Bible Geeks Daily Download: Recent Episodes

Ryan Joy and Bryan Schiele

Byte-sized Bible insights

What's GoodPraise God for His Incredible GoodnessRead or Watch

Put your hands in the pocket of a brand-new pair of pants, and you might pull out a slip of paper that reads, "PROUDLY INSPECTED BY 9." Whoever "9" is, they want you to know that they've checked the seams, zippers, pockets, and belt loops on your new britches and want you to feel confident in the construction. Quality assurance may not be a glamorous job, but it's sure better than having a wardrobe malfunction in the middle of the grocery store!

In this What's Good study, we've been inspecting the quality of our thoughts. If we're thinking about whatever is "true ... honorable ... just ... pure ... lovely" and "commendable" (Phil. 4:8), we know we're thinking long-lasting and time-tested thoughts. So, as we wrap up these conversations, let's look back at the big ideas we've tackled, praising God for his incredible goodness.

God's Good Gifts

When we don't take in the natural world, we miss a window into the wonder of God's goodness and greatness.
The chance to do good work and appreciate the work of others is worth celebrating.
Work is good, but God also created us to enjoy the sweetness of rest.
God manifests his wisdom and glory in the diversity he has filled his good world with.
Singing expresses what's inside us — what we believe, feel, and decide.
It pleases and glorifies God when we gratefully enjoy his blessings together.
Family bonds can give us love and acceptance that reflects our Heavenly Father's.
Through consistent acts of loyal love, we stockpile trust that friends draw on for a lifetime.

Praiseworthy Virtues

Though we're not perfect, we glorify God by stretching daily to be better and do better.
God teaches us to appreciate kindness by pouring his unimaginable love and mercy into our lives.
We love truthful words because they're the language our God uses to speak to us.
When we lift ourselves above others, we forget that our King lowered himself for us.
Filling our hearts and minds with goodness leaves no room for the filth of sin.

How has this study changed the kinds of things you think about?

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What's GoodFill Your Heart With All the Best ThingsRead or Watch

I looked out my window this fall morning, expecting to see brown. But instead, everything I saw outside my window was covered in snow. Untouched by footprints or car tracks, it seemed to have baptized the world I knew — parked cars, trees, mailboxes — under a blanket of white. When you see how clean it looks, sparkling in the sunlight, you understand the Lord's invitation: "Come now, let us reason together ... though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." He says, "Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes.” And he wants his people to “learn to do good” and “seek justice” for the oppressed (Isa. 1:16-18). So let's complete our study with one final praiseworthy virtue, filling our hearts with "whatever is pure" (Phil. 4:8).

The Big Idea

Filling our hearts and minds with goodness leaves no room for the filth of sin. After David's sin, he prayed for God to wash him "whiter than snow" (Ps. 51:7). But he didn't stop at a prayer for forgiveness. Instead, he asked God to create something new in him. "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me" (Ps. 51:10)

Rather than impure, fleshly thoughts, "those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit" (Rom. 8:5). The old you died. In baptism, you rose with Christ (Rom. 6:1-5), who reigns above. So set your mind on what's above and put to death "what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry" (Col. 3:2, 5).

What do supermarket labels mean when they say, "100% Pure"? Purity is about completeness. It's "100% pure Canadian maple syrup" only if the entire product is Canadian maple. And we're "pure in heart" (Matt. 5:8) when we devote ourselves entirely to the Lord, with single-minded sincerity.

Big Question

What sin is it easy for you to overlook, and how can you give it more attention?

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What's GoodLower Yourself to Lift Up OthersRead or Watch

What's the perfect foil for a Beast? How about a handsome but arrogant villain? When Gaston calls himself "a specimen," brags about cheap shots, and invites Belle to admire his trophies, he seems silly until he self-servingly commits Belle's father and incites a mob. We know a villain when we see selfish pride. It's why we loathe the Dursleys, despise Prince Humperdinck, and find satisfying justice in the demise of Esther's real-life nemesis, Haman. Because, at our core, we admire those who humbly lower themselves while lifting up others. It's another noble virtue worth celebrating.

The Big Idea

When we lift ourselves above others, we forget that our King lowered himself for us. The Lord of Lords is "gentle and lowly in heart" (Matt. 11:29). What an unexpected path to the top Jesus illuminates! We don't climb over others; we hold them up! "If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all" (Mark 9:25).

Galileo challenged the belief that the universe revolves around our world. Four hundred years later, some still think they're the center of the universe. The delusion that everyone owes you makes life a battle for what's yours. But we deserved death, Jesus paid what he didn't owe, and everything changed because of that gift (Rom. 6:23). We're happy debtors, loving others and sharing the gift (Rom. 1:15; 13:8). Narcissism stains our politics, entertainment, and interactions. Pride is fashionable, but we can still find humility. We can show our kids a first responder's selflessness or an expert who keeps listening (Prov. 1:5), staying "open to reason" (James 3:14-17).

Where pride looks out for "number one." Humility looks "not only" to your "own interests but also to the interests of others" (Phil. 2:4). Seeing others as equals, we consider them significant, sharing the glory of Christ's lowliness (Phil. 2:3-11). Andrew Murray rightly calls humility "the disappearance of self in the vision that God is all."

The Big Question

Will you be a "servant of all" today?

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What's GoodFeel the Freedom of TruthfulnessRead or Watch

If there’s anything we know from our modern media-fueled marketing landscape, we shouldn’t trust what we see in advertisements. Commercials, billboards, and store signs usually make bold claims without the substance to back it up. The “miracle pill” turns out to be a placebo. The “world’s best cup of coffee” is mediocre at best. The “get rich quick” scheme turns out pyramid-shaped. With the daily deluge of deception, it shocks our skepticism when we encounter someone honest and trustworthy. That “handshake deal” is a breath of fresh air in a world of snake oil salesmen and swindlers. So, as we continue to appreciate God’s good virtues, let’s feel the freedom truthfulness provides.

The Big Idea

We love truthful words because they’re the language our God uses to speak to us. We have a stable foundation of truth and honesty on which we build our lives when we hear our Lord and obey (Matt. 7:24). While it’s easy to imagine a stranger lying to us, it stings more when someone we love leads us astray. Because God loves us so much, it’s impossible to imagine him saying anything to deceive us — God never lies (Titus 1:2)!

And because God can’t lie, he won’t tolerate us dabbling in deception either. “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight” (Prov. 12:22). Rather than leaving us tangled in a web of dishonesty, the truth breaks those chains and sets us free (John 8:32)!

Honesty is a rare occurrence in our world, so it’s refreshing to see it on display. We acknowledge those around us who act with integrity. We take seriously the impact we have on others when we make bold claims and deliver on them. And we speak healthy and wholesome words, not to make ourselves look good, but to speak like our Father speaks — truthfully and honestly.

The Big Question

How would it change your relationships if you were more open?

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What's GoodFill Your Heart With God's LoveRead or Watch

As our seemingly-inevitable robotic uprising inches closer and closer, some concerned engineers have started thinking about how we talk to our smart home devices. We've barked orders at Alexa for too long, expecting it to set timers, deliver the weather report, or order more toilet paper. But you'd never talk to a person like that — would you? To encourage a gentler approach to our automated assistants, did you know there's a "politeness mode"? If Alexa hears a command without a "Please" attached, you'll hear the response: "What's the magic word?" Should we really be kind to our ... technology?! Maybe that's a bit extreme, but as we continue to appreciate God's good virtues, let's see the value in constantly filling our hearts with his love in all areas of our life!

The Big Idea

God teaches us to appreciate kindness by pouring his unimaginable love and mercy into our lives. We wonder in awe at the kind of sacrificial love Christ showed, as "... he laid down his life for us," leading us to "lay down our lives for the brothers" (1 John 3:16). Though we were once enemies of God in our sins (Rom. 5:10), we marvel at Jesus' mercy and willingness to suffer even for us (Luke 6:35-36).

Like a young child learns from their mom and dad's words and actions, we're educated by our Heavenly Father as his children. We follow his example and become "kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you" (Eph. 4:32). When we see love and mercy on display in the world, we acknowledge and honor it — not just because it’s polite, but because of its divine source.

Who would disagree that kindness is good? We all know that warm and welcoming feeling when someone treats us well. And while not everyone’s easy to be kind to, let's reflect the light of God's love throughout our lives, one "magic word" at a time.

The Big Question

Is there someone that you've struggled to be kind to?

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What’s GoodPush Forward to Be More ChristlikeRead or Watch

How are you doing with your resolutions? New Year's resolution #fails have become a familiar joke every January — only 9-12% of us hang on to them as we close the year[1]. Most have a half-baked "resolve" unworthy of calling "resolution," but that doesn't diminish the value of goals, even if we never achieve all our aspirations. Sure, we could vedge our life away with cheese doodles on the couch, but God created us to strive for growth. So as we shift our focus from God's gifts to virtues, let's pursue Christlike excellence.

The Big Idea

Though we're not perfect, we glorify God by stretching daily to be better and do better. Perfectionists lose their way, craving acceptance and chasing peace through flawlessness. But through Christ, we receive God's favor despite our faults (Eph. 2:4-10). We'll never reach God's perfection. But he "called us to his own glory and excellence" (2 Peter 1:3; 2:10) to imitate him (Matt. 5:48).

So "press on ... straining forward" (Phil. 3:12-14), growing "to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ" (Eph. 4:13). Hone your character, sharpen yourself (Eccl. 10:10). Make your life the masterwork you never tire of crafting in Christ's image (2 Cor. 3:18). Aspire to a "life ... worthy of the gospel" (Phil. 1:27).

Love is "the more excellent way" (1 Cor. 12:31ff), so may it "abound more and more ... so that you may approve what is excellent" (Phil. 1:9-10). And when you find "any excellence ... think on these things" (Phil. 4:8), noticing and appreciating it.

Sometimes "Whatever!" means we don't care. But Scripture says, "whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor. 10:31)! If we long to hear "well done" from Christ who "has done all things well" (Mark 7:37), we'll try to "excel in everything ... in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness" (2 Cor. 8:7).

The Big Question

Where do you need to strive for greater excellence?

[1]: New Year's Resolution Statistics (2022 Updated)

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What’s GoodStrengthen the Bonds of FriendshipRead or Watch

You never know where you'll find a good friend. Like classic TV's Felix and Oscar, Pixar's Woody and Buzz, or Scripture's David and Jonathan, sometimes we find ourselves in an Odd Couple, a surprising friendship that somehow works. We don't measure friendships by what we have in common but by faithfulness, fondness, and memories. Our victories mean more; our misfortunes a little less when shared (Rom. 12:15). God gives many gifts, but few more precious than the people who care about us. Those bonds are worth strengthening.

The Big Idea

Through consistent acts of loyal love, we stockpile trust that friends draw on for a lifetime. We invest in friendships like money in the bank; the currency is kindness. As Paulo Coelho said, "friendship isn't a big thing — it's a million little things." Brick by brick, we build lasting bonds by being available, discrete, and willing to listen. If you want friendship, you act like a friend. Imitate Timothy's genuine concern (Phil. 2:20-21) and Ruth's devotion (Ruth 1:5-19). "But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up" (Eccl. 4:10).

Quality beats quantity every time in friendship — better one reliable friend than hundreds who disappear when you need them (Prov. 18:24). A friend "loves at all times;" they're built for "adversity" (Prov. 17:17). They know "the real you" and love you anyway. So their "earnest counsel" tastes sweeter (Prov. 27:9), and even their "wounds" are "faithful" (Prov. 27:6).

You have the makings of a "soul-knit" friend (1 Sam. 18:1) when someone, like Jonathan, strengthens your hands in God (1 Sam. 23:16-17). Friends care about more than your happiness (1 Cor. 13:6)! They "pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul" (3 John 2).

Jesus wants friendship with us (John 15:13-15), like God's faithful friends before us (James 2:23; Ex. 33:11; Job 29:4). So, friendship, like many of the greatest gifts, can last forever.

The Big Question

Who in your life needs encouragement and connection?

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What’s GoodFeel the Fulfillment of a Fruitful FamilyRead or Watch

Grandmas tend to go a bit overboard around the holidays. My wife's Grandma Dean was a prolific baker, always bringing some of the tastiest desserts to our family gatherings. But you had to be very careful when asking her to bring a dish. One time we assigned her the task of bringing a pumpkin pie to Thanksgiving, so instead of one pie, she brought nine! Of course, from then on, she was jokingly known as Grandma Nine-Pies.

There's almost nothing we wouldn't do for our families — going above and beyond to express our love. So as we continue to consider God's amazing gifts, let's stop to feel the fulfillment of a fruitful family.

The Big Idea

Family bonds can give us love and acceptance that reflects our Heavenly Father's. Our earthly family prepares us to understand the love we have from our Maker. Since, as Paul said when you're "... led by the Spirit of God" you "are sons of God" and"have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!'" (Rom. 8:14-15). What intimacy and depth we experience both at home and with God!

A fruitful family comes as a gift from our Father. He blesses us with richness and fulfillment in our homes, as the psalmist sang, "Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table" (Ps. 128:3). It takes a lot of work and cultivation on our part. Still, when the home works well, it shines a light on God's perfect plan for our well-being.

But our families aren't always perfect — maybe it rarely feels like a "home sweet home" — but don't forget that God's design for the bond we share extends to our "brothers" and "sisters" in the church. As we follow our Lord together, we richly bless each other in unity as if we were blood relatives.

The Big Question

What could you do to bring your family closer in God's love?

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What’s GoodAcknowledge Life's Good Things with JoyRead or Watch

I've been to plenty of parties over the years that weren't any fun. It's sad, but no one wants to throw a stinker of a celebration. With all your party planning, you want people to enjoy themselves, feel comfortable and welcomed, and focus their attention on the people and the reason for gathering. But sometimes, a party just goes stale, and people wind up wishing they'd stayed home in their pajamas.

So, are followers of Christ any fun? Are we joyful people who know how to let loose and have a good time? So as we continue to think together about God's amazing gifts, let's see the blessing of joyfully celebrating life's good things!

The Big Idea

It pleases and glorifies God when we gratefully enjoy his blessings together. As with so many of the good gifts we've considered already, joyful celebration is a timeless activity we practice now, while we wait to do it for all eternity! Just imagine a scene like the one John saw in Revelation 19, where multitudes shouted praise to God as they waited for the great wedding feast of the Lamb. Also, picture the angel's celebrations when lost souls return to the Lord (Luke 15:3-10). It's safe to say that we've never been to a party like the ones in heaven!

After all, God gives us laughter and meals shared with good company! We can "eat and drink and find enjoyment ... from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment" (Eccl. 2:24-25). But as with everything in life, we party sincerely, thoughtfully, and with plenty of self-control. Of course, we must "fear God and keep his commandments" (Eccl. 12:13), but also, "be joyful and ... do good ... eat and drink and take pleasure ... this is God's gift to man" (Eccl. 3:12-13).

