Filling in the Gaps: Holiness and Spiritual Development

Last updated on: May 14, 2024 at 12:05 pm By Rick Rice

Paul prays that God would “fill in the gaps” for the Thessalonians by strengthening their hearts in love. He says this will make them “blameless in holiness.” What’s the connection between holiness and spiritual development? Scripture: 1 Chronicles, chapters 22-24; 1 Thessalonians, chapter 3 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13 (CEB): Now Timothy has returned to us from you and has given us good news about your faithfulness and love! He says that you always have good memories about us and that you... Read more

What Does It Mean to Sacrifice?

Last updated on: May 13, 2024 at 10:34 am By Rick Rice

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David said, “I won’t offer an entirely burned offering that costs me nothing” (1 Chronicles 21:24). He insisted on paying for what he would sacrifice to God. What does it mean to “sacrifice”? Scripture: 2 Samuel, chapter 24; 1 Chronicles, chapter 21; Psalm 30; 1 Thessalonians, chapter 2 1 Chronicles 21:18-27 (CEB): The Lord’s messenger ordered Gad to tell David that he should go up to the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite in order to set up an altar... Read more

Why Do We Sometimes Feel Forsaken by God?

Last updated on: May 10, 2024 at 1:21 pm By Rick Rice

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On the cross, Jesus cried, “My God, why have you left me?” Why do we sometimes feel forsaken by God? Scripture: 2 Samuel, chapter 18; Psalm 56; Matthew, chapter 27 Matthew 27:45-54 (CEB): From noon until three in the afternoon the whole earth was dark. At about three Jesus cried out with a loud shout, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani,” which means, “My God, my God, why have you left me?” After hearing him, some standing there said, “He’s calling Elijah.”... Read more

How to Be Happy

Last updated on: May 8, 2024 at 10:53 am By Rick Rice

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In Psalm 32, David tells us how to be happy: “The one whose wrongdoing is forgiven, whose sin is covered over, is truly happy!” Scripture: 2 Samuel, chapters 15-16; Psalm 32; Matthew, chapter 25 Psalm 32 (CEB): The one whose wrongdoing is forgiven, whose sin is covered over, is truly happy! The one the Lord doesn’t consider guilty – in whose spirit there is no dishonesty – that one is truly happy! When I kept quiet, my bones wore out;... Read more

Happy Servants

Last updated on: May 7, 2024 at 12:00 pm By Rick Rice

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As followers of Jesus, we’re servants; God has given each of us a job to do in his Kingdom. How can we fulfill his purposes as “happy servants”? Scripture: 2 Samuel, chapters 13-14; Matthew, chapter 24 Matthew 24:36-46 (CEB): “But nobody knows when that day or hour will come, not the heavenly angels and not the Son. Only the Father knows. As it was in the time of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Human One... Read more

Utter Disrespect for God

Last updated on: May 6, 2024 at 11:07 am By Rick Rice

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David committed adultery with Bathsheba, then arranged for her husband to be killed in battle. God calls that “utter disrespect” (2 Samuel 12:14)! Scripture: 2 Samuel, chapters 11-12; Psalm 51; Matthew, chapter 23 2 Samuel 12:7-14 (CEB): “You are that man!” Nathan told David. “This is what the Lord God of Israel says: I anointed you king over Israel and delivered you from Saul’s power. I gave your master’s house to you, and gave his wives into your embrace. I... Read more

“David Asked God for Advice”

Last updated on: May 1, 2024 at 10:04 am By Rick Rice

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When the Philistines attacked, did David rush out to battle? No; “David asked God for advice.” Do we seek God’s direction in every area of our lives? Scripture: 1 Chronicles, chapters 14-15; Psalm 132; Matthew, chapter 18 1 Chronicles 14:8-17 (CEB): When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, they all marched up to find him. David heard this and went out to confront them. The Philistines had invaded and were plundering the Rephaim Valley.... Read more

“They Were Heartbroken”

Last updated on: April 30, 2024 at 12:59 pm By Rick Rice

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When Jesus predicted his death to his disciples, “they were heartbroken.” What things break our hearts? What things should break our hearts? Scripture: 2 Samuel, chapter 6; 1 Chronicles, chapter 13; Psalm 69; Matthew, chapter 17 Matthew 17:22-23 (CEB): When the disciples came together in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Human One [Son of Man] is about to be delivered over into human hands. They will kill him. But he will be raised on the third day.” And they were... Read more

“Put Me to the Test”

Last updated on: April 29, 2024 at 11:04 am By Rick Rice

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Most people don’t like tests, and certainly not from God! What does David mean when he tells God, “Put me to the test”? Scripture: 2 Samuel, chapters 4-5; Psalm 139; Matthew, chapter 16 Psalm 139:1-6, 23-24 (CEB): Lord, you have examined me. You know me. You know when I sit down and when I stand up. Even from far away, you comprehend my plans. You study my traveling and resting. You are thoroughly familiar with all my ways. There isn’t... Read more

“A Tree Is Known by Its Fruit”

Last updated on: April 25, 2024 at 10:41 am By Rick Rice

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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