Micah 6:8 (NIV) 8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. A lot has happened in the last 30 days. A daughter is married, officially cutting the cord, moves back to […]
Read more "I’m just glad he’s alive Micah 6:8"Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. He shows us the way if we bother to look. We might not like that path, but it’s there […]
Read more "Yes, really."Jeremiah 23:23-24 (NLT) 23 Am I a God who is only close at hand?” says the Lord. “No, I am far away at the same time. 24 Can anyone hide from me in a secret place? Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?” says the Lord. Psalms 139:7-10 7. Where shall I […]
Read more "Establish"Isaiah 26:1-6 (NLT) 26 In that day, everyone in the land of Judah will sing this song: Our city is strong! We are surrounded by the walls of God’s salvation. 2 Open the gates to all who are righteous; allow the faithful to enter. 3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in […]
Read more "Shovels Isaiah 26:1-6"Zephaniah 3:17 17. The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. Mark 16:16 (ESV) Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe […]
Read more "Whoever believes Mark 16:16"Psalm 131: O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. […]
Read more "God’s world in this world. Psalm 131"Psalm 82:3-5 (NLT) 3 Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. 4 Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people. 5 But these oppressors know nothing; they are so ignorant! They wander about in darkness, while the whole world is […]
Read more "We need to do the same"Proverbs 3:11-12 (NLT) 11 My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. 12 For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights. Nahum 1:7 (NLT) 7 The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close […]
Read more "Love, forgiveness, empathy and compassion Proverbs 3:11-12"Joshua 1:8 (NLT) 8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. 1 Peter 2:6-9 (NLT) 6 As the Scriptures say, “I am placing a cornerstone in Jerusalem, chosen […]
Read more "The Cornerstone, the Spirit and the Armor Joshua 1:8 (NLT)"Romans 8:1-4 (NLT) 8 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. 3 The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the […]
Read more "Let’s go Romans 8:1-4"Psalm 94:18 (NLT) 18 I cried out, “I am slipping!” but your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me. Deuteronomy 32:4 (NLT) 4 He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect. Everything he does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is! Isaiah 26:4 (NLT) […]
Read more "Rock Deuteronomy 32:4"John 6:27 (NLT) 27 “But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval.” Romans 13:8 (ESV) Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the […]
Read more "The cure. John 6:27"Psalms 107:1 1. Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Matthew 5:9 (ESV) Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Luke 6:35-36 (NLT) 35 “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your […]
Read more "I can’t imagine. Psalms 107:1"Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NLT) 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. The […]
Read more "Alive. Jeremiah 29:11-13"Psalm 27:14 (NLT) 14 Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. Wasting patiently is not my strong suit. I only have x number of years here and I want it now. I don’t want to waste one minute of it. We all feel pretty strongly about that […]
Read more "Wait… Psalm 27:14"2 Peter 3:8 (NLT) 8 But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. Psalm 37:4 (NLT) 4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Psalm 91:4 He will cover […]
Read more "A clean break. 2 Corinthians 7:1"John 15:13 (NLT) 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NLT) 31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God We are called to be compassionate. Most of us would say that we are […]
Read more "Uncomfortably compassionate. John 15:13"1 John 3:2 (NLT) 2 Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. I find it interesting – “for we will see […]
Read more "After the battle. 1 John 3:2"Job 19:25 (NLT) 25 “But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. Colossians 1:17-18 (NLT) 17 He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. 18 Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, […]
Read more "Changing truth. Job 19:25"Matthew 25:35-36 (NLT) 35 “For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you […]
Read more "It’s time to get in touch with God’s plan. Matthew 25:35-36"Psalm 37:27-29 (NLT) 27 Turn from evil and do good, and you will live in the land forever. 28 For the Lord loves justice, and he will never abandon the godly. He will keep them safe forever, but the children of the wicked will die. 29 The godly will possess the land and will live […]
