In Matthew 12, Jesus says that “a tree is known by its fruit.” He applies this to what comes out of our mouths. What kind of fruit do we produce? Scripture: 1 Samuel, chapters 30-31; 1 Chronicles, chapter 10; Matthew, chapter 12 Matthew 12:33-37 (CEB): “Either consider the tree good and its fruit good, or consider the tree rotten and its fruit rotten. A tree is known by its fruit. Children of snakes! How can you speak good things while... Read more
In Matthew 11, Jesus describes a dissatisfied generation – they complained about John the Baptist, and they complained about Jesus. How can we avoid being part of the “dissatisfied generation”? Scripture: 1 Samuel, chapters 28-29; Psalm 109; Matthew, chapter 11 Matthew 11:16-19 (CEB): “To what will I compare this generation? It is like a child sitting in the marketplaces calling out to others, ‘We played the flute for you and you didn’t dance. We sang a funeral song and you... Read more
Jesus called his disciples to be “wise as snakes and harmless as doves.” What does that mean in today’s culture and political climate? Scripture: 1 Samuel, chapter 27; 1 Chronicles, chapter 9; Psalm 141; Matthew, chapter 10 Matthew 10:16-20 (CEB): “Look, I’m sending you as sheep among wolves. Therefore be wise as snakes and innocent as doves. Watch out for people – because they will hand you over to councils and they will beat you in their synagogues. They will... Read more
We live in a violent world; it becomes more violent every day. But Psalm 11 tells us that the Lord hates anyone who loves violence. How do we reconcile that with the state of our world? Scripture: 1 Samuel, chapter 18; 1 Chronicles, chapter 6; Psalm 11; Matthew, chapter 3 Psalm 11 (CEB): I have taken refuge in the Lord. So how can you say to me, “Flee to the hills like a bird because the wicked have already bent... Read more
In the midst of a world that is filled with anger and fear, Psalm 9 reminds us that “the Lord rules forever!” So let’s thank him and trust him to lead us each day! Scripture: 1 Samuel, chapter 17; Psalm 9; Matthew, chapter 2 Psalm 9:1-10 (CEB): I will thank you, Lord, with all my heart; I will talk about all your wonderful acts. I will celebrate and rejoice in you; I will sing praises to your name, most high.... Read more
“Don’t look back!” We often recognize the importance of moving ahead, leaving the past behind. Samuel challenges the Israelites to not turn back to their sin, but to follow God faithfully! Scripture: 1 Samuel, chapters 11-12; 1 Chronicles, chapter 1; 2 Corinthians, chapter 11 1 Samuel 12:18-25 (CEB): Samuel called upon the Lord, and God sent thunder and rain on that very day. Then all the people were in awe of the Lord and Samuel. All of them said to Samuel,... Read more
The old saying goes, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” Today’s passage from 1 Samuel 8 illustrates that in a powerful way! Scripture: 1 Samuel, chapters 8-10; 2 Corinthians, chapter 10 1 Samuel 8:1-9 (CEB): Now when Samuel got old, he appointed his sons to serve as Israel’s judges. The name of his oldest son was Joel; the name of the second was Abijah. They served as judges in Beer-sheba. But Samuel’s sons didn’t follow in... Read more
The priests and diviners of the Philistines said, “Why be stubborn like the Egyptians and Pharaoh?” Even though they didn’t serve the God of Israel, they recognized his power. So why don’t we? Scripture: 1 Samuel, chapters 6-7; Psalm 72; 2 Corinthians, chapter 9 1 Samuel 6:1-9 (CEB): The Lord’s chest was in Philistine territory for seven months. The Philistines called for the priests and the diviners. “What should we do with the Lord’s chest?” they asked. “Tell us how... Read more
My Dad “My dad passed away last Thursday.” Actually, it was a few Thursdays ago – March 14, to be exact. But that phrase – “My dad passed away last Thursday” – has been stuck in my head ever since then. As time went on, I realized that I was not going to be able to write anything else until I wrote about him. So here goes. My Dad: September 10, 1926 – March 14, 2024 My dad was 97.... Read more
In Psalm 27, David prays “to live in the Lord’s house all the days of my life.” What does that mean for us? What does that look like in our lives? Scripture: Numbers, chapters 10-11; Psalm 27; Mark, chapter 1 Psalm 27 (CEB): The Lord is my light and my salvation. Should I fear anyone? The Lord is a fortress protecting my life. Should I be frightened of anything? When evildoers come at me trying to eat me up –... Read more
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