Is it a wonder… Ephesians 2:1-3

Ephesians 2:1-3 (ESV) 1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the […]

Sorry secular humanists…. Matthew 12:43-50

Matthew 12:43-45 (MSG) 43-45 “When a defiling evil spirit is expelled from someone, it drifts along through the desert looking for an oasis, some unsuspecting soul it can bedevil. When it doesn’t find anyone, it says, ‘I’ll go back to my old haunt.’ On return it finds the person spotlessly clean, but vacant. It then […]

The Spirit of Truth John 14:16-17

John 14:16-17 (NIV) 16. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17. the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be […]

Sink your roots 2 Samuel 7:28 Jeremiah 17:5-8

2 Samuel 7:28 (NLT) 28 For you are God, O Sovereign Lord. Your words are truth, and you have promised these good things to your servant. Jeremiah 17:5-8 (MSG) 5-6 God’s Message: “Cursed is the strong one who depends on mere humans, Who thinks he can make it on muscle alone and sets God aside […]

Stand in the way Proverbs 12:19

Proverbs 12:19 19. Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. I’ve learned that you have to remember lies, but truth remembers itself. What happens to lies? Where do they go? What do they do? I wonder how the course of life has been changed by lies. It started very early […]

Choices matter John 11:25-26 Revelation 22:20

John 11:25-26 (NIV) 25. Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26. and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” Revelation 22:20 (NIV) 20. He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I […]

Ugh, OK Psalms 27:14

Psalms 27:14 14. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Ugh, OK

The world needs a radical today Psalms 135:5-7

Psalms 135:5-7 5. I know that the LORD is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods. 6. The LORD does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths. 7. He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth; he sends lightning with the […]

Better, easier Matthew 5:14-16

Matthew 5:14-16 14. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16. In the same way, let your […]

When “my grace is sufficient” is sufficient 2 Corinthians 12:9 Mark 8:34-38

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) 9. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. Mark 8:34-38 (ESV) 34 And calling the crowd to him with his […]

There’s a room for us John 14:2-3

John 14:2-3 2. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also […]

All aboard? Proverbs 21:21 Matthew 7:12

Proverbs 21:21 (NIV) Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. Matthew 7:12 (NLT) 12 “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets. Life, prosperity and honor. Pretty cool. What kind of prosperity? Might […]

Vanguard 1 John 4:15-20

1 John 4:15-20 (NLT) 15 All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. 16 We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and […]

All we need is what we need. Proverbs 3:5-12

Proverbs 3:5 (ESV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5-12The Message (MSG) 5-12 Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one […]

No regrets Deuteronomy 32:4-5

Deuteronomy 32:4-5 (ESV) 4 “The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he. 5 They have dealt corruptly with him; they are no longer his children because they are blemished; they are a crooked and twisted generation. Deuteronomy 32:4-5 (MSG) […]

We need more gold. Joshua 1:7-9 Colossians 4:1 Matthew 7:12

Joshua 1:7-9 (ESV) 7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may act wisely wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart […]

Consistently Matthew 6:25-33 Hebrews 13:5-10

Matthew 6:25-33 (ESV) 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither […]

Stir up everyone Jeremiah 2:26-28

Jeremiah 2:26-28 (ESV) 26 “As a thief is shamed when caught, so the house of Israel shall be shamed: they, their kings, their officials, their priests, and their prophets, 27 who say to a tree, ‘You are my father,’ and to a stone, ‘You gave me birth.’ For they have turned their back to me, […]

I want freedom! Romans 6:20-23 John 6:35-40

Romans 6:20-23 (ESV) 20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now that you have been set free from […]

Wisdom for a better world Proverbs 1:7 Leviticus 19:18 Matthew 5:43-47

Proverbs 1:7 (MSG) 7 Start with God—the first step in learning is bowing down to God; only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning. Proverbs 1:7 (GNT) 7 The most important part of knowledge is having reverence for the Lord. Stupid people have no respect for wisdom and refuse to learn. Leviticus 19:18 […]

Faith 1 Timothy 6:1

1 Timothy 6:12 12. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. Faith is different than The Faith. Fight the good fight of the faith. What the heck. I have faith that God […]

Listen to your father Proverbs 13:1 1 Timothy 2:1-4

Proverbs 13:1 1. A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (ESV) 2 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a […]

Crooked path marked with crashes Proverbs 3:5-6

Proverbs 3:5-6 5. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6. in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Straight to where? Straight to becoming the man He created me to be. Far too often though, I’m disobeying the first parts […]