Read more "Univeral basic income Psalm 37:27-29"Luke 24:6-7 New Living Translation (NLT) 6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day. Luke 24:6-8 The […]
Read more "Risen. Luke 24:6-7"Isaiah 53:5 (NLT) 5 But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. So this is Easter. Bunny, candy, the bi annual schlepping to church for many. Celebrating the ultimate show of love. Beaten so we could […]
Read more "Good Friday? No. Incomprehensibly Blessed Friday? Yes. Isaiah 53:5"Ezekiel 18:32 (NLT) 32 I don’t want you to die, says the Sovereign Lord. Turn back and live! Proverbs 10:9 (NLT) 9 People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed. John 11:25-26 (NLT) 25 Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me […]
Read more "Call me Martha"Psalm 20:4 (ESV) 4 May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans! Psalm 94:14-15 (ESV) 14 For the Lord will not forsake his people; he will not abandon his heritage; 15 for justice will return to the righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it. Jeremiah 29:11-15 (NLT) 11 […]
Read more "Promises, promises, all I get are promises. Psalm 20:4"1 Peter 2:24 (NLT) 24 He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. Philippians 1:29 (NLT) 29 For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also […]
Read more "Real love is…. 1 Peter 2:24"It’s spring here in Chicago*. Spring means spring cleaning. The leaves that refused to drop before the snows (which were many many) are cleaned up. The garden tractor I cracked up last summer is fixed and now has a heavy duty guard on the front. The snow blower is going back to the shed and […]
Read more "Spring cleaning. Ephesians 4:32"Psalm 59:16 (NLT) 16 But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love.For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress. We have been given so much to be grateful for. In the turbulence of our lives […]
Read more "Given Psalm 59:6"John 1:14 (NLT) 14 So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. 2 Peter 1:3 (NLT) 3 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for […]
Read more "Big why. John 1:14"Proverbs 15:29 (NLT) 29 The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous. Ecclesiastes 2:24-25 (NLT) 24 So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God. 25 […]
Read more "Stealth. Proverbs 15:29"John 10:28-30 (NLT) 28 “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, 29 for what my Father has given me is more powerful than anything. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. 30 The Father and I are one.” Romans 8:28 (NLT) 28 […]
Read more "Laundromat. John 28-30"What does it mean to love God with all your heart? Deuteronomy 6:5-7 (NLT) 5 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. 6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. 7 Repeat them again and […]
Read more "Seeking first Deuteronomy 6:5-7"Proverbs 12:25 (NLT) 25 Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. Nine guys in a room. Talking about what it’s really like out there. “When everyone around you says it’s OK, when your culture says it’s OK, eventually you say it’s OK even when you know it’s not. When you […]
Read more "Ask Dwight"Proverbs 15:26 (ESV) 26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord, but gracious words are pure. Nice start, ‘eh? It’s true though. Is it a surprise that a God of love would call something an abomination? No, he’s pure love, pure perfect, so anything wicked is an abomination. Even if it’s […]
Read more "Bummer. But…. Proverbs 15:26"Isaiah 25:1 (NLT) 25 O Lord, I will honor and praise your name, for you are my God. You do such wonderful things! You planned them long ago, and now you have accomplished them. Proverbs 25:27-28 (NLT) 27 It’s not good to eat too much honey, and it’s not good to seek honors for yourself. […]
Read more "A simple plan well executed. Isaiah 25:1"Hebrews 4:12 (NLT) 12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Psalm 67:7 (NLT) 7 Yes, God will bless us, and people all over the world will fear him. […]
Read more "Paving the road to the future with egg shells. Hebrews 4:12"Matthew 5:43-45 (NLT) 43 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the […]
Read more "Growing into ancient Matthew 5:43-45"John 9:39 (NLT) Then Jesus told him, “I entered this world to render judgment—to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.” 1 John 2:4-6 (NLT) 4 If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not […]
Read more "Revival will come John 9:39"Psalm 23:5 (NLT) 5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. John 8:31-36 (NLT) 31 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. […]
Read more "Set free but staying put Psalm 23:5"2 Corinthians 13:4 (NLT) Although he was crucified in weakness, he now lives by the power of God. We, too, are weak, just as Christ was, but when we deal with you we will be alive with him and will have God’s power. Galatians 2:20 (NLT) My old self has been crucified with Christ. It […]