The Big Question

How are you expressing your joy and enthusiasm to those around you?

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What’s GoodOpen Your Heart to Sing PraisesRead or Watch

I like musicals, but some people really, really don't. America's founders bursting into song in a tavern? Gang members dancing through a knife fight? And let's not even start on those people dressed up like cats! It's all too much!

We can debate the virtues of Broadway shows, but Scripture leaves no doubt about the value of singing. In songs of victory (Ex. 15:1-21), lament (2 Sam. 1:17-27), and praise (Ezra 3:11), the saints of old opened their hearts and participated in God's gift of singing.

The Big Idea

Singing expresses what's inside us — what we believe, feel, and decide. God's grace brings out grateful praise (Col. 3:16) as we sing with our "spirit" and our "mind" (1 Cor. 14:15).

Singing is a heavenly art we get to practice on earth (Rev. 5:9; 14:3; 15:3). It can make joyful worship a habit (Phil. 4:4). So God says, "Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise" (James 5:13). But our songs also express our sorrow and help us find hope in the night, like Paul and Silas singing in prison (Acts 16:25), or Jesus before heading to Gethsemane (Mark 14:26).

Melody and harmony can lift or comfort us, but in Scripture, the purposes of singing come from the words. We learn them "by heart," and their messages become portable, guiding wisdom. When we sing — if we mean it — we take a stand for truths we believe in, like, "It is well with my soul." We make and renew commitments, like "I'm not ashamed to own my Lord." We can even discover deeply held longings as we sing of our hope, our need for mercy, and our desire for God's presence. But our songs also challenge, teach, and support one another.

It's great to hear one person teaching, but you know what's better? Singing "together ... with one voice" (Rom. 15:6). It's a uniting bond. And when we sing together, we need to hear each other and heed the teaching (Eph. 5:19).

The Big Question

How have psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs impacted your life?

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What’s GoodAppreciate Your Unique AbilitiesRead or Watch

Time for another installment of "Embarrassing Home Videos of Dad!" Our daughter loves to queue up hours of footage of our community and school talent shows from my youth. Whether I was attempting to sing a song, play an instrument, or just get a laugh, there was no shortage of my cringe-worthy teenage talents on tape. But isn’t it funny how some people make their performances look effortless? So as we continue to examine God's amazing gifts, let's take some time to appreciate the unique abilities he gives to each of us.

The Big Idea

God manifests his wisdom and glory in the diversity he has filled his good world with. We see it in every aspect of his creation, from the millions of strange and wonderful animal species to the breathtaking spectacles of the cosmos. But maybe no part of God's creation displays his creative range more than the abilities he has given humanity. His image bearers reflect his creativity, order, rationality, and love. From the Mona Lisa to the Empire State Building, from mapping the human genome to walking on the moon, our achievements come from our unique abilities.

And what a gracious God who gives us each something unique (Rom. 12:6-8)! Some people can brighten a day with a sentence, while others can explain the most complicated subject and make it understandable. Some people are passionate about feeding people, some love fixing cars, while others want to explore the world and climb every mountain. Our diverse abilities and interests allow humanity to rule over God's world as he created us to do. With our rich tapestry of gifts all woven together, we serve each other and reflect the way God has blessed each of us to his glory (1 Peter 4:10-11).

The Big Question

How often do you stop and appreciate the good that God fills the world with through the incredible range of gifts he gives us?

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What’s GoodStop and Enjoy RestRead or Watch

When I ask someone, "How are you?" they often answer, "Busy!" When did that become our standard reply? We glorify long hours and exhaustion as badges of honor, as proud of our lack of sleep as our results. How bad is it? For some, it's deadly. A recent study found that overworking kills three-quarters of a million people yearly [1]. In Japan, they have a word for it — Karoshi — "death from overwork." Our last session celebrated work, but that's not all God wants for us. Sometimes we need to stop to appreciate his gifts.

The Big Idea

Work is good, but God also created us to enjoy the sweetness of rest. We serve a God who rested (Gen. 2:1-3). Remember Jesus napping in the boat (Mark 4:38-40)? Or saying," 'Come away ... and rest a while.' For ... they had no leisure*" (Mark 6:31)? God valued rest so much he required work to cease one day a week (Ex. 20:8). Must have seemed shocking to a group of slaves (cf. Deut. 5:15)! We take a day of rest for granted, but it wasn't always this way.

The Sabbath was "a shadow" of Christ (Col. 2:15-17; Heb. 7:12). But it reminds us God wants us to rest. "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27). We're valued for more than what we produce. Our work isn't as important as we think; life goes on without us getting stuff done for a while. "It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep" (Ps. 127:2). We can have "sweet" sleep (Eccl. 5:12; Prov. 3:24), trusting God to keep us (Ps. 4:8).

But rest isn't just something we do; it's our security under God's rule (Deut. 25:19; 1 Kings 5:4). It's a mindset we cultivate, waiting for a greater rest (Heb. 4:9-10). Because even now, those who come to Christ rest in Him (Matt. 11:28-30).

The Big Question

What do you learn from God's desire to give us rest?

1 - "How Overwork is Killing Us," BBC

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What’s GoodEmbrace the Opportunity to Do Good WorkRead or Watch

I've never worked in a mine, but Disney's seven whistling dwarves seemed to enjoy it way more than they had any right to. How does anyone find that much joy in their work? I remember a bumper sticker that read, "I owe, I owe, so off to work I go." And it's true, we all have bills to pay, and sometimes feeding the family is all that keeps us grinding. So, is work one of God's good gifts to embrace or a curse to endure?

The Big Idea

The chance to do good work and appreciate the work of others is worth celebrating. As God the worker (John 5:17) created the universe, separating and ordering (Gen. 1:2-10), then filling it and making it useful (Gen. 1:11-31), we imitate him. Made in his image (Gen. 1:26), we subdue his good world (Gen. 1:28) with wisdom, creativity, and character that reflect his glory.

After the fall, the curse brought adversity to working the ground (Gen. 3:17-19), but work wasn't a curse. Even in Eden, God gave humans a job (Gen. 2:15). And he helps us work (Ps. 127:1; Prov. 16:3; John 15:5), allowing us to make a difference in big and small ways, from fixing a faucet to teaching the gospel. "By working hard" we receive the blessing of giving more than we get (Acts 20:33-35; cf. Luke 13:6-9). So even when the company, the people, and the job frustrate us, we find satisfaction in doing our part well. Because to "enjoy life" means pouring "your might" into "whatever your hand finds to do" (Eccl. 9:9-10).

So we work to fulfill our purpose; not just for a paycheck or proof of our worth. We were "created for good works" (Eph. 2:8-10), and doing good work is a good work (Eph. 6:5-9; 1 Tim. 5:8-14). All work is holy when we offer it to God — we're "serving the Lord Christ" (Col. 3:22-24) while making widgets, folding laundry, or doing math homework.

The Big Question

How does your work change when you see it as a gift from God?

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What’s GoodWonder at God's Work in NatureRead or Watch

Have you heard of the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards? Every year, judges vote on hundreds of photos of the silliest and most unexpected animal hijinks submitted by amateur and professional photographers worldwide. From laughing lions to samurai squirrels, snuggly seals to goofy grizzly bears — chances are you've never seen God's creation quite like this! But whether you’re laughing at pictures of silly animals, taking a quiet evening walk in the woods with a friend, or just enjoying a breathtaking sunrise alone, it's not hard to understand why God called this world "good" in those first few days of creation (Gen. 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25)! So, as we begin to explore some good things together, starting with God's incredible gifts, what happens when we sit in wonder at God's work in nature?

The Big Idea

When we don't take in the natural world, we miss a window into the wonder of God's goodness and greatness. It's undoubtedly important to immerse yourself in God's Word, learning more and more about him from the Bible. But don't rob yourself of the joy of glimpsing into his invisible attributes — his eternal power and divine nature — all around you (Rom. 1:19-20)! So take a walk, sit quietly in nature, and maybe watch for some wacky wildlife while you're at it. Let the time you spend enjoying God's creation reinforce how excellent and loving he is.

Looking around at the complexity of this world, it's clear that only God could have made "heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them" (Acts 14:15). Only a being with unmatched power and wisdom could have made such a rich and magnificent place. And it's not just his power on display, but we're also struck by his goodness — to each one of us! Like Paul said, "He did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness" (Acts 14:17).

The Big Question

How has God's creation impacted how you view him?

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What’s GoodDwell on God's Praiseworthy Gifts and VirtuesRead or Watch

When I go on road trips, I still like to listen to the radio. It's fun to hear the sounds change from region to region: from country music to mariachi to local, public radio. And when it goes static, or you hear some coarse language you'd rather avoid, you scan for a new station. You tune into something good.

And like the racket on the radio we don't want to hear, it's easy to dwell on discouraging thoughts. But when the darkness gets noisy, we need to change the channel and tune into "whatever is true ... honorable ... just ... pure ... lovely" and "commendable." Scripture says, "if there is anything worthy of praise" to "think about these things" (Phil. 4:8).

The Big Idea

The Lord doesn't just want us to do good things (Phil. 4:9) — he also wants us to think about good things (Phil. 4:8)! Of course, tuning our thoughts isn't as easy as pushing a button on a console. It takes careful attention (Prov. 4:23; Eph. 5:14-15). But like a wild field becomes a garden when tended, we can sow "pure ... lovely ... commendable" thoughts and cultivate new thinking habits. Paul paints a portrait of a mature Christian mind throughout Philippians, culminating in Phil. 4:4-13, where he shows us how to know the "peace of God" and the "God of peace" (Phil. 4:7, 9). Our key verse (Phil. 4:8) falls between those two phrases, showing us the path to maturity and peace.

So for the following thirteen lessons, we'll meditate on God's gifts and virtues. Because when we spend time thinking about and talking about the good things God has poured into his world (James 1:17), we become more grateful, committed servants. And as we meditate on his excellent virtues (2 Peter 1:3-8), we learn to treasure what he treasures.

So in these conversations, we pray you'll find new hope, joy, and strength. May we recognize God's abundant grace and light through which we will overcome the darkness (2 Cor. 4:6,16).

The Big Question

Has the noise of the world drowned out the good things of God in your heart?

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Training WheelsMaintain Your Forward Progress as ParentsRead or Watch

Here's the thing about riding a bike that may seem counterintuitive: the faster you go, the easier it gets to balance. You'd think the rider keeps the bike from falling over, but the bike's inertia makes a big difference too. Just send a bike speeding away without you, and you'd be surprised how far it goes. If you don't lose momentum, riding becomes a breeze. But momentum is also super important for parenting. Slow down, or stop following God's pattern, and things get a whole lot harder! So, as we wrap up our Training Wheels study, let's look back at the big ideas we've tackled, considering how they help us maintain our forward progress with our kids.

Stable Foundations

Our leadership throughout our children's lives ingrains the truths, traits, and habits they'll need.
The marriage covenant is God's foundation for a stable family.
Worship isn't just what we do as a family, it's who we are.
Integrity reinforces our kids' structural support system.
When discipline demoralizes our kids, we do more harm than good.

Shepherding and Shaping

We can find our way in our parenting dilemmas by looking up.
Your life speaks volumes to those following behind you.
Good parenting is a daily choice you make, not the result of your child's choices.
The world is your child's classroom, whether you're teaching them or not.
The gospel of grace gives us a new lens to see ourselves, our kids, and our parenting.
You can talk at your child and make a lot of noise, or you can talk to them and get through.

Sending Them Out

As we send our children into the world, we can't protect them from every danger.
Our kids were created for his glory, not ours.
What a gift it is to call your child a "brother" or "sister" in Christ.

How has this study propelled you into better parenting?

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Training WheelsRejoice When Your Children Follow the LordRead or Watch

A macaroni necklace. A glitter-bomb birthday card. A "World's Best Dad" coffee cup. If you've ever opened a present from your child, you know it's not the money they spent that makes it valuable. Instead, it's how the gift expresses their love. That's why parents can honestly say, "It's the thought that counts." But what's the greatest gift a parent could receive from their children? We've given stability and shepherding, but what do we hope we've prepared them to do? We send them out, hoping to rejoice with them when our Lord becomes their Lord.

The Big Idea

What a gift — when a "son" or "daughter" becomes a "brother" or "sister" in Christ. Imagine the day we serve our King alongside them as adults!

While hopefully, everyone loves their kids, maybe not everyone likes them. Some children grow up and become people you don't admire or enjoy being around. That's why we work every day to bring them under the shepherding and shaping influence of God. Faithful children don't happen by accident but by continually placing the Lord above all in a family's life (Titus 1:5-6).

Sometimes we're the bad guy, saying "no" until they learn to say it for themselves. Rather than treating our kindergarteners like buddies, we invest in disciplining them while they're small so that eventually, we can enjoy friendship with healthy, spiritually developed adults. Don't rush the process! And so we send them out into the world — not to leave us forever, but to build their own lives and families on what we've given them. We want to share our lives with their families because that's our family.

As parents, we look down the road beyond the piano recitals, report cards, and career decisions. It's fun to see our kids succeed, but life is full of hard choices. They need to know that if they lose their soul, they've lost everything (Mark 8:36). So keep the faith and remind them every day about the greatest gift ever given: salvation in Jesus!

The Big Question

Will your kids become people you enjoy being around?

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Training WheelsPrepare Your Child for a Life of Service to GodRead or Watch

Imagine if your job was to take care of a priceless work of art. When da Vinci painted the world's most beloved portrait, he couldn't have known that over six million people would flock to see that famous, enigmatic, Mona Lisa smile every year. Experts say it's worth over $860 million — a treasure the Louvre staff have the immense responsibility of protecting and sharing with the world. But we're called to take care of even greater masterpieces, created by an Artist beyond comparison. So before we send our children into the world, let's prepare them for a life dedicated to their Maker.

The Big Idea

God made our kids for his glory, not ours. Though we're glad they belong to us, we want them to belong to him. As Hannah said, "For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord" (1 Sam. 1:27-28). Hannah didn't know who Samuel would become or his significance in God's work. But she dedicated him to God and instilled a sense of identity as God's servant.

God knew our kids before we did, forming them "fearfully and wonderfully" in the womb. All their days are in his book (Psalm 139:1-5, 13-15). He's the source, the vine that'll make their lives fruitful. And as they abide in him, he'll answer their prayers and keep them in his love (John 15:4-10). When they believe God works mightily in them (Eph. 3:20; Phil. 2:13), it changes how they see themselves.

Devote your kids to God in your heart, training them in his way, surrendering their future to his care, and praying for his will to be done in their lives. We're stewards entrusted with these precious souls, readying them for life beyond our care. So as we receive children from the Lord, may they give themselves to him.

The Big Question

Do you see yourself as a steward, preparing your kids for life without you?