Ice cream and anger 2 Corinthians 4:16

2 Corinthians 4:16 16. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. The weather changed, I knew it was going to because my ankle told me so. It didn’t used to be like this – I could run like crazy; loved to […]

Yoke up Isaiah 55:10-11

Isaiah 55:10-11 10. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11. so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will […]

Did anyone go back? Jeremiah 23:23-24

Jeremiah 23:23-24 (NIV) 23. “Am I only a God nearby,” declares the LORD, “and not a God far away? 24. Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?” declares the LORD. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the LORD. It’s Saturday after Christ has been slaughtered, hung up, murdered […]

What’s your fight about? Ephesians 1-3

Ephesians 1:3 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Praise for saving our hides. Seems we do that for normal everyday things – like avoiding getting that ticket, having that lacrosse ball size rock from […]

It’s a good day to have a great God. Hebrews 6:11-12 (ESV) Matthew 6:1-4

Hebrews 6:11-12 (ESV) 11 And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Matthew 6:1-4 (ESV) 6 “Beware of practicing your righteousness […]

You can see it in their eyes Proverbs 18:12-14

Proverbs 18:12-14 (ESV) 12 Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. 13 If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. 14 A man’s spirit will endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear? We have two new dogs picked up at a Orphans […]

Anti-snowflake Psalms 46:1-3 Proverbs 15:31-32

Psalms 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Proverbs 15:31-32 Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at […]

Blessings of a smiling dog Psalm 118:24

Psalm 118:24 (ESV) 24 This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. So, we finally buckled down and and got a couple of dogs. It’d been almost 3 years since our collie had died, 3 ½ since our lab had passed. Went to a no kill […]

Rebelling against boundaries Proverbs 15-29 Romans 8:15

Hebrews 3:12-15 (ESV) 12 Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. 13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For […]

Blinking cursor Luke 6:27 Matthew 5:7

Luke 6:27-30 (ESV) 27 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” Matthew 5:7 (NIV) “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” I guess that, (if news reports are correct and […]

Live the dash Philippians 1:21

Philippians 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 4:12 (ESV) 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. Buying a cemetery plot for my […]

Vanilla ice cream Psalms 51:10

Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Vanilla ice cream. Why,when you can have chocolate peanut butter? Or sea salt caramel truffle? Or hazelnut chocolate chip? Or decadent chocolate moose tracks (right next to the regular chocolate moose tracks, vanilla moose tracks, and what’s next […]

A thank you from Nev

Nev would like to say thank you to everyone who has donated. https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipNXTkALEuJyz4MHQiajiKRiZR2ejvn0JSbMSEZA

How to recognize a blessing Philippians 4:11-13

Philippians 4:11-13 (ESV) 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance […]

And that’s a blessing Psalm 139:7-12

Psalm 139:7-12 MSG) 7-12 Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit? to be out of your sight? If I climb to the sky, you’re there! If I go underground, you’re there! If I flew on morning’s wings to the far western horizon, You’d find me in a minute— you’re already there waiting! […]

Easing toward a new, altered normality 2 Corinthians 7:9-11

Our church filled with family, friends, and coworkers. Their heartfelt sorrow and compassion palatable as they hugged us and cried for our pain. We are blessed to have what we have. Then, slowly, after we said goodbye to Kathryn, it emptied. Easing toward a new, altered normality. 2 Corinthians 7:9-11 (ESV) 9 As it is, […]

The world doesn’t stop 1 John 4:7-10

A family in family in the Chicago area is drawn together by death come too soon, and the traffic outside our home continues. The world doesn’t stop for our grieving. We’re not alone though. A family in Chicago proper, I don’t know them except for the news reports, is in the same place. Another family […]

Looking for peace. 1 John 4:12-13 Mark 6:30-34 John 7:14-19

1 John 4:12-13 (NIV) 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 13 This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. Mark 6:30-34 (ESV) 30 […]

We should not have to bury our child. Psalm 139:4-6 Song of Solomon 2:11-13

Psalm 139:4-6 (ESV) 4 Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. 5 You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. No parent should have to bury a […]

Isn’t this what we want? Galatians 3:24-29

“there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female” Galatians 3:24-29 (ESV) 24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26 for in Christ Jesus you […]

Tolerance or Reconciliation? Ephesians 2:14-17

Ephesians 2:14-17 (NIV) 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, […]

Anti Ecclesiastes 7:9

Ecclesiastes 7:9 (ESV) 9 Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools. How do you all feel about “Anti’s”? Anti’s are against everything and for nothing. Anti’s are, in my experience, based purely on emotion and very little reason. Comfort puppies, coloring books and crayons after […]