Read more "The slow death of self"Psalm 93:5 (NLT) 5 Your royal laws cannot be changed. Your reign, O Lord, is holy forever and ever. Isaiah 26:4 (NLT) 4 Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. Acts 2:21 (NLT) 21 But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. We work […]
Read more "Right way Psalm 93:5"Philippians 2:3 (NLT) 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Psalm 97:10 (NLT) 10 You who love the Lord, hate evil! He protects the lives of his godly people and rescues them from the power of the wicked. Proverbs 3:3-4 (NLT) 3 Never let […]
Read more "God’s way Philippians 2:3"Psalm 33:4-5 (NLT) 4 For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does. 5 He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth. Matthew 23:12 (NLT) 12 But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be […]
Read more "His wisdom, His love"Deuteronomy 8:3 (NLT) 3 Yes, he humbled you by letting you go hungry and then feeding you with manna, a food previously unknown to you and your ancestors. He did it to teach you that people do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the […]
Read more "Mercy calling. Deuteronomy 8:3"Psalm 34:8 (NLT) 8 Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Psalm 46:1 (NLT) 1 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Two years ago about a few hours earlier from this 5:30 AM time, our daughter […]
Read more "Peace be with you in all times. Psalm 34:8"Proverbs 18:10 (NLT) 10 The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe Nahum 1:7 (NLT) 7 The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him. John 4:24 (NLT) 24 For God is Spirit, so those who […]
Read more "Safety in a Spirit. Proverbs 18:10"Psalm 1:1-3 (NLT) 1 Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. 2 But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. 3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit […]
Read more "Plead for mercy Psalm 1:1-3"Proverbs 12:18 (NLT) 18 Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. John 8:31-32 (NLT) 31 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you […]
Read more "Wise healing words"2 Samuel 22:31 (NLT) 31 God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. Psalm 62:8 (NLT) 8 O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) 5 […]
Read more "Aligned in love 2 Samuel 22:31"Colossians 3:12-14 (NLT) 12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves […]
Read more "Human nature? Colossians 3:12-14"1 Thessalonians 5:15 (MSG) 13-15 Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part. Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful […]
Read more "Fam"Psalm 5:11-12 (NLT) 11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy. 12 For you bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love. Luke 1:30-33 (NLT) 30 […]
Read more "Come back, stay Psalm 5:11-12"It’s been a while… We were up in Minneapolis/St. Paul for the Bears vs. Vikings game. Bears win, crushing the horn blowing, blah blah blah Vikings (I am not a fan of the Vikings or the Packers). On the walk to the car after the game we passed a couple of fire and brimstone megaphone […]
Read more "It’s been a while… Matthew 7:3"Romans 6:22-23 NLT 22 But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our […]
Read more "Words that ring true. Romans 6:22-23"Psalm 146:5 (NLT) 5 But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God Matthew 6:26-27 (NLT) 26 “Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable […]
Read more "A full cup. Psalm 146:5"2 Samuel 23:16 16 So the Three broke through the Philistine lines, drew some water from the well by the gate in Bethlehem, and brought it back to David. But he refused to drink it. Instead, he poured it out as an offering to the Lord. Psalm 5:12 (NLT) 12 For you bless the godly, […]
Read more "We can do this. 2 Samuel 23:16"1 Chronicles 16:10 (NIV) 10 Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) 9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into […]
Read more "I want to be like Wally"Psalms 103:12 NIV 12. as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. Isaiah 41:13 ESV For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” Sunday afternoon, already 42 […]
Read more "Outrage. Psalms 103:12"1 Peter 2:22-25 (NLT) 22 He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. 23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. 24 He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we […]
Read more "Soul Guardian 1 Peter 2:22-25"Isaiah 40:31 (NLT) 31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Philippians 4:5-7 (NLT) 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is […]
