2 Peter 1:19-21 “…So we have seen and proved that what the prophets said came true. You will do well to pay close attention to everything they have written, for, like lights shining into dark corners, their words help us to understand many things that otherwise would be dark and difficult. But when you consider...

Romans 5:3-5 “…but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5) I don’t ask why. The...

1 John 2:16 “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.” (1 John 2:16). “But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out...

1 John 2:16 “ For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.” (1 John 2:16) I invite you to help me raid the devil’s tackle box. What are the lures he uses to catch...

1 Thessalonians 1:4-6 “For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of...

John 15:16 “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” (John 15:16) Muriel loved cherry tomatoes. One day she had the bright...

1 Corinthians 3:10 “According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it.” (1 Corinthians 3:10) Division within the church often comes when the leader falls into sin. But it also...

John 15 “As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” (John 15:4) Why don’t you read John 15 (vv. 9,10,12,13,17) as we consider the fruit of the Spirit today? Did you discover lots of love-fruit? That’s appropriate, for love is at...

1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13) Practically speaking, how does a...

Ezekiel 20:9 “But I acted for the sake of my name, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations among whom they lived.” (Ezekiel 20:9a) “Temptation,” as you know, is a term that could point to any kind of trouble or adversity. One kind of trouble is temptation to sin. When...