If his good deeds had made him acceptable to God, he would have had something to boast about. But that was not God’s way. For the Scriptures tell us, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” When people work their wages are not a gift, but something they have…
They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. (Romans 1:19-20)…
This went on day after day until Paul got so exasperated that he turned and said to the demon within her, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And instantly it left her. Her masters’ hopes of wealth were now shattered, so they grabbed Paul and Silas and dragged…
We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall. (Proverbs 16:33) Read: 1Kings 7:1-51, Acts 7:30-50, Psalm 128:1-6, Proverbs 16:31-33 Relate: There is an episode of Star Trek where Captain Kirk and Spock are investigating a planet when they are captured by Klingons who have a base there. The two begin to plan an impossible escape and Spock,…
Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. (Psalm 127:1) Read: 1 Kings 5:1 – 6:38, Acts 7:1-29, Psalm 127:1-5, Proverbs 16:28-30 Relate: In some ways I might not fit into the traditional role of what a man should be able to know and do. Pop the hood of a car and have…
“How are you, my cousin?” Joab said and took him by the beard with his right hand as though to kiss him. Amasa didn’t notice the dagger in his left hand, and Joab stabbed him in the stomach with it so that his insides gushed out onto the ground. (2 Samuel 20:9-10) Read: 2 Samuel 19:11…
Ahimaaz replied, “When Joab told me to come, there was a lot of commotion. But I didn’t know what was happening.” (2 Samuel 18:29) Read: 2 Samuel 18:1 – 19:10, John 20:1-31, Psalm 119:153-176, Proverbs 16:14-15 Relate: I am not a big fan of dogs. That is a very conservative way to put it. A for more…
I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. (John 15:9-10) Read: 2 Samuel 9:1 – 11:27, John 15:1-27, Psalm 119:49-64, Proverbs 16:1-3 Relate: One of the most shocking…
And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us! (1 Samuel 17:47 NLT) Read: 1 Samuel 17, 1 Samuel 18:1-4, John 8:21-30, Psalms 111:1-10, Proverbs 15:11 Relate: I distinctly remember my son and one my daughters…
So the Lord called a third time, and once more Samuel got up and went to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?” Then Eli realized it was the Lord who was calling the boy. So he said to Samuel, “Go and lie down again, and if someone calls again, say, ‘Speak, Lord, your…
THE RIVER WALK 