will work out, but I know the God who works all things together for good.”

The guiding Shepherd is also the way-making Lord, and He will either lead you the right way or make a way when there isn’t one. When the Israelites fled from Egypt, they came to a standstill at the Red Sea with no way forward, and the Egyptians were hot on their heels. And although Moses did not know how they would escape, he trusted in God and said with bold faith, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD” (Ex. 14:13a). And the Creator parted the sea. The God who knows the way and makes the way is worthy of your trust when the way is unclear.

Brandon is the pastor of Bandana Baptist Church in Bandana, Kentucky, where he lives with his wife, Dakota, their much-prayed for son, Oliver, and their three dogs. Brandon and Dakota previously served as foster parents through Sunrise Children’s Services of Kentucky. Brandon is also a published author and his Bible Gleanings columns are featured in over sixteen publications throughout Kentucky, Illinois, Tennessee, and Indiana. He is also a devotional contributor for Kentucky Today, a news publication of the Kentucky Baptist Convention, and an editor at Reforming the Heart.

Bible Gleanings, devotions

Our Guide Forever | Bible Gleanings | August 8-9, 2026

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We never saw him again. Even when we did, we barely caught a glimpse of him. But before we parted ways, he smiled and said, “And that concludes our tour of Marvel Cave, ladies and gentlemen.” Our tour guide was off to lead another party of curious cavers after escorting us through the winding passages, spears of stalactite, and dripping cavernous chambers within this historic cave which lies 500 feet beneath Silver Dollar City. His only job was to direct us through a cave—not back to our cars, hotels, or other attractions in Branson, Missouri. While our guide knew everything about caves, he wasn’t an expert in everything—he could only take us as far as his knowledge would take him. 

There is, however, a Guide whose knowledge is limitless—and therefore, whose guidance is limitless. “For this God is our God for ever and ever,” wrote the psalmist, “he will be our guide even unto death” (Psalm 48:14, KJV). The Lord leads His people through every season of life and His guidance does not end until He brings them to their heavenly home. The great Shepherd steers His saints through life and toward life everlasting: “Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory” (Ps. 73:23-24).

He can straighten the most winding paths with His wisdom, brighten the darkest valleys by His illuminating light, and carry His people through the most tempestuous of life’s storms. No matter how heavy the burden, how confusing the decision, or how uncertain tomorrow may be, the God who knows the end from the beginning promises, “the LORD will guide you continually” (Isa. 58:11a). Even if you rode to the edge of the galaxy on the rays of the sun or descended to the floor of the ocean, the Lord would be there to lead the way: “If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me” (Ps. 139:9-10). And while every tour guide eventually says goodbye, the Lord says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Heb. 13:5). Moreover, He doesn’t merely tell believers where to go—He goes with them: “It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you” (Deut. 31:8a).

It is no wonder why generations of believers have prayed and found comfort in singing the words of He Leadeth Me by J. H. Gilmore (1834—1918), which says,

“He leadeth me: O blessed thought!

O words with heavenly comfort fraught!

Whate’er I do, where’er I be,

still ‘tis God’s hand that leadeth me.

He leadeth me, he leadeth me;

by his own hand he leadeth me:

his faithful follower I would be,

for by his hand he leadeth me.

Sometimes mid scenes of deepest gloom,

sometimes where Eden’s flowers bloom,

by waters calm, o’er troubled sea,

still ‘tis God’s hand that leadeth me.”

Brandon is the pastor of Bandana Baptist Church in Bandana, Kentucky, where he lives with his wife, Dakota, their much-prayed for son, Oliver, and their three dogs. Brandon and Dakota previously served as foster parents through Sunrise Children’s Services of Kentucky. Brandon is also a published author and his Bible Gleanings columns are featured in over sixteen publications throughout Kentucky, Illinois, Tennessee, and Indiana. He is also a devotional contributor for Kentucky Today, a news publication of the Kentucky Baptist Convention, and an editor at Reforming the Heart.

Bible Gleanings, devotions

God Sees a Venice | Bible Gleanings | June 27-28, 2026

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Mosquitos, mud, and not much else. A landscape littered with lugubrious and lonesome lagoons. Marshy banks at every turn, frequently submerged beneath murky seawater during high tide. A wasteland so barren that its eels and seabass envied the swamps of Louisiana. The most undesirable place on earth—and the least likely land to be transformed into a globally-known paradise: Venice, Italy. 

