Jesus Christ
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A Love That’s Truly Inseparable
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:38-39 Have you… Continue reading
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How’s Your Appetite?
One day many years ago when I was a young soldier, my platoon was sent into the Georgia wilderness for a land navigation exercise. Another soldier and I were given a map, a compass, and two canteens of water each before being dropped nearly ten miles from our objective. It was one of those hot… Continue reading
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Like Oil and Water
What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? ~ Mark 8:36 Ahab was considered the worst king ever in Israel’s history. 1st Kings 16:30 tells us so: “Ahab son of Omri did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him.” He repeatedly disobeyed God,… Continue reading
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Aiming Higher
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. – Colossians 3:2 It doesn’t happen often, thankfully. But sometimes there’s a voice inside my head giving me some bad advice. That voice paid me a visit last week, right about the same time that my “shift” key on my old MacBook laptop started giving… Continue reading
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We Should Celebrate This Year-Round
If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. – 1 Corinthians 15:19 If this world is all there is, then Christians really are to be pitied. We deny ourselves, we fight against sin, we endure many hardships, and we cling to Christ even when following… Continue reading
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He Couldn’t See the Forest For the Trees. Can We?
Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?” – John 14:8-9 Some came to Jesus… Continue reading
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The God Who Knows Me
O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say… Continue reading
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When the Carpenter Spoke
All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him off the cliff. But he walked right through the crowd and went on his… Continue reading
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Not Available in Stores
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. – John 15:11 Recipe for Joy Preparation Time: A lifetimeServes: Anyone hungry for something deeper than fleeting happiness Ingredients Instructions Begin by emptying your heart of yesterday’s burdens. They don’t improve the recipe, and carrying them… Continue reading
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What a Rescue Dog Can Teach Us About God’s Love
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. – 1 John 4:18 It’s funny how we can so easily become attached to our pets. I was reminded of this a few weeks ago as… Continue reading
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The Man Who May Dwell With God
Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others; who despises a vile… Continue reading
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A Righteousness Beyond Our Own
Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. – Luke 10:33 There are few portions of Scripture more often misunderstood than this familiar parable recorded in the Gospel of Luke. It’s frequently presented as a lesson in social kindness—a reminder that the world would improve if people… Continue reading
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It Is Finished.
When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. – John 19:30 “One comfortable thought, at all events, stands out most clearly on the face of this famous expression. We rest our souls on a “finished work,” if we rest them on… Continue reading
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Four Voices, One Story
I would like for you to imagine four people standing in totally different places and watching the same sunrise. Now, if you were to go ask each of them to tell you about that experience, no doubt you’d hear each of them describe it a little differently. Obviously each person has a unique angle and… Continue reading
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You’re Not an Afterthought
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? – Romans 8:32 When I read Paul’s letter to the Christians in Rome, it’s like standing before a buffet with all of my favorite foods. It’s so hard… Continue reading
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Did They Think They Were Going to a Picnic?
When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” They discussed this among themselves and said, “It is because we didn’t bring any bread.” – Matthew 26:5-7 There’s something almost winsome about this moment… Continue reading
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Judas: Divine Sovereignty or Human Responsibility?
Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?”Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. As soon as Judas took the… Continue reading
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When The Fields Are Empty, is God Still Enough?
Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in… Continue reading
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Struggle Doesn’t Equal Failure
There’s a real tension in the Christian life that’s clearly illustrated with two passages of Scripture. The first is in Romans 7, where Paul speaks honestly about the war going on inside him: “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.”… Continue reading
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Do I See Jesus?
Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. – Matthew 25:40 Reading Jesus’ words above, we can easily sense how He ties Himself so closely to the hurting, the overlooked, and the struggling that He takes it personally. “You did… Continue reading
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Every Day is His Day
In the Old Testament, the Sabbath was a gift God gave to Israel. It was part of the Law given through Moses – a covenant sign between the Lord and His chosen nation. The Sabbath is Saturday, the seventh day of the week, and it’s never been changed. It belonged to Israel under the old… Continue reading
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The Echo of a King’s Failure: Thoughts on 2 Samuel 11-18
I’ve been revisiting 2 Samuel this week (namely chapters 11-18). And man… talk about how one terrible decision can lead to so much heartache and destruction! Two passages of Scripture stand out to me. The first is at the very end of chapter 11 (v.27). After David commits adultery with Bathsheba, she becomes pregnant, and… Continue reading
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What Moves You?
As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” – Mark 13:1 Just moments before this scene in Mark 13:1, Jesus and His disciples were inside the temple. While there, He drew their attention to something that no one else noticed but Him.… Continue reading
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Isaiah 19: Nobody Gets Left Out!
In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria. The Assyrians will go to Egypt and the Egyptians to Assyria. The Egyptians and Assyrians will worship together. In that day Israel will be the third, along with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing on the earth. The LORD Almighty will bless them, saying,… Continue reading
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Entering Into His Glory
Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. – 1 John 3:2 When the Bible speaks of God’s glory, it’s talking about those moments… Continue reading
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Instant Access
“In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” – Ephesians 3:12 My father-in-law will be 102 next week. He’s never owned a computer. That still blows my mind. And then there are my kids -unable to imagine a world without cellphones. They don’t remember life before instant access,… Continue reading
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Are We Troubled by What Troubles God?
