Matthew 6:1-4 (NLT) 6 “Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. 2 When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of […]
Read more "What kind of salt are you? Matthew 6:1-4"Matthew 7:1-5 (ESV) 7 “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is […]
Read more "Following the plan Matthew 7:1-5"Isaiah 40:26 26. Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Not one of them is missing. That […]
Read more "Not one of them is missing Isaiah 40:26"Jeremiah 31:3 3. The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. John 18:36 (MSG) 36 “My kingdom,” said Jesus, “doesn’t consist of what you see around you. If it did, my followers would fight so that I wouldn’t be […]
Read more "What about it? Jeremiah 31:3"2 Samuel 22:31 (NLT) 31 “God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. 2 Samuel 22:31 (NIV) 31 “As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. 2 Samuel 22:31 […]
Read more "Run for cover 2 Samuel 22:31"Psalm 32:1-2 (NIV) 1 Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 2 Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. Isaiah 26:4 (NIV) 4. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock […]
Read more "Go do. Psalm 32:1-2 Isaih 26:4 Hebrews 13:1-2"Colossians 1:15-17 (NLT) 15 Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, 16 for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see— such as thrones, […]
Read more "It’s all in the red letters Colossians 1:15-17"Psalms 91:1-2 1. Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Romans 6:3-4 (NLT) 3 Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ […]
Read more "Psalms 91:1-2 The Fortress is always there"Isaiah 40:30-31 30. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31. but those who hope [wait, trust] in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. This world has its ways […]
Read more "Picking up with selfless abandon Isaiah 40:30-31"Isaiah 50:10 (ESV) Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the voice of his servant? Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God. Isaiah 50:10 (NLT) Who among you fears the LORD and obeys his servant? If you are walking […]
Read more "Meant to be seen Isaiah 50:10"Psalms 94:14-15 (NIV) 14. For the LORD will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance. 15. Judgment will again be founded on righteousness, and all the upright in heart will follow it. Judgement will again be founded on righteousness. In today’s craaaaazy messed up world, I really can’t wait. It seems that […]
Read more "The basics Psalms 94:14-15"Deuteronomy 8:17-18 17. You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” 18. But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is […]
Read more "Thbbft Deuteronomy 8:17-18"Psalm 145:18-19 (NLT) 18 The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. 19 He grants the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them. So close. He hears our cries when we “fear” him. The awe, incredibly […]
Read more "I’m off to get tutored Psalm 145:18-19"Proverbs 16:19 19. Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud. Matthew 5:1-12 5:1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:3 “Blessed are the […]
Read more "Where will you be? Proverbs 26:29"Proverbs 13:20 20. Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. Garbage in, garbage out. In the jail last night we had a very interesting conversation about “the cycle”. One guy is in for his 24th time. 24 times through the jail/court/jail system. Insanity? Yep. Insanity – we all […]
Read more "Amazing in, amazing out Proverbs 13:20"John 3:3 (ESV) 3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again[a] he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Footnotes: John 3:3 Or from above; the Greek is purposely ambiguous and can mean both again and from above Born again. Born from above. Regenerated, made a new creation. That’s […]
Read more "Create John 3:3"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 […]
Read more "Is it a wonder… Ephesians 2:1-3"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 […]
Read more "Sorry secular humanists…. Matthew 12:43-50"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 […]
Read more "The Spirit of Truth John 14:16-17"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 […]
Read more "Sink your roots 2 Samuel 7:28 Jeremiah 17:5-8"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 […]
Read more "Stand in the way Proverbs 12:19"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 […]
Read more "Choices matter John 11:25-26 Revelation 22:20"Psalms 27:14 14. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Ugh, OK
Read more "Ugh, OK Psalms 27:14"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 […]
Read more "The world needs a radical today Psalms 135:5-7"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 […]
Read more "Better, easier Matthew 5:14-16"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 […]
Read more "When “my grace is sufficient” is sufficient 2 Corinthians 12:9 Mark 8:34-38"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 […]
Read more "There’s a room for us John 14:2-3"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 […]
Read more "All aboard? Proverbs 21:21 Matthew 7:12"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 […]
Read more "Vanguard 1 John 4:15-20"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 […]
Read more "All we need is what we need. Proverbs 3:5-12"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) […]
Read more "No regrets Deuteronomy 32:4-5"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 […]
Read more "We need more gold. Joshua 1:7-9 Colossians 4:1 Matthew 7:12"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, […]
Read more "Stir up everyone Jeremiah 2:26-28"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 […]
Read more "I want freedom! Romans 6:20-23 John 6:35-40"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 […]
Read more "Wisdom for a better world Proverbs 1:7 Leviticus 19:18 Matthew 5:43-47"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 […]
Read more "Faith 1 Timothy 6:1"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 […]
Read more "Listen to your father Proverbs 13:1 1 Timothy 2:1-4"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 […]
Read more "Crooked path marked with crashes Proverbs 3:5-6"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 […]
Read more "Ice cream and anger 2 Corinthians 4:16"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 […]
Read more "Did anyone go back? Jeremiah 23:23-24"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 […]
Read more "It’s a good day to have a great God. Hebrews 6:11-12 (ESV) Matthew 6:1-4"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 […]
Read more "Anti-snowflake Psalms 46:1-3 Proverbs 15:31-32"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 […]
