Ephesians 4:22-24 (NLT) 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. Another powerful night at the jail. Hadn’t been […]
Read more "“I want you to show mercy…” Ephesians 4:22-24"Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NLT) 18 The greater my wisdom, the greater my grief. To increase knowledge only increases sorrow. Met with someone who’s son in law’s brother (call him Jim) went back out there (drug/alcohol abuse) and his marriage is in jeopardy. Two kids, 3 years and 18 months old. Wife looking to seperate. Jim is […]
Read more "My life is better without _______. Ecclesiastes 1:18"Psalm 33:3 (NLT) 3 Sing a new song of praise to him; play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy. So, we were entrusted with our neighbors dog, their family pet (we’ll call him Dog), while they went on vacation eight hours away by plane. Dog and our dogs get along very well, romping, […]
Read more "Lost dog returns (literally) Psalm 33:3"Psalm 86:4-5(NLT) 4 Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you. 5 O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help. It’s the ultimate security blanket. Such a good Lord so full of unfailing love to those who ask […]
Read more "Security blanket Psalm 86:4-5"Luke 1:37 (ESV) 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” James 1:5-6 (NLT) 5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, […]
Read more "Genie in a bottle Luke 1:37"1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NLT) 19 Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. How do your […]
Read more "Furnishing your temple 1 Corinthians 6:19-20"Romans 8:29 (NLT) 29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. Shouting! Why don’t people get this? Why does the world so hate Christ? What is it about His message that garners such […]
Read more "Shout! Romans 8:29"1 John 3:17 (NLT) 17 If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? Shows no compassion. Shows no compassion. What a world. I used to drive by a jail or other penal institution and think “lock […]
Read more "Compassion John 3:17"Psalm 27:1 (NLT) 1 The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? Protecting me from danger. Sutherland Springs. So many folks are blogging about what good prayer did. Nice. Compassionate. Let’s politicize it as quickly […]
Read more "Evil vs. my fortress Psalm 27:1"Psalm 34:8 (NLT) 8 Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! While I’ve had my share of crappy life, including losing a daughter, my father way to early, marriages (plural), jobs, etc. These are nothing like the problems others are facing and they are […]
Read more "How can this be good? Psalm 34:8"John 4:26 (NLT) 26 Then Jesus told her, “I am the Messiah!” Christ didn’t claim to be a god, he clearly and unequivocally claims to be God. Singular, as in the only God. That doesn’t leave room for any others to be God, only a god, a false god. 2 Samuel 7:22 (ESV) 22 Therefore […]
Read more "Worldview John 4:26"1 Peter 4:12-13(NLT) 12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 13 Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is […]
Read more "Life sucks and we’re supposed to be glad? 1 Peter 4:12-13 (NLT)"Proverbs 12:18 (NLT) 18 Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. Ain’t that the truth. So, why do we have so many cutting remarks and so little healing going on? Have we lost the ability to listen to wisdom or have we abandoned wisdom? Or is wisdom just shouted […]
Read more "Listening to wisdom Proverbs 12:18"Hebrews 4:12 (NLT) 12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Acts 13:47 (NLT) 47 “For the Lord gave us this command when he said, ‘I have made you […]
Read more "Iron, alive Hebrews 4:12"Proverbs 22:6 (NLT) 6 Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. It sure seems that way. Raise them wrong and it takes a miracle to get them back. And were good at raising them wrong. Maybe it’s because I spend so much time with the […]
Read more "The right path"Revelation 4:11 (NLT) 11 “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.” Prove it wrong please. Please show me the definitive proof that God isn’t who he says he is. You can’t, any more than […]
Read more "Holiday at the Sea Revelation 4:11"Psalm 136:1-3 (NLT) 1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. 2 Give thanks to the God of gods. His faithful love endures forever. 3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords. His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 66:16-20 (NLT) 16 Come and listen, all you who fear […]
Read more "6502"James 1:12-14 (NLT) 12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never […]
Read more "Test James 1:12-14"Proverbs 25:21-22 (NIV) 21. If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, 22. for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you. I’m shaking my head wondering if there’s anyone out there listening to the wisdom of […]
Read more "How to Defeat Your Enemy Proverbs 25:21-22"“A European Astronomical Observatory is Announcing an ‘Unprecedented Discovery’ “IN BRIEF “According to an announcement from the ESO, scientists working at the observatory have witnessed an astronomical phenomenon that has never been seen before. The details of this discovery will be released next week.” I wonder why we call it unprecedented. I wonder why we […]
Read more "Unprecedented discovery 1 Corinthians 15:58"James 4:8 (NLT) 8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Isaiah 32:17 (NLT) 17 And this righteousness will bring peace. Yes, it will bring quietness and confidence forever. Think of a divided […]
Read more "Loyalty divided James 4:8"Psalm 143:10 (ESV) Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground! Ephesians 2:4-5 (ESV) But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with […]
Read more "Teach me Psalm 143:10"2 Corinthians 7:1 (NLT) 7 Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God. Philippians 1:6 (NLT) 6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue […]
Read more "Promises 2Corinthians 7:1"Psalms 5:11-12 11. But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. 12. For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield. Isaiah 30:21 (NLT) 21 […]
Read more "Evil Psalms 5:11-12"Psalms 4:8 (NIV) 8. In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. 1 Corinthians 15:32-34 (ESV) 32 What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we […]
Read more "Path to eternity Psalms 4:8"Romans 8:32(NLT) 32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? Hope. Such a powerful thing. Light in darkness, a beacon to guide. Where does your hope come from? Do you have any hope? I know many who are hopeless […]