When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers, I am not listening. Your hands are full of blood! Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.… Continue reading
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Confession is Essential
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9 John doesn’t allow much room for pretending, does he. “If we claim… Continue reading
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Snip Happens: When Religion Misses the Mark
Ever wondered why circumcision was such a hot-button topic for Paul and why he spent so much time talking about it in his New Testament letters? To understand Paul’s passion, we have to go back to the Old Testament. Circumcision began as a God-given sign of covenant, first given to Abraham (Genesis 17). It marked Israel… Continue reading
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There’s No App for Righteousness
No man knows how bad he is till he has tried very hard to be good.– C.S. Lewis Recently my auto insurance company sent me an email with the subject title, “Want to save up to 30% on your auto insurance premium? Look inside.” I figured it was probably a gimmick, perhaps something about referring… Continue reading
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Does God View All Sin the Same?
It’s a question that a new Christian might ask, perhaps out of confusion, or maybe even fear: Does God really see all sin the same? We sense the weight of the question because we know, instinctively, that not every wrong feels equal. Yet Scripture leads us to a deeper, more careful answer – one that invites… Continue reading
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A Spirit of Belonging
You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. – Romans 8:9 Cultivating a Spirit-filled heart and mind takes some intentional… Continue reading
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Can’t Raise a Toast.. So I’ll Raise a Hallelujah!
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. – Psalm 40:2 I don’t think I’ll ever forget what my life was like before Jesus reached down and pulled me out of that dark and… Continue reading
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Beautiful Feet Bring Good News!
Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. – Rom. 10:17 When William Tyndale set out to translate the Bible into English, he knew what it could cost him. In his day, the church and the crown had forbidden ordinary people from reading the Scriptures in their own language. But Tyndale couldn’t… Continue reading
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Truth Overcomes Fear
Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, “He is a good man.” Others replied, “No, he deceives the people.” But no one would say anything publicly about him for fear of the leaders. – John 7:12-13 It’s interesting to me how divided people were about Jesus, even back then while walking… Continue reading
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Mercy and Justice: Was Shimei’s Death Justified?
“And remember, you have with you Shimei son of Gera, the Benjamite from Bahurim, who called down bitter curses on me the day I went to Mahanaim. When he came down to meet me at the Jordan, I swore to him by the LORD: ‘I will not put you to death by the sword.’ But… Continue reading
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Lasting Impressions
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16 Jim had gone through round after round of interviews for his dream job. Each one felt like a test to him. Every question, every handshake, every smile was carefully looked at and considered.… Continue reading
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The War is Over!
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 5:1 I don’t know about you, but I can’t ever remember a time in my life when I considered God an enemy. But according to Scripture, that’s what our sin made us – enemies of… Continue reading
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The Comfort of Covenant Love
May your unfailing love be my comfort,according to your promise to your servant. – Psalm 119:76 There are days when God feels silent, when prayers seem to echo off the ceiling and peace feels just out of reach. In those moments, comfort can feel like a distant dream. We want relief. We want clarity. We… Continue reading
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More Than Lip Service
“It is easier to be enthusiastic about Humanity with a capital ‘H’ than it is to love individual men and women, especially those who are uninteresting, exasperating, depraved, or otherwise unattractive. Loving everybody in general may be an excuse for loving nobody in particular.” C. S. Lewis C.S. Lewis had such a wonderful way of… Continue reading
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The Danger of Having a Commercial Spirit
Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” – Matthew 19:27 Rees Howells (1879-1950) was a Welsh coal miner for many years before becoming a prominent revival preacher in Wales in the early 1900’s. Every night for three years, Rees would finish his 12-hour shift in… Continue reading
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It’s Not Always the Devil’s Doing
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? – Hebrews 12:7 People sure are interesting sometimes. I have this one lady friend who likes to say, “If you don’t have any problems in your life, it’s probably because Satan recognizes you already belong… Continue reading
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Jesus Didn’t Suffer the Cross Just to Make You Nicer
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! – 2 Corinthians 5:17 We live in a world that celebrates self-improvement. Bookstores are lined with shelves of “how-to” guides that promise a better marriage, a better attitude, or even a better you. And the truth… Continue reading
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Ain’t It Good to Know You’ve Got a Friend?
I was listening to this song today while driving. It’s an old James Taylor song – one of those songs with beautiful lyrics that cause you to think of someone special in your life: When you’re down and troubledAnd you need a helping handAnd nothing, nothing is going rightClose your eyes and think of meAnd… Continue reading
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Not-Fun Fact: We Really Can’t Become Like Christ Apart from Suffering.
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son… Romans 8:28-29 One of the great truths of Scripture is that God… Continue reading
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God’s Kindness Opens the Door
Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? – Rom. 2:4 Have you ever considered how God’s patience and kindness in your life are gently calling you to turn away from sin and draw closer to Him?… Continue reading
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But He’s Such a Good Fellow!