This eyesore became a sight to behold thanks to a handful of retreating Romans who believed that ruins could be redeemed. When barbarians pillaged the Roman Empire, many fled with only their lives, but they carried Rome with them—and more importantly, a vision for what could be. They essentially rebuilt Rome upon these deserted islands, building a floating masterpiece embellished with marble palaces, monumental towers, winding canals, and a romantic allure that has enchanted tourists for generations. Looking at Venice now, it is hard to fathom that one of the world’s greatest wonders arose from a desolate no-man’s-land. But it did because, while everyone else saw a barren wilderness, the builders saw Venice. 

According to the Scripture, the Lord is an all-wise and able architect who specializes in the same thing—He can see a Venice where there are valleys and vexations. Sometimes, life looks like a lonely lagoon when the tides of tribulation wash away your hopes and dreams, leaving you standing knee-deep in a marsh of misery. A troubled marriage, prodigal child, terminal diagnosis, or loss of a loved one can leave you staring at a wrecked landscape, tempting you to conclude, “Nothing good could ever come from this.” But God is so good that He can take what is not good and use it for the good of those whom He loves. This is why Paul promised, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28, KJV).

The Bible is replete with “Venices.” Joseph’s brothers saw him as a slave, but God saw the ruler of Egypt (Gen. 50:20). The women of Bethlehem saw a beleaguered Ruth, but God saw a woman whom He was writing into the ancestry of Christ (Ruth 4:18-21). The disciples saw a bloodied cross and a borrowed grave, but God saw an empty tomb and salvation for the world (Acts 2:23). The Lord sees things differently, and builds masterpieces from miseries (cf. Hab. 1:5).

Therefore, believers must wait upon the Lord and trust in His powerful providence (cf. Psalm 27:13-14; cf. Eccl. 3:11). Rome wasn’t built in a day, nor was it rebuilt overnight in Venice. And God’s providential plan progresses at His perfect pace as He lays one stone at a time. If you are sitting in a barren wilderness today, remember the Lord’s word to you:

“I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. I will put in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive. I will set in the desert the cypress, the plane and the pine together, that they may see and know, may consider and understand together, that the hand of the LORD has done this, the Holy One of Israel has created it” (Isa. 41:18-20).

 Where you see ruins, God sees redemption.

Brandon is the pastor of Bandana Baptist Church in Bandana, Kentucky, where he lives with his wife, Dakota, their much-prayed for son, Oliver, and their three dogs. Brandon and Dakota previously served as foster parents through Sunrise Children’s Services of Kentucky. Brandon is also a published author and his Bible Gleanings columns are featured in over sixteen publications throughout Kentucky, Illinois, Tennessee, and Indiana. He is also a devotional contributor for Kentucky Today, a news publication of the Kentucky Baptist Convention, and an editor at Reforming the Heart.

Bible Gleanings, devotions

Wherever He Leads | Bible Gleanings | June 13-14, 2026

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The boy was abruptly abducted. Convinced he would make a good slave, his kidnappers forced him to tend sheep in the extreme conditions of a remote land beyond the sea. Although not particularly religious, the excruciating ordeal compelled the young lad to pray. Finally, after five arduous years, he escaped from captivity by boarding a vessel that carried him home to the embrace of grateful parents who implored him never to leave again. But the runaway slave would eventually undertake the unthinkable: return to the land of his captors with the gospel of Christ—Saint Patrick of Ireland was his name.

The Lord constrained him to return to his nightmare of a life when an Irishman appeared in his dreams, pleading, “We beg you to come and walk among us once more.” Go back to the land that stole his freedom? Relive the past he fought so hard to forget? Saint Patrick said yes. He traded his own safety for service to his Savior and convenience for compliance with Christ’s calling on his life.

The results were miraculous. His evangelistic efforts contributed to the conversion of practically the entire population. An ancient painting of Patrick says it all. It depicts him driving out snakes—the “snakes” of idolatry and dark superstition, which he expelled by proclaiming the Man who crushed the head of the serpent (cf. Gen. 3:15). Even the Celtic slave trade that had once ensnared him diminished because of the transforming power of the message he preached.

