Pursuing a holistic expression of Christian faith that is true to the Bible and applicable for today’s world.
Delight in the Lord—Especially the Parts We Don’t Understand I delight in the reality that there are aspects about God I don’t understand, of things I can’t comprehend. I savor the wonderful mystery of God. So does the apostle Paul. In many of his letters, he talks about aspects of God as mystery. If there […]
Today’s passage: Philippians 4:4–9 Focus verse: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6) Does today’s passage sound familiar? It’s the same one as Day 9. Then we focused on verse four, which tells us to rejoice in the Lord. […]
Delight in the Lord—Even the Parts You Don’t Comprehend Are there parts of God you don’t understand? Does this frustrate you? It shouldn’t. Don’t let what you don’t know weigh you down. We should accept that we can’t fully know our Lord—at least not in this world—that we can’t yet understand God. Yet some people […]
A Fresh Opportunity Today’s passage: Lamentations 3:22–27 Focus verse: His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. (Lamentations 3:22–23) The five-chapter book of Lamentations is a series of five laments often attributed to the prophet Jeremiah. A lament expresses grief, mourning, or deep regret. As such, we expect the book of Lamentations to be […]
Godliness With Contentment Is Great Gain Paul writes that “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). In the passage before that, he warns Timothy to watch out for false teachers. False teachers are conceited and lack understanding. Paul will later write that false teachers fixate on controversy and argue about the meaning of […]
The Redemption of Jerusalem Today’s Passage: Luke 2:36–38 Focus Verse: She gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. (Luke 2:38) As Simeon concludes his praise, blessing, and prophecy, another witness arrives. Her name is Anna. Luke refers to her as the daughter […]
The Shepherds Tell Everyone about the Baby Today’s Passage: Luke 2:15–20 Focus Verse: When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child. (Luke 2:17) After sharing the astounding news of Jesus’s arrival with the shepherds, the angels leave. Amazed by the experience, the shepherds discuss what […]
Sexual Immorality Defiles Our Bodies, the Temple of the Holy Spirit Some people today don’t want to talk about sin. They view discussions of sin as judgmental. In truth, they don’t want to be confronted with their own shortcomings and faults. But the Bible addresses sin, so we’d be foolish to dismiss it. Most sins […]
Joseph Took Mary Home as His Wife Today’s Passage: Matthew 1:20–25 Focus Verse: When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. (Matthew 1:24) Learning of Mary’s unexpected pregnancy, Joseph intends to privately end their engagement. As he mulls over the best […]
“I am the Lord’s Servant,” Mary Answered. Key Passage: Luke 1:38 Focus verse: “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38) The angel Gabriel has just delivered shocking news to Mary. It’s a lot for her to take in. It would be a lot for anyone. The […]