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6 Many today don’t want to think about God, about eternity, about heaven and hell. For to think about such things inevitably leads to some very uncomfortable questions, of which require even… Continue reading
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The Divine Intersection Where Our Stories Meet
I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. – Ephesians 3:7 Logging over 10,000 miles of missionary journeys, authoring 13 New Testament letters, planting 15-20 churches, enduring imprisonments, shipwrecks, and relentless persecution and suffering – the apostle Paul’s ministry shaped the foundation… Continue reading
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A Glory That Far Outweighs Any Temporary Pain
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. – Romans 8:18 The apostle Paul knew a thing or two about pain. Before meeting Christ, he dished out suffering as Saul, persecuting believers. Then later, as a follower of Jesus, he endured beatings, imprisonment, and… Continue reading
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How Often Do You Think About It?
If the resurrection of Christ were to rest on reason, then only the highly reasonable people could be converted. If the resurrection of Christ were to rest on man’s ability to gather and weigh evidence, then the man trained in the gathering and evaluating of evidence might believe, but the simple-hearted man could never believe.… Continue reading
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The Old Man Had to Go
Many years ago before giving my life to Christ, I went fishing with an old army buddy. It was a Saturday (I think) and as we sat on his boat on the lake, the conversation turned to his plans for the next day. He mentioned going to church with his wife, then invited me to… Continue reading
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A Heart Broken by Sin
For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Psalm 51:3 A life surrendered fully to God is one that faces sin head-on, not with excuses but with a heart broken by its offense against a holy and righteous God. Here in Psalm 51, we see King David, a man after God’s… Continue reading
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Living in The Shadow of Regret
Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you. O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help. – Psalm 86:4-5 Here’s an honest confession: Sometimes I have the unfortunate tendency to respond without taking a moment to think things… Continue reading
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Real Men Carry Handkerchiefs
Jesus wept. – John 11:35 Time seemed to stop in its tracks. I stood there, completely paralyzed, not knowing what to do. With a heart that had never felt more heavy, a tear rolled down my cheek. For the first (and only) time in my life, I saw a side of my father that I… Continue reading
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A Parable of the Haves and Have Nots
Jenny, a single mother of two, leaves her young children with her mother each day to work two grueling jobs. Her life is a constant juggle – paying rent, buying groceries, and stretching every dollar. Yet, when asked how she’s holding up, she responds with a weary but genuine smile: “Could life be easier? Sure.… Continue reading
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Thankful For The Pain
It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. – Psalm 119:71 Life has a way of knocking us down sometimes, doesn’t it? When things get tough, it’s easy to feel like we’re stuck in a mess we can’t get out of. But Psalm 119:71 tells us something powerful:… Continue reading
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Because You Say So
Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” – Luke 5:5 In yesterday morning’s devotional in Luke 4, we read about Jesus being tested in the wilderness prior to beginning His earthly ministry. And we may remember that the devil… Continue reading
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Giant Slaying 101: Clinging to the Cross
“David defeated Goliath, but lost to Bathsheba. Our real giants are the sinful desires that we have yet to kill.” – Anonymous The life of David stands as a sobering testament to the dual realities of divine enablement and human frailty. By God’s power, David struck down Goliath, a nine-foot Philistine, with nothing more than… Continue reading
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Tent Living
So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the body of this earthly tent, because I know that I will soon put it aside,… Continue reading
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Fixing Our Eyes on What is Unseen
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since… Continue reading
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The Peril of Compromise with Evil
Nahash the Ammonite went up and besieged Jabesh Gilead. And all the men of Jabesh said to him, “Make a treaty with us, and we will be subject to you.” But Nahash the Ammonite replied, “I will make a treaty with you only on the condition that I gouge out the right eye of every… Continue reading
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I’ve Got a Peaceful, Easy Feeling…
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. – Romans 5:1 Friend, let me tell you something: there’s a big difference between being happy and having peace. Happiness? It comes and goes. It depends on whether the sun’s shining, the bills are paid, or the… Continue reading
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The Problem with “Just Follow Your Heart”
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?Jeremiah 17:9 Have you ever stood at a crossroads in life, feeling a strong pull in your heart to go one way, certain that it was the right choice? Maybe it was a decision about a job, a relationship, or perhaps even… Continue reading
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Spiritual Dehydration
You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. – Psalm 63:1 Ever found yourself feeling stuck? Like you’re in a deep spiritual rut and no matter what you do – nothing changes? And… Continue reading
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Is It Really Worth It?
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. – Galatians 6:9 Do you ever feel like you’re pouring out every ounce of kindness, patience, and love that you have, and feel like it’s barely making a dent? Yet you… Continue reading
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Have You Prayed About It?