A willing believer saying “yes” to a difficult task plus a wonder-working God is a powerful combination. As a matter of fact, the Lord’s greatest works are rarely accomplished the easy way. Moses had to repeatedly stand before an intimidating Pharaoh before Israel was delivered. Gideon had to defeat the Midianites with a significantly decreased fighting force (Judges 7:1-3). The first church had to endure severe persecution in order to multiply (Acts 8:1-4). Even Christ had to suffer and die upon the cross before being raised on the third day (1 Cor. 15:1-4).

God is most active in the hard places: the difficult conversation you don’t want to have, the uncomfortable sacrifice you don’t want to make, and the frightening step of faith you hesitate to take. This is why the Lord delights in servants who answer His sometimes-challenging calls and commands like Isaiah: “Here am I; send me” (Isa. 6:8). Indeed, the path of obedience might bring you face-to-face with your fears, but it will also lead directly to the breathtaking purposes of God. Therefore, the anthem on every believer’s lips ought to be that which is found in B. B. McKinney’s well-known hymn which says,

“It may be through the shadows dim,

or o’er the stormy sea,

I take my cross and follow Him;

wherever He leadeth me.

Wherever He leads I’ll go,

wherever He leads I’ll go,

I’ll follow my Christ who loves me so,

wherever He leads I’ll go.”

Brandon is the pastor of Bandana Baptist Church in Bandana, Kentucky, where he lives with his wife, Dakota, their much-prayed for son, Oliver, and their three dogs. Brandon and Dakota previously served as foster parents through Sunrise Children’s Services of Kentucky. Brandon is also a published author and his Bible Gleanings columns are featured in over sixteen publications throughout Kentucky, Illinois, Tennessee, and Indiana. He is also a devotional contributor for Kentucky Today, a news publication of the Kentucky Baptist Convention, and an editor at Reforming the Heart.

Bible Gleanings, devotions

The Danger of Doing Nothing | Bible Gleanings | June 6-7, 2026

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The number of victims it has claimed is incalculable. Few can resist its hypnotic appeal. It leaves its targets with a heavier heart and a lighter wallet. Worst of all, most of its captives never learn their lesson, succumbing again and again to its seductions despite swearing to never surrender. It has made a fool of me and has likely done the same to you: the checkout lane. 

That’s where all the junk is—candy bars, chips, soda, and other enticing empty calories that need no advertisement. And distributors have conveniently and cleverly placed such delectable treats there because they know you are stuck with nothing to do but wait in line—and look. You grab what you need and go your way in the rest of the store, but movement stops at the checkout lane. Temptation lies within arm’s reach, and before long, a chocolate bar or some other I’ll-never-buy-this-again item slithers into your shopping cart. Idleness plus temptation equals another pointless purchase, and another disappointed victim.

Doing nothing is dangerous, especially in the Christian life. Idleness presents believers with an opportunity to “check out” what sin has to offer. Inactivity leads to sin-activity. When movement stops, temptation starts. Just ask David—the Scripture says that he “tarried in Jerusalem,” dilly-dallying when he should have been at war until his eyes wandered toward a bathing Bathsheba, and the rest is shameful history (cf. 2 Sam. 11).

This is why the Bible speaks so strongly about idleness and spiritual neglect. Solomon cautioned that doing nothing to maintain your house will result in its deterioration, and neglecting to care for your soul will lead to its decline (Eccl. 10:18). He similarly taught that an idle person’s life will be overrun with evil, just as a vineyard becomes overgrown due to negligence from a lazy gardener (Prov. 24:30-34). Paul also asserted that failing to be busy doing the Lord’s work results in being busy doing the devil’s work (2 Thess. 3:11). The Scripture even teaches that an “abundance of idleness” was one of the greatest iniquities of Sodom (Ezek. 16:49).

But you can vanquish idleness the same way you overcome temptation in the checkout lane: be vigilant, look away, and keep on moving. Believers must watch themselves and watch out for the devil’s wiles (Gen. 4:7; Gal. 6:1; 1 Peter 5:8). Christians must also be “always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58b), remaining occupied with serving Christ, praying often, reading Scripture, and participating in the local church. The great Puritan Isaac Ambrose wisely warned, “As a standing pool grows filthy of itself and full of toads and vermin, so the heart that is not engaged in something good and useful is a fit place for the devil to breed evil thoughts and filthy passions in.” Save yourself some money and be watchful in the checkout lane. And save yourself some regret by resisting the subtle danger of idleness.

