And His sheep follow Him because they know His voice. John 10:4 In his book, Building a Church of Small Groups, Bill Donahue relays a story from his early years as…

You will remain in my love.  John 15:10 Jesus constantly described His relationship to the Father and our relationship to Him as one of love.   “When we walk with the…

Let your light so shine before men. Matthew 5:16 Let your light shine!  Yet, the paradox is that your light does not in any way emphasize you. Jesus said, “Let your…

In this digital age, one can instantaneously acquire information on any given subject with the simply stroke of a key.  But does the acquisition of facts guarantee that one will accurately…

A time to be silent. Ecclesiastes 3:7 Silence is a struggle for many.  Sitting quietly and allowing God’s Holy Spirit to create for you a divine moment of listening has become…

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 I recently read an excerpt…

We do not lose heart. 2 Corinthians 4:1 Paul, the first century apostle and missionary who knew both the glory of being called by God as well as the sufferings…

To obey is better than sacrifice. I Samuel 15:22 The value of obedience over sacrifice expresses the piercing and precise message of judgment from the prophet Samuel to King Saul.  The…

I wrote this devotion one year ago today, as our church planned a return to the onsite worship after a pandemic closing.  Be encouraged by these words as many continue to…

The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad. Psalm 126:3 Charles Spurgeon once heard someone pray, “we desire to be glad.”  He called this a “strange dilution and…

“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of…

But God gives the increase. I Corinthians 3:7 Paul once confronted the Christians in the church of Corinth concerning their incessant  quarreling.  It seems that there were many issues that perpetuated…

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28. Have you ever considered how God…

I was recently kayaking with a friend.  We had been out for over three hours and were returning back to our point of origin across Broad Bay (a beautiful and scenic…

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7 Therefore, I tell you, whatever you…

Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8 The story is told of an ordinary goldfish that…

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10 “The name of the Lord” signifies all that God is in Himself and…

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15 The great preacher Charles surgeon once spoke on…

For He Himself is our peace. Ephesians 2:14 “First put yourself at peace, and then you may the better make others be at peace. A peaceful and patient man is…

Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. John 5:8-9 May you renew your…

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation. I Peter 2:2 Pure milk!  No better analogy could befit one’s pure spiritual hunger than…

If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot disown himself. 2 Timothy 2:13 God is faithful.  Even in the context of our unfaithfulness, He remains faithful.  He will not in…

He called his servants and entrusted His property to them. Matthew 25:14 How does one measure his or her faithfulness in following and serving Christ our Lord?  What results in Jesus…

Imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. Hebrews 6:12 The Scriptures call us to imitate both those faithful servants of God who have gone before us, and…

That I may know Him in the fellowship of His sufferings. Philippians 3:10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may…

“I want to know Christ.” In Philippians 3:10, Paul exclaimed, “I want to know Christ, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His suffering.” This poured forth from Paul’s…

What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Philippians 3:8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of…

THREE WAYS EASTER IMPACTS OUR LIVES TODAY Theologian Wolfhart Pannenberg writes, “The evidence for Jesus’ resurrection is so strong that nobody would question it except for two things: first, it…

That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection. Philippians 3:10 Believers are brought not only to redemption, but to the redeemer Himself.   To know Jesus represents more than just…

We ought always to give thanks to God for you. 2 Thessalonians 1:3 Thank you!  And praise God for you, church.  Regardless of the name under which you gather to minister and worship…

The hope laid up for you in heaven which you heard in the word of truth, the gospel. Colossians 1:5  The Gospel!  The “good news” of Jesus Christ.  The message of the…

And I pray that your love may abound more and more. Philippians 1:9 Paul’s heart for the living and abiding church was such a distinct expression of His life.  Although he…

Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 God does not begin…

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ. Philippians 1:27 The “Hmar tribe” of northeast India was once known as a tribe of fierce headhunters, infamous…

Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven! Matthew 21:9 Hosanna in the highest! Mark 11:10 Blessed is the King…

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life.”   John 11:25 Jesus is life.  In the midst of sickness, death, fear, and sorrow, Jesus is indeed the only source of life,…

So that you may believe. John 11:15 The story of Lazarus raised from the dead stands in Biblical history as a revelation of Jesus’ power over death that became ultimately proven on…

Mary Magdalene came announcing, “I have seen the Lord.”  John 20:18 He is risen. He is risen indeed.   For 2,000 years, the church has gathered to celebrate the resurrection of…

One of the greatest announcements of Jesus in all of His earthly ministry comes amid a very real and personal story about the death of a dear friend.  Enter this story…

He said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and released his spirit.                                                                                                      John 19:30 The cross was the goal of Jesus from the onset. His birth began the intended…

In the same way, after the supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” Luke 22:20 On that sacred…

“But I have this one thing against you, that you have left your first love.”  Revelation 2:4 Loving God and loving others!  This is essential to our identity as children of…

“Therefore, He is able to save completely.”    Hebrews 7:25 Sometimes followers of Jesus can forget or grow spiritually numb to the foundational facts of salvation. Sometimes the personal journey of discipleship,…

“Let us not grow weary in doing good.” Galatians 6:9 “We are all very apt to tire in our Christian duties. This we should carefully watch and guard against.” (Matthew…

“Pray and do not lose heart.” Luke 18:1 This was the directive Jesus gave to His disciples as they could not fully comprehend our Lord’s teaching concerning the Parousia (His second coming…

“If my people pray.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 I realize there is more to this verse than these four simple words.  But the message is unmistakable: if my people pray. The Ancient Story….

