Never Say Never
1 Corinthians 13:8-13 There’s a familiar expression, “Never say never” that is sometimes quoted to those who declare that they would “never” engage in a particular activity. Never is such a big,...
View ArticleInstant Recall
John 3:9-18 Anyone with even a little formal education memorizes a lot of valuable life information: colors, shapes, math facts, sight words, formulas, famous speeches, rules of the road. All of these...
View ArticleKnown
1 John 3:1-10 Separation anxiety is real. Ask any parent or teacher of young children and they will affirm that leaving tiny humans with a caregiver can be a bit of a challenge at times. Teachers are...
View ArticleLimited Edition
1 John 4:7-13 Andrea had a roommate her senior year of college to whom she is forever grateful. One spring morning, she opened the door of their mini-fridge and offered Andrea an egg covered in golden...
View ArticleCause and Effect
1 John 4:14-21 From a young age, children discover the power of cause and effect. A child’s cry beckons their mother to come quickly, touching a hot surface leads to discomfort, and hard work reaps...
View ArticleObedient Hearts
1 John 5:1-6 Each day in Andrea’s classroom, they have what is affectionately called, “Lil’ Staff Meeting” (circle time). One of their daily rituals is go through a list of reminders. They make sure...
View ArticlePain Into Praise
2 Corinthians 1:1-7 Children are amazing teachers. Their reactions to even mild traumas are authentic. One of their first reactions is to run immediately to the person they believe will offer them...
View ArticleDepend on God
2 Corinthians 1:8-11 Paul saw his share of trials, including shipwrecks, beatings, and imprisonment. He openly shared about his experiences in his letters to the Corinthians. Rather than complain...
View ArticleLife Under Pressure
2 Corinthians 4:1-9 We are all living metaphors: clay pots that are imperfect, cracked, and broken. However, not all of us respond to life’s pressures in the same way. Some rely on their own powers of...
View ArticleThe Power of Testimony
2 Corinthians 4:10-18 When Carol was a girl, they had old-fashioned “testimony services” at church. Some shared the same testimony every time. Some quoted a passage of hope that meant something to...
View ArticleHumble Courage
Philippians 1:18b-26 Before his conversion, Paul was quite arrogant as he pursued Christians in the newly birthed church. Perhaps this is why we read such self-deprecating words from him in his...
View ArticleStrength for the Mission
Philippians 4:4-13 Philippians 4:13 is one of the most beloved and quoted Bible verses. I am intrigued by two words: “all this.” What is Paul referring to when he says, “I can do all this” (emphasis...
View ArticleThe Land of the Living
Psalm 116:1-9 God doesn’t have to save us. Yet, God chooses to enter into the mess of a fallen world. Our natural response is love and praise. “Thank you, God, for intervening and saving me!” When we...
View ArticleGodly Change
2 Corinthians 1:18-24 Second Corinthians 1 speaks of God’s faithfulness. God always keeps His promises. Jesus is the fulfillment of all of God’s promises. Not only so, but God puts His Spirit in our...
View ArticleReproof Brings Repentance
2 Corinthians 2:1-11 Second Corinthians 2:1-11 is full of trigger words, descriptors that call us to stand up and pay attention: Painful Grieve Anguish...
View ArticlePerfecting Holiness
2 Corinthians 7:1-8 Second Corinthians 7 begins with a reminder of God’s promises and the believer’s responsibility: “Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit,...
View ArticleCorrection, Community, Christ
2 Corinthians 7:9-16 Have you ever encountered someone who enjoys being right and quickly reminds others of their incorrectness? This is not the writer’s attitude in 2 Corinthians 7. Paul takes the...
View ArticleAccountability to Restoration
Galatians 6:1-10 As I entered the bus, the man looked up, surprised to see me. It had been a while since we had seen each other, and his innocent question opened a flood of emotions. “Are you doing...
View ArticleRemember to Be Kind
Ephesians 4:25-32 Ephesians 4 begins with putting our verbal house in order. Sin can start with a “little white lie.” Tempers can escalate and turn into sin by giving the devil a foothold. Core...
View ArticlePray For Each Other
James 5:13-20 Are you in trouble? Pray. Are you happy? Sing praise songs. Are you sick? Be anointed with oil. Have you or others sinned? Forgive each other, confess your sins, and pray for each other....
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