One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night. At daybreak he called together all of his disciples and chose twelve of them to be apostles… ~ Luke 6:12-13 (NLT) The weight of the world rested on Jesus’ decision. From a group of followers, He… Continue reading
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Unashamed: A Reflection on Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. – Rom. 1:16 For the Apostle Paul, preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others was much more than a passionate endeavor; it was a divine calling and an… Continue reading
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Resting in the Sovereign Hand of God
To know that nothing happens in God’s world apart from God’s will may frighten the godless, but it stabilizes the saints. – J. I. Packer, in Knowing God For those who don’t know God, the idea that nothing – nothing – happens outside His will is a most dreadful thought. It’s unsettling, isn’t it, to… Continue reading
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Love… is Rejoicing in Others’ Blessings
[Love] does not envy… – 1 Corinthians 13:4b Yesterday we read the apostle Paul’s initial thoughts on what Love is. Today we examine more of this “Portrait of Love” that Paul continues painting; negative things that are absent because of love. He shifts his attention to a destructive emotion that love has no part of:… Continue reading
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Greater Than The Grave
That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” he said. – John 20:19 (NLT) After His resurrection, Jesus could have appeared to kings, or confronted His enemies, or displayed His glory to the world.… Continue reading
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When There’s No Bloom on the Fig Tree
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.… Continue reading
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The Parable of the Three Travelers
In a distant land, there was a great city known as Haven, ruled by a wise and merciful king. The road to Haven was long and winding, and many travelers sought its gates, for it was said that those who entered would find peace and purpose. But the path was narrow, and the king required… Continue reading
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From Grief to Joy
Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. – John 16:20 As Jesus spoke these words, the shadow of the cross loomed large. He knew the pain His disciples would soon endure – heart-wrenching sorrow as they watched their… Continue reading
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A Holy Habit
“We cannot escape the dangers of life except with the real and continual help of God. Let us ask Him for it constantly. How can we pray to Him without being with Him? How can we be with Him unless we think of Him often? And how can we think of Him often unless we… Continue reading
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The Parable of the Late Night Mechanic
Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or destroy it?” – Luke 6:9 There once was a small-town mechanic named Sam who ran a little garage on the edge of town. Now some mechanics have less than stellar… Continue reading
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God’s Treasured Possession
“Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored his name. ‘On the day when I act,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘they will be my treasured possession. I will spare them,… Continue reading
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Beware, My Prideful Heart…
“Do not imagine that if you meet a really humble man he will be what most people call ‘humble’ nowadays: he will not be a sort of greasy, smarmy person, who is always telling you that, of course, he is a nobody. Probably all you will think about him is that he seemed a cheerful,… Continue reading
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More Than Religion
Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. So you are ignorant of… Continue reading
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Refuge and Redemption
“May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” – Ruth 2:12 Ruth had every reason to give up. A foreigner in a strange land, widowed and poor, she could have chosen an… Continue reading
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Calm Seas Don’t Make Skillful Sailors
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. – 1 Cor. 16:13 It’s easy to be bold when there’s no cost. It’s easy to stand tall when the crowd is with you, when the waters are calm, and when doing the right thing doesn’t demand much. But life isn’t always… Continue reading
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God Won’t Share His Throne
“Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you; for the Lord your God, who is among you, is a jealous God and his anger will burn against you, and he will destroy you from the face of the land.” – Deut. 6:14-15 God isn’t casual about your loyalty. He’s not okay… Continue reading
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Seeking the Father’s Will
I do not seek my own will but the will of the Father who sent me. – John 5:30 (NKJV) Jesus lived his life fully surrendered to the will of His Father. He didn’t act on His own desires or ambitions, but aligned every decision with God’s purpose. What an impossible standard that is for… Continue reading
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A Beautiful Thing
“Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me.” – Matthew 26: 10-11 Mary’s act of pouring expensive perfume on Jesus was a demonstration of pure devotion. She wasn’t calculating its worth or considering what… Continue reading
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Love in Action
“I’d rather see a good sermon than hear one any day.” – Edward A. Guest The small church had never been this full. Every pew was packed, people stood along the walls, and some even gathered in the back. It seemed like the whole town had come to say goodbye to Mr. Williams. Most people… Continue reading
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Not Even One
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” – John 8:6b-7 The Pharisees dragged a woman before Jesus,… Continue reading
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Keep Striking
Elisha said, “Get a bow and some arrows,” and he did so. “Take the bow in your hands,” he said to the king of Israel. When he had taken it, Elisha put his hands on the king’s hands. “Open the east window,” he said, and he opened it. “Shoot!” Elisha said, and he shot. “The… Continue reading
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A Light in the Darkness
Mr. Edwards, an elderly Sunday School teacher, sat in his usual chair with his Bible open on his lap. The children gathered around him, listening intently as he told stories about Jesus – His miracles, His kindness, and His love for sinners. As he spoke, a boy named Charlie hesitantly raised his hand. “Mr. Edwards,… Continue reading
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Are You Going?