Sometimes life… 1 Peter 2:19-21 Colossians 3:12-14

1 Peter 2:19-21 (ESV) 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing […]

Huh what? 2 Corinthians 5:16-19

2 Corinthians 5:16-19 (KJV) 16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. […]

Flourish! Hebrews 11:6

Hebrews 11:6 (ESV) 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. That makes a lot of sense – if we want to draw near to God, we need to believe that he exists. […]

It’s a new race today Galatians 5:13-15

Galatians 5:13-6:10 (ESV) 13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, […]

Why should He? Isaiah 42:8 Luke 22:31-34

Isaiah 42:8 (NIV) 8 “I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols. Luke 22:31-34 (ESV) 31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may […]

Yes is good, no is not. Genesis 3:2-5 Matthew 7:7-11 Luke 2:33-35

Genesis 3:2-5 (ESV) 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” 4 But […]

Please, go to the Doctor Proverbs 11:18 Luke 5:31-32

Proverbs 11:18 (ESV) 18 The wicked earns deceptive wages, but one who sows righteousness gets a sure reward. Sure, everyone knows that karma will catch up to you in the end. Call it karma, fate, destiny, whatever, it’s just that if you pee in everyone’s Wheaties long enough, you’ll end up with a lot of […]

The road he set Psalm 119:1-8 Luke 2:25-32

Psalm 119:1-8 (MSG) 119 1-8 You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God. You’re blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him. That’s right—you don’t go off on your own; you walk straight along the road he set. Luke 2:25-32 (MSG) 25-32 In Jerusalem […]

Let’s make Christmas last all year long Isaiah 9:6 Luke 2:8-11

Isaiah 9:6 (ESV) 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Luke 2:8-11 (ESV) 8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the […]

Miracles, love, hope and life Isaiah 7:14 Luke 1:30-35 Matthew 1:19-24

Isaiah 7:14 (ESV) Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Luke 1:30-35 (ESV) 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive […]

Find the Peace Isaiah 9:6 Matthew 1:18-19 Matthew 24:23-28

Isaiah 9:6 (ESV) 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Matthew 1:18-21 (ESV) 18 Now the birth of the Christ took place in this way. […]

What we wear Psalm 119:11 Matthew 23:1-12

Psalm 119:11 (NIV) 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Matthew 23:1-12 (ESV) 23 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, 3 so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the […]

When I get where I’m going Isaiah 7:14 Deuteronomy 18:15 Luke 1:34-38

Isaiah 7:14 (ESV) 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (God with us). Deuteronomy 18:15 (NIV) 15 The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. […]

I sold my hamster wheel Proverbs 18:2 Matthew 19:30 John 1:14

Proverbs 18:2 (ESV) 2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. Went to the mall yesterday to get some traditional christmas gifts for the family. First time I’ve been to the mall in a couple of years. What a freaking zoo. 40% off outrageously priced product, blah, blah, blah. […]

Oceans of Justice, Rivers of Fairness Psalm 85:10-13 Amos 5:24

Psalm 85:10-13 (NIV) 10 Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other. 11 Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven. 12 The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. 13 Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his […]

Serve to win it all for all of us 1 Timothy 6:11-12 Matthew 20:25-38

1 Timothy 6:11-12 (MSG) 11-12 But you, Timothy, man of God: Run for your life from all this. Pursue a righteous life—a life of wonder, faith, love, steadiness, courtesy. Run hard and fast in the faith. Seize the eternal life, the life you were called to, the life you so fervently embraced in the presence […]

Off-roading Psalm 119:9 Matthew 12:48-50

Psalm 119:9 (ESV) 9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. Matthew 12:48-50 (MSG) 48-50 Jesus didn’t respond directly, but said, “Who do you think my mother and brothers are?” He then stretched out his hand toward his disciples. “Look closely. These are my mother and […]

Red letter campsites Micah 7:18 Matthew 18:18 Mark 1:25-27

Micah 7:18 (ISV) Is there any God like you, forgiving iniquity, passing over transgressions by the survivors who are your heritage? He is not angry forever, because he delights in gracious love. Matthew 18:18 (NIV) 18 “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose […]

Proverbs 8:12 Matthew 5:6 Move

Proverbs 8:12 (NIV) 12 “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion. Matthew 5:6(MSG) 6 “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat. There is wisdom, then there’s wisdom. The first wisdom is surface level, might be good […]

Obtaining an outcome we can live with forever 1 Peter 1:8-9

1 Peter 1:8-9 (ESV) 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8-9 (MSG) 8-9 You never […]

Smoke on the water Psalm 84 Mark 6:47-50

Psalm 84 (ESV) 84 How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! 2 My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. Mark 6:47-50 (NIV) 47 Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he […]