Brandon is the pastor of Bandana Baptist Church in Bandana, Kentucky, where he lives with his wife, Dakota, their much-prayed for son, Oliver, and their three dogs. Brandon and Dakota previously served as foster parents through Sunrise Children’s Services of Kentucky. Brandon is also a published author and his Bible Gleanings columns are featured in over sixteen publications throughout Kentucky, Illinois, Tennessee, and Indiana. He is also a devotional contributor for Kentucky Today, a news publication of the Kentucky Baptist Convention, and an editor at Reforming the Heart.

Bible Gleanings, devotions

Butterfly Believers | Bible Gleanings | May 30-31, 2026

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Peck. Peck. Peck. The nettlesome noise awakened the woman from a sound sleep. A peckish sparrow perched outside her window trying to eat breakfast—a butterfly frantically fluttering against the inside of the glass. There was a misunderstanding—the butterfly believed it was history, and the hungry bird was frustrated because it couldn’t reach its meal due to the invisible barrier between them. The butterfly had no reason to have the butterflies—it was as safe as if it had been thousands of miles away. 

Crippled with panic, yet completely protected. How frequently do we as believers suffer from paralyzing dread regarding our souls when we have no reason to? Lacking assurance, we often live as though our salvation hangs by a thread, as if heaven’s door is barely open and poised to slam shut in our faces. We fear losing our salvation, out-sinning the grace of God, disappointing our Savior one too many times, or being snatched away by the world or the devil. But according to the Scripture, there is something infinitely greater than a glass pane standing between us and falling away from the faith: the nail-scarred hands of Christ Jesus.

Jesus graciously assured that there is no reason for His sheep to live in trepidation: “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:28). Believer, your salvation does not depend on your grip of Christ, but upon His grip of you—and He will never let you go (cf. Heb. 13:5). He likewise promised, “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. . . And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day” (John 6:37, 39). And your name is inscribed in the Book of Life with immortal ink—even graven in the palms of His hands (Rev. 3:5; Isa. 49:16), and it cannot be erased by your transgressions nor made more permanent by your obedience. 

Is this not why Paul exclaimed, “I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:38-39, KJV)? God’s grace-kept, eternally-secure, and never-lost children have no reason to live like anxious butterflies. Rather, there are a thousand reasons to mount up with wings as eagles and soar in the joy of blessed assurance. For all who are in Christ, the Lord’s promise remains unchanged: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” (Isa. 41:10).

Brandon is the pastor of Bandana Baptist Church in Bandana, Kentucky, where he lives with his wife, Dakota, their much-prayed for son, Oliver, and their three dogs. Brandon and Dakota previously served as foster parents through Sunrise Children’s Services of Kentucky. Brandon is also a published author and his Bible Gleanings columns are featured in over sixteen publications throughout Kentucky, Illinois, Tennessee, and Indiana. He is also a devotional contributor for Kentucky Today, a news publication of the Kentucky Baptist Convention, and an editor at Reforming the Heart.

Bible Gleanings, devotions

Strange Christians | Bible Gleanings | May 23-24, 2026

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Zebras aren’t exactly known for blending in, and Tennesseans couldn’t help but notice the runaway zebra trotting in their backyard in June of last year. When the Murfreesboro Police Department received calls about a zebra galloping along the interstate, officers thought someone was horsing around. But after several neighborhood sightings, a week-long chase ensued and, “Ed the Zebra was captured safely after being located in a pasture near a subdivision,” according to the Associated Press. The Volunteer State instantly recognized that while there is plenty of wildlife in Tennessee (and no shortage of folklore creatures), this black-and-white cousin of the horse was a foreigner in strange territory. Because he belonged to a land across the Atlantic, he stood out too much to blend in.

Similarly, believers in Christ belong to land lying beyond this life and above the skies, “a land that is fairer than day,” called heaven. Because of this, Christians should stand out in the world too much to blend in—much more than a zebra in the backwoods of Tennessee. The Scripture teaches that there should be a black-and-white difference between those of this world and those who belong to the “kingdom not of this world” (John 18:36). Disciples of Christ should not camouflage themselves within the culture like chameleons or live under cover like secret agents, which is why Peter exhorted Christians, “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul” (1 Peter 2:11). Sojourners are strangers passing through—exiles living away from their homeland—and both are true of Jesus-followers who are “citizens of heaven” (Phil. 3:21).