So he sent other servants to tell them, “The feast has been prepared. The bulls and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the banquet!” But the guests he had invited ignored them and went their own way, one to his farm, another to his business. – Matthew 22:4-5 Imagine being… Continue reading
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God Sees, God Knows, God Acts
During that long period, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out, and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God. God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. So God looked on the Israelites and was… Continue reading
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Trusting the Potter’s Hands
“You turn things upside down! Shall the potter be regarded as the clay, that the thing made should say of its maker, ‘He did not make me’; or the thing formed say of him who formed it, ‘He has no understanding‘?” – Isaiah 29:16 (ESV) The people of Judah had a major problem: outwardly they… Continue reading
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A Good (But Dangerous) Prayer
Search me, God, and know my heart;test me and know my anxious thoughts.See if there is any offensive way in me,and lead me in the way everlasting.– Psalm 139:23-24 David was a man after God’s own heart, yet he knew his own heart was not always pure. He was committed to following God’s ways, but… Continue reading
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The Farmer’s Trade
They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. – Romans 1:25 Old Henry had worked the land his whole life. From the time he was a boy, he knew that if he wanted something, he had to earn it. His… Continue reading
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The Whole Truth and Nothing But the Truth
I am the way and the truth and the life.– John 14:6 When we become a friend of Jesus, something revolutionary happens inside us. He doesn’t just tweak a few things here and there – He transforms us completely. Our hearts soften, our perspectives shift, and our ability to love expands in ways we never… Continue reading
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Thinking Like Jesus
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 2:5 (NKJV) There are days when my thoughts get the better of me – when pride, impatience, or self-interest creeps in before I even realize it. Then I read this verse and it stops me in my tracks. Am I really… Continue reading
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The Greatest in the Kingdom
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of… Continue reading
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A Most Comforting Truth
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are —yet he did not sin. – Hebrews 4:15 To the ancient Greeks, the gods were distant and unmoved by human struggles. Their concept of… Continue reading
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Daily Bread for Today
When the dew was gone, thin flakes like frost on the ground appeared on the desert floor. When the Israelites saw it, they said to each other, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread the LORD has given you to eat. – Exodus… Continue reading
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Seeing Our Work as Worship
Do you sometimes feel like nobody cares about all the work you do? Ever feel unnoticed and unappreciated? It’s tough, isn’t it? You work hard, whether it’s at your job, in your family, or even in serving others, and sometimes it feels like no one even notices. Maybe you’ve thought, “Why am I putting in… Continue reading
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When Hope Feels Lost
“But we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel.” – Luke 24:21a You ever have those moments where your hope feels crushed? Where the thing you were so sure God was going to do just… doesn’t happen? That’s where these two disciples were on the road to Emmaus. They’d… Continue reading
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Only Jesus Could Do That!
When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to meet with the believers, but they were all afraid of him. They did not believe he had truly become a believer! Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus and how the Lord had… Continue reading
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“Did God Really Say…?”
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what… Continue reading
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Seeing People Through Fresh Eyes
Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him.… Continue reading
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“But God.”
But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” – Acts 9:15-16 God’s plan for Saul (later Paul) was nothing short of extraordinary.… Continue reading
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Are You In or Out?
The teacher of religious law replied, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth by saying that there is only one God and no other. And I know it is important to love him with all my heart and all my understanding and all my strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. This is… Continue reading
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A Complaint about Complainers
Have you ever noticed how complainers have a way of finding each other, like pigeons flocking to a park bench covered in breadcrumbs? One minute you’re stuck in line behind someone griping about the weather, and before you know it, someone else chimes in with, “Oh, you think that’s bad? Let me tell you about… Continue reading
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What Year That Was!
Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established. – Proverbs 16:3 Well… I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to stepping into a brand new year. And not because 2024 was a year to forget. It was, however, a year of dramatic change for me and my family. My… Continue reading
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Knowledge Alone Ain’t Enough
You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life. – John 5:39-40 Have you ever been so close to something that you couldn’t actually see it? Back in the early… Continue reading
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What is Your “Field”?
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.– Matthew 13:44 There’s something about a treasure hunt that captures the imagination. We picture maps, riddles, and the thrill of… Continue reading
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What We Think About Matters
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. – Philippians 4:8 A few weeks ago a friend called me, frustrated and overwhelmed. There were some situations going on at home that were stressing… Continue reading
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How Big is Your God?
My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare. Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish. – Psalms 25:15-17 This sweet, comforting psalm came from a season of… Continue reading
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Despite All That We Are
Understand, then, that it is not because of your righteousness that the LORD your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stiff-necked people.– Deuteronomy 9:6 Israel stood on the threshold of the Promised Land, and Moses made it clear – they were not about to receive God’s blessings because… Continue reading
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“My Name is Scott, and I’m….”
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.– Romans 1:16 As a recovering alcoholic, I’ve been actively involved in a 12-Step recovery program for several years now. This program has been an incredible… Continue reading
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Created For His Purpose
Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. – Ephesians 5:17 God placed each of us on this earth for a purpose. Yet many people drift through life unsure of what God’s will is for them. Instead of seeking His direction, they remain caught up in their own plans, wasting valuable… Continue reading
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Do Not Be Afraid!
