At the Well, Jesus Goes First (John 4:9)
“The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?” (Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans.)” John 4:9 The story …
Whispers of Grace
Expectant Waiting: Longing for God, Not Answers (Psalm 130:5)
“I wait for the Lord; my soul waits, and in his word I hope.”Psalm 130:5 Waiting is hard. We want answers, and we want them now. My wife says that God is always on time, …
How to Be Prepared for Jesus’ Return: Readiness That Looks Like Love (Matthew 24:44)
“Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”Matthew 24:44 We live in a time when people are constantly trying to predict the return …
Delighting in God: The Foundation of a Loving Faith (Mark 12:30)
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”Mark 12:30 This scripture passage gets at the very heart …
The Beauty and Simplicity of Faith: Loving God and Others Like Jesus (John 6:60)
“When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?”” John 6:60 This verse comes from a passage in scripture that I have thought about a lot. There …
From Grief to Hope: Remembering the Character of God (Lamentations 3:31-33)
“For the Lord will not reject forever. Although he causes grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does not willingly afflict or grieve anyone.” Lamentations 3:31-33 Lamentations …
Philosopher or Addict: What Kind of Christian Are You? (Luke 6:46)
“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I tell you?”Luke 6:46 I am guilty of this. I believe we all are. It is easy to say that we are Christians …
When Right Belief Isn’t Enough (Romans 12:2)
“Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.”Romans 12:2 I …
Gentleness Amid Quarrels (Galatians 5:22-23)
“By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.” Galatians 5:22-23 Galatians 5 is a powerful passage. Earlier …
Beyond Moving Mountains (Mark 11:24)
“So I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 11:24 Reflection: This is a verse I have struggled with for years. It …