Tag: blessed
“I’m Starving!” No, You’re Really Not (Why we should stop using this thankless phrase)
Have you ever said something to the effect of “I’m starving” in an attempt to describe your hunger? I have. Have you ever paused to think about what we’re saying when we use that phrase, even jokingly? Friends, if you have eaten a meal within the past 24 hours, no matter how hungry you may feel,…
GOD Promises to Transform Us into Jesus’ Image (That’s Weighty!)
The word “image” is found 20 times in the 2011 NIV translation of the New Testament. Several of these Scriptures have to do with the image of GOD (or Jesus). Consider three of these Scriptures with me: 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,…
Remember Who We Should Be Thanking
Thanksgiving is arguably the greatest American holiday. There are so many traditions, centered around family, and focused on being thankful…oh, and eating. How great is this!?! I absolutely love Thanksgiving. For my entire life, my family has gathered at my grandparents’ house to celebrate. For me, Thanksgiving is an opportunity to see family we don’t…
December 22 – GOD’s Will for You
Reading 2 Pet. 1:1-3:18 Devotional Today’s reading is the second letter of Peter. As mentioned yesterday, this letter was written to all Christians living at the time and its focus was to: 1.) refute the false teaching which had arisen and thereby remind the Christians what their responsibility and mission for life was, and 2.)…
December 19 – 2 Timothy: Paul’s Final Letter
Reading 2 Tim. 1:1-4:22 Devotional It seems that Paul was once again arrested and had to stand trial, and was apparently sentenced to death as a result of his defense of the gospel. Secular history affirms that Paul died a martyr’s death (a martyr is someone who is killed for a cause—in this case, for…
December 5 – Christ’s Strength Perfected in Weakness
Reading 2 Cor. 10:1-13:14 Acts 20:2-3a Devotional Paul suffered greatly as an apostle for Jesus. He also was blessed immensely as a result of His obedience to Jesus’ call. In order for Paul not to become conceited (that is, to think too highly of himself—to be arrogant), he was given a thorn in the flesh to…
November 30 – 1 Corinthians (part 1)
Reading 1 Cor. 1:1-4:21 Devotional Around 55-56 A.D., Paul wrote the letter that we know as 1 Corinthians. Apparently Paul and the brethren at Corinth had written each other a previous time, during which the Corinthian Christians asked Paul a number of questions, which Paul addresses. Additionally, Paul instructs them regarding divisions between them as…
November 23 – Jesus Calls Saul of Tarsus
Reading Acts 8:1b-9:31 Devotional On the day that Stephen was killed there arose a great persecution against the Christians in Jerusalem. Everyone except the apostles fled Jerusalem to the surrounding regions of Judea and Samaria. Saul of Tarsus was a key part of those persecuting the Christians. He went into Christians’ homes and dragged off…
November 15 – The Vine and the Branches
Reading John 15:1-17:26 Devotional After Jesus left the upper room where He had gathered with the twelve, they went to the Mount of Olives. Along the way, Jesus had one final conversation with His disciples. During this conversation Jesus told them more about what was about to happen with His going back to the Father,…
November 8 – Jesus Raises Lazarus
Reading John 11:1-54 Devotional Jesus had three friends who were brothers and sisters, Mary, Martha and Lazarus who apparently lived in the town of Bethany, which is about 2 miles from Jerusalem. (Note: This is likely the same Mary and Martha referred to in Luke 10:38-42 where Martha wanted Mary to help her prepare the…