The believer’s speech should sound like a foreign language to everyone else—upbuilding rather than destructive and seasoned with grace rather than spoiled with obscenity (Eph. 4:29; Col. 3:8). A Christian’s conduct should make other people think, “They must not be from around here.” Saints saved by grace ought to forgive in a world that desires revenge, pursue godliness in a society that applauds immorality, and live humbly in a culture inflated by pride (Eph. 4:32; Gen. 6:9; Col. 3:12). Paul the apostle said it best: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Rom. 12:2a). The children of God are called to be “without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Phil. 2:15). A zebra without stripes would be a bizarre sight—stranger still is a professing believer indistinguishable from the world. And the return on living distinctly as a Christian pilgrim is worth it, as John Wesley wrote in his little-known hymn, How Happy is the Pilgrim’s Lot:

“Nothing on earth I call my own;

A strang­er, to the world un­known,

I all their goods des­pise; I tram­ple on their whole de­light,

and seek a coun­try out of sight,

a coun­try in the skies.”

Brandon is the pastor of Bandana Baptist Church in Bandana, Kentucky, where he lives with his wife, Dakota, their much-prayed for son, Oliver, and their three dogs. Brandon and Dakota previously served as foster parents through Sunrise Children’s Services of Kentucky. Brandon is also a published author and his Bible Gleanings columns are featured in over sixteen publications throughout Kentucky, Illinois, Tennessee, and Indiana. He is also a devotional contributor for Kentucky Today, a news publication of the Kentucky Baptist Convention, and an editor at Reforming the Heart.

Bible Gleanings, devotions

Climbing Too High | Bible Gleanings | May 16-17, 2026

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“No matter what, I must reach the top,” he swore to himself, as salty sweat stung his eyes. Although dozens of climbers had died trying, the man was determined to breathe the air of victory at the peak of the ocean-encircled seamount. Halfway to the summit, the ledges began to crumble beneath his feet and the rocks he grasped disintegrated in his hands—but he daringly scrambled upward. Abruptly, his foot slipped, causing him to fall forcefully until his survival backpack became ensnared on a protruding limb. The “Do Not Climb” sign he brushed off at ground level resurfaced in his mind, but he regained his footing, cut his backpack loose with a knife, and watched it plummet to a watery grave hundreds of feet below.

At long last, he arrived at the top, where he exhaled in relief and became absorbed in the stunning sights of the golden horizon and the vast ocean. But after ten minutes of celebration, panic set in: he could not get down. His climbing and survival supplies were in his long-gone backpack. He would die if he jumped, and only the birds would hear him if he screamed for help. Days and nights elapsed as he paced the peak, failing to devise an escape plan—until he succumbed to dehydration and starvation.

Sometimes, climbing too high is a bad idea—it may even kill you. Climbing too high in our hearts through pride is a bad idea, too. Pride manifests itself when we climb over the warnings in God’s word about sin—treating His commands like obstacles in our way rather than safeguards for our good. When we disobey His prohibitions, we pridefully believe that sin’s danger doesn’t apply to us and that we know better than God Himself. Pride also shows up when we think too highly of ourselves and climb over others in pursuit of selfish ambitions—pushing our way to the top to relish in applause and recognition (Rom. 12:3).

But higher is not better. Those who soar as high as an eagle in pride will be brought down in shame (Jer. 49:16), and the greatly exalted will be gravely humbled (Luke 14:11). Did the builders of the Tower of Babel succeed in climbing above God? Did not Nebuchadnezzar crawl like a beast on the ground after exalting himself too highly? Was not Satan cast down from the heights of heaven for his boastful arrogance?

The way up is not up—the way up is down. This is why Peter assured, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you” (1 Pet. 5:6). We must humbly obey God’s warnings about sin, trusting that He knows what is best for us. We must climb down from our pride-pedestals to become lowly servants of others—esteeming them higher than ourselves (Phil. 2:3-5). And when we walk low in humility, we need not fear a great fall (cf. Prov. 16:18).

Brandon is the pastor of Bandana Baptist Church in Bandana, Kentucky, where he lives with his wife, Dakota, their much-prayed for son, Oliver, and their three dogs. Brandon and Dakota previously served as foster parents through Sunrise Children’s Services of Kentucky. Brandon is also a published author and his Bible Gleanings columns are featured in over sixteen publications throughout Kentucky, Illinois, Tennessee, and Indiana. He is also a devotional contributor for Kentucky Today, a news publication of the Kentucky Baptist Convention, and an editor at Reforming the Heart.