Romans 4:2-5 (Father Abraham)

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…

Slow To Anger

But you, O Lord, are a a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. (Psalms 86:15 NLT) Read: Joshua 15, Luke 18:18-43, Psalms 86:1-17, Proverbs 13:9-10 Relate: Some people are angry at God…I mean really angry. Why? They were hurt. Maybe I’m talking about you. Maybe you were…

Roll the Shame Away

Joshua and the men of Israel had to make a decision to follow God’s instructions in complete obedience. After they did this God rolled the shame of their slavery in Egypt away.

Denied

Simon Peter followed Jesus, as did another of the disciples. That other disciple was acquainted with the high priest, so he was allowed to enter the high priest’s courtyard with Jesus. Peter had to stay outside the gate. Then the disciple who knew the high priest spoke to the woman watching at the gate, and…

In His Hands

 Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began! (John 17:24) Read: Acts 6:1 – 8:1 Relate: The one thing I love about working with college students is that they know everything.…

Not All Clean

Jesus replied, “A person who has bathed all over does not need to wash, except for the feet, to be entirely clean. And you disciples are clean, but not all of you.” For Jesus knew who would betray him. That is what he meant when he said, “Not all of you are clean.” (John 13:10-11) Read: Ezra…

John 2:1-2 (Love and Hate)

The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. (John 2:1-2) Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 10:1 – 12:5 Relate: About six months after their wedding the bride met her husband for his lunch break. “I have some…

Open Invitation (John 1:12-13)

But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. (John 1:12-13) Read: Genesis 25:1-27, 1 Chronicles 1:28-34 Relate: OK, I’ve been sitting here now for a good hour…

He Was Rejected (John 1:10-11)

He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. (John 1:10-11) Read: Genesis 21:8 – 24:67 Relate: No question, hands down, the worst year of my school years was seventh grade. There were plenty of reasons and looking back now, I…

Come Back Home (12/5/13)

Read: Hosea 1:1-3:5, 1 John 5:1-21, Psalm 124:1-8, Proverbs 29:5-8 Then the Lord said to me, “Go and love your wife again, even though she commits adultery with another lover. This will illustrate that the Lord still loves Israel, even though the people have turned to other gods and love to worship them. (Hosea 3:1) Relate: Let’s put this in a modern context… Hosea calls…