In Luke 16, Jesus teaches about faithfulness with money. He says to use it so that when it’s gone, God will welcome us. How do we do that? Scripture: Genesis, chapters 39-41; Luke, chapter 16 Luke 16:1-13 (CEB): Jesus also said to the disciples, “A certain rich man heard that his household manager was wasting his estate. He called the manager in and said to him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give me a report of your administration... Read more
In Luke 15, Jesus reminds us to celebrate restoration and reconciliation. A lost sheep, lost coin, or lost son is found – celebrate! Scripture: Genesis, chapters 37-38; Psalm 7; Luke, chapter 15 Luke 15:1-7 (CEB): All the tax collectors and sinners were gathering around Jesus to listen to him. The Pharisees and legal experts were grumbling, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose someone among you had one hundred sheep and lost... Read more
Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of stew. How many Christians sell their spiritual birthright for the world’s equivalent of a bowl of stew? Scripture: Genesis, chapters 25-26; Psalm 6; Luke, chapter 10 Genesis 25:27-34 (CEB): When the young men grew up, Esau became an outdoorsman who knew how to hunt, and Jacob became a quiet man who stayed at home. Isaac loved Esau because he enjoyed eating game, but Rebekah loved Jacob. Once when Jacob was boiling stew,... Read more
The world often considers following Jesus to be a strange way to live. Based on the world’s priorities, it is – but it is the best way to live! Scripture: Genesis, chapters 23-24; Luke, chapter 9 Genesis 24:34-41 (CEB): The man said, “I am Abraham’s servant. The Lord has richly blessed my master, has made him a great man, and has given him flocks, cattle, silver, gold, men servants, women servants, camels, and donkeys. My master’s wife Sarah gave birth... Read more
The story of “the binding of Isaac” is a powerful reminder of the cost of obedience. It also reminds us of the cost Jesus paid for us! Scripture: Genesis, chapters 20-22; Luke, chapter 8 Genesis 22:1-14 (CEB): After these events, God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” Abraham answered, “I’m here.” God said, “Take your son, your only son whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah. Offer him up as an entirely burned offering there... Read more
God’s word is a light for our way (Psalm 119:105), but the devil quotes Scripture if he can use it to mislead us. That’s why we need to read, understand, and apply God’s word to our lives each day! Scripture: Genesis, chapters 9-11; Luke, chapter 4 Luke 4:1-13 (CEB): Jesus returned from the Jordan River full of the Holy Spirit, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. There he was tempted for forty days by the devil. He... Read more
Our faith journey often leads us to think of “spiritual” things, like reading the Bible or praying more. When people asked John the Baptist, “What should we do?” he answered in very practical terms – and so should we! Scripture: Genesis, chapters 6-8; Luke, chapter 3 Luke 3:7-14 (CEB): Then John said ot the crowds who came to be baptized by him, “You children of snakes! Who warned you to escape from the angry judgment that is coming soon? Produce... Read more
When God found Adam and Eve hiding in the Garden of Eden, He asked Eve, “What have you done?” That’s a good question for all of us to consider. But even more important is what God has done! Scripture: Genesis, chapters 3-5; Luke, chapter 2 Genesis 3:1-13 (CEB): The snake was the most intelligent of all the wild animals that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say that you shouldn’t eat from any... Read more
Almost every translation of the Bible begins Genesis 1:1 with the phrase, “In the beginning.” The CEB, however, says, “When God began to create…” What might God want to tell us through this familiar passage, rendered in an unfamiliar way? Scripture: Genesis, chapters 1-2; Luke, chapter 1 Genesis 1:1-5 (CEB): When God began to create the heavens and the earth – the earth was without shape or form, it was dark over the deep sea, and God’s wind swept over... Read more
I grew up in a faith tradition that did not really follow the Christian calendar. We celebrated Palm Sunday, Easter, and Christmas. We gave a nod to Pentecost, because we’re part of the Wesleyan-Holiness stream of Christianity. But Lent? Advent? Uh, not so much. But here are 4 (or 6) important 2024 dates for your faith journey. (For some ideas on how to strengthen your faith journey in the coming year, see my previous post, “5 Ways to Improve Your... Read more
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