Today is a pivotal time for the church. What do we do with Jesus’ commission? Uncertain times do make us hesitate. When the church scattered in Acts 8, they probably did so out of fear. Though we may know Jesus’ commission is not suspended, we can feel stuck.
Part 2 Fear filled the air, as a result of the martyrdom of Stephen. Within a few chapters, the church went from gladness and gathering to fear and scattering. The whole church was in crisis and lives were in danger. “That day a severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem” (Acts 8:1). Living here meant … Continue reading To the Ends of the Earth
Photo by Jens Johnsson on Pexels.com Part 1 As I study Luke and Acts, a theme I notice is one of uncertainty in the early church. Yet Luke, the author, also brings in a sense of assurance in the midst of it. It was the most certain of times. It was also the least certain … Continue reading Extending the Gospel in Uncertain Times
Today is a challenge. It is a challenge to know if what we are doing is the right thing. What we do, does it matter? Are we being “successful” though we are working from home, schooling our kids, meeting virtually, and tentatively planning for the future? In my questioning, I came across 3 women in … Continue reading 3 Successful Women in Luke and the Question they Might Ask
In the last post about the Trinity we discussed, The Father is God, and now we turn to the Son. What we believe and understand about God shapes us. And we pray the kinds of things we believe to be true. Every once in awhile I hear a prayer that goes like this, “Thank you … Continue reading The Son is God
Hope. What do you need hope for right now? I imagine we can each easily call something to mind for which we need hope. Or, we can anticipate the times that will come when finding hope will be a challenge. As I continue from Psalm 23 in Need Peace, this last part has given me … Continue reading Need Hope?
One thing I wish was a constant in life is peace. On a superficial level, I just wish it wasn’t so busy during this season (and every season) of the year. I have to fight for moments of stillness and reflection. That sounds peaceful, right? Fight for peace! On a deeper level I think we … Continue reading Need Peace?
30.30.30. Day 29 The Passage: Isaiah 12Then you will say on that day,“I will give thanks to You, O Lord;For although You were angry with me,Your anger is turned away,And You comfort me.2 “Behold, God is my salvation,I will trust and not be afraid;For the Lord God is my strength and song,And He has become … Continue reading 30.30.30. Day 29: Our Thankfulness
30.30.30. Day 28 The Passage: 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:1016 Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. 17 For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, 18 while we look not at … Continue reading 30.30.30. Day 28: Our Perspective
30.30.30. Day 26 The Passage: Luke 9:57-10:357 As they were going along the road, someone said to Him, “I will follow You wherever You go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” 59 … Continue reading 30.30.30. Day 26: Our Call: Follow and Go
30.30.30. Day 21 The Passage: Psalm 231 The Lord is my shepherd,I shall not want.2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;He leads me beside quiet waters.3 He restores my soul;He guides me in the paths of righteousnessFor His name’s sake.4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I fear … Continue reading 30.30.30. Day 21: Our Good Shepherd
30.30.30. Day 20 The Passage: Luke 11:1-131 It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.” 2 And He said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be Your … Continue reading 30.30.30. Day 20: Our Good Father
30.30.30. Day 16 The Passage: Romans 81 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. 3 For what the Law could not do, weak as it … Continue reading 30.30.30. Day 16: It keeps getting More Beautiful
30 minutes. 30 days. 30 passages. Here is the challenge: spend 30 minutes each day, for 30 days, in 30 Bible passages. Over the next 30 days I will post passages, along with different questions and ways to meet with God. I think as we do this for 30 days it will more likely become … Continue reading 30.30.30. Day 1 – A 30 Day Challenge for Weaving Consistent and Transforming Time in God’s Word into our Daily Life
Usually an "encounter" with something or someone is unexpected, possibly sudden or brief. Yet, even though it is unexpected or brief, it is in some way impactful. We may even be changed by it, or feel our life is interrupted in some way as a result of the "encounter." And so it is with Jesus. … Continue reading Encountering Jesus Today: A Devotional Study in the Gospel of Matthew
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