In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit. (Judges 17:6; 21:25 NIV) I don't often do this, but there are certain chapters in the Bible that I skip because I just can't bring myself to read them. Judges chapter 19 is one of those chapters. It's a story about aContinue reading "Everyone Did As They Saw Fit"
Lay Down the Crown
At the same time the twenty-four elders knelt down before the one sitting on the throne. And as they worshiped the one who lives forever, they placed their crowns in front of the throne and said, “Our Lord and God, you are worthy to receive glory, honor, and power. You created all things, and byContinue reading "Lay Down the Crown"
God Will Repay Us
Then Jesus said to the man who had invited him: When you give a dinner or a banquet, don’t invite your friends and family and relatives and rich neighbors. If you do, they will invite you in return, and you will be paid back. When you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, theContinue reading "God Will Repay Us"
Enough for Today
There are two things, Lord, I want you to do for me before I die: Make me absolutely honest and don’t let me be too poor or too rich. Give me just what I need. If I have too much to eat, I might forget about you; if I don’t have enough, I might stealContinue reading "Enough for Today"
Accept God’s Will
His attendants asked him, “Why are you acting this way? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!” He answered, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, ‘Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me andContinue reading "Accept God’s Will"
When God Says, “Go”
The LORD used this cloud to tell the Israelites when to move their camp and where to set it up again. As long as the cloud covered the tent, the Israelites did not break camp. But when the cloud moved, they followed it, and wherever it stopped, they camped and stayed there, whether it wasContinue reading "When God Says, “Go”"
Goodbye or Good Riddance?
Then Paul went down on his knees, all of them kneeling with him, and prayed. And then a river of tears. Much clinging to Paul, not wanting to let him go. They knew they would never see him again—he had told them quite plainly. The pain cut deep. Then, bravely, they walked him down toContinue reading "Goodbye or Good Riddance?"
Don’t Forget!
Joshua chose twelve men; he called them together, and told them: Go to the middle of the riverbed where the sacred chest is, and pick up a large rock. Carry it on your shoulder to our camp. There are twelve of you, so there will be one rock for each tribe. Someday your children willContinue reading "Don’t Forget!"
Unworthy
“But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast.” (Luke 15:22-23 NLT) Prior to this, the lost son hadContinue reading "Unworthy"
Don’t Miss Out
One day the LORD said to Moses, “Climb one of the mountains east of the river, and look out over the land I have given the people of Israel. After you have seen it, you will die like your brother, Aaron, for you both rebelled against my instructions in the wilderness of Zin. When theContinue reading "Don’t Miss Out"
Rising with the Son 