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Training WheelsGuide Your Kids Through Life's DifficultiesRead or Watch

Almost everything seems life-threatening to a newborn baby, especially when you're a first-time parent. A loose blanket in their crib, a small toy, stairs, pets, coffee table corners, and especially the dreaded electrical outlets all seem to pose a mortal danger to small children. You might wrap your child in bubble wrap if it wasn't such a potential choking hazard! But it doesn't get easier as our kids grow up. There's always danger lurking around the next corner. Though "helicopter parenting" is tempting, someday they'll need to face difficulties without you. So, as we prepare to send our kids out into the world, how do we empower them and guide them through life's obstacles?

The Big Idea

As we send our children into the world, we can't protect them from every danger. Our kids, like all of us, may travel "through the valley of the shadow of death" someday (Ps. 23:4). We may grieve over the life they've chosen, as David did with Absalom (2 Sam. 19:4). Maybe we'll mourn for the treatment they've unfairly endured, like Mary at her son's crucifixion (John 19:26). With storms on the horizon, let's build our homes on solid ground now, shepherding and shaping them according to the Lord's pattern.

Be there for them, always available to step in and help when they're ready for our support. Our kids should know that we'll always love them, no matter the mistakes they've made or the situation in which they've found themselves. Remember how the prodigal son's "father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him" (Luke 15:20)?

But here's some good news: we have a helper who cares about them even more than we do. So get on your knees every day, pleading for his protection over them, as Job did for his children (Job 1:5). When we feel powerless to step in and rescue them, call on the Almighty Father to "keep them from the evil one" (John 17:15).

The Big Question

How will you respond when your child fails their tests?

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Training WheelsBe Purposeful With Your CommunicationRead or Watch

Their eyes glaze over. They stare off into the distance. Your words wash over them in waves of nonsensical noise. Like Charlie Brown's teacher, have you ever felt like your eloquent orations to your kids sound more like, "Wah wah woh wah wah" in their ears? Have we lost the ability to speak our child's language somewhere along the way? Is it even possible to communicate clearly with your kids? So as we shepherd and shape them, let's be more purposeful with what we say and how we say it.

The Big Idea

You can talk at your child and make a lot of noise, or you can talk to them and get through. Following Christ's example, our kids should know our voice (John 10:3-4). But it's more than recognizing the sound of someone's voice — it's about connecting with the meaning of the message. If our message isn't received, we're not communicating. Are we being understood? Or are we just spraying them with a sea of senseless sounds?

Communication isn't a one-way activity but a two-way dialogue. Listen to them — getting to know their voice — and consider how best to respond. It takes knowing yourself and your child to have a successful conversation. As we invest in becoming their sounding-board, we'd do well to be "quick to hear, slow to speak," controlling our tongues (James 1:19, 26). We communicate better when we commit to knowing our kids' world, where they're coming from, and what they're trying to tell us. Are you an effective listener or always doing the talking?

Season your words with grace (Col. 4:5-6), mindful of your headspace and attitude. Are you under control or losing your cool? A small child understands tone even when they don't grasp all the words. Whatever your child's age, how you say things can matter just as much as what you say. And remember that they will mirror what you talk about and how you say it.

The Big Question

Are you invested in hearing your kids and helping them to hear you?

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Training WheelsReflect God's Grace in Your ParentingRead or Watch

"You must be kind, you must be witty," goes an old Disney song, as children recite a recipe for their perfect nanny. But when Marry Poppins arrived, maybe you found yourself resentful of her sugary tactics as she tackled every problem gracefully. Unlike her, most of us can't do chores with a "snap" or blow away on an umbrella after a season. Instead, those who aren't "practically perfect in every way" must rely on God's grace. So, as we shape our children, how do we embrace God's favor and reflect it into our children's lives?

The Big Idea

The gospel of grace gives us a new lens through which we see ourselves, our kids, and our parenting. God gives us strength in our weakness, help in our struggles, and mercy when we fail. We don't earn his forgiveness, and we shouldn't require that from our children. We've all "sinned ... and are justified by his grace as a gift" (Rom. 3:23-24). And we forgive because of who we are, not because others have earned it.

So there's no "perfect parent" award or "parenting police." Christ commands whole-life devotion — to "be perfect" or complete "as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matt. 5:44). But Jesus says that starts by seeing our need for grace before God (Matt. 5:3). Don't miss how owning and admitting our mistakes eases the burden of "perfection" on our children. Make space for them to drop their guard and open up to you. Extend them the same graciousness God gives us (Titus 2:11-14).

While losing our temper at our kids is wrong, choosing not to repair and apologize creates a bigger issue. Remember, God forgives those who forgive others (Matt. 6:15). And forgiveness goes both ways! If we expect our kids to say, "Sorry," when they're wrong, are we willing to model that for them? When we admit our mistakes and ask for forgiveness, we show them our priority is repairing the relationship.

The Big Question

Do you need to rely more on God's grace in your parenting?

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Training WheelsSeize Each Day's Teaching MomentsRead or Watch

"It's time to go to bed," says the parent. "Why?" "Because it's nighttime." "Why?" "Because the sun went down." "Why?" "Because of the rotation of the earth ..." Well, you get the point. Our kids constantly ask questions as their minds collect data at a breakneck speed. A parent can spend a whole day going from "Why are the dinosaurs gone?" to "Why is the sky blue?" to "Why do kids have to obey their parents?" The questions can be as challenging as plentiful. But as parents trying to shape our kids, they also provide something we need to recognize and seize: teachable moments.

The Big Idea

The world is your child's classroom, whether you're teaching them or not. They're learning machines, developing their understanding of the world each day. And we're their teachers, helping them get the best information and training. A lot of their education comes from reinforcing and repeating. But we can also meet them in those moments when they're ready to learn — if we pay attention. When their curiosity is piqued, stop and talk through the big questions. When an experience leaves them open to growth, those conversations are worth the time.

The Lord told parents to speak about his instruction all the time. Start by loving the Lord with all of yourself, placing his commandments on your heart (Deut. 6:5-6). Only after you "teach yourself" (Rom. 2:21) can you "teach them diligently to your children, and ... talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise" (Deut. 6:7). Whether we're on the go or taking a break, getting ready for breakfast, or getting ready for bed, the things of the Lord fill our hearts, our conversations, and our actions. And when we instill the word in their hearts, we equip them to answer life’s "Why" questions with a ready "it is written" (Luke 4:1-13).

The Big Question

What are your kids ready to learn, and are you taking the time to engage in those discussions?

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Training WheelsTake Responsibility for What You Can ControlRead or Watch

Little kids don't usually have a filter for their words. Sometimes they surprise us with unexpected wisdom beyond their pint-sized proportions. And other times — most other times — they say things in public that make you want to crawl in a hole from embarrassment. If you don't have a budding young philosopher in the house, maybe "Out of the mouth of babes" sounds more like a punchline than a blessing. So how much control do we really have over what our kids say or do despite our best efforts? As we shepherd and shape our children, it's important to accept our limitations and take responsibility for what we control.

The Big Idea

Good parenting is a daily choice you make, not the result of your child's choices. Your success or failure as a parent doesn't depend on your kid's response. Imagine if we judged God, the Perfect Father, by the same criteria. If the majority walk the broad road to destruction (Matt. 7:13-14), does that mean God is a failure (Isaiah 1:2)? Of course not! People make their own decisions and are responsible for their actions (Ezek. 18:4) — and that includes our children.

So, what's your goal as a parent? We need to get clear on that before we start evaluating ourselves. For example, we aim to pass our faith to our kids, like Timothy's grandmother and mother did (2 Tim. 1:3-7). That's the right goal, as long as we take responsibility for the part we control. So do your part every day, planting and watering your child's heart (1 Cor. 3:6), and leave the growth to God.

Parents aren't all-knowing masters or experts. We just have twenty or thirty more years of experience. That's not nothing, but don't overestimate it either. Don't feel pressure to be "The Father" or "The Mother" with all the answers. Instead, stay humble, offering wisdom, love, and discipline as you guide them, support them, and correct them.

The Big Question

How will you know if you've done a good job as a parent?

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Training WheelsShow Your Children What Life Is All AboutRead or Watch

Ever heard about Jesus' twelve kids? No, he never married or had children, but he wasn't a typical bachelor either. From the beginning of his ministry, he "adopted" a dozen men from various backgrounds into his inner circle. They followed him around, listened to his teaching, and watched him work. They asked a ton of questions, like most children do, and were usually confused by his answers. He gave instructions and watched as they obeyed or failed. Jesus wasn't a parent, but in a way, he was the perfect example of practical parenting. So, let's look to the Good Shepherd to show us how to shepherd our children well.

The Big Idea

Your life speaks volumes to those following behind you. Our kids need someone to show the way. So, we take a cue from Jesus' playbook and invite them to "Follow" (John 1:35-51). Or as Paul said, "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ" (1 Cor. 11:1). We're not perfect, but they're watching whether we realize it or not. Some people are sent to foreign soil to bring the gospel. You're sent to disciple your kids, "teaching them to observe" Christ's commands (Matt. 28:19). Like disciples spent every day with the Master, learning to "follow in his steps" (1 Peter 2:21), our kids spend their formative years right next to us. But, as they study you, what do they learn? Do they see consistent joy, gratitude, and prayer (1 Thess. 5:16-18)? Are they learning to see people with generosity and patience (1 Cor. 13:4-7)? What will they learn about work, friendship, money, and the opposite sex? And will they come to love Jesus and the story of salvation?

Shepherding isn't glamorous; it's messy, costly, and exhausting. But in his limitless love, Christ committed himself to the gritty, sacrificial work of leading his sheep (John 10:11). And as we spend ourselves in the thankless job of parenting, may our kids see Christ in us!

The Big Question

Are you comfortable telling your children to walk like you?

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Training WheelsParent Like Your Heavenly FatherRead or Watch

Before we had kids, we were all perfect parents ... at least in our minds! We'd read the books and we'd studied the parents around us — we were experts in child-rearing, with all the answers on "What to Expect When You're Expecting" and beyond! Everything made sense until we walked out of the hospital with our newborn in our arms and realized we didn't know what we were doing! And it wouldn't get any easier as they grew up. So, where do we turn when the strategies don't work, and everyone has a different opinion? It's easy to forget you have the best parenting example ever available to you. His book isn't in the parenting section, but our heavenly Father is the only perfect parent. So as we try to give our kids a stable foundation and shape them into the people we hope they'll become, what can we learn from God about parenting?

The Big Idea

We can find our way in our parenting dilemmas by looking up. Maybe you had fantastic parents, or maybe not. But your primary model can't come from them or any earthly source. When you need illumination, consider how the "Father of lights" (James 1:17) deals with his children.

Despite our failures, God constantly shows us his love (Eph. 1:3-14; Matt. 7:11). Do our kids see our love for them as clearly? He fights for us (Neh. 4:20), protects us (2 Thess. 3:3), and provides for us (Matt. 6:26-33). He leads and patiently corrects us (Joel 2:12-13). He gives us room to choose wrong but never gives up on us (Hosea 11:1-9).

The Father doesn't foster our sense of entitlement by indulging our every desire, but he does give us what we need (James 4:2-3). Sometimes, what we need is discipline (Heb. 12:8-9). And sometimes, it's grace (Eph. 2:4-10). God does the difficult work of shepherding and shaping us. May we all develop as parents in his image.

The Big Question

What do you still have to learn from God about parenting?

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Training WheelsTrain With Wisdom, Patience, and LoveRead or Watch

Imagine a few hundred thousand people crammed shoulder to shoulder on the Golden Gate Bridge. Their immense weight slowly flattens the gently curved roadway. Will it buckle from the pressure? Well, that's what happened on its 50th anniversary, when the iconic bridge welcomed 300,000 pedestrians to cross. Fortunately, the bridge was built to bend. And that same "bend but don't break" approach can help us lay a stable foundation for our kids. Rather than pushing them past their breaking point, the Lord teaches us to train them with wisdom, patience, and love.

The Big Idea

When discipline demoralizes our kids, we do more harm than good. Scripture commands, "do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged" (Col. 3:21). Other translations say not to, "antagonize" (NASB), "embitter" (NIV), or "aggravate your children" (NLT). Our decisions, words, and approval bear so much weight with them, and we have to carry that influence responsibly. If we aim to "bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord" (Eph. 6:4), we won't compromise on God's standards. But his compassion needs to lead us just as much as his justice.

We all need room to fail and still find love and support. The purpose of discipline is training, not punishment, so our discipline needs to prioritize our child's growth and wellbeing. If we humiliate them, don't be surprised if they stop learning whatever we intended to teach them.

Christ gives his disciples a challenging way to respond when we feel angry (Matt. 5:21-26) or attacked (Matt. 5:38-42). We don't get a pass on a Christlike response just because they're our kids. Parenting can get overwhelming. We're so invested in our aspirations for our kids, wanting them to have impeccable character. But if we expect perfection, we hold them to unreasonable standards we can't live up to ourselves. That's a lot of pressure! Let's aim to offer our kids the same grace, patience, and gentleness God offers to us.

The Big Question

Does your love for your child show even in discipline?

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Training WheelsReflect God's Discipline and Consistency at HomeRead or Watch

The New Yorker called it "The Fifty-Nine-Story Crisis." In June of 1978, a college student called renowned structural engineer William LeMessurier to say a massive skyscraper he designed wasn't sound. His building, the Citigroup Center, was the world's seventh-tallest at the time. At first, he blew it off, but upon inspection, he realized that someone switched the welded joints to cheaper bolts during construction. It was such a small change, but it would've spelled disaster in a strong wind. And Midtown Manhattan isn't the only place where a lack of structural integrity can bring down the house. As we lay the foundation for our children, how do we stay true to God's original design for the home, giving their lives the stability they need?

The Big Idea

Integrity reinforces our kids' structural support system. It's not enough to keep the big promises — you've got to keep the little ones too. Jesus reminds us that "one who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much" (Luke 16:10). Every time you make good on a promise, it's like you're using God's original — trustworthy — building material. But if you start to break your word, it won't take long before their trust in you comes tumbling down.

Whatever we say, we do. We're trustworthy and reliable — a good quality to have as a parent and in all other relationships. As James said, "let your 'yes' be yes and your 'no' be no" (James 5:12). Developing integrity isn't always fun or convenient, but through repetition and followthrough we strengthen our kid's trust in us.

Set clear boundaries and expectations ahead of time so they know the consequences before they act. No waffling or excuses, we view discipline as an act of love — just like God does! "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord … For the Lord disciplines the one he loves …" (Heb. 12:5-6).

The Big Question

Do your kids see you as someone who always keeps your commitments?

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Training WheelsDeepen Your Devotion to God as a FamilyRead or Watch

Most kids don't like watching anything black-and-white. When a film from the '90s is an "old movie," the family of the '50s seems almost ancient. What'd they do with their free time without the internet? As outdated as it may sound, many families invested in quality time, eating meals together, going to church every week, and studying the Bible regularly. No, life wasn't perfect. But are these "old-fashioned" priorities a thing of the past? Maybe with all our distractions, the foundation of our families has weakened. Adrift in a sea of activities, perhaps we've lost touch with the value of deep devotion to God together.

