Checking The Boxes
Luke 11:37-46 Do you know any serious list makers? Lists have their place in our busy society. Whether it’s recorded physically, digitally, or mentally, most people have a series of boxes that need to...
View ArticleDesperately Faithful
Hebrews 4:9-16 Most little kids have an item they are partial towards. Usually, it’s a blanket or a stuffed friend. Such items represent security and peace. They calm and they soothe. When that item...
View ArticleHurtful Hoarding
James 5:1-6 In 1947, following an anonymous tip, the New York City police went to a local home, but apparently there was no one there. Due to increased concern the authorities finally broke in through...
View ArticleWorking While Waiting
James 5:7-12 Years ago in a gift shop I purchased a small wooden plaque bearing an unusual saying. Reproduced in a Gothic font, it apparently was meant to resemble a religious motto. It read:...
View ArticleSongs From The Shadows
James 5:13-20 When war swept 17th century Germany, many people, including Pastor Paul Gerhardt and his family, had to flee their homes. However, when Mrs. Gerhardt’s faith faltered, her husband...
View ArticleCalled To Wait
Romans 8:18-25 For several years my friend Jane and her husband had tried to adopt a child, yet they had not been successful. However, this changed as they were soon to meet their new daughter. One...
View ArticleTrustworthy Dependability
1 Corinthians 1:1-9 Once when a pastor toured a missionary children’s health center, his guide was one of the nurses. The hospital cared for children with birth injuries and incurable diseases....
View ArticleIntegrity Always
Titus 2:6-15 The majestic paintings on the ceilings of the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Basilica were created in the early 1500s by the Italian artist Michelangelo. Tradition tells us that the artist lay on...
View ArticleMerciful Doubting
Jude 1:17-25 Secured in a governmental archive is a collection of objects that Abraham Lincoln had in his pocket at the time of his assassination. Among the items was a packet of newspaper clippings—...
View ArticleOur Identity and Purpose
John 14:15-24 In John 14, we see how Jesus sought to comfort His disciples as He knew they had many questions about what was happening and what would happen when Jesus left them. He’s assuring them...
View ArticleContinuous Formation
John 14:25-31 As someone who has been a teacher, I know that in order for my students to learn what I’m trying to teach them, they must engage in the class. In John 14, Jesus is encouraging His...
View ArticlePraying Through The Spirit
Romans 8:26-30 I don’t know about you, but sometimes I feel at a loss in knowing how I should pray. Perhaps that is why I love knowing that the Spirit of God intercedes for us. I relate this to the...
View ArticleFreedom In The Spirit
1 Corinthians 6:12-20 In 1 Corinthians 6, Paul is trying to help the people of Corinth understand the fact that their bodies are the temple of the God, for within them dwells the Holy Spirit. As...
View ArticleOur Place In God’s Kingdom
1 Corinthians 12:1-11 When we truly consider the work of the Spirit among us and the gifts the Spirit has given us, a remarkable image forms. We are all fulfilling our God-given purpose in bringing...
View ArticleGround in the Life of the Spirit
2 Timothy 1:6-14 The work of the Spirit of God in our lives is truly remarkable and transformational. In his letter to Timothy, the apostle Paul reminds young Timothy just what this work of the Spirit...
View ArticleLiving in the Fullness of the Spirit
1 John 5:1-9 The blessed assurance we find in Jesus Christ is knowing Him as Savior and Lord. The One who conquered sin and death is the same One whose Spirit lives within each of us as we accept Him...
View ArticleThe First Gift of the Spirit
Acts 2:1-13 As “Spirit” people, Acts 2 is pretty important to us. When the Holy Spirit falls on the day of Pentecost, the Spirit comes bearing gifts. I am reminded the Spirit did not come bringing...
View ArticleOn All People
Acts 2:14-21 I am married to a pastor. That statement is a challenge for some folks, because I am male, and my pastor-spouse is female. I remember one church board member in one of the churches we...
View ArticleFor Our Descendants
Acts 2:31-41 Inheritances can be fickle things. Sometimes it’s a simple, handwritten will that says, “The kid gets it all.” Sometimes it’s more complex. Sometimes family members become divisive,...
View ArticleGod Calls All
Acts 2:31-41 I think sometimes I am a little like Peter in Acts 10 . . . and not in a good way. Here’s the very same person who preached the sermon at Pentecost in Acts 2. You know, the one where all...
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