The Ten C’s

I’ve read recently that those claiming to be “spiritual but not religious” are actually performing an act of linguistic terrorism. They are placing themselves in a position where they can snipe and criticize others while avoiding any stand of their own. In the desire to feel good about themselves, they are also avoiding any attempt at truth.

The Die Is Cast

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (Proverbs 3:5-6) Read: Genesis 23:1 – 24:51, Matthew 8:1-17, Psalm 9:13-20, Proverbs 3:1-6 Relate: 2064 years ago today the world drastically changed. Most likely it was…

Not On My Own

While Jesus was teaching in the Temple, he called out, “Yes, you know me, and you know where I come from. But I’m not here on my own. The one who sent me is true, and you don’t know him. But I know him because I come from him, and he sent me to you.” (John…

The Litmus Test

So Jesus told them, “My message is not my own; it comes from God who sent me. Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own. Those who speak for themselves want glory only for themselves, but a person who seeks to honor the one…

John 5:33-35 (Flash In The Pan)

In fact, you sent investigators to listen to John the Baptist, and his testimony about me was true. Of course, I have no need of human witnesses, but I say these things so you might be saved. John was like a burning and shining lamp, and you were excited for a while about his message.…

John 5:9-10 (Not of God)

 Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking! But this miracle happened on the Sabbath, so the Jewish leaders objected. They said to the man who was cured, “You can’t work on the Sabbath! The law doesn’t allow you to carry that sleeping mat!” (John 5:9-10) Read: 1 Samuel 4:12…

John 4:1-3 (Baptizing)

Jesus knew the Pharisees had heard that he was baptizing and making more disciples than John (though Jesus himself didn’t baptize them—his disciples did). So he left Judea and returned to Galilee. (John 4:1-3) Read: Deuteronomy 1:1 – 3:20 Relate: At the end of Matthew sits one of the final, and one of the most famous, commands of Jesus.…

Unquestioning Obedience

Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions. (John 2:7-8) Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 22:16 – 24:18 Relate: It is one thing for Mary to tell the servants to do whatever Jesus commands. She…