Tag: new life.

April 24, 2025

April 24th, 2025

Thursday – Letters

Reading – 1 Corinthians 1-2

Highlight Verse:

“The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I can teach a clear, eloquent lesson on the Gospel and have it completely misunderstood.

I can have a deep, emotional conversation about the Gospel and still be thought a fool for believing.

For some, there is a brick wall that no amount of convincing argument can even chip.

Is there no hope?

There’s always hope.

It may not be visible but the Holy Spirit is always at work. Sometimes He works through His people, sometimes directly.

For each wall I’ve seen stand hard against the Gospel, I’ve seen another knocked down through the power of the Holy Spirit at work through His people.

1st Corinthians is a great study on working in cooperation with the Holy Spirit. I’m looking forward to the lessons ahead for us.

In the meantime, I continue to pray for those whose wall I desperately want to see come down.

Are there people in your life who need the Holy Spirit to break down the wall separating them from the Good News of Jesus?
Did you have a wall separating you from understanding the Gospel? What was it like when that wall came down?
April 19, 2025

April 19th, 2025

Saturday – Open Topic

Reading – Matthew 27:62-66

Highlight Verse:

“The next day, on the Sabbath, the leading priests and Pharisees went to see Pilate.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭27‬:‭62‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I checked all four Gospels and today’s reading was all I could find about the Saturday between the Crucifixion and the Resurrection.

Nothing about disciples mourning or hiding.

Apparently they were busy observing the Sabbath.

The priests and Pharisees were not.

Why?

My theory is the power they witnessed at the Cross made them realize that Jesus spoke the truth. That scared them to death.

They could see that He was likely to rise from the dead. That would mean the end of their power unless they could find a way to stop the resurrection or at least stop people from believing it.

Despite their efforts, Jesus did rise from the dead.

He disciples saw and believed.

The Holy Spirit and the Word bear witness to us today and we believe.

That’s something to celebrate!

What do you think the disciples were doing on Resurrection Eve?
How do you plan to celebrate the Resurrection this weekend?
April 17, 2025

April 17th, 2025

Thursday – Letters

Reading – Romans 16

Highlight Verse:

“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭16‬:‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I’ve read this many times. I even sang it in a worship song years ago.

I can tell you that Satan crushed is cause for peace.

But there’s something else there I never noticed before.

God will crush Satan under YOUR feet.

I always pictured God sending legions of angels to bring the final defeat to Satan.

Nope.

His plan is to use you and me to defeat Satan.

I’ll be honest, at first that doesn’t sound very peaceful.

But get this – We can have peace because, while we are His instrument, the ALL-POWERFUL God of peace will crush Satan under OUR feet.

Are you ready for some stomping?

What verse stood out in this chapter for you?
How do you feel about being a devil stomper?
April 16, 2025

April 16th, 2025

Wednesday – History

Reading – Judges 15-16

Highlight Verse:

“But before long, his hair began to grow back.”
‭‭Judges‬ ‭16‬:‭22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Samson was a mess.

God anointed him to save Israel with the gift of amazing strength. Even when he fulfilled that calling, he would do it with a selfish or vengeful attitude.

Then came his final downfall from his lustful trust of Delilah.

As far as Samson was concerned, it was over.

He’d blown it so badly that he was left a powerless, blind slave to his enemies, the enemies of Israel.

As he suffered, he contemplated his failure.

I’d like to say he repented, but that’s not clear.

But God still used him to bring defeat to the enemies of Israel. Samson used the strength that God returned to him to defeat the Philistines.

It’s a strange story I know. But here’s what I take from it.

It’s never too late.

No matter how badly we mess up, God can still bring redemption and purpose to our lives.

What stands out the most about Samson’s life to you?
Have you ever been in that place where you thought God could no longer use you? What brought you through that time?
April 14, 2025

April 14th, 2025

Monday – Gospels

Reading – John 16

Highlight Verse:

“So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy.”
‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Welcome to your preview of Easter.

When Jesus was crucified, His followers were crushed.

Imagine their joy when He rose from the grave!

He’s been risen for over 2000 years.

I’ve been around for more than 60 Easters.

It’s easy to let the joy slip away.

Sure, the chocolate bunnies, Peeps, and roasted ham bring a smile to my face, but that’s fleeting.

So, what brings me joy?

• When I’m teaching kids or students, and one understands and responds to the Gospel message…
• When I’m in a Sunday service and people respond to the Gospel…
• When a new believer emerges from the water at baptism with the joy of new life on their face…

These bring the joy of resurrection to my heart.

I love the fact that I am part of a church that sees things like this every week. It constantly renews the joy that came into my life when I first trusted in Jesus.

What brings you joy?
How do you renew that joy throughout your life?
April 11, 2025

April 11th, 2025

Friday – Prophets

Reading – Isaiah 43-45

Highlight Verses:

““But forget all that— it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Earlier in the chapter, we are told to remember Israel’s roots.

Now it’s “forget about it!”

So, which is it?

This chapter – indeed, much of Isaiah points to the Gospel.

It sounds to me like God wants the people of Israel to remember the start of their faith but forget out the corruption of the faith with the development of a strict religion.

It was time to find the redemption promised with the coming of the Messiah.

In a comparative religions course at university, we used a textbook called “Zakhor” to learn about Judaism. Zakhor literally means “remember”

We came to learn that much of the religion was wrapped around remembering their roots.

Isaiah tells us to forget about that stuff that would keep you tied up in vain religion.

Instead, look for the new life of the gospel.

