Category Archives: Uncategorized

The most blessed and successful times of our lives can also be the most dangerous spiritually. When we have everything the world values, such as wealth, fame, knowledge, status, and relationships, we can be tempted to lean on our own ability to solve all our problems. We may acknowledge that it is God who blessedContinue reading “April 30: 1 Kings 19-11; Luke 21:20-38”

As I speak to people during this pandemic lockdown, one of the things that they miss most is the ability to gather with their Christian brothers and sisters at their church. We know that the church is not the building but the people, yet there is something special about gathering as a congregation to worshipContinue reading “April 29: 1 Kings 8-9; Luke 21:1-19”

One of the prominent Jewish groups at the time of Jesus was the Sadducees. They enjoyed a position of power within the religious and political system of Israel, particularly in Jerusalem around the Temple. They arose during the Hasmonean era, the time after the revolt under Judas Maccabeus when a new kingly line ruled inContinue reading “April 28: 1 Kings 6-7; Luke 20:27-47”

Prayer is a critical aspect of our continuing Christian walk and our relationship with the Lord. As we pray, we do more than ask for what we want, although that is a part of a well-rounded practice of prayer. We also build our connection to the King of the Universe, give Him thanks and praiseContinue reading “April 27: 1 Kings 3-5; Luke 20:1-26”

As the grandparent of a toddler I help to teach him right from wrong. Toddlers are notorious for not listening and doing whatever they want to do, no matter what mom, dad, or grandparent says. When he is told “no” or has something taken away from him because what he is doing is dangerous orContinue reading “April 26: 2 Samuel 1-2; Luke 19:28-48”

As a pastor, I have had to recruit volunteers in the church for specific ministries. Some opportunities are short-term, such as helping to serve at an outreach event. Some are longer term, such as teaching a Sunday morning Bible study. All are tasks that not only help the church and congregation but also serve theContinue reading “April 25: 1 Samuel 23-24; Luke 19:28-48”

It may seem unusual to find a poem in the middle of a historical record, but many passages in the Old Testament utilize poetry to make details memorable or to express an oracle of God. Poetry was a major part of Hebrew literature and music, so much so that the longest book of the BibleContinue reading “April 24: 2 Samuel 21-22; Luke 18:24-43”

Looking at people in your church, it’s easy to get caught up in trying to evaluate where each one is on their spiritual journey. Some people present a picture of Christian maturity. Others struggle with various sins or aren’t very active in the life of the church. We can be tempted to put people onContinue reading “April 23: 2 Samuel 19-20; Luke 18:1-23”

With so much turmoil in our world today, many Christians have been looking for signs of Jesus’ return. As the world situation becomes more dire by the day it seems as if the stage is being set for the Lord to come back for His people. Some of this is a sensitivity to Jesus’ warningsContinue reading “April 22: 2 Samuel 16-18; Luke 17:20-37”

When we find ourselves in the middle of a crisis and it seems the world is crashing down around us, it can be difficult to find God in the chaos. This isn’t because God has suddenly moved away from us but because we do not see Him where He is. Our attention may be divertedContinue reading “April 21: 2 Samuel 14-15; Luke 17:1-19”