Read more "Remember the Lord is near"1 Corinthians 3:14-23 (NLT) 14 If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. 15 But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames. 16 Don’t you realize that all of you together are the […]
Read more "Wearing that skin"Isaiah 6:8 NIV 8. And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” Sounds good, eh? (I’m in Wisconsin again) Who’s comfortable here in the place Isaiah volunteers for? Especially when the next verses are about what […]
Read more "Red letter justice. Isaiah 6:8"Romans 12:9-10 (NLT) 9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love and delight in honoring each other. It’s […]
Read more "So much to do here… Romans 12:9-10"2 Corinthians 6:1-10 (NLV) 1 We are working together with God. We ask you from our hearts not to receive God’s loving-favor and then waste it. 2 The Holy Writings say, “I heard you at the right time. I helped you on that day to be saved from the punishment of sin. Now is the […]
Read more "Our job to do. 2 Corinthians 6:1-10"John 13:12-17 (NLT) 12 After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? 13 You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you […]
Read more "Those words mean a lot… John 13:12-17"Psalm 25:14-15 (NLT) 14 The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant. 15 My eyes are always on the Lord, for he rescues me from the traps of my enemies. Anna Heistad. Marcy House. You’ve probably never heard of them. Yet, she had a profound impact on many […]
Read more "Boat wake. Psalm 25:14-15"Luke 1:46-47 (NLT) 46 Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. 47 How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! Luke 25:49 (NLT) “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from […]
Read more "Death brings it home… Luke 1:46-47"2 Peter 1:5-7 (NLT) 5 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and […]
Read more "Do we live at the edge? 2 Peter 1:5-7"Luke 14:28 (NLT) 28 “But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it?” Probably no one (except the State of Illinois, then the complaint of shutting down schools and kids programs starts, but […]
Read more "It’s not our building we’re building. Luke 14:28"Jeremiah 17:5 (NLT) 5 This is what the Lord says: “Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord.” This is what we do though far to frequently. We trust in ourselves like we know better. It seems that I feel […]
Read more "Trust in ourselves. Jeremiah 17:5"James 2:19 (NLT) 19 You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. But, are you worshipping Him or are you worshiping your worship of Him? Does God show up in your life like he should? Habakkuk 2:3 […]
Read more "Make Him the center"Genesis 22:2 (NLT) 2 “Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.” Acts 5:20 (NLT) 20 “Go to the Temple and give the people this message of […]
Read more "Endurance"Psalm 103:2 (NLT) 2 Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT) 18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more […]
Read more "May I never forget… Psalm 103:2"1 Chronicles 28:20 (NLT) 20 Then David continued, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is […]
Read more "What does it look like?"Romans 6:4-6 (NLT) 4 For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. 5 Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life […]
Read more "Purify me"Matthew 11:29 (NLT) 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Let me teach you Christ asks. Are our hearts in a place to receive him? Why does he follow it with: Because I am humble… We […]
Read more "Humble. Matthew 11:29"Romans 6:9-11 (NLT) 9 We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. 10 When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. […]
Read more "Ask God, act Godly."Mark 14:61-62 (NLT) 61 But Jesus was silent and made no reply. Then the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” 62 Jesus said, “I am. And you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the […]
Read more "In but not of. Mark 14:16"Matthew 26:28 (NLT) 28 for this is my blood, which confirms the [new] covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many. Interesting that Christ had to remind people of what the prophecies had said. Kind of like today. And another covenant. Yet another time […]
Read more "Believe that I am… Matthew 26:28"1 Peter 2:24 (NLT) 24 He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. By his wounds you are healed. So close to Easter, we can envision the wounds he endured for us. […]
Read more "I pray for the return of Christ. 1 Peter 2:24"Matthew 20:18-19 (NLT) 18 “Listen,” he said, “we’re going up to Jerusalem, where the Son of Man will be betrayed to the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. They will sentence him to die. 19 Then they will hand him over to the Romans to be mocked, flogged with a whip, and crucified. […]