Are there parts of your past that you are holding onto?
Is that holding you back?
How do you think you move past that?
April 1, 2025

April 1st, 2025

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Genesis 21

Highlight Verse:

“And Sarah declared, “God has brought me laughter. All who hear about this will laugh with me.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭21‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Ten years ago on this day, my wife and I brought to the dinner table a sonogram of twins, telling our kids they were going to have younger siblings.

They didn’t buy it, at least not for more than a few seconds. But we all had a good laugh.

I think God loves laughter.

This verse is just one humorous moment in the Bible. Sarah’s joyous laughter is at the irony of a long barren woman having a child in her extreme old age.

The Bible is full of humorous moments:
• Balaam’s donkey
• Paul setting the Pharisees fighting against the Saducees
• Job being swallowed and vomited by a big fish.
• Jesus’ illustration of a log in your eye.
• Zacchaeus climbing a tree to see Jesus
• And many verses in Proverbs about lazy people and nagging wives.

I often picture Jesus laughing with His disciples as they hung out. While I don’t see Him as ever using inappropriate humor, I see Him as one who loves the richness of life, including laughter.

As you enjoy this April Fool’s Day, think WWMJL (What Would Make Jesus Laugh)

What story or verse in the Bible amuses you most?
In what ways can we use humor to draw people to God?
March 30, 2025

March 30th, 2025

Sunday – Poetry

Reading – Psalms 34-36

Highlight Verse:

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This is probably my second favorite verse in the Bible.

I first found out about it as a young camp counselor assigned to lead a small group of kids from broken families (mostly divorced parents).

Almost universally, they struggled with grief. Their lives were destabilized. They often felt guilty or betrayed or both.

They needed someone who would never leave them.

This Psalm shows them that the God who never gave up on David would never give up on them. In fact, He would come closer to them.

I found that to be true in my life.

The lowest times in my life were also the times that God carried me through. Those same times were the times of greatest spiritual growth in my life.

If God is with me, I can make it through.

Has God seen you through times when you were broken-hearted?
Have you been able to use this verse or your experience to help others through hard times?
March 25, 2025

March 25th, 2025

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Genesis 19-20

Highlight Verse:

“When Lot still hesitated, the angels seized his hand and the hands of his wife and two daughters and rushed them to safety outside the city, for the Lord was merciful.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭19‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

It’s easy to judge Lot here.

The danger was eminent, yet he still hesitated.

I would like to believe that he hesitated out of love for his daughters who would be losing their fiancés.

But those would be the same daughters that he was willing to give to the mob the night before.

So, I don’t know his reasoning, but I know Lot was unsure enough to hesitate.

There have been times in my life when I was unsure about something that I thought God was calling me to do.

When He called me to Bible college, I wasn’t sure. But our house sold in less than two weeks for what we hoped to get for it. If that wasn’t enough, we found a perfect rental not far from the Bible college.

He practically dragged me there.

While things arose in my life and family that prevented me from completing my degree there,

what I learned at Bible college in the time I was there was priceless. Without it, ministry would be much more difficult.

Has God ever “dragged” you out of a dangerous situation or into a good one?
Did you hesitate? How did he convince you to go along with Him?
March 21, 2025

March 21st, 2025

Friday – Prophets

Reading – Isaiah 34-36

Highlight Verse:

“Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy! The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon, as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon. There the Lord will display his glory, the splendor of our God.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭35‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Today is the first full day of Spring! (Okay, technically it began before sunrise yesterday but it’s the first 24-hour day).

Today’s verse speaks of the land’s break from war to experience a natural revival.

Each Spring brings a natural revival to me.

The days are getting longer. Some fields are already turning green. There’s even an 80 degree day in the forecast!

Tomorrow is our city’s free landfill day so I’ll be clearing some old junk out so I’ll have plenty of room for projects in my garage workshop.

I just need to remember when it’s still light and pleasant out that I told myself I’d get some stuff done in the garage instead of getting sucked into the sofa.

What are your plans for the warmer days ahead?
What will motivate you to take advantage of the evening light?

Tag: new life.

For some, there is a brick wall that no amount of convincing argument can even chip.

There’s always hope.

1st Corinthians is a great study on working in cooperation with the Holy Spirit. I’m looking forward to the lessons ahead for us.

I checked all four Gospels and today’s reading was all I could find about the Saturday between the Crucifixion and the Resurrection.

Despite their efforts, Jesus did rise from the dead.

That’s something to celebrate!

God will crush Satan under YOUR feet.

His plan is to use you and me to defeat Satan.

Are you ready for some stomping?

Samson was a mess.

As far as Samson was concerned, it was over.

But God still used him to bring defeat to the enemies of Israel. Samson used the strength that God returned to him to defeat the Philistines.

It’s never too late.

Welcome to your preview of Easter.

It’s easy to let the joy slip away.

These bring the joy of resurrection to my heart.

Now it’s “forget about it!”

So, which is it?

It sounds to me like God wants the people of Israel to remember the start of their faith but forget out the corruption of the faith with the development of a strict religion.

Isaiah tells us to forget about that stuff that would keep you tied up in vain religion.

I think God loves laughter.

As you enjoy this April Fool’s Day, think WWMJL (What Would Make Jesus Laugh)

This is probably my second favorite verse in the Bible.

This Psalm shows them that the God who never gave up on David would never give up on them. In fact, He would come closer to them.

If God is with me, I can make it through.

He practically dragged me there.

what I learned at Bible college in the time I was there was priceless. Without it, ministry would be much more difficult.

Each Spring brings a natural revival to me.

I just need to remember when it’s still light and pleasant out that I told myself I’d get some stuff done in the garage instead of getting sucked into the sofa.