The Big Idea

Worship isn't just what we do as a family — it's who we are. The "Lord builds the house" (Ps. 127:1) when he's the heart of the home.

Jesus grew up in a home where honoring God was the norm. The family "went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover" (Luke 2:41) — it wasn't a question; it was just what they did. They were poor, but they sacrificed what little they had to God, as he commanded (Luke 2:22-24). Before Mary and Joseph ever had kids, they were worshipers at their core. Listen to the beautiful words of devotion Mary spoke before Jesus' birth — "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior ... for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name" (Luke 1:46-49). It's only fitting that when Jesus was twelve, he continued the legacy, planting himself in the temple to discuss God's word (Luke 2:49).

So make devotion the core of your marriage from the earliest moments, before the kids come. Lay those habits and commitments deep, like concrete footers beneath your house. Serve, pray, and consistently assemble with the church, never too busy to show up for the One who showed up for us. Just imagine what might happen if more families took the "old fashioned" approach of Jesus' upbringing.

The Big Question

Is glorifying God the soul of your family?

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Training WheelsSolidify Your Marital FoundationRead or Watch

There's a terrifying place in Florida called "sinkhole alley" — a three-county-wide swath of land known to swallow houses whole! Imagine enjoying a Saturday morning off, watching cartoons with your family, when suddenly the foundation beneath you erodes, leaving you fighting for your lives in your pajamas. We like to think of our home as a safe place, but what makes it safe? What's the bedrock on which a stable family is built?

The Big Idea

The marriage covenant is God's foundation for a stable family. Jesus says that in marriage, we become "no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate" (Matt. 19:6). So a rock-solid marriage begins with reverence for God and the one-ness he creates. "Because the Lord was witness between you and the wife of your youth ... your companion and your wife by covenant" (Mal. 2:14).

And as the next verse highlights, our honor for our spouse affects our children. "Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth" (Mal. 2:15). Sometimes couples split apart; sometimes they drift apart. But non-stop fighting and unfaithfulness will weaken the foundation of your family, eroding the bedrock on which you once hoped to build.

So, grow your love for your spouse, stay on the same page, and work out your differences in a way that honors Christ (Eph. 5:21). Sacrifice for each other, holding your relationship above all others — even above a relationship with your children! Mutual love and respect act as the reinforced concrete to keep that sinkhole from ever forming. As Paul said, "let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband" (Eph. 5:33).

The Big Question

How are you fostering stability in your relationship?

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Training WheelsSupport, Shepherd, and Send Out Our KidsRead or Watch

What do people mean when they say something is "like riding a bike"? How is snowboarding or learning a language in any way "like riding a bike"? They mean it tends to stick with you once you get it — it becomes ingrained so time doesn't wipe away all your practice. In some ways, training up a child is like teaching them to ride a bike. You put on training wheels before they can balance independently. And then, eventually, you take them off and hold the back of their seat. But at some point, it's time to let go so they can ride on their own, and maybe fall a few times. So, as we begin, let's explore the great responsibility we have as parents to support, shepherd, and send our kids out into the world.

The Big Idea

Our leadership throughout our children's lives ingrains the truths, traits, and habits they'll need. Scripture gives us an encouraging principle when it says, "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it" (Prov. 22:6). In other words, when we teach them to live well, they won't easily forget it.

We try to provide stable foundations for our children early on. We focus on our covenant bond with our spouse. We make God the center of our home. We speak truthfully and we train them with love and care.

As they grow, we shepherd and shape them, looking heavenward to God's example and urging them to follow us. We get clear about our goals, grab life's tiny teaching moments, and model God's grace in their lives. And we communicate clearly and openly with them.

One day we'll send them out into the world, always there for them through troubling times, praying that we've done our best to instill a dedication to God. Imagine the blessing of calling our adult children "Brother" or "Sister" in Christ. What a gift, but what a task we have before us!

The Big Question

In what areas of your parenting are you looking to grow?

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Watch the VideoSince 2019, we've gone Into the Book, exploring the richness of the New Testament together. And we've spent a whole year Cross Training to become better disciples of Christ, our Master Teacher. We've learned so much together through these conversations, and now, we're taking these discussions to a whole new level!

If you've ever looked around for quality Bible study material to dig into on your own, you know how hard it is to get started. How about finding relevant study guides to tackle in a small group, or in a Bible class with your church? Again, not always easy! Sometimes half the battle is getting started with a personal or group study, so we're excited to launch our newest project: Bible Geeks Guided Studies — like a Choose Your Own Adventure approach to studying God's Word. Here's how it works:

Throughout the year, we'll release a handful of different Guided Studies, covering a wide range of relevant topics, targeted at a wide range of people. If you're a parent or a kid, a seasoned saint or new to the faith, we've got you covered! Each Guided Study lasts either 3 sessions, 8 sessions, or 13 sessions — making it perfect for a weekly or monthly study, either on your own or in a group. Focused but flexible, each guide targets a specific spiritual aim, but allows you to study the way that fits you best.

Each study has a downloadable guide, perfect to hand out to a group or use on your own. The Guided Study session begins with a short Daily Download video — also available as text — to kick off the discussion. Then, each session launches into a mapped-out conversation with readings, questions, and challenges to do together. And if you're studying on your own, or want to hear an example of each conversation, tune into our Weekly Podcast where we'll be sharing an example of each session in the study.

Whether you're studying as a family, church, with a neighbor, or by yourself, we pray that these free tools will equip you to study God's Word well. This isn't another yearlong project like we've done in the past, it's a complete reboot of the Bible Geeks podcast and website.

Follow along with all our Guided Studies at biblegeeks.fm/study.

Cross TrainingListen Carefully to Wise InstructionRead or Watch

This year at a teen event, we had a competition where several teams had to guide a blindfolded teammate through a maze using only their voice. It was fun but a little chaotic, as our young folks tried to make their way, discerning between different voices and instructions: "Turn left!" "No, right!" "Keep going, you're doing great!" It's a bit like the different advice we receive as we navigate our own twists and turns. Who do you listen to — or should you just shut the voices out, determined to stumble along on your own?

We're Cross Training to develop our lifelong learning, the last of twelve marks of the Master we've worked on this year. Lifelong learning comes when we follow Jesus as disciples, hunger and thirst after righteousness, examine ourselves, and seek out wise counsel. So why do we need wise advisors, and how do we find them?

What You Need to Know

Naturally, what makes sense to you makes sense to you! But we all need to hear other points of view. Even a fool is "right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice" (Prov. 12:15). If you think going it alone — listening to no one — proves your strength, remember that the battle usually goes to those with the best counselors: "Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war" (Prov. 20:18). In fact, while you don't want to listen to just anyone, this is one area of life where more is usually better. "Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed" (Prov. 15:22).

So when you come to a crossroads and face a challenging decision, look for those who can help you choose the right way. And even in your day-to-day walk, who would you love to take with you on this journey, to help you see things clearly and live well? Looking around your life, fill your cabinet of advisors asking yourself, "who do I want to have in my ear?" Prayerfully build relationships with mentors and friends who exhibit the fruit of the Spirit as those who "belong to Christ Jesus" (Gal. 5:22-24).

What You Need to Do

Choose your advisors carefully. Give attention to "your father's instruction" and "your mother's teaching" (Prov. 1:8). Rather than leaning toward those with whom you have the most in common, look for wisdom and the fear of the Lord (Prov. 9:10). Unlike Rehoboam, who lost part of his kingdom by choosing the advice of his young friends over older counselors (1 Kings 12), seek out mentors and thinking partners who have more experience than you (cf. Prov. 16:31). As Job said, "Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days" (Job 12:12). That doesn't mean we should "despise" the wisdom of young, faithful people (1 Tim. 4:12). To the contrary, they too can offer a unique and helpful perspective, holding to their "sincere faith" in the word they've received (2 Tim. 1:5).

Humbly listen, even when it's uncomfortable to hear. Never become too proud for correction, since anyone "who hates reproof is stupid" (Prov. 12:1). Find the "sweetness of a friend" in their "earnest counsel" (Prov. 27:9), even when their "faithful ... wounds" of correction (Prov. 27:5-6) hurt all the more for their frankness and love (Lev. 19:17-18).

Don't equate any human’s advice with God's wisdom. To David and Absalom, "the counsel Ahithophel gave was as if one consulted the word of God" (2 Sam. 16:23). That can get dangerous even with the most sage and experienced advisor. Wisdom can come in a lot of varieties from a lot of sources, some better than others (cf. James 3:13-17). Christ’s disciple will always look first to the "Wonderful Counselor" (Isa. 9:6; cf. Isa. 11:2). And so this series ends where it began — Cross Training under the instruction and example of the Master!

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — Luke 2:40-52; Matt. 7:6; Psalm 1:1-6; 1 Cor. 15:33; 1 Thess. 5:6-14
Reflect (Tue) — Who are my counselors now, and who should I seek to advise me?
Request (Wed) — "Holy Father, fill my life with an abundance of wise counselors" (cf. Prov. 15:22).
Respond (Thu) — Buy lunch for a wise, older saint, enjoying their company and taking in their insights.
Reach Out (Fri) — How has wise counsel made a difference in your life?

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Cross TrainingLook Inwardly to What God SeesRead or Watch

My family — with our pasty-white complexion — has a history of skin cancer. But after skipping my dermatologist appointment for almost a decade, my doctor was shocked by the amount of work he needed to do as he checked every freckle, sun-spot, and mole. I'm reminded that it's not just the "outer self" that needs regular checkups. Maybe it's past time to schedule an appointment with the Great Physician for a spiritual examination.

We're Cross Training to develop our lifelong learning, the last of twelve marks of the Master we've worked on this year. Lifelong learning comes when we follow Jesus as disciples, hunger and thirst after righteousness, examine ourselves, and seek out wise counsel. So why is self-examination so important, and why do we tend to avoid it?

What You Need to Know

Jesus directs our attention to ourselves during the Sermon on the Mount, when he tells us to "first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye" (Matt. 7:5). Personal change like that begins with what we "see" and "notice" (Matt. 7:3). When we hear God's word, it should lead us to take a hard look at ourselves and start the work of correcting any problems we find. Anyone who hears and doesn't do that is "like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror" and then "goes away and at once forgets what he was like" (James 1:23-24).

But sometimes we get so caught up examining others, that we forget to check ourselves. Many in Corinth wanted to test Paul, but he repeatedly emphasizes the word "yourselves" to challenge them to look in the mirror. "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" (2 Cor. 13:5). Rather than having a distorted picture of ourselves as we help others, we need to turn our focus inward and test our own work (Gal. 6:3-4).

What You Need to Do

Before you worship, take a moment to consider yourself. Do I have an issue to work out between me and my brother or sister? "So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift" (Matt. 5:23-24). Before participating in the Lord's Supper, see if you've prepared your heart to remember Christ in a worthy manner. "But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup" (1 Cor. 11:28).

Bring your life before God in honest prayer, inviting him to see you (warts and all) and lead you into his complete righteousness. David prayed to God, "test my heart and my mind" (Ps. 26:2). He begins another psalm acknowledging that God knows everything (Ps. 139:1-16), ending with a prayerful consideration of his own thoughts and actions, pleading, "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" (Ps. 139:23-24). When you find anything out-of-line with the Lord's goodness, acknowledge it to him and walk in the light (1 John 1:7-10).

Learn from your mistakes and try to see yourself more clearly through the lens of those difficulties. Even when something challenging happens that has nothing to do with you, see if there's something you can learn from it. Remember, "It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons" (Heb. 12:7). Because "the Lord disciplines the one he loves" (Heb. 12:6) to improve us (Heb. 12:4-11). When Jerusalem was destroyed, Jeremiah's lament pointed the nation to a path forward through self-examination and repentance. He said, "Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the LORD!" (Lam. 3:40).

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — Matt. 7:1-5; Ps. 139:1-24; 1 Cor. 11:17-34; 2 Cor. 13:1-10; James 1:19-27
Reflect (Tue) — What does the Lord see when he looks closely at my thoughts and behavior?
Request (Wed) — "Search me, O God. Know me, and lead me in the everlasting way" (cf. Ps. 139:23-24).
Respond (Thu) — Open up to a friend about an area of concern in your life, asking for their prayers.
Reach Out (Fri) — How can you grow from the challenges you're experiencing?

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Cross TrainingWant God’s Goodness and RighteousnessRead or Watch

A man came to a great teacher, wanting to become his student. When the teacher walked away, he followed him out of town to a lake. The teacher continued walking until the water was waist-deep. Then he turned around, put his hands on the prospective student's shoulders, and shoved him underwater with all his might. The man struggled until, at last, the teacher released his grip, and he came up, gasping for air. "When you want wisdom as badly as you just wanted to breathe," the teacher said, "you'll be ready to learn, and I'll teach you."

We're Cross Training to develop our lifelong learning, the last of twelve marks of the Master we've worked on this year. Lifelong learning comes when we follow Jesus as disciples, hunger and thirst after righteousness, examine ourselves, and seek out wise counsel. So what are you thirsting for, and how do your longings and desires give shape to your life?

What You Need to Know

If you've had a hungry baby in the house, you know all-too-well what Peter means when he says to "long for the pure spiritual milk" like "newborn infants" (1 Peter 2:2). I don't know if I've ever wanted anything as badly as a hungry newborn wants milk! But Peter gives two reasons to summon that kind of single-minded desire within ourselves. First, just like a baby knows they like the taste of milk, Peter says that we'll thirst for spiritual milk if we've "tasted that the Lord is good" (1 Peter 2:3). God's goodness leaves us hungry for more — everywhere that we encounter it. And second, we long to "grow up into salvation" (1 Peter 2:2).

Jesus gives assurance to "those who hunger and thirst for righteousness" when he promises "they shall be satisfied" (Matt. 5:6). As we see our part in the world's brokenness, we hunger for upright hearts, integrity, love, and for godliness to characterize our every thought and deed. When we cry out to God, wanting him to reign in us, Jesus says we'll "be satisfied" (Matt. 5:6). What a comfort!

Where do we get the idea that following Jesus comes easy? Jesus sure wanted us to see the opposite! Once, someone asked him, "Lord, will those who are saved be few?' And he said to them, 'Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able'" (Luke 13:23-24). So strive — keep "straining forward" (Phil. 3:13) like athletes giving every last ounce of effort because they want it so badly (1 Cor. 9:24-27).

What You Need to Do

Surround yourself with people that value the same things. Some people have a contagious passion that you can't help but catch when you spend time together. A zealous brother or sister can stoke the fire within even the strongest among us. Paul told his friend Philemon: "I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you" (Philem. 7).