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.” So Paul stayed there for the next year and a half, teaching… Continue reading
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A Word About Anger
He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. – 1 Peter 2:23 Growing up I loved watching The Incredible Hulk series. The main character, Dr. David Banner, was generally an easygoing fella. But when someone pushed… Continue reading
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Confidence in God’s Word
Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write an accurate account for you, most honorable Theophilus, so you can be certain… Continue reading
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Simple Faith, Powerful Witness
My message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God. – 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 Paul’s ministry was not built on flashy speeches or… Continue reading
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They Couldn’t Find Fault
Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn’t find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy. – Daniel 6:4-5 (NLT) As I was reading this passage yesterday evening, I couldn’t help but think of… Continue reading
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Greater Things Through Him
“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” – John 14:12 Jesus wasn’t threatened by the idea of His followers doing greater works than He had done. In fact, He… Continue reading
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The Strength to Let it Go
A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.– Proverbs 19:11 When we’re hurt or offended, our natural response is to often lash out or stew in bitterness. But Proverbs 19:11 reminds us that patience, rooted in wisdom, leads us to something greater: the ability to let go. Overlooking an… Continue reading
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A Heart That Repents
But after he had taken the census, David’s conscience began to bother him. And he said to the LORD, “I have sinned greatly by taking this census. Please forgive my guilt, LORD, for doing this foolish thing.” – 2 Samuel 24:10 (NLT) Near the end of his reign, David, a man after God’s own heart,… Continue reading
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Investing in Others
Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. – 1 Thessalonians 2: 7b-8 When Paul wrote these wonderful words, he wasn’t just talking about teaching… Continue reading
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An Awesome, Humbling Business, Indeed…
I can hide my heart, and my past, and my future plans, from those around me, but I cannot hide anything from God. I can talk in a way that deceives my fellow creatures as to what I really am, but nothing I say or do can deceive God. He sees through all my reserve… Continue reading
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Faithful Stewardship: Living to Please God
Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful. As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. I don’t even trust my own judgment on this point. My conscience is clear, but that doesn’t prove I’m right. It is… Continue reading
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Only One Came Back
Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.” – Luke 17:17-19 (NLT) It’s really easy for me to spot an ungrateful attitude. My problem… Continue reading
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Holding On Until the Blessing Comes
So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob… Continue reading
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You Can’t Out-Give God
Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God… Continue reading
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Upward and Onward
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is… Continue reading
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Sin Is Never Casual
Imagine you have a friend who was struggling with an unhealthy habit, and after many months of hard work – maybe even years – they were able to break free from it. But one day, they toyed with the idea of going back just once because they thought they had the strength to walk away… Continue reading
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Hard Conversations Taste Better When Seasoned with Salt
“Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” – Ephesians 4:15 To speak the truth without love can wound deeply, but love without truth lacks substance and direction. When we blend the two – truth and love –… Continue reading
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Have We Considered The Cost?
“Costly grace is the gospel which must be sought again and again, the gift which must be asked for, the door at which man must knock. Such grace is costly because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ. It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives… Continue reading
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The Parable of Two Politicians
In Luke 18:9-17, Jesus tells a story about a Pharisee and a tax collector who went to the temple to pray. The Pharisee, confident in his righteousness, compared himself to the tax collector and began to thank God that he wasn’t like him or other sinners. But Jesus says it was the tax collector, humble… Continue reading
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Do You Embrace God’s Discipline?
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.– Hebrews 12:11 Recently I began a new journey to improve my health. I’ve slowly started swapping out junk foods for more vegetables, sugary drinks for water, and… Continue reading
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From Enemies to Family
“That day Herod and Pilate became friends – before this they had been enemies.” – Luke 23:12 It’s striking that the trial and crucifixion of Jesus became the event that turned Herod and Pilate, former enemies, into allies. They came together over their shared role in condemning an innocent man. It’s interesting how common goals… Continue reading
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Great Knowledge Comes With Greater Responsibility
Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.” – Luke 10:23-24 Old Testament men… Continue reading
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Wrestling With The Truth
Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the… Continue reading
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Caring Too Much About What Others Think
Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human praise more than praise from God.– John 12:42-43 Have you ever found yourself holding back when… Continue reading
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No Prior Experience Required
“God chooses the humble, the lowly, the meek, and the weak so that there’s never any question about the source of power when their lives change the world. It’s not the man; it’s the truth of God and the power of God in the man.” – John MacArthur, Twelve Ordinary Men When Jesus chose his… Continue reading
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Even In the Hardest of Times
Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and… Continue reading
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Bringing Back The Wanderer
My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.– James 5:19-20 It’s not uncommon for people to drift from the… Continue reading
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A Warning About Pride
[Nebuchadnezzar] said, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?” – Daniel 4:30 According to Herodotus (a fourth-century Greek historian), Babylon was by far the most impressive city of the ancient world. The outer walls of the city alone… Continue reading
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A Sojourner’s Uncompromising Resolve
But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. – Daniel 1:8 Daniel could have easily compromised. He was in a foreign land, living under the rule of King Nebuchadnezzar, and had been chosen to undergo training… Continue reading
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Do We See What He Sees?
“By judging others, we blind ourselves to our own evil and to the grace which others are just as entitled to as we are.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer This evening as I was reading Luke’s account of Jesus’ anointing by the sinful woman (Luke 7), God’s Word began to really challenge me to think about how… Continue reading
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An Unshakable Peace
He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. – 1 John 4:4 (ESV) Facing hardship, rejection, or loss can be overwhelming, but these difficult moments are also opportunities to encounter God’s power and love in a deeply personal way. In our struggles, we can discover that the peace that… Continue reading
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Desperate Faith to Deliberate Faith
The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” “Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.” The man took Jesus at his word and departed.– John 4:49-50 “God, if you’ll do this for me, I promise that I’ll (fill in the blank).” Sound familiar? It does for me. Before I came to saving… Continue reading
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When Believers Disagree With Fellow Believers
After some time Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing.” Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not… Continue reading
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What If We Looked at Our Hardships Differently?