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.  Ephesians 6:10 Phillips Brooks, beloved American clergyman and author (1835-1893), has reminded us of the greater prayer:  “Do not pray for…

“. . . not forsaking our togetherness . . .” Hebrews 10:25 We must remain together.  We must remember that we were made for relationships.  And we cannot in any way isolate…

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Psalm 20:7 This ancient Psalm represents inspired words from a king’s heart for a…

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21 One irreducible truth!  One!  To live for Christ!      This verse represents a personal reflection of the Apostle Paul…

“Do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is, and do not get drunk with wine. . . but be filled with the Spirit.” Ephesians 5:17-18…

“. . . that seasons of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Acts 3:19 When difficult times arise, one may tend to think only of “survival” instead of “revival.”  Every expert…

So, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. I Corinthians 10:31 Today, I ask the question, “what drives you?”  What motivates…

“Our momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory.” 2 Corinthians 4:17 Father John Sergieff was a priest who ministered in Kronstadt, Russian in the mid-19th Century.  This was a time…

“For God, who said “let light shine out of darkness. . .” 2 Corinthians 4:6 (a) First words!  If you were to turn back to the opening of the Bible – back…

    Does the intensity of your faith in Jesus match the immensity of His supply for you?   Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry,…

“He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance.” Acts 28:31 The book of Acts reveals the story of the church developing and…

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31 “What shall we say to these things?”  The Apostle Paul referenced…

“Be Strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” Ephesians 6:10 Chaplain George Metcalf once said to General George Patton, “courage is fear that has said its…

“Call to me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3 Calm in the midst of crisis.  Prayer in…

“I have set the Lord continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 16:8 David offers a song of praise recognizing a life of companionship with God.  This…

“For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 2 Timothy 1:6 “Fan to…

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous…

“Fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith.”   Hebrews 12:2 The year was 1820.  The location was the small township of Brewster, New York.  A little girl was born…

“In the Lord our God is the salvation of Israel.” Jeremiah 3:23 This is indeed our song, even as it was for Israel of old: God is our salvation.  The prophet announced…

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 What an amazing invitation! And, what a wonderfully personal and relevant concern the very…

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “rulers and elders, of the people, if we are on trial for a benefit done to a sick man, as…

Faith comes by hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17 “My evidence that I am saved does not lie in the fact…

“Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.” Romans 10:4 Paul once expressed that his fellow countrymen (his fellow Israelites) were…

Spectator, overcomer, or doubter?  Which are you?  A simple story from the pages of the Gospel gives us a depiction of each.   “I want you to know that the Son of Man…

“We tell you the good news: What God promised our ancestors, He has fulfilled for us, by raising up Jesus.” Acts 13:32-33 John Wesley, Anglican clergyman, evangelist, and founder of Methodism,…

Today, pray for Ukraine.  Pray for those who are in harm’s way at this very moment.  Pray for families torn apart.  Pray for a country torn apart.  Pray against the evil that perpetuates through…

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” Ephesians 3:20 How can we better depend…

In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice; in the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch.  Psalm 5:3 The Washington Post featured a…

“How blessed is the one whose sin is forgiven.”  Psalm 32:1 Several years ago, the New York Times covered the story of a man by the name of Robert Salzman who…

LIVING SACRIFICE  “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper…

“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret . . .” Psalm 37 Speaking of blowing one’s horn at another driver because the traffic flow was not conducive,…

“Gotcha Day!” In recent years I have posted stories about adoption, and the beautiful and ceremonial expression of “gotcha” day – the day that marks the adoption as final. Today…

Be still and wait patiently for the Lord. Do not fret. . .” Psalm 37:7 A Way of Life An article from NPR (National Public Radio News) once claimed that we as…

[Continued from the February 12th devotion] “Do not fret.” Psalm 37:1 With every encounter in life that pushes against us, we usually make one of two choices: respond to God’s nature in…

How can worshippers today move themselves out of the way to truly give to God the worship He deserves?  Here are four directives that will motivate your heart to sincere worship.  …

Strong Enough  “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.” 2 Peter 1:3 POWER!  Jesus…

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will…

7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God…

“Do not fret because of evil doers, be not envious of wrongdoers.” Psalm 37:1 From fretting to favor!  What a move many need to make! And God appointed David to convey these truths,…

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” Psalm 150:6 The people of God are a people of praise.  You are a person of praise.  Praise does not merely reflect a specific…

Today, receive encouragement for your personal walk of faith from three specific passages in the letter to the Ephesians.  “For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to…

Community. Faith. Love.  It is just that simple. Community represents first, membership into the Kingdom of God and then, membership into the local church.  Membership into God’s kingdom is described in Colossians 1:13…

He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed.” I Peter 2:24 This…

“Cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.” I Peter 5:7 Cast your cares on Him! What a simple and powerful response to life’s worries!   We may often think,…

He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. Matthew 8:26 In the Gospel of…

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6…

When Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those following Him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” Matthew 8:10 JESUS MARVELED.  Can you…

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”  Hebrews 11:1 How can faith become more than something spoken?  How can faith become…

“We tell you the good news: what God has promised our fathers He has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus.”  Acts 13:32 In a Barna Research survey, the question…

The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28 Servant leadership represents the way of the kingdom.  The…

Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 As we further consider how to…

This I recall to my mind; therefore, I have hope. Lamentations 3:21 There is much talk today about where one places his or her trust.  There are authors and self-help gurus who…