Feast on the word. When God called Ezekiel, the Lord gave him a scroll and told him to eat it (Ezek. 2:8-3:4). "Then I ate it," Ezekiel says, "and it was in my mouth as sweet as honey" (Ezek. 3:3; cf. Rev. 10:9-10). God wants us to take the written words into ourselves and make it a part of us. Find in God's word both bread to sustain (Matt. 4:4) and honey to enjoy (Ps. 19:10). As Jeremiah said, "Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart" (Jer. 15:16).

Examine yourself to know what you really want (John 1:38). It's a helpful question — sometimes painful — the more we honestly search ourselves (Ps. 139:23; 2 Cor. 13:5). Why do you do the things you do? What do your choices reveal about how you've ordered your priorities? Where do you rank comfort and ease? Do you long for fellowship with the Lord? Jesus says we can change what we find by changing what we seek in our life: "seek, and you will find" (Matt. 7:7).

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — Matt. 5:3-12; 7:7-8; 1 Peter 2:1-3; Ps. 19:1-14; Prov. 2:1-11
Reflect (Tue) — What do I really want?
Request (Wed) — "O God, I thirst for you. May I look upon you" (cf. Psalm 63:1-2).
Respond (Thu) — Schedule some time with someone you consider zealous for Christ.
Reach Out (Fri) — What has this year left you "hungry" for?

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Cross TrainingKeep Following and Learning Until the EndRead or Watch

They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Is that really true? Maybe it's a reality for our canine companions, but doesn't it feel a bit insulting to equate our age with an inability to learn or grow? Sure, we'll probably develop habits into deep ruts over time, making it difficult to change course. Maybe our fear of venturing out of our comfort zone will take over. But no matter our age, there's always more to learn and new opportunities for growth in our walk with the Lord. So, this week as we kick off our last mark of the Master, we come full-circle back to the central idea of this whole journey: discipleship!

We're Cross Training to develop our lifelong learning, the last of twelve marks of the Master we've worked on this year. Lifelong learning comes when we follow Jesus as disciples, hunger and thirst after righteousness, examine ourselves, and seek out wise counsel. So how do we maintain a learner's mind, irrespective of our age or experience level?

What You Need to Know

A disciple is a learner, a student of Jesus who listens to him (Luke 9:35). We let our Lord's life and teaching remake our lives — that is the essence of discipleship (Luke 6:40). When we enroll ourselves in this training academy of Christ — so to speak — we fulfill God's promise that those in the kingdom will "be taught by God" (John 6:45; Isa. 54:13). If we don't continually place ourselves under the tutelage of Christ, submitting to his authority, why would we ever call him our master? As Jesus asked, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you?" (Luke 6:46).

Before Christ ascended, he gave his disciples a mission, to go "make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded" (Matt. 28:19-20). So making disciples includes more than a baptism. It requires instruction — so that Christ can reform people as they do his commands. Our life is a race (2 Tim. 4:7), an ongoing contest which requires constant training and correction until the end (Rev. 2:26-27). So we listen to Christ's instruction every day, looking toward that finish line where we'll finally reach our goal and "attain the resurrection from the dead" (Phil. 3:10-16).

What You Need to Do

Embrace correction. Think of yourself as a work-in-progress with many more challenging lessons ahead of you. Learn from the example of Peter, who — even as a respected leader of the church — needed Paul's correction when he separated himself from Gentile Christians for fear of false teachers in "the circumcision party" (Gal. 2:11-14). Paul's rebuke was just another in a long list of course corrections in Peter's journey, from confrontations (Mark 8:32, 33) and moments of doubt (Matt. 14:30-31) to hard lessons (John 21:17-23) and disorienting new truths (Acts 10:12-15). Peter's success came from his willingness to keep going and keep growing, and so will yours if you keep listening and learning.

Give encouragement and wisdom to other disciples along the way. Sometimes a disciple's humility makes us so aware of our need to grow that we think we can't teach anyone else. But following Christ's example means speaking to others with the meekness of a fellow-student. Christ, who always listened to the Father, could "speak just as the Father taught" him (John 8:28). In Isaiah, the Messianic Servant says, "The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary. Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught" (Isa. 50:4).

Take up your cross again today. Jesus said that those who follow him would need to do it under a cross (Matt. 10:38). Or as the next verse puts it, we have to lose our life for him to save our life (Matt. 10:39). Dying to ourselves and living for him (Gal. 2:20) — easy to say, hard to consistently do — we discover the joy of service, sacrifice, and submission. Each day brings new opportunities to develop as lovers of God and others (Matt. 22:36-40). "For to me, to live is Christ" (Phil. 1:21).

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — John 6:44-51; Luke 6:39-49; Matt. 8:19-22; 17:1-8; Eph. 4:17-24
Reflect (Tue) — What doors of growth and progress are opening for me the older I get?
Request (Wed) — "Oh Lord, increase my love for you as I grow older in your service" (cf. Eccl. 12:1-8).
Respond (Thu) — Express your appreciation to an older believer who's been an influence on you.
Reach Out (Fri) — What are you continuing to learn that you thought you already knew?

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Cross TrainingLead Like the Good ShepherdRead or Watch

Have you ever thought about the difference between cowboys and shepherds? Both have a herd to move, but while cowboys "drive" cattle, shepherds "lead" their sheep. Both stay alert to dangers, but shepherds know their sheep in a way cowboys don't. The cowboy prods and hollers at cattle, while the shepherd's rod and staff bring comfort (Ps. 23:4). No wonder God describes himself as a shepherd!

We're Cross Training to develop our leadership, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Leadership comes when we follow Jesus, live with meekness, let our lights shine, and shepherd those around us. So why is shepherding the Bible's defining picture of leadership?

What You Need to Know

God has long promised his people wise and compassionate leadership. Through Jeremiah, God said, "I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding" (Jer. 3:15). He rebuked "the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture" (Jer. 23:1). He declared: "I will set shepherds over them who will care for them, and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be missing, declares the Lord" (Jer. 23:4).

And his promise finds fulfillment today, first in Christ (Micah 5:4-5; Matt. 2:6), and then in the shepherds Christ gives his church (Eph. 4:11-12). These men must meet specific qualifications (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9) as "shepherds" (1 Peter 5:2), also called "elders" (Acts 20:17) or "overseers" (Acts 20:28). As leaders, they keep "watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account" (Heb. 13:17).

But though you may not be a shepherd over God's church, chances are, someone in your life looks to you as a leader. And maybe shepherds have something to teach all of us about leading!

What You Need to Do

Take your leadership cues from Jesus — "the chief shepherd" (1 Peter 5:4), who exemplifies perfect leadership. If we want to lead well, we need to learn the attributes of "the good shepherd" (John 10:11). A shepherd must stay watchful and protect the flock (Acts 20:28). Shepherding requires both firmness and tenderness, both the rod that defends and the staff that corrects (Ps. 23:4). A good shepherd risks his life to fight off wolves (John 10:12) and to go find the wandering sheep (Matt. 18:12-14). Are you ready to serve those you lead with that kind of fierceness, gentleness, and commitment?

Embrace opportunities to mentor when they present themselves. Whatever your roles and relationships, it's likely you have people looking to you for guidance. You may have a chance to provide an example, a listening ear, and a discerning counselor to co-workers at work. Parents shepherd their children into the way of the Lord, bringing his instruction into each aspect of our daily home life. Not only does God say to place his words "on your heart" (Deut. 6:6), but "you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise" (Deut. 6:7). Older women can give younger women perspective, training, and encouragement (Titus 2:3-5). And the counsel of older men can offer invaluable insight to young men (1 Kings 12:6-19).

Invest in other Christians, seeking to influence one another and grow together. "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow" (Eccl. 4:9-10). God wants us to support and strengthen one another, investing both our love and our wisdom. Two people of character can improve each other like "iron sharpens iron" (Prov. 27:17). God has made his people "full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another" (Rom. 15:14). The truth is, we all can benefit from "an abundance of counselors" (Prov. 11:14), and a wise person seeks out and "listens to advice*" (Prov. 12:15). What a gift to find yourself surrounded by friends who can help make you better!

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — John 10:1-18; Ps. 23:1-6; 1 Peter 5:1-14; Ezek. 34:1-10; 1 Sam. 17:32-37
Reflect (Tue) — Does "shepherding" describe my leadership style?
Request (Wed) — "Holy Father, teach me to care for others the way you care for me" (cf. Ps. 23).
Respond (Thu) — Touch base with someone who looks up to you, offering them encouragement.
Reach Out (Fri) — What moments have shown you how difficult and worthwhile shepherding can be?

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Cross TrainingLet Christ Be Seen In YouRead or Watch

Are you afraid of the dark? For many, the idea of entering a pitch-black room without a nightlight is terrifying to consider. What's out there? Are you going to step on or trip over something? When the lights are on, our fears subside. But without light, we're left wondering what's lurking in the shadows. It's incredible how just a little light can ease our worries and help us move forward!

We're Cross Training to develop our leadership, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Leadership comes when we follow Jesus, live with meekness, let our lights shine, and shepherd those around us. So how can we illuminate the world around us, pointing them to Christ?

What You Need to Know

Jesus said, "I am the light of the world" but then he added, "Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12). Isaiah spoke of the Messiah who would offer light to the nations (Isa. 42:6; 49:7). When Paul quotes that passage and applies it to spreading the gospel, he shows how we carry Christ's light to the world. "For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, 'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth'" (Acts 13:47).

We see the tragic evils of a lost world all around us (Phil. 2:15). But it wasn't so long ago that you, too, "were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord" (Eph. 5:8). We have Christ's light within us, like a bright and glorious treasure shining out of a clay jar (2 Cor. 4:6-7). So God gives us the task of making his goodness visible in the world. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden ... let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (Matt. 5:14, 16).

What You Need to Do

When your good works are on display, check your motives carefully. While Jesus calls us to shine brightly in the world (Matt. 5:14-16), he warns against showing off. He said, "Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven" (Matt. 6:1). Point people to Jesus with your generosity, love, and selflessness, rather than boastfully pointing to yourself. As a good leader, invite people to imitate you — without making it about you at all (1 Cor. 11:1).

If you want to shine brighter, stop complaining or arguing. A Christian who's never satisfied or always fighting with people is like a powerful flashlight without batteries. "Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world ..." (Phil. 2:14-16). Remember that your contentment, gracefulness, and easy-going nature can crank up your influence to eleven!

Keep courage when your differences stand out. Those differences give light to others around you and help them find their way. Standing for Christ can get lonely and disorienting (cf. 1 Kings 19:10), especially when you're young. But you're not alone (1 Peter 5:7-10). Find strength for your mission, remembering that everyone around you can find life in Christ, and his life gives light to all (John 1:4). "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" (John 1:5).

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — Matt. 5:14-16; John 8:12-18; Phil. 2:12-18; Isa. 49:1-13; 2 Cor. 4:1-7
Reflect (Tue) — Do I ever hide or dim my light around others?
Request (Wed) — "Lord, give me the courage and love to shine" (cf. Matt. 5:14-16).
Respond (Thu) — Ask an acquaintance what you can pray about for them.
Reach Out (Fri) — Is there a time you wish you had let your light be seen?

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Cross TrainingStay Moldable as Christ’s DiscipleRead or Watch

Abraham Lincoln's biographer, Carl Sandberg, described him as "both steel and velvet ... as hard as rock and soft as drifting fog." Lincoln's steely will held the course through an awful civil war, because he believed it necessary, and based on a just cause. Yet with the victory won, as Robert E. Lee surrendered, Lincoln brought a gentler touch to his former enemies. He chose to "to bind up the nation's wounds" — rather than to rule with an iron fist. It reminds us of a biblical virtue that leaders — and all disciples — need today.

We're Cross Training to develop our leadership, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Leadership comes when we follow Jesus, live with meekness, let our lights shine, and shepherd those around us. But what is meekness, and how does it shape our relationship with God, others, and our circumstances?

What You Need to Know

A lot of folks seem to associate meekness with weakness. We might think of a meek person as a doormat that gets walked over. But Aristotle described prautes — the Greek word behind it — as the balance "between bad temper and spineless incompetence, between extreme anger and indifference" (TDNT). As misunderstood as meekness is, it's no wonder modern translators update it to "gentleness" (e.g. Gal. 5:23) or "humility" (Zeph. 2:3). It could describe a tamed and trained animal — even a mighty warhorse — whose fierce strength stays under the control of its rider. And so, as we surrender to God's will, we live with the quiet strength-under-control the Bible calls "meekness."

Jesus the "meek and lowly" gives his meekness as a reason to follow him (Matt. 11:29-30). Which makes perfect sense, since a spirit of meekness lets a king have compassion on his people, giving mercy rather than always leading with a rod (cf. 1 Cor. 4:21). He leads his disciples into the blessedness of a meek life (Matt. 5:5) and wants our relationships defined by such a gracious, meek way with one another (Eph. 4:2).

We can also learn a lot from Moses, who "was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth" (Num. 12:3). Moses seems hotheaded and out-of-control as a forty-year-old (Ex. 2:11-15). Then, as an eighty year old he seems so lowly he's broken down, too full of doubt to yield to God (Ex. 4:1, 10, 13). But through his continued service to God, Moses learned meekness — the humble strength to stand against Pharaoh (Ex. 5-14), and the patient gentleness to lead an obstinate people (Ex. 16).

What You Need to Do

Keep a meek and moldable mind when you hear God's word (James 1:19-21). Meekness epitomizes the ideal learner's attitude. Even the most mature among us can continue growing when we humbly receive instruction, yielding to its wisdom. The opposite of a meek learner is a defensive, stubborn heart — a perfect recipe for keeping you just as you are, hardening to the pain of correction, but also missing the gifts of growth.

Be considerate, courteous, patient, and kind. Flying off the handle and impulsively fighting for our rights can get mistaken for strength. But that's the easy way, not the way of noble character. Meekness points to a different kind of wisdom, teaching us to empty ourselves rather than grasping at status (Phil. 2:5-7). The meek pursue harmony and prioritize people over selfish ambitions (James 3:13-18). They're "peaceable, gentle, open to reason" (James 3:17) and "look ... to the interests of others" (Phil. 2:3-4).

And finally, don't kick against God's direction. While Paul resisted the will of Christ, the Lord appeared to him and said "It is hard for you to kick against the goads" (Acts 26:14). A stubborn horse might fight against the stick used to prod them on. But what does the horse really gain? A lot of pain in their backside! And what do we gain from our "self-determination," when we resist the Lord's leadership? Pain and frustration where we could have God's peace and abundant grace! Our Lord desires to lead you, to bless you, and to mold you into his image, "both to will and to work for his good pleasure" (Phil. 2:13).

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — Matt. 5:3-12; 11:25-30; Psalm 37:1-11; Col. 3:12-15; James 3:13-18
Reflect (Tue) — Is there an area of my life where I'm fighting God rather than yielding?
Request (Wed) — "Give me a heart of meekness. As I receive your implanted word, shape my life" (cf. James 1:21).
Respond (Thu) — Place the words "blessed are the meek" in your pocket as a reminder today.
Reach Out (Fri) — Where have you seen the beauty of meekness in others?