Read more "Does the world know who you are? Matthew 20:18-19"Genesis 15:6 (NLT) 6 And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith. Exodus 14:13-14 (NLT) 13 But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. 14 The Lord […]
Read more "Inbetween"2 Peter 1:1-7 (NLT) 1 This letter is from Simon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ. I am writing to you who share the same precious faith we have. This faith was given to you because of the justice and fairness of Jesus Christ, our God and Savior. 2 May God give you […]
Read more "A willing slave. 2 Peter 1:1-7"Matthew 5:8 (NLT) 8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. Daniel 9:9 (NLT) 9 But the Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him. Psalm 16:8 (NLT) 8 I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he […]
Read more "Rebel. Matthew 5:8"Matthew 6:14-15 (NLT) 14 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Two of my daughters went to the gun rallies yesterday. Cool, I hope. Senseless murder is senseless murder whether it’s a product […]
Read more "The sanctity of life. Matthew 6:14-15"Hosea 6:1-2 (NIV) 6 “Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. 2 After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his […]
Read more "The way of the world… Hosea 6:1-2"Hebrews 11:8 (NLT) 8 It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. Our life is like that – we start out, we go, we’re just not sure where […]
Read more "Fasting isn’t about food… Hebrews 11:8"2 Corinthians 7:1-4 (NLT) 7 Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God. 2 Please open your hearts to us. We have not done wrong to anyone, nor led anyone astray, nor […]
Read more "Big whoop dee do ya might say. 2 Corinthians 7:1-4"Psalm 1:1 (NLT) 1 Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. 2 Corinthians 5:10 (NLT) 10 For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil […]
Read more "What more can I add? Psalm 1:1"Romans 6:16 (NLT) 16 Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. We don’t want to consider ourselves slaves, but it’s true. When whatever it is […]
Read more "Slave to freedom… Romans 6:16"2 Samuel 22:4 (NLT) 4 I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies. John 3:16-17 (NLT) 16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. […]
Read more "Giving, getting 2 Samuel 22:4"Malachi 4:2 (NLT) 2 “But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture. Mark 10:28 (NLT) 28 Then Peter began to speak up. “We’ve given up everything to follow you,” he said. […]
Read more "On such subtle nuances does our eternity rest. Malachi 4:2"Psalm 147:11 (NLT) 11 No, the Lord’s delight is in those who fear* him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love. John 1:16 (NLT) 16 From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another [or received the grace of Christ rather than the grace of the law]. 2 Timothy 4:2 […]
Read more "Sounds like real life to me. Psalm 147:11"John 1:1 (NLT) 1 In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. Stephen Hawking might know what happened before the big bang, might be able to prove it using imaginary time, might come up with an explanation that gravity caused everything to happen. OK, but what […]
Read more "The Word already existed…"Mark 12:30 (NLT) 30 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ Psalm 73:27-28 27 Those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you. 28 But as for me, how good it is to be near God! […]
Read more "Knowing. Mark 12:30"Romans 15:13 New Living Translation (NLT) 13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. I’m on a bit of an atheist thing in my head. Having been […]
Read more "Having been there, and now being here… Romans 15:13"John 7:16-17 (NLT) 16 So Jesus told them, “My message is not my own; it comes from God who sent me. 17 Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own.” Proverbs 14:27 (NLT) 27 Fear of the Lord is a life-giving […]
Read more "It’s time to work at living in peace with everyone. John 7:16-17"2 Timothy 3:15 (NLT) 15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. Ecclesiastes 5:2 (NLT) 2 Don’t make rash promises, and don’t be hasty in bringing matters before God. After all, God is in heaven, […]
Read more "Black and white."Psalm 25:4 (NLT) 4 Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. It’s taken me quite a while to write this. For a primer, read Loons, crows, and things that aren’t what they seem. Last night I sat in the activity room in the jail, really a very small […]
Read more "Jason didn’t make it. Psalm 25:4"Matthew 4:4 (NLT) 4 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say,‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” James 1:14 (NLT) 14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. Acts 19:4 (NLT) 4 Paul said, “John’s baptism called […]
Read more "Live fully. Matthew 4:4"
Just broken 