What’s For Dinner?
"It came to pass . . . that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” Genesis 22:1"I can hardly imagine inviting special friends over for dinner and then throwing a few...
View ArticleOur Rally Cry
“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.” Luke 10:33Whether or not you’re a history buff, you probably remember learning about the historic...
View ArticleHoliness Has an Edge
"Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: 'Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy." Leviticus 19:2All of us who have kids have been guilty of ending an argument about why they...
View ArticleNot Quite Dead…
“We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” Romans 6:2Paul Harvey tells a fantastic story about an encounter with a kangaroo. The Italian sailing team was in Australia for the America’s Cup...
View ArticlePeace in the Midst of the Pieces
“Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10There I was, minding my own business, shopping for an anniversary card for Martie when something on another shelf caught my eye. It was a box with a...
View ArticleOut of Luck
‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ Jeremiah 29:11An oft-quoted movie line comes from Napoleon...
View ArticleThe Sting of Betrayal
“Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, ‘I tell you the truth, one of you is going to betray me.’” John 13:21Most of us are familiar with the events in the upper room, where we see Jesus washing...
View ArticleJesus, Our Champion Part 1
"'But what about you?' he asked. 'Who do you say I am?'" Matthew 16:15Discover the many ways Jesus is your Champion as you dig into God’s Word with teacher Joe Stowell. There are moments in life when...
View ArticleNational Pride
"You are a chosen generation, . . . a holy nation . . . that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness. " 1 Peter 2:9My wife, Martie, and I have grown to love England—its...
View ArticleWhitewater Experiences
Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD God—my God—will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. —1 Chronicles 28:20I was enjoying the start of my first whitewater rafting experience—until...
View ArticleWhen the Going Gets Tough
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial.” James 1:12There I was driving along, half hypnotized by the steady flow of traffic. I glanced at the car ahead of me. The bumper sticker read, “When the...
View ArticleAnybody for Servanthood?
"Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant." Matthew 20:26In politics, the paths to success and significance are paved with the right contacts, the right...
View ArticleLiving Here for There
“Our citizenship is in heaven” Philippians 3:20Victoria Perez watched as the Cessna touched down on the road in the distance. When she was sure it was him, she shouted to her children, “That’s your...
View ArticleNow Appearing . . . Jesus!
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14If I were God—and I know a lot...
View ArticleOpen-Book Test
“I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” Philippians 3:8Have you ever taken an “open-book” test? At first blush they seem like a piece of...
View ArticleJesus, Our Champion Part 2
"'But what about you?' he asked. 'Who do you say I am?'" Matthew 16:15Jesus doesn’t settle for spiritual shortcuts—He has a total solution in mind for your problems. Yet when you come up with your own...
View ArticleThe Quarter In Your Pocket
The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. —James 5:16Some things are irresistible. For me, it’s bubble-gum machines. I can hardly resist the urge to watch one of those colorful...
View ArticleA Boost of Courage
Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. —Hebrews 12:2When my son Joe was a child, I took him to the local YMCA for swimming lessons. I could almost see an Olympic gold medal swinging...
View ArticleGod’s Instrument
"Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth." Psalm 100:1I’ll never forget my conversation with Erin, who is an accomplished violinist. As we were talking about violins, I asked her whether or not the...
View ArticleDare to Call Him “Dad”
“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’” Romans 8:15Second Presbyterian Church in Memphis has...
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