Read more "Blessings of a smiling dog Psalm 118:24"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 […]
Read more "Rebelling against boundaries Proverbs 15-29 Romans 8:15"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 […]
Read more "Live the dash Philippians 1:21"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 […]
Read more "Vanilla ice cream Psalms 51:10"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 […]
Read more "How to recognize a blessing Philippians 4:11-13"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! […]
Read more "And that’s a blessing Psalm 139:7-12"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, […]
Read more "Easing toward a new, altered normality 2 Corinthians 7:9-11"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 […]
Read more "The world doesn’t stop 1 John 4:7-10"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 […]
Read more "Looking for peace. 1 John 4:12-13 Mark 6:30-34 John 7:14-19"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 […]
Read more "We should not have to bury our child. Psalm 139:4-6 Song of Solomon 2:11-13"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, […]
Read more "Tolerance or Reconciliation? Ephesians 2:14-17"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 […]
Read more "Anti Ecclesiastes 7:9"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 […]
Read more "Sometimes life… 1 Peter 2:19-21 Colossians 3:12-14"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. […]
Read more "Huh what? 2 Corinthians 5:16-19"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. […]
Read more "Flourish! Hebrews 11:6"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, […]
Read more "It’s a new race today Galatians 5:13-15"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 […]
Read more "Why should He? Isaiah 42:8 Luke 22:31-34"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 […]
Read more "Yes is good, no is not. Genesis 3:2-5 Matthew 7:7-11 Luke 2:33-35"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 […]
Read more "Please, go to the Doctor Proverbs 11:18 Luke 5:31-32"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 […]
Read more "The road he set Psalm 119:1-8 Luke 2:25-32"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 […]
Read more "Miracles, love, hope and life Isaiah 7:14 Luke 1:30-35 Matthew 1:19-24"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. […]
Read more "Find the Peace Isaiah 9:6 Matthew 1:18-19 Matthew 24:23-28"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 […]
Read more "What we wear Psalm 119:11 Matthew 23:1-12"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. […]
Read more "When I get where I’m going Isaiah 7:14 Deuteronomy 18:15 Luke 1:34-38"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. […]
Read more "I sold my hamster wheel Proverbs 18:2 Matthew 19:30 John 1:14"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 […]
Read more "Oceans of Justice, Rivers of Fairness Psalm 85:10-13 Amos 5:24"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 […]
Read more "Serve to win it all for all of us 1 Timothy 6:11-12 Matthew 20:25-38"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 […]
Read more "Off-roading Psalm 119:9 Matthew 12:48-50"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 […]
Read more "Red letter campsites Micah 7:18 Matthew 18:18 Mark 1:25-27"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 […]
Read more "Obtaining an outcome we can live with forever 1 Peter 1:8-9"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 […]
Read more "Smoke on the water Psalm 84 Mark 6:47-50"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 […]
Read more "Have a good time! Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 Isaiah 40:27-31 John 12:35-40"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 […]
Read more "Raining hope Job 11-13 Matthew 15:29-31 1 Corinthians 1:27-32"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 […]
Read more "Broken vessels Psalm 19:1-4 Ecclesiastes 5:15 Romans 1:20"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 […]
Read more "Standing up to bullies Luke 12:4-7 Matthew 4:5-7 Mark 8:34-35"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, […]
Read more "Let’s go home together 1 Chronicles 16:34-36 Luke 12:8-9 Luke 21:34-36"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 […]
Read more "To build or not to build? Psalm 105:1 1 Corinthians 16:13"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 […]
Read more "Family, freedom, responsibility and courage Proverbs 6:6-11 John 6:27 Deuteronomy 31:6"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 […]
Read more "Wasting space Ecclesiastes 5:10 John 3:5-8"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 […]
Read more "We all have faith in something Hebrews 11:3, 6 Luke 21:1-4"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 […]
Read more "Created for good works Ephesians 2:10, 1-6"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 […]
Read more "The only way forward Lamentations 3:22-24 1 John 3:11"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 […]
Read more "Hatred stirs up conflict Proverbs 10-12 Isaiah 41:10 Luke 21:8"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. […]
Read more "If you love, you know God. 1 John 4:8 John 14:1-4"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 […]
Read more "Truth is where? 1 John 4 Psalm 16:1-4"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 […]
Read more "Meditating on truth Philippians 4:9-14 John 11:25-27"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 […]
Read more "Set free from what? John 8:31-32 John 10:25-30 1 John 4:7"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 […]
Read more "Intransigence Deuteronomy 9:13 James 1:22"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 […]
Read more "Rebuilding plan and the Cubs Job 5:12-16 Acts 5:38-39"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, […]
Read more "Light, vision, action John 8:12 Daniel 2:19-23 1 John 3:18"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 […]
Read more "Conquerors and contempt Revelation 3:20-21 Matthew 7:1-5"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 […]
Read more "Indulgence Matthew 7:24-25"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 […]
Read more "Slanderous heart Ephesians 4:29"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 […]
Read more "Fear? Psalm 27:1 Mark 8:35-38"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 […]
Read more "Lets see if I have this right John 3:16"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 […]
Read more "The Way home Psalm 56:3-4 Luke 13:22-30"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 […]
Read more "When the leaven breaks Matthew 7:12 Luke 13:20-21"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 […]
Read more "Executing the plan Luke 6:27-28 Isaiah 58:6-12"
Just broken 