Read more "Hope in grace Romans 8:32"Psalm 119:105 (NLT) 105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Imagine if Warren Buffett, Elon Musk, and Edward Witten showed up at your door and said that they were going to personally advise you for the rest of your life – and they were going to […]
Read more "Pick your stink"Proverbs 23:12 (NLT) 12 Commit yourself to instruction; listen carefully to words of knowledge. Philippians 4:19 (NIV) 19. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. There are two types of dogs: The ones that get skunked once and those that get skunked many, many […]
Read more "Life is like a skunk Proverbs 23:12 Philippians 4:19"Romans 1:16-17 (NIV) 16. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith,as it is written, “The righteous shall live […]
Read more "This I’ve learned the hard way Romans 1:16-17"John 6:51 (NLT) 51 “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh.” Galatians 6:7 (NLT) 7 Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what […]
Read more "Fascinating things. John 6:51"Matthew 5:43-44 (NLT) 43 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” Proverbs 21:17 (NLT) 17 Those who love pleasure become poor; those who love wine and luxury will never be rich. Rich. Rich is being […]
Read more "Really rich Matthew 5:43-44"Hebrews 3:4 (NLT) 4 For every house has a builder, but the one who built everything is God. Acts 20:32 (NLT) 32 “And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for […]
Read more "The builders builder Hebrews 3:4"Leviticus 20:26 (NLT) 26 You must be holy because I, the Lord, am holy. I have set you apart from all other people to be my very own. Jeremiah 17:9 (NLT) 9 The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? You must be […]
Read more "Good enough Leviticus 20:26"Colossians 1:17-18 (NLT) 17 He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. 18 Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything. Why? We think we humans are the top of […]
Read more "Alt Delete Colossians 1:17-18"Matthew 6:24 (NLT) 24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.” Matthew 8:26 (NLT) 26 Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he […]
Read more "Passions Matthew 6:24"1 John 4:10-11(ESV) 10. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. Propitiation. An action. An appeasement. A satisfying. An atonement. The ultimate […]
Read more "Believe. Love. Go forward. "Romans 10:17 17. So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Or does it? Everyone has faith in something even if they don’t believe in Christ. Why? You have faith that you exist and that it all started somewhere, sometime, right? But we don’t know how it all started. We have […]
Read more "Faith comes Romans 10:17"Hebrews 13:5 (NLT) 5 Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” 1 John 3:24 (NLT) 24 Those who obey God’s commandments remain in fellowship with him, and he with them. And we know he lives in us because the […]
Read more "To be honored Hebrews 13:5, 1 John 3:24"Psalms 34:8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Colossian 2:6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. Taste and […]
Read more "Taste and see Psalms 34:8 Colossians 2:6"Numbers 23:19 God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? Isn’t that the truth. God isn’t human. The first indication is that he doesn’t lie. That tells us quite a bit about […]
Read more "Yes and yet Numbers 23:19"Luke 12:6-7 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Mark 13:5-6 (ESV) And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads […]
Read more "The path home Luke 12:6-7"James 1:17-18 (NIV) 17. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. I like the […]
Read more "As it begins, so it continues… James 1:17-18"1 Kings 8:27 27. “But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built! John 8:12 (NLT) 12 Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have […]
Read more "A simple statement. A simple fact."John 15:16 (NLT) 16 You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. Matthew 6:24 (ESV) 24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, […]
Read more "Smoke and Mirrors John 15:16"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"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"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"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"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"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 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"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"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 […]
Read more "Consistently Matthew 6:25-33 Hebrews 13:5-10"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"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 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"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 […]
Read more "Yoke up Isaiah 55:10-11"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"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 […]
Read more "What’s your fight about? Ephesians 1-3 "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 […]
Read more "You can see it in their eyes Proverbs 18:12-14"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"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"“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 […]
Read more "Isn’t this what we want? Galatians 3:24-29"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"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"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"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"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"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 […]
Read more "Home 2 Chronicles 20:1-13 1 Peter 2:24-25"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"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"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 […]
Read more "Dealing with dichotomy Luke 12:49-51 Matthew 6:2 John 18:36 Romans 5:6"Proverbs 8:12-13 (ESV) 12 “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion. 13 The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate. Hebrews 1:1-2 (ESV) 1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our […]
Read more "Hatred Proverbs 8:12-13 Hebrews 1:1-2"Luke 10:20 (ESV) 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Romans 6:21 (ESV) 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 […]
Read more "Time Luke 10:20 Romans 6:21 2 Peter 3:8-9"
Just broken 