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Cross TrainingGet Behind Jesus on Life’s RoadRead or Watch

Newborn puppies are just the cutest! But as much as you might want to take one of these tiny bundles of fur home right away, they really should stay with their mother and littermates for a while. A dog who hasn't spent the first months of its life learning the "pecking order" of the pack becomes an unsocialized, over-excited, nervous wreck of a dog later in life. At one point in their puppyhood, even older pack leaders were a bottom-of-the-totem-pole pack member, obediently — and adorably — learning the ropes. But learning to be a follower isn't just for the dogs. It's also a requirement for all who want to serve in Christ's kingdom today.

We're Cross Training to develop our leadership, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Leadership comes when we follow Jesus, live with meekness, let our lights shine, and shepherd those around us. So how can we become great leaders by first becoming obedient followers?

What You Need to Know

The four gospels repeatedly capture moments when Jesus called people to follow him. Walking up to Matthew at a tax booth (Mark 2:13-17), summoning four fishermen on the shoreline (Mark 1:16-20), or telling a rich, young man to sell his possessions and follow (Mark 10:17-27). Why emphasize these invitations? Maybe because the essence of discipleship lies in accepting that call and following Christ. Where he went, they went. They lived as his constant students, imitators, and apprentices. And if we follow Christ today, we must commit to walking with him, too.

When young people reach adulthood, sometimes they feel compelled to make their own way in the world, to forge their own path. But as disciples of Christ, we follow his path, walking "in step with the Spirit" (Gal. 5:25) and never running ahead of Jesus or his instruction. "Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son" (2 John 9).

Let's acknowledge some words that have never sounded fun and these days seem outright antiquated: submission (James 4:7). Obedience (1 Peter 1:2). Subjection (Heb. 12:9). Why would any intelligent, competent human willingly yield their own rights and choices in deference to another? Even more strange: why surrender your will to someone you can't even see? For Christians who have come to know a Savior they trust implicitly, Peter summarizes our answer well:

"Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls" (1 Peter 1:8-9).

What You Need to Do

Replace what you want with what Christ wants. A positive commitment to Christ has more inherent power than a negative commitment NOT to do evil because we find our strength in him (Eph. 6:10; Phil. 4:13). When we empty our house of unhealthy desires and habits, we need to fill it up with the good stuff, or it can all come back (cf. Matt. 12:43-45; Eph. 4:22-32). Rather, turn your attention to all that is "true ... honorable ... just ... pure ... lovely ... commendable ... anything worthy of praise" (Phil. 4:8).

Focus your attention on Jesus in everything you think, say, or do. His life serves as our perfect example as he leads us through this life. Study and imitate how Christ lived, but most importantly, why he lived that way. He is your cornerstone (Eph. 2:20-21), your leader (Heb. 2:10; 12:1-2), "Christ who is your life" (Col. 3:4). With equal parts humility and conviction, we declare our aspiration and commitment: "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me" (Gal. 2:20).

Walk away from anything weighing you down in your walk with Christ (Heb. 12:1-2). Jesus invites us into his rest, his light and easy burden (Matt. 11:30). He invites us to yoke ourselves to him, walking side by side with him and learning from him (Matt. 11:29). And when we love and trust him, we, at last, find peace under the yoke of his leadership. "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome" (1 John 5:3).

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — John 21:15-22; Mark 1:16-20; Matt. 9:9-13; 19:16-30; Luke 9:23-62
Reflect (Tue) — Have I given Christ full control over my life's direction?
Request (Wed) — "Lord, lead me and help me to always walk with you, and never turn back" (cf. John 6:66).
Respond (Thu) — Share with someone what your life might have been like if you hadn't answered Christ's call.
Reach Out (Fri) — Why did you first decide to follow Jesus and why do you still follow him?

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Cross TrainingCarry Life’s Heavy LoadRead or Watch

Every soldier knows that their gear is their responsibility. It's hard to imagine a Marine telling their brothers in arms to carry their pack on the battlefield or even in basic training just because they're tired and don't want to do it anymore. After all, the warrior next to them already has just as much of their own gear to carry. And yet, if a soldier gets wounded in battle, others will do whatever they must to take his load, even hoisting him on their back if needed to get him to safety. In the same way, when Paul says that each of us must "bear his own load" (Gal. 6:5) right after commanding us to "bear one another's burdens" (Gal. 6:2), it helps to keep those two scenarios in mind. Because as we each take responsibility for ourselves, we also look out for fellow soldiers in need.

We're Cross Training to develop our endurance, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Endurance comes when we look to faithful witnesses in God's word, grow stronger in suffering, remain consistent, and bear each other's burdens. So how do we bear each other's burdens, and why is it so crucial?

What You Need to Know

When Scripture says to "bear one another's burdens" (Gal. 6:2), the word translated "burdens" (baros) describes a weight — often signifying a heavy, oppressive hardship. Jesus used it to describe the workload of laborers who bore the "burden of the day and the scorching heat" (Matt. 20:12). In context, this burden we help bear might come as a "transgression" or temptation someone needs help overcoming (Gal. 6:1). But it could also come as a financial or physical need (cf. Gal. 6:6-10).

Burden bearing goes both ways. You may need help tomorrow from the brother or sister you help today. And that goes for even the strongest among us (cf. Ex. 18:22; Num. 11:11, 17). So, Paul emphasizes the mutuality — the one-another-ness — of the command. He says, "if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Gal. 6:1-2). As the old Bill Withers song goes, "sometimes in our lives we all have pain, we all have sorrow ... we all need somebody to lean on."

What You Need to Do

First, carry your own load. You are responsible for you. "But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load" (Gal. 6:5). We can make a huge difference in people's lives (James 5:19-20), but we can't control anyone else's choices (cf. Josh. 24:15; Mark 8:34). We must recognize our limitations and place boundaries when someone expects us to carry what God wants to belong only to them. We can grow stronger and wiser through practice (Heb. 5:13-14). Still, we can also fatigue those load-bearing muscles if we overdo it. So to sustainably serve others well, we'll need both mercy and discernment.

Quietly get involved and get to work. If we want to really support one another, we can't get scared off by the messiness we'll find in each other's lives. Keep yourself grounded, and don't look down on anyone who happens to need your help at the moment. "For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself" (Gal. 6:3). Our brothers and sisters aren't broken-down equipment for us to fix, yet sometimes a person's failures and hardships define how we see them. We're "one body in Christ, and individually members one of another" (Rom. 12:5). May we "have the same care for one another" since, as "one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together" (1 Cor. 12:25-26).

And when you grow weary carrying your load and another's burden, remember you have a Friend with an endless capacity for burden-bearing. Our Shepherd finds the lost lamb and "lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing" as he carries it home (Luke 15:5). Unlike governments (1 Sam. 8:11-18; Ex. 1:11-14) and religious leaders (Matt. 23:4) that ride on people's shoulders, breaking their backs, our King bears his kingdom on his own shoulder. "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isa. 9:6). So we resolutely trust in our Lord whose burden is light (Matt. 11:28-30), for "even to your old age" he promises, "I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save" (Isa. 46:4).

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — Luke 15:4-7; Matt. 25:31-46; Isa. 53:1-13; Rom. 15:1-7; Gal. 6:1-10
Reflect (Tue) — How invested am I in others' problems and struggles?
Request (Wed) — "Give me the strength and compassion to see the burdens of others and act in mercy" (cf. Luke 10:33-37).
Respond (Thu) — Review your prayer list and find a way to aid a brother or sister.
Reach Out (Fri) — Is it ever difficult for you to maintain perspective and healthy boundaries as you support others? Why or why not?

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Cross TrainingLive with Steadiness Before the LordRead or Watch

Change is hard, and consistently making different decisions is even more challenging. Alcoholics Anonymous started in 1935 when Bill Wilson, then 6 months sober, reached out to help a friend. Members earn chips for reaching benchmarks in their recovery — one year sober, for example — to celebrate that string of consistent sobriety. One AA slogan of encouragement is "Keep coming back. It works if you work it!" In other words, stick with the program! Attending a single meeting can only help so much; the goal is to make the hard choices that help you stay sober day after day after day.

We're Cross Training to develop our endurance, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Endurance comes when we look to faithful witnesses in God's word, grow stronger in suffering, remain consistent, and bear each other's burdens. So how can we do the hard daily work to stay on track?

What You Need to Know

An afflicted, anonymous psalmist wrote that the strength within us might fail (Psalm 102:23-24) and the world around us will perish (Psalm 102:25-26), "but you are the same, and your years have no end" (Psalm 102:27). Our Lord is consistent — "Jesus Christ ... the same yesterday and today and forever" — and he calls us to be as well (Heb. 13:8-9). Jesus said his disciple must "take up his cross" — not occasionally — but "daily" if we want to follow him (Matt. 16:24).

The book of Hebrews serves as a warning about the dangers of inconsistent Christianity. It encourages us to think about older saints who taught us and remember how they lived: "Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith" (Heb. 13:7). We won't drift if Christ is our "sure and steadfast anchor of the soul" (Heb. 6:19). It's easy to fall out of the habit of gathering with the church, considering assembling over-rated or unimportant. But Hebrews says, "to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near" (Heb. 10:24-25).

Steadiness is a mark of maturity. It takes time and effort to stabilize our way of life rather than getting "tossed to and fro by the waves" — "no longer ... children" but attaining "mature manhood" (Eph. 4:13-14). As disciples, we embrace childlike innocence, but we need to grow beyond immature inconsistency. As Paul warns, "Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature" (1 Cor. 14:20).

What You Need to Do

Choose your "ruts" and dig them deep through deliberate repetition. Sometimes we get into discouraging or destructive patterns, like the wagon wheel ruts that stagecoach drivers couldn't easily escape. But as a friend used to say, "a good rut is just as hard to get out of as a bad one." For example, suppose we ingrain habits like gratitude, service, and assembling with believers. In that case, the inertia of good things can take us a long way, carrying us through moments when our willpower grows weak and our motivation drops to all-time lows.

Build your life around times of prayer. Talk to the Lord in the morning, the night, and throughout your day at both designated and improvised times. Jesus taught his disciples that they "ought always to pray and not lose heart" (Luke 18:1). In a trio of commandments, the Bible urges consistency in joy, prayer, and gratitude, regardless of our situation (1 Thess. 5:16-18). If we let circumstances dictate who we'll be, how we'll think or act, we'll lose ourselves and drift away from our identity in Christ. Like the prophet Daniel, we have to resolve in our heart (Dan. 1:8) and hold to the practices that keep us focused on the Lord — like Daniel's daily prayers (Dan. 6:10).

Most of us will face seasons when our consistency will falter, and we wander from those godly patterns. That's when we most need to remember what our life is all about. "For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God" (1 Tim. 4:10). If we can think like a farmer, rising each day to work for a future yield, keeping our eyes focused and our hand on the plow (Luke 9:62), we'll steady ourselves and never "grow weary of doing good" (Gal. 6:9). May we look back someday on a life of consistent service and say, "the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith ... there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing" (2 Tim. 4:6-8).

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — John 8:28-29; Luke 18:1-8; Acts 11:19-26; Psalm 119:31-33; Phil. 2:12-30
Reflect (Tue) — What consistent traits do I want to build my life around?
Request (Wed) — "May my heart be steadfast, O Lord" (cf. Psalm 57:7).
Respond (Thu) — Start your day by honoring God (e.g., prayer, Bible, etc.) and do it for the whole week.
Reach Out (Fri) — What attribute do you hope people can reliably see in you?

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Cross TrainingStand Strong in Times of TrialRead or Watch

It seems like more and more people are heading up to space — from a host of billionaire CEOs to Captain Kirk himself. But it's incredible how much planning it takes to send humans into such a harsh environment. Threats are never far — between extreme temperature swings, dangerous radiation, and debris traveling up to 17,500 mph. So engineers and astronauts obsess over every detail, making sure to harden their equipment to withstand the deadly conditions beyond the atmosphere. But it's not just astronauts who need to plan for potential dangers.

We're Cross Training to develop our endurance, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Endurance comes when we look to faithful witnesses in God's word, grow stronger in suffering, remain consistent, and bear each other's burdens. So as Christ's disciples on earth, how can we strengthen our hearts to hold up in an often inhospitable environment?

What You Need to Know

We find resilience in hardship when we trust the Lord. "Nothing is too hard" for God who "made the heavens and the earth" by his incredible strength (Jer. 32:17). And God's power (Isa. 40:25-28) becomes an unending source of strength for those who wait on him.

"He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint … but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint" (Isa. 40:29-31).

A Christian's power comes from a surprising place: recognizing our weakness and fully accepting that Christ's grace is enough to see us through. Listen to these words Jesus said to Paul: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Cor. 12:9). And Paul responded, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me" (2 Cor. 12:10). He places his "weaknesses" right alongside the rough stuff of life he faces like "insults" and "calamities," while finding contentment in "hardships" because "when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Cor. 12:11).

Remember that God's Son suffered in the flesh, showing how frailty is no cause for shame, shrinking, doubt, or fear. And just like Jesus "was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God ... we also are weak in him, but ... will live with him by the power of God" (2 Cor. 13:4).

What You Need to Do

Trust in God, not your "stuff." Those who trust in their resources will fail, "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright" (Ps. 20:7-8). As we trust him, we "wait for him," finding encouragement in his mercy even when our soul feels doubled over in grief (Lam. 3:20-26).

Hard as it sounds, embrace your trials as training in righteousness. Look for the fruit God creates from it all, even finding joy in it, "knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope" (Rom. 5:3-4). To consider trials "all joy" (James 1:2) doesn't mean they're fun. But we can find a fullness heart and a lightness of spirit in the midst of the worst of it when we see the Lord at work (cf. Heb. 12:5-11, Rom. 8:28-39). Most of us don't wake up excited to be tested. But "the testing of your faith produces steadfastness" — and as we remain steady, we move closer each day to becoming "perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (James 1:3-4).

So wait on God, confident in the future resolution that He'll bring someday. Then, with hope, compare your struggles with the blessings of Heaven. As Paul said, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us" (Rom. 8:18). When you feel overwhelmed in despair, hang onto his promises tighter than ever. "He will wipe away every tear from (your) eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore ..." (Rev. 21:4).

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — John 15:18-16:3; 2 Cor. 12:1-10; James 1:2-12; Lam. 3:19-27; Isa. 40:25-31
Reflect (Tue) — What good has come from the hardships in my life?
Request (Wed) — "Oh Lord, deliver me from all my many trials" (cf. Ps. 34:19).
Respond (Thu) — Offer God thanks and praise for something (or someone) difficult in your life right now.
Reach Out (Fri) — What trials have you gone through that changed you?