Have a good time! Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 Isaiah 40:27-31 John 12:35-40

Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 (MSG) 18-20 After looking at the way things are on this earth, here’s what I’ve decided is the best way to live: Take care of yourself, have a good time, and make the most of whatever job you have for as long as God gives you life. And that’s about it. That’s the […]

Raining hope Job 11-13 Matthew 15:29-31 1 Corinthians 1:27-32

Job 11-13 (MSG) And yes, it’s God who fills clouds with rainwater and hurls lightning from them every which way. He puts them through their paces—first this way, then that and commands them to do what he says all over the world. Whether for discipline or grace or extravagant love, he makes sure they make […]

Broken vessels Psalm 19:1-4 Ecclesiastes 5:15 Romans 1:20

Psalm 19 (NIV) 1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. 3 They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. 4 Yet their voice goes out into […]

Standing up to bullies Luke 12:4-7 Matthew 4:5-7 Mark 8:34-35

Luke 12:4-7 (MSG) 4-5 “I’m speaking to you as dear friends. Don’t be bluffed into silence or insincerity by the threats of religious bullies. True, they can kill you, but then what can they do? There’s nothing they can do to your soul, your core being. Save your fear for God, who holds your entire […]

Let’s go home together 1 Chronicles 16:34-36 Luke 12:8-9 Luke 21:34-36

1 Chronicles 16:34-36 (MSG) 34-36 Give thanks to God—he is good and his love never quits. Say, “Save us, Savior God, round us up and get us out of these godless places, So we can give thanks to your holy Name, and bask in your life of praise.” Blessed be God, the God of Israel, […]

To build or not to build? Psalm 105:1 1 Corinthians 16:13

Psalm 105(ESV) 105 Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NIV) 13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. There comes a time to stand and be counted. There are a couple of ways to do […]

Family, freedom, responsibility and courage Proverbs 6:6-11 John 6:27 Deuteronomy 31:6

Proverbs 6:6-11 (MSG) 6-11 You lazy fool, look at an ant. Watch it closely; let it teach you a thing or two. Nobody has to tell it what to do. All summer it stores up food; at harvest it stockpiles provisions. So how long are you going to laze around doing nothing? How long before […]

Wasting space Ecclesiastes 5:10 John 3:5-8

Ecclesiastes 5:10 (NIV) 10 Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless. John 3:5-8The Message (MSG) 5-6 Jesus said, “You’re not listening. Let me say it again. Unless a person submits to this original creation—the ‘wind-hovering-over-the-water’ creation, the invisible moving the visible, a baptism […]

We all have faith in something Hebrews 11:3, 6 Luke 21:1-4

Hebrews 11:3 (NIV) 3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. At the end of all the arguments, we all have faith. It’s impossible not to for this simple reason. As we move higher and higher in […]

Light chasing dark 1 John 1:5-10 Luke 19:45-48

1 John 1:5-10 (MSG) 5 This, in essence, is the message we heard from Christ and are passing on to you: God is light, pure light; there’s not a trace of darkness in him. 6-7 If we claim that we experience a shared life with him and continue to stumble around in the dark, we’re […]

Created for good works Ephesians 2:10, 1-6

Ephesians 2:10 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. The lead off to this passage is about grace. We’ve all heard about amazing grace – captured in a great song by Wilbur Wilberforce. Great song, inspirational, something about it […]

Forward is The Way Luke 19:5-10 Galatians 2:20 (ESV)

Luke 19:5-10 (ESV) 5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for fI must stay at your house today.” 6 So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. 7 And when they saw it, they all grumbled, “He has gone in […]

The only way forward Lamentations 3:22-24 1 John 3:11

Lamentations 3:22-24 (ESV) 22 Because of the steadfast love of the Lord, we are not cut off; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” 1 John 3:11 (NIV) 11 For […]

Hatred stirs up conflict Proverbs 10-12 Isaiah 41:10 Luke 21:8

Proverbs 10:12 (NIV) Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs. Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) 10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Luke 21:8 (NIV) 8 […]

If you love, you know God. 1 John 4:8 John 14:1-4

1 John 4:8 (NIV) Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. The flip side of this statement is that if you know love, you know God, even if you don’t know think you know God. That makes the reality of permanent separation from Him something that’s so hard to fathom. […]

Truth is where? 1 John 4 Psalm 16:1-4

1 John 4 (NIV) 4 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. Psalm 16:1-4 (NIV) 1 Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge. 2 I say to the Lord, “You […]

Meditating on truth Philippians 4:9-14 John 11:25-27

Philippians 4:9-14 (MSG) 8-9 Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard […]