As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power… Continue reading
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The Dirt Didn’t Matter.
“So [Jesus] got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.” John 13:4 Years ago we had a cleaning lady come over to our house for… Continue reading
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Are You Too Busy?
“Be still and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10 The enemy doesn’t always tempt to distract us with blatant sin. Sometimes, he distracts us with an overpacked life. I was reminded of this not long ago when, on a Sunday evening, I sat down at my desk to look at my calendar for… Continue reading
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Where is God in Our Hardship?
Then the angel of the LORD came and sat beneath the great tree at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash of the clan of Abiezer. Gideon son of Joash was threshing wheat at the bottom of a winepress to hide the grain from the Midianites. The angel of the LORD appeared to him and said, “Mighty… Continue reading
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Fear, Pride, And Deadly Schemes
Then Saul told his men to say to David, “The king really likes you, and so do we. Why don’t you accept the king’s offer and become his son-in-law?” When Saul’s men said these things to David, he replied, “How can a poor man from a humble family afford the bride price for the daughter… Continue reading
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A Warning About Drifting Away
It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they… Continue reading
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Had I Been There: The One Who Returned
One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” –… Continue reading
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What About Him?
Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” – John 21:22 In this passage, Peter is concerned about the future of another disciple, namely John. But Jesus responds with a simple, yet profound directive: “What is that to you? You must follow… Continue reading
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What Matters Most
“You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.” – John 5: 39-40 Imagine someone who reads a cookbook every day, memorizes the recipes, and understands all of the culinary… Continue reading
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The Lord’s Regret
Then the word of the LORD came to Samuel: “I regret that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions.” 1Samuel 15:10 One of the worst decisions I’ve made in my life was about 20 years ago when, in a moment of utter weakness… Continue reading
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When All is Not Good in The Neighborhood
So Saul summoned the men and mustered them at Telaim—two hundred thousand foot soldiers and ten thousand from Judah. Saul went to the city of Amalek and set an ambush in the ravine. Then he said to the Kenites, “Go away, leave the Amalekites so that I do not destroy you along with them; for… Continue reading
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Saul Makes His Men Hangry
“Now the Israelites were in distress that day, because Saul had bound the people under an oath, saying, “Cursed be anyone who eats food before evening comes, before I have avenged myself on my enemies!” So none of the troops tasted food.” – 1 Samuel 14:24 It was yet another foolish decision, one that was… Continue reading
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Something Greater
For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. But God found fault with the people and said: “The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. It will… Continue reading
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Deaf Ears and Detestable Prayers
If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable.Proverbs 28:9 The Lord desires a relationship with us that is rooted in love and obedience. When we seek to understand and follow His law, our prayers reflect a heart that is in tune with His will. It’s not about perfection, but… Continue reading
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Do They See God’s Love to You?
“Is it true that God is love to me as a Christian? And does the love of God mean all that has been said? If so, certain questions arise. Why do I ever grumble and show discontent and resentment at the circumstances in which God has placed me? Why am I ever distrustful, fearful, or… Continue reading
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Compared to Who?
For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load. – Gal. 6:3-5 (ESV) Few things hinder relationships… Continue reading
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Why Do You Call Me Good?
“I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.” 1 Timothy 1:16 (NIV) Do you consider yourself to be a good driver? Of course you do. Everyone does. In fact, the… Continue reading
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Outward Signs of Inward Faith
“What makes you think I want all your sacrifices?” says the LORD. “I am sick of your burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fattened cattle. I get no pleasure from the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. When you come to worship me, who asked you to parade through my courts with… Continue reading
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Keeping the Cross on Our Minds
“For he gave himself for us, that he might set us free from all our evil ways, and make for himself a people of his own, clean and pure, with our hearts set upon living a life that is good.” – Titus 2:14 (J.B. Phillips NT Bible) Satan is a master deceiver. When he tempts… Continue reading
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A Transformed Perspective
I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ.… Continue reading
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A Patient Faith
“Patience is more than endurance. A saint’s life is in the hands of God like a bow and arrow in the hands of an archer. God is aiming at something the saint cannot see, and He stretches and strains, and every now and again the saint says–‘I cannot stand anymore.’ God does not heed, He… Continue reading
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The Hope You Have
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”1 Peter 3:15 When asked to be a guest speaker at a recovery meeting, the speaker is usually given… Continue reading
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Like a Dog Begging for a Treat
“If you were to die tonight and you were gaining entry into heaven, what would you say? If you or I answer it in the first person, we’ve immediately gone wrong. “Because I believe.” “Because I have faith.” “Because I have done this.” and so on; Loved ones, the only proper answer is in the… Continue reading
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Are You a Name Dropper?
“Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.” “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against… Continue reading
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The Truth Never Sleeps!