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Cross TrainingFind Encouragement in the Stories of FaithRead or Watch

Training for half marathons, I realized I'm not a huge fan of running as a recreational activity. But race day is a different story! If every training run had that same sense of excitement and camaraderie with thousands of other runners, it'd be different. Running Phoenix's Rock 'n' Roll marathon, you have rock bands playing every couple miles, people giving you high-fives, and plenty of encouragement. And the difference between training and race day highlights the importance of keeping our eyes on all the faithful witnesses that went before us.

We're Cross Training to develop our endurance, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Endurance comes when we look to faithful witnesses in God's word, grow stronger in suffering, remain consistent, and bear each other's burdens. So how do the faithful figures found in Scripture stir us to endure and keep going?

What You Need to Know

When we read about David taking his stand against Goliath (1 Sam. 17) or Esther courageously outwitting Haman (Est. 8), we find the strength to face our own Goliaths and Hamans. When Job refuses to give up, we want to see how his epic story ends (Job 42) because in his struggles, we see a little bit of our own. And when Elijah feels all the world is out to get him, and no one's on his side, we lean in to hear "the sound of a low whisper" (1 Kings 19:12) and long to know what God will speak to his lonely soul.

In all these accounts about people "of whom the world was not worthy" (Heb. 11:38), we find both encouragement and a challenge to continue living by faith as they did. Because by faith, "the people of old received their commendation" (Heb. 11:2). God could've filled the Scriptures with anything, but he chose to give us a vast collection of stories about devoted people. Why has so much been written about these forerunners of faith? "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope" (Rom. 15:4).

What You Need to Do

Approach your spiritual life like a marathon, not a sprint. Taking to heart the examples that went before you (good and bad!), eliminate anything that slows you down. As the conclusion of Scripture's "Hall of Faith" coaches us mid-run:

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us" (Heb. 12:1).

Don't gloss over the sins of your heroes. After all, the Bible doesn't! Recognize the weaknesses and missteps in Noah (Gen. 9:21-23), Abraham (Gen. 20), Moses (Num. 20), David (2 Sam. 11), and the rest of the "witnesses" that surround us (Heb. 12:1). When you see your own faults, take heart, knowing that God can forgive our sins (1 John 2:2) and perfect his power in our weaknesses (2 Cor. 12:9). Though we're all like jars of clay — fragile and unimpressive — he places within us a treasure that shines brighter than the sun (2 Cor. 4:6-7). So we take the baton to run the next leg of the race — joining the long line of imperfect servants giving their all to glorify a perfect God.

And finally, never, ever take your eyes of our perfect forerunner, the one whose name is "Faithful and True" (Rev. 19:11). When the path is hard to see and it seems the uphill climb will never end, remember that Jesus found a way to stand in every kind of trial (Heb. 4:15) so that we can take his route and "follow in his steps" (1 Peter 2:21). Just keep running, "looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God" (Heb. 12:2).

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — Matt. 5:11-12; Acts 7:2-60; Rom. 15:4-5; 1 Cor. 10:1-13; Heb. 11:1-40
Reflect (Tue) — What do I need to learn from the saints of old?
Request (Wed) — "Father, help us imitate faithful examples, as they imitate Christ" (cf. 1 Cor. 11:1).
Respond (Thu) — Look for an opportunity to share a meaningful Bible story with someone.
Reach Out (Fri) — Of all God's people in the Bible, whose story comes to mind as a major influence on your life?

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Cross TrainingManage God’s Blessings WellRead or Watch

I have some friends who run a supermarket in the Seattle area, and the care they put into managing their company has taught me a lot about work and life. Why do they bring such love and thought to each aspect of their business? Well, they call it stewardship. It's a family business that they hope will thrive many generations into the future. They aren't permanent owners, just caretakers of their grandchildren's heritage. And when we open the Scriptures, we discover that we're all just caretakers of God's blessings.

We're Cross Training to develop our fruitfulness, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Fruitfulness comes when we're accountable, full of zeal, diligent workers, and good stewards of our blessings. So when we accept our role as stewards, how does that change our relationships?

What You Need to Know

To steward is to manage something that doesn't belong to you faithfully. As Jesus asks, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager (KJV: "steward"), whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time?" (Luke 12:42). The steward must answer for his choices, for "it is required of stewards that they be found faithful" (1 Cor. 4:2).

Humans were given dominion over the world to enjoy and subdue (Gen. 1:26-28). When God placed Adam in the garden of Eden in Genesis 2, he assigned him "to work it and to keep it" (Gen. 2:15). Even paradise was a blessing to steward. All that we have is a stewardship, since "the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof" (1 Cor. 10:26). We even steward our bodies: "You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body" (1 Cor. 6:19-20). And when we realize none of it belongs to us, it changes how we live.

What You Need to Do

Aim to give more than you get, to produce meaningful fruit from all the rich resources the Lord pours into your life. In Jesus' parable about the fruitless fig tree, the landowner asks, "Why should it use up the ground?" (Luke 13:7). The vinedresser, though, requests permission to give it more resources. He says, "let it alone this year ... until I dig around it and put on manure. Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down*" (Luke 13:8-9). In other words, as the Lord pours blessings down, we have a purpose beyond merely enjoying them. He wants us to use them, doing good works (Eph. 2:10) and sharing with others (1 Tim. 6:17-19). Steward your energy, your money, your relationships, and your time (Eph. 5:16-17). How can you produce the most fruit for the kingdom?

Make financial choices as a money manager for the Lord. God wants us to enjoy his blessings (Eccl. 3:12-13; 1 Tim. 4:3-5). And what you have is yours in that you have the authority right now over how to use it (Acts 5:4). Yet ultimately, everything is the Lord's, who loves us and provides for us (Deut. 10:14). Stewarding money doesn't mean "making lots of money for myself." It means making sound investments for the master and his kingdom. You could be a pro at money management — living within your means and growing your portfolio — and yet a terrible steward. Like the rich man in Jesus' story that God called a "fool" at his death, we may have stored up lots of money, but are we "rich toward God" (Luke 12:16-21)?

Look around your relationships and see at gifts you've been entrusted with, faithfully tending to them as stewardships. The friend who trusts you with their secret wounds (Prov. 17:9, 17), the husband or wife that you uniquely get to call "yours" (Song 2:16), and the children God fills your quiver with so you can aim to send them into the world straight and true (Psalm 127:1-5). Those we love are not ours to own, but they pass through our lives as both a gift and an opportunity to bless them on their way, directing them to the true lover of their soul (John 15:13).

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — Luke 19:11-27; Gen. 1:26-31; Matt. 24:44-51; 1 Peter 4:9-11; Luke 16:1-13
Reflect (Tue) — Do I consider myself the owner or the servant manager of "my possessions"?
Request (Wed) — "Lord, give me wisdom for the care of all you entrust to me" (cf. Matt. 24:45).
Respond (Thu) — Devote a few extra dollars and a few extra minutes growing "kingdom" fruit in someone today.
Reach Out (Fri) — What does fruitfulness look like to you, in real, everyday life?

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Cross TrainingWork Hard for the LordRead or Watch

If you've ever asked your kid to clean their room, only to have them return a few minutes later claiming the job has been completed, you probably know a thing or two about diligence. "Is that your best work?" we'll ask our daughter. And usually, we know that the answer is, "No." Though we're not expecting perfection, if an important task is rushed or tackled half-heartedly, what's the point in doing it at all? But it's not just our little ones who struggle with putting in less than our best.

We're Cross Training to develop our fruitfulness, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Fruitfulness comes when we're accountable, full of zeal, diligent workers, and good stewards of our blessings. So how do we take on God's great work today, giving it everything we've got?

What You Need to Know

Diligence means putting in our best effort. The Greek word translated "diligent" (2 Peter 1:10; 3:14), is also translated "endeavored" (1 Thess. 2:17), "strive" (Heb. 4:11), making "every effort" (2 Peter 3:15), and being "eager" (Gal. 2:10; Eph. 4:3). And four times, it's translated "do your best" (2 Tim. 2:15; 4:9, 21; Titus 3:12). It means to work hard, bringing intense effort and motivation (Louw-Nida).

The Book of Proverbs invites us to learn diligence by watching how ants work, toiling to prepare for the future, needing no boss watching over their shoulder to motivate them (Prov. 6:6-11). Proverbs says that a half-hearted job can wreck an endeavor (Prov. 18:9). So plan your work, laying the proper foundation before diving in (Prov. 24:27). And then work your plan, confident that success often follows "the plans of the diligent" (Prov. 21:5).

By faith, we hold to our confidence that God rewards those who diligently seek him (Heb. 11:6). We "make every effort" to mature and develop in virtue, "all the more diligent" as we recognize the confidence we can have as we grow (2 Peter 1:5-10). There's no coasting to eternal life; we have to "strive to enter that rest" ahead of us (Heb. 4:11). Though we don't earn our salvation by our good deeds (Eph. 2:8-9), this journey will require a wholehearted pursuit of the Lord and his holiness (Matt. 6:33; Heb. 12:14).

What You Need to Do

Bring sincere effort to all your tasks, big or small. As we look to identify jobs worthy of our heartiest commitment, both the Old and New Testaments use the word "whatever" (Eccl. 9:10; Col. 3:23-24). Ecclesiastes considers life's brevity and exhorts us not to waste a minute of it with half-hearted effort. "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going" (Eccl. 9:10). Paul adds that our reverence for Christ motivates a different kind of work, "not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men ..." (Col. 3:22-23). So whether it's a humble assignment at work or a major company initiative, whether a spiritual pursuit or a relationship, strive to do it well.

Diligently apply yourself to faithfully interpreting the Bible. "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15). God's Word deserves more than just casual reading. May we follow the example of Ezra, who "set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach" (Ezra 7:10). To "study" like Ezra means we "seek, inquire, consult ... learn information not previously known" (Swanson), and then we live it.

When your diligence wanes, remember why you work — and why your work matters. Indeed, it's interesting that the English word "diligence" comes from a Latin word (diligo), which means to love. That connection — now often forgotten — between love and work helps us see why Jacob's seven years of labor for Rachel felt like a few days (Gen. 29:20). Perhaps even the Greatest Commandment's emphasis on loving the Lord "with all your might" (Deut. 6:5) points to the effort and commitment we give when led by love. Ultimately, all labor has lasting meaning through Christ's resurrection (1 Cor. 15:54, 58).

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — Matt. 9:35-38; Gal. 6:6-10; 2 Peter 1:3-11; 3:11-14; 2 Tim. 2:14-19
Reflect (Tue) — How much of my time and attention are devoted to working for God?
Request (Wed) — "Lord, May I never grow weary of doing good" (cf. Gal. 6:9).
Respond (Thu) — Say "no" to something today so you're able to say "yes" to something spiritually productive.
Reach Out (Fri) — How have you overcome the temptation to "phone it in"?

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Cross TrainingFan the Flame of Your FaithRead or Watch

One of the highlights of fall is the chance to gather around the fireplace. I'm good enough at starting the fire, but usually, the fire eventually dies down under my watch. My wife is the real fire expert, tending it and keeping it going (we jokingly call her the family "pyro," she loves it so much). And really, isn't it the same with our zeal? For many of us, it's easier to ignite a short-lived passion than to sustain the fire within us.

We're Cross Training to develop our fruitfulness, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Fruitfulness comes when we're accountable, full of zeal, diligent workers, and good stewards of our blessings. So how do we kindle a lasting fire for the Lord in our hearts?

What You Need to Know

Zeal is the great antidote to laziness, apathy, and our sad tendency to drift and coast. Listen to the way these three commands fit together: "Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord" (Rom. 12:11). To be "fervent" is to "to be stirred up emotionally, be enthusiastic/excited/on fire" (Arndt, Danker, Bauer, Gingrich). And a fervent spirit leads to zealous diligence in our service.

Like with all fires, we can either stoke the flame or extinguish it. Paul once encouraged the young evangelist Timothy to "fan into flame the gift of God" he had within him (2 Tim. 1:5-6). The more we stay "hot" for the Lord, the less likely we'll become "lukewarm" or even "cold" (Rev. 3:15-16).

But renewing our zeal isn't enough — we have to pair our zeal with knowledge (Rom. 10:2). Apollos was a gifted, zealous teacher, but he needed to learn "the way of God more accurately" (Acts 18:24-28). Misguided zeal can become out-of-control fanaticism. Pre-conversion Saul described himself as zealous while persecuting Christians (Acts 22:3-5; Gal. 1:14). And pre-conversion "Simon the zealot" belonged to an ultranationalist Jewish patriot group known for their violence against Rome (Luke 6:15). But in Christ, their zeal found a proper focus, and their service to God became fruitful.

What You Need to Do

Continually remind yourself why you love the Lord. Jesus said the Ephesian Christians didn't tolerate evil or false teachers. They even endured persecution patiently, and yet they had "abandoned the love" they had "at first" (Rev. 2:2-4). They needed to "remember" (Rev. 2:5) — or literally, to "keep on remembering." It's not enough to do right things out of habit or even out of duty. We need to "keep on remembering" his grace, the works we did at first, and the reason we came to him in the first place. You'll find renewed zeal when you "remember that at one time you … were … separated from Christ … having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ" (Eph. 2:11-13).

Get curious. When I feel like there's nothing more to learn, the Bible begins to lose its appeal. Stay curious about God's Word, like those Bereans who searched the Scriptures every day (Acts 17:10-11). Plant yourself beside the waters and soak your heart daily in the life-giving stream of truth (Psalm 1:2-3). May we discover and re-discover the passion of those two men who walked with the resurrected Christ as he explained the Bible. "They said to each other, 'Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?'" (Luke 24:32).

Get connected. When we pull away and isolate ourselves, our fire quickly extinguishes. But Jesus draws all people to himself (John 12:32). There's not a person you've ever met who Jesus hasn't died for, in his church and throughout the world. We welcome each other as Christ welcomed us and draw closer together in harmony (Rom. 15:1-7). We connect with each other, share our lives with each other, and bear each other's burdens as a family (Eph. 4:32).

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — John 2:13-17; Psalm 119:137-144; Rom. 12:7-13; 2 Cor. 7:10-16; Rev. 3:15-16
Reflect (Tue) — Do I talk about the Lord as if he's the most important part of my life?
Request (Wed) — "Oh God, ignite within me a fervent spirit of service" (cf. Rom. 12:11).
Respond (Thu) — Think of something you love to do for the Lord, and go do it today.
Reach Out (Fri) — What has helped you sustain your zeal?

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Cross TrainingAccept Responsibility to Bear FruitRead or Watch

With football seasons upon us, maybe it's helpful to remember the sage words of Harry Truman, who said, "It's easy enough for a Monday morning quarterback to say what the coach should have done after the game's over. But when the decision is up before you — and on my desk I have a motto which says 'The Buck Stops Here!' — the decision has to be made." Though you can't control anyone else — a coach, a politician, a spouse, or even your children — you're always accountable for your decisions in life.

We're Cross Training to develop our fruitfulness, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Fruitfulness comes when we're accountable, full of zeal, diligent workers, and good stewards of our blessings. So how do we take responsibility, owning the daily decisions we make?