Set free from what? John 8:31-32 John 10:25-30 1 John 4:7

John 8:31-32 (ESV) 31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 10:25-30(ESV) 25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works […]

Intransigence Deuteronomy 9:13 James 1:22

Deuteronomy 9:13(ESV) 13 “Furthermore, the Lord said to me, ‘I have seen this people, and behold, it is a stubborn people. James 1:22 (NIV) 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Intransigence. Intransigence is a stubborn refusal to change your views. The word describes us pretty […]

Home 2 Chronicles 20:1-13 1 Peter 2:24-25

2 Chronicles 20:1-13 (MSG) 20 1-2 Some time later the Moabites and Ammonites, accompanied by Meunites, joined forces to make war on Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat received this intelligence report: “A huge force is on its way from beyond the Dead Sea to fight you. There’s no time to waste—they’re already at Hazazon Tamar, the oasis of […]

Rebuilding plan and the Cubs Job 5:12-16 Acts 5:38-39

Job 5:12-16 (MSG) What a Blessing When God Corrects You! 8-16 “If I were in your shoes, I’d go straight to God, I’d throw myself on the mercy of God. After all, he’s famous for great and unexpected acts; there’s no end to his surprises. He gives rain, for instance, across the wide earth, sends […]

Light, vision, action John 8:12 Daniel 2:19-23 1 John 3:18

John 8:12 (ESV) Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. Daniel 2:19-23 (MSG) That night the answer to the mystery was given to Daniel in a vision. Daniel blessed the God of heaven, saying, […]

Conquerors and contempt Revelation 3:20-21 Matthew 7:1-5

Revelation 3:20-21 (MSG) 20-21 “Look at me. I stand at the door. I knock. If you hear me call and open the door, I’ll come right in and sit down to supper with you. Conquerors will sit alongside me at the head table, just as I, having conquered, took the place of honor at the […]

Indulgence Matthew 7:24-25

Matthew 7:24-25 (ESV) 24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been […]

Slanderous heart Ephesians 4:29

Ephesians 4:29 (NIV) 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Do you think this is about swear words and foul language or about slander, gossip and an impure heart? It’s […]

Fear? Psalm 27:1 Mark 8:35-38

Psalm 27:1 (ESV) 27 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Mark 8:35-38 (ESV) 35 For whoever would save his soul will lose it, but whoever loses his soul for my sake and the gospel’s will […]

Lets see if I have this right John 3:16

Let’s see if I have this right: 16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 We’ve heard that, seen it displayed in the endzone, blah, blah, blah. But what does it mean? What’s behind it? What’s […]

The Way home Psalm 56:3-4 Luke 13:22-30

Psalm 56:3-4 (MSG) 56 1-4 Take my side, God—I’m getting kicked around, stomped on every day. Not a day goes by but somebody beats me up; They make it their duty to beat me up. When I get really afraid I come to you in trust. I’m proud to praise God; fearless now, I trust […]

When the leaven breaks Matthew 7:12 Luke 13:20-21

Matthew 7:12 (ESV) 12 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Luke 13:20-21 (ESV) 20 And again he said, “To what shall I compare the kingdom of God? 21 It is like leaven that a woman took and hid in […]

Executing the plan Luke 6:27-28 Isaiah 58:6-12

Luke 6:27-28 (NIV) 27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Isaiah 58:6-12 (MSG) 6-9 “This is the kind of fast day I’m after: to break the chains of injustice, get rid […]

Servitude Colossians 3:23-24 Matthew 5:43-47 1 Peter 2:9-10

Colossians 3:23-24 (MSG) 22-25 Servants, do what you’re told by your earthly masters. And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that […]

Dry land, raging oceans Genesis 1:1-2

Genesis 1:1-2 (GNT) 1 In the beginning, when God began to create the universe, 2 the earth was formless and desolate. The raging ocean that covered everything was engulfed in total darkness, and the Spirit of God was moving over the water. Quite a start. The Spirit of God was moving across the water. The […]

Dealing with dichotomy Luke 12:49-51 Matthew 6:2 John 18:36 Romans 5:6

Luke 12:49-51 (MSG) 49-53 “I’ve come to start a fire on this earth—how I wish it were blazing right now! I’ve come to change everything, turn everything rightside up—how I long for it to be finished! Do you think I came to smooth things over and make everything nice? Not so. I’ve come to disrupt […]

What a fool believes Proverbs 15:5

Proverbs 15:5 (NIV) 5 A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence. But what a fool believes he sees – No wise man has the power to reason away (Doobie Bros). That song is about Mars and Venus – a man chasing a woman he never paid his mind to. If […]