As the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and told the leading priests what had happened. A meeting with the elders was called, and they decided to give the soldiers a large bribe. They told the soldiers, “You must say, ‘Jesus’ disciples came during the night while we… Continue reading
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From Ordinary to Invaluable
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now… Continue reading
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A Miserable Place for an Unholy Man
“Most men hope to go to heaven when they die, but few, it may be feared, take the trouble to consider whether they would enjoy heaven if they got there.” - J. C. Ryle I’ve been thinking about heaven more than usual lately. And it occurred to me that I really have no idea what to… Continue reading
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A New Relationship
“The whole spirit of Old Testament religion was determined by the thought of God’s holiness. The constant emphasis was that human beings, because of their weakness as creatures and their defilement as sinful creatures, must learn to humble themselves and be reverent before God. Religion was “the fear of the Lord” – a matter of… Continue reading
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Are You Willing?
52 When Abraham’s servant heard what they said, he bowed down to the ground before the Lord. 53 Then the servant brought out gold and silver jewelry and articles of clothing and gave them to Rebekah; he also gave costly gifts to her brother and to her mother. 54 Then he and the men who… Continue reading
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The Faults We Fail to Notice
Courtesy of Sinclair Ferguson – Things Unseen Podcast I imagine most of us know the name of the great English hymn writer John Newton, or at least we know that he wrote the hymn “Amazing Grace,” or perhaps we know that he once captained a slave transporter, or that he became the spiritual guide to… Continue reading
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Christmas Through the Prism of Easter
A pastor who I greatly admire stated in a recent sermon, “It is sometimes good for us to read the Bible backwards.” In short, he was suggesting that reading backwards (through the guidance of the Holy Spirit) helps us to better understand Jesus’ words, and also helps us better understand Old Testament Scripture in the… Continue reading
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Acknowledging the Bad While Accepting the Good
“When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all… Continue reading
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Better than Deer Park and Poland Springs
Jesus replied, “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 It was just another day for her. Off to the well she goes, pail in hand, to draw some water for the cooking… Continue reading
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Is There Joy in Your Suffering?
“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.” – Philippians 1:29-30 Who among us enjoys dealing with physical or emotional pain?… Continue reading
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They Knew No Shame
“For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die.” – Philippians 1:20 These are powerful words from a man… Continue reading
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Can’t Have the Testimony Without the Testing
Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and… Continue reading
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The Most Undervalued Gifts
“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:2 When a small child opens up that special gift on Christmas morning, his eyes light up like the lights on the tree. “Wow! Are you serious??? I can’t believe this! This is the greatest day of my life!” And… Continue reading
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The Problem with Anger
“Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.” – Ephesians 4:26 (NLT) There once was a little boy who had a very bad temper. His father decided to hand him a bag of nails and said to the… Continue reading
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The Foolishness of Pride
“For my own sake, for my own sake, I do this. How can I let myself be defamed? I will not yield my glory to another.” – Isaiah 48:11 (NIV) Charles Spurgeon once said, “There is nothing the human heart falls into as easily as pride, and yet there is no sin that is more… Continue reading
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Prayers Overcome Prisons
“Peter finally came to his senses. “It’s really true!” he said. “The Lord has sent his angel and saved me from Herod and from what the Jewish leaders had planned to do to me!” – Acts 12:11 (NLT) King Herod had arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. (v.1) He had… Continue reading
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Modern-Day Lesson: Paul’s Confrontation with Peter
Good morning, friends. This morning’s scripture reading comes from Galatians 2:11-14. (The Message Translation) “Later, when Peter came to Antioch, I had a face-to-face confrontation with him because he was clearly out of line. Here’s the situation: Earlier, before certain persons had come from James, Peter regularly ate with the non-Jews. But when that conservative… Continue reading
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Good Friday: It is Finished
“Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished.”… Continue reading
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Fearless Living is a Choice
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.” – Philippians 4:6 A recent study revealed that 86 percent of those surveyed described themselves as worriers. The study then went on to conclude that the average person spends one hour and fifty minutes… Continue reading
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Teacher, Who is My Neighbor?
“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” Jesus asked. – Luke 10:36 The parable of the Good Samaritan that Jesus tells (Luke 10:25-37) is one that seems foreign to some Christ followers in today’s culture. Few things hinder the spreading of the… Continue reading
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There Is None Like It
David asked Ahimelek, “Don’t you have a spear or a sword here? I haven’t brought my sword or any other weapon, because the king’s mission was urgent.” The priest replied, “The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the Valley of Blah, is here; it is wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod.… Continue reading
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“I Don’t See Your Name.”
The Lord replied to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against me I will blot out of my book.” ~ Exodus 32:33 “Everything’s set! Friday evening, 7pm,” I told her. It had been a long while since my wife and I last had an evening to ourselves. And this evening was going to be special! A new… Continue reading
About Me
Welcome! I’m Scott (aka Former Blackout Artist), and I’m so happy you decided to drop in! I hope you find the content here spiritually enlightening and uplifting. Most of all, I hope that my love of Christ is revealed through my writing and that it encourages you in some way today. Thanks for stopping by!
Former Blackout Artist 