What You Need to Know

Remember when Jesus went to a fig tree and cursed it after seeing it had no fruit (Mark 11:12-14)? What was that all about? The prophets often compared Israel to fig trees (Jer. 8:13; Mic. 7:1) or vineyards, which God expected to bear fruit (Isa. 5:1-7; 27:2-5). And here, in between the triumphal entry and the cleansing of the temple, Jesus makes a prophetic declaration against Israel. So what does that have to do with us? Well, we are now his field (1 Cor. 3:7-9), saved to bear fruit to God (Rom. 7:4).

In Luke, Jesus tells a story about a tree that won't bear fruit (Luke 13:6-9). Finally, after three years of waiting, the vineyard owner is ready to cut it down, though his patient vinedresser wants to give it one more year. The parable shows how the Lord offers second chances — praise God! — but there's also a final chance when the consequences for not bearing fruit will come to bear in judgment.

And when the Master returns in judgment, we won't be able to blame anyone else for our unfruitfulness. "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil" (2 Cor. 5:10). As stewards of the Lord's blessings, someday we'll answer for how productive we've been — no excuses and no deflection (Matt. 25:14-30). Will we hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant" or, "You wicked and slothful servant!" (Matt. 25:23, 26)?

What You Need to Do

Sound a mental alarm when you begin to play the blame game. Maybe "passing the buck" sounds like, "But he said ...," or, "Everyone else was doing it," or even, "She started it!". While it's easy to absolve ourselves of wrongdoing by spinning a spectacular tale, God always knows better (1 Sam. 15:10-16). So catch your mistakes early by listening carefully before you start believing the stories you tell yourself.

Be good to everyone you meet (Gal. 6:9-10), treating each interaction as though you're planting a seed in the ground. As Paul said, "... whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life" (Gal. 6:7-8). So what kind of plant will your good deeds grow into?

Consider installing a "mouthguard" (Prov. 13:3) to protect against thoughtless words (James 3:5). As Jesus warns, "I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned" (Matt. 12:36-37).

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — Matt. 12:33-37; John 15:1-8; 2 Cor. 5:6-10; Gal. 6:1-5; Ezek. 18:1-20
Reflect (Tue) — Have I buried my "talent" in the ground?
Request (Wed) — "O LORD, be gracious to me and heal me as I acknowledge my sins against you!" (cf. Ps. 41:4).
Respond (Thu) — Do a "secret" good work no one will know about but the Lord.
Reach Out (Fri) — How has taking ownership for your decisions changed how you relate to other people?

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Cross TrainingDevelop Discernment and Skillful LivingRead or Watch

Are you ready for some football? After months of intense training and preparation, it's time once again for eleven players to take the field. After that first coin-toss, there's no more time for team-building activities, footwork drills, or agility exercises. When kickoff comes, as they say, "you revert to your training" and "play how you practice." But skill-development and preparation aren't just foundational in football — it's also core to our spiritual lives.

We're Cross Training to develop our watchfulness, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Watchfulness comes when we're spiritually aware, living with readiness, resisting the devil, and full of wisdom. So, how do we develop the skills to tackle life's biggest obstacles?

What You Need to Know

The Hebrew word for "wisdom" is also translated as "skill" throughout Scripture. For example, as God directed the Tabernacle's construction, he gave specific craftspeople the skill (or wisdom) to do the intricate artistic work (Ex. 36:1). He filled people with the Spirit of skill to make the priestly robes (Ex. 28:3), to design in metalwork, stone, wood, embroidery, and weaving (Ex. 35:30-35; 31:2-6), to spin the ornate fabric (Ex. 35:25-26), and to make all the hanging curtains (Ex. 36:8).

And Paul seems to draw on this passage in Ephesians, when he pairs wisdom with being filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:15-18). Only, instead of skillfully building God's house out of gold, wood, and linen, Christians — even us today — are led by the Lord to build his house with our lives (Eph. 2:20-22). We expertly mold and shape our hearts, minds, and relationships into the masterpieces God directs us to create.

Another great wisdom book in Scripture is Ecclesiastes. We learn to carefully consider life's seasons and how the present moment is best spent (Eccl. 3:1-8). And the preacher teaches us to live with joy, giving our all to each task we take on (Eccl. 3:12). Wisdom comes when we sharpen our skills, taking the time to improve ourselves (Eccl. 10:10).

What You Need to Do

Pursue wisdom as a way of life. In addition to fearing God (Prov. 9:10), Proverbs says, "the beginning of wisdom is this: get wisdom" (Prov. 4:7). We have to chase it, train for it, and care deeply about living wisely each day. Solomon became wise — not by osmosis or happenstance — but by asking God for wisdom (1 Kings 3:9-12). And we can obtain wisdom in the same way (James 1:5-6).

Let wisdom take root in your heart (Prov. 14:33). Recalling the Bible's great wisdom book, we keep our "heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life" (Prov. 4:23). We're on the lookout for opportunities to improve ourselves, starting from the inside out (Matt. 12:35).

Wisdom takes practice, especially in your words. "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time." Make sure your words are always "gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person" (Col. 4:5-6). You're not trying to force people to do what you want, but you are skillfully speaking in a persuasive and influential way (2 Cor. 5:11). Open your ears, engage your brain, and choose your words carefully (James 1:19; Prov. 17:27).

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — Mark 11:27-33; Luke 11:29-32; Prov. 1:20-33; 4:1-9; Eph. 5:6-21
Reflect (Tue) — What areas of my life could use some sharpening?
Request (Wed) — "Oh God, give your servant an understanding mind to discern between good and evil" (cf. 1 Kings 3:9).
Respond (Thu) — Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 and identify your current season. What is it time for now?
Reach Out (Fri) — What have you learned when you've failed to make wise choices?

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Cross TrainingPush Back Against Satan’s SchemesRead or Watch

Any loyal Star Trek fan knows the terror of the Borg. As they bring their unstoppable and overwhelming technological advantages against the rest of the universe, they announce the foolishness of fighting for freedom, repeating with emotionless certainty: "Resistance is futile." We're in a fight of our own against an enemy that — at times — can seem just as overwhelming. Is it futile to resist evil?

We're Cross Training to develop our watchfulness, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Watchfulness comes when we're spiritually aware, living with readiness, resisting the devil, and full of wisdom. So, what does the Lord want us to know and do to overcome the evil one?

What You Need to Know

Near the beginning of the Bible, we're introduced to a "crafty" figure called "the serpent" (Gen. 3:1) who cunningly converses with Eve, blurring lines and twisting the truth. That conversation led to humanity's banishment from Eden and a lasting enmity between the woman and the Serpent (Gen. 3:15,23-24). Toward the end of the Bible, John identified the serpent with several of his other aliases: "the great dragon ... that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world" (Rev. 12:9).

After his baptism, Jesus faced the devil's temptations for forty days in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-2). Unlike humanity's first meeting with Satan, Jesus met each of the devil's crafty challenges with an accurate word from Scripture (Luke 4:4, 8, 12). And then, "when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time" (Luke 4:13).

Today, Christ's followers still face this ancient enemy, who wants to enslave us in fear and darkness (Heb. 2:14-15). Using the language of warfare, James tells us to "submit" or surrender to God, and to "resist the devil" — to stand against him in fierce opposition (James 4:7). With our dangerous adversary on the prowl, Christians have to stay clear-headed and alert (1 Peter 5:8), resisting with a firm faith and the recognition that we aren't alone in this fight — other believers the world over are standing with us through similar attacks (1 Peter 5:9).

We need to understand Satan's tactics so that we won't be "outwitted" through our ignorance of his designs (2 Cor. 2:11). Satan slanders and accuses us (1 Tim. 5:14; Rev. 12:10), brings hardship in times of testing (Rev. 2:10), and snatches up the word before it can take root in the heart (Mark 4:15). Ultimately, he wants to deceptively lead us from our sincere devotion to Christ (2 Cor. 11:2-3).

What You Need to Do

Take bold, decisive action to thwart each attempt of Satan to worm his evil plans into your life. If we aren't vigilant, we can let dangerous habits and influences into our fortified walls like a Trojan Horse. So "make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires" (Rom. 13:14). Cut out any danger you can avoid (Matt. 5:29-30). We can take away some of Satan's power when we forgive others (2 Cor. 2:10-11) and deal with anger and conflict before the devil can seize it as an opportunity (Eph. 4:26-27). We can steal some of his thunder by confessing our sins to each other and keep them from festering in the dark (James 5:16).

Meet temptation with prayer and Scripture (Eph. 6:17-18; Matt. 4:1-11). We need to recognize the limits of our enemy's power, but also recognize our own limitations. We can't naively take this struggle lightly or expect to "foil the tempter's power" (as the hymn says) by ourselves, with our own willpower and wisdom alone (cf. 1 Cor. 10:12). Yet the devil has already been defeated (Heb. 2:14) along with his horde of other evil spiritual powers (Col. 2:15). Those who stand with the Lord are already victors with no need to live afraid (Rom. 8:31-37). And we can stand in temptation when we arm ourselves with hope and faith in his ability to save, with his mighty word as our sword, and with righteousness covering our heart (Eph. 6:13-18). Remember that you stand, not by your own strength, but by his (Eph. 6:10).

Look for the way out of the temptation to sin, confident that it is there, even if it's not immediately clear (1 Cor. 10:13). Sin can have a destructive inertia, so whatever it takes, you have to find the way out. As the Lord told Cain, "if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it" (Gen. 4:6-7). Resistance can be hard, especially when sinful habits have become ingrained, but it is not futile. Hold onto the Lord, and truly, you are "able to stand against the schemes of the devil" (Eph. 6:11).

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — Matt. 4:1-11; Gen. 3:1-15; Eph. 6:10-18; James 4:4-10; Rev. 12:1-17
Reflect (Tue) — How has Satan tried to attack me lately?
Request (Wed) — "Lord, may I stand in the strength of your might today" (cf. Eph. 6:10).
Respond (Thu) — Ask a friend if you can pray for each other to have strength in trial today.
Reach Out (Fri) — What has helped you overcome temptation?

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Cross TrainingBe Ready to Stand FirmRead or Watch

Weather permitting, I love riding my electric scooter to work. The commute is usually uneventful, but sometimes — out of nowhere — things can get interesting. There's always the possibility of cars veering into the bike lane, dogs lunging at the ends of their leashes, or smartphone-transfixed pedestrians wandering in front of me. At any moment a quiet morning ride can turn into an adrenaline-fueled fight for my life! So I keep my head on a swivel, watchful of my surroundings, and ready for whatever today's ride has in store.

We're Cross Training to develop our watchfulness, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Watchfulness comes when we're spiritually aware, living with readiness, resisting the devil, and full of wisdom. So how do we keep our spiritual head on a swivel, ready for whatever life throws at us?

What You Need to Know

Watchfulness is an essential part of wisdom. We can't live skillfully if we don't keep our eyes open, paying attention to what's happening in our lives. When we wake up to see what's happening (Eph. 5:13-14), it changes our choices, how we spend our time and use our resources. "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil" (Eph. 5:15-16).

Peter's first letter encourages readiness for service, persecution, defending the faith, meeting temptation, and meeting Christ at his return (1 Peter 1:13-14; 3:14-16; 4:1-7,12-14; 5:8-9). "Do not be surprised" when fiery trials test you, Peter said (1 Peter 4:12). Rather, with clear-eyed, alert, readiness, "preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you" (1 Peter 1:13; 5:8). And be ready for unbelievers' questions, with a heart honoring "Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15).

And when we take each day with the awareness that the master might come at any time, it adds another layer of readiness. "Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect" (Matt. 24:42-44).

What You Need to Do

"Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life" (Prov. 4:23). When we weaken spiritually, it's because we have let ourselves get lulled to sleep, not giving our full attention to the things that matter most. We need to "wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die" (Rev. 3:2).

Combine watchfulness with prayer (Eph. 5:18) to avoid falling to temptation (Matt. 26:41). Pride is the antithesis of readiness, so don't get cocky "lest you fall" (1 Cor. 10:12-13). Stay "watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love" (1 Cor. 16:13-14). Watch out for dangers, like false teachers (Matt. 7:15), forgetfulness (Deut. 4:9), and loose speaking (Ps. 141:3).

But also, watch for the Lord! Watch for his guiding, delivering hand (Ps. 59:9). Our watchfulness pairs — not only with our prayer — but also with our thankfulness (Col. 4:2). If we don't pay attention, we'll miss all that the Lord has done and is doing, and forget to live in gratitude toward him.

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — Luke 12:35-48; Mark 13:32-37; Matt. 24:36-25:13; Eph. 5:7-21; 1 Peter 4:1-14
Reflect (Tue) — When do I tend to let my guard down?
Request (Wed) — "Lord, help me stay dressed for action" (cf. Luke 12:35).
Respond (Thu) — Write down three things you want to be on the lookout for today.
Reach Out (Fri) — What sources of spiritual distraction have you regulated or eliminated from your life?

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Cross TrainingSee the Spiritual Forces at WorkRead or Watch

Paul Harvey was a master storyteller known for giving his radio audience a peek behind the scenes at the "mysteries of history." For over half a century, his even-toned, folksy voice revealed the lesser-known side of famous people and important events. Mr. Harvey closed each broadcast with the words, "And now you know ... the rest of the story." But Scripture tells us about another side of history, too — a spiritual realm we can only see through the eyes of faith.

We're Cross Training to develop our watchfulness, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Watchfulness comes when we're spiritually aware, living with readiness, resisting the devil, and full of wisdom. So, what do we need to know about the spiritual realities that define the rest of our story?

What You Need to Know

Elisha's servant, Gehazi, got up early one morning, went outside, and discovered an army of horses and chariots surrounding the city, bent on seizing Elisha. Terrified, he asked his master what they should do, and Elisha told him not to fear, "for those who are with us are more than those who are with them" (2 Kings 6:16). Then Elisha prayed for him, "O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see" and suddenly he saw a mountain "full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha" (2 Kings 6:17).

When we walk by faith and not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7), we live with an awareness of things we can't easily see. We can pull back the curtain and see the true power of light and the real face of darkness. We aren't ignorant of the schemes of our adversary (2 Cor. 2:11; 1 Peter 5:8), realizing that the battle isn't "against flesh and blood, but against … the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" (Eph. 6:12). We know that God's angels are "ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation" (Heb. 1:14). And that our Lord Jesus is with us always (Matt. 28:20; Heb. 13:5-8).

Even when you can't see his hand, God is present in your life, working all things together for good to those who love him (Rom. 8:28). Remember Joseph's words as he looked back on his life's struggles? Others may have meant it for evil, but God had his purposes (Gen. 50:20). He worked through their choices, placing Joseph in a position to save multitudes. Like Joseph, we'll never have all the answers, but faith helps us see that there are answers because there is — without a doubt — someone working our story towards a good end.

What You Need to Do

Look beneath the surface. Sometimes there's more at work than what