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Daily in the Word

Bible Studies by Russ Hjelm

@russhjelm.bsky.social0readers67posts6d ago

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The Name He Refused

A Short Story Inspired by John 1:19-20 The questions began before sunrise. Ethan Cole had grown accustomed to people stopping him after his community outreach events. Some wanted advice. Others wanted encouragement. A few simply wanted someone to listen. But lately, the attention had changed. Videos of Ethan helping homeless families had spread online. A...

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The Witness Who Knew His Name

A Poem Inspired by John 1:19-20 Beside the river's winding thread,Where desert winds their whispers spread,A solitary herald stoodAmong the stones and drifting wood.No throne adorned his humble place,No royal sign proclaimed his grace;Yet multitudes from hill and plainHad crossed the dust to hear his strain. The ancient prophets long had passed,Their voices silent at...

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The Clear Voice of a Faithful Witness

A Bible Study Reflecting on John 1:19-20 John 1:19–20 records a pivotal moment in the ministry of John the Baptist: “And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, ‘I am not the Christ.’”...

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A Clear Voice for Christ

A Devotional for June 4, 2026 on John 1:19–20 John 1:19–20 says, “And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, ‘I am not the Christ.’” John the Baptist had become a remarkable figure....

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The Line No One Could Cross

A Short Story Inspired by Job 1:12 The storm rolled into Cedar Ridge just before sunset. Dark clouds stacked themselves across the Missouri sky, and the wind bent the tops of the oak trees lining the highway. Most people hurried indoors, but Daniel Mercer remained on the roof of the old community center, trying to...

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The Boundary of God’s Sovereign Hand

A Poem Inspired by Job 1:12 Beneath the heights where timeless splendors shine,Beyond the reach of mortal thought and gaze,There stands a throne no darkness can confine,Ancient of Days above all earthly days.The stars themselves are servants of His will,The oceans heed the whisper of His word;The mountains stand because He bids them still,And all...

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The Boundary of God’s Sovereign Hand

A Bible Study Reflecting on Job 1:12 Job 1:12 stands as one of the most profound and sobering verses in all of Scripture. The verse records the Lord’s response to Satan after the adversary has challenged the sincerity of Job’s faith: “The LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power;...

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The Boundary of God’s Sovereign Hand

A Devotional for June 3, 2026 on Job 1:12 Job 1:12 records a remarkable moment in the heavenly conversation surrounding Job’s life. God permits Satan to test Job, yet He also establishes a boundary: “Only upon himself put not forth thine hand.” Even in the midst of coming suffering, God remains completely sovereign. The enemy...

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The Highway South

A Short Story Inspired by Matthew 2:14-15 The call came at 2:13 in the morning. Elias Mercer woke to the shrill vibration of his phone against the nightstand. For several seconds he stared into the darkness of the apartment, disoriented by the hour and the strange silence that filled the room. Beside him, his wife...

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The Flight Beneath the Watchful Stars

A Poem Inspired by Matthew 2:14-15 When midnight wrapped the hills in solemn shade,And every wind moved softly through the land,A quiet fear through hidden chambers strayed,Like drifting ash no mortal eye had planned.The tyrant dreamed of crowns secured by might,While heaven marked another pathway there;For God still walks within the deepest night,And guards His...

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Out of Egypt I Called My Son

A Bible Study Reflecting on Matthew 2:14-15 Matthew 2:14–15 records a moment of quiet obedience in the midst of danger: “So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through...

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The Flight Beneath the Faithful Hand of God

A Devotional for Jun 2, 2026 on Matthew 2:14-15 Matthew 2:14–15 reminds us that God often leads His people through unexpected roads in order to preserve His promises. Joseph rose in the night, gathered Mary and the young Jesus, and fled into Egypt because danger had arisen under Herod’s jealous rage. The journey was sudden,...

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