Part V of “Springtime Scriptures” “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord anointed me to bring good news to the humble; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim release to captives and freedom to prisoners; to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord and the day of vengeance of our God; to grant those who mourn in Zion, giving them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of... Read more
Part IV of “Springtime Scriptures” “My beloved responded and said to me, ‘Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come along. For behold, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The blossoms have already appeared in the land; the time has arrived for pruning the vines, and the voice of the turtledove has been heard in our land. The fig tree has ripened its fruit, and the vines in blossom have given forth their fragrance. Arise, my... Read more
Part III of “Springtime Scriptures” This week, we’re looking at “Springtime Scriptures” – passages that talk about God’s work of making all things new. So far, we’ve seen God’s promise to do something new (“I Am Going to Do Something New“). We’ve also considered Paul’s declaration that we are new creations in Christ (“If Anyone Is in Christ, That Person Is a New Creation“). Today, we go back to the Old Testament and Jeremiah’s claim that God’s mercies are new... Read more
Part II of “Springtime Scriptures” This week, I’m looking at “Springtime Scriptures.” These five passages deal with the newness that God works in us as we follow His way. Today, we look at Paul’s familiar encouragement: if anyone is in Christ, that person is a new creation! For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that those who live would no longer live for... Read more
Part I of “Springtime Scriptures” This week, I’m taking a look at some “Springtime Scriptures.” These five passages all deal with different aspects of God’s work of re-creating. Just as Spring brings new life and new hope, so God brings new spiritual life and vitality to those who are open to His work! Today’s passage deals with God’s promise to “do something new” in bringing the Israelites home from exile in Babylon. This is what the Lord your Redeemer, the... Read more
My mom passed away almost 7 years ago, at the age of 92. As another Mother’s Day approaches, I want to reflect on Mom’s influence on me, and our family – particularly in regard to our Christian faith. Mom’s Influence: Taking Us to Church My earliest memories revolve around church – Mishawaka First Church of the Nazarene. Neither of my parents grew up going to church. My mom started attending church with my older sisters when they went to youth... Read more
In Matthew 25, Jesus continues to teach how to be ready for His return. What does it mean to be ready? Scripture: 2 Samuel, chapters 15-16; Psalm 32; Matthew, chapter 25 Matthew 25:1-13 (NASB): “Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. For when the foolish took their lamps, they did not take extra oil with them;... Read more
Christ’s return is a popular subject; people want to know when it will happen. However, it’s more important for know how to be ready for Christ’s return! Scripture: 2 Samuel, chapters 13-14; Matthew, chapter 24 Matthew 24:42-51 (NASB): “Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would... Read more
We need to know what Scripture says – the letter of the law. But we also need to know what it means – the spirit of the Law – and the Holy Spirit helps us to do that! Scripture: 2 Samuel, chapter 10; 1 Chronicles, chapter 20; Psalm 20; Matthew, chapter 22 Matthew 22:23-33 (NASB): On that day some Sadducees (who say there is no resurrection) came to Jesus and questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, Moses said, ‘If a man dies... Read more
The world strives for power and authority. Sometimes, even the Church does that! But Jesus shows us a different way – the way of submission and service. Scripture: 2 Samuel, chapter 7; 1 Chronicles, chapter 17; Psalm 2; Matthew, chapter 20 Matthew 20:20-28 (NASB): Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Jesus with her sons, bowing down and making a request of Him. And He said to her, “What do you desire?” She said to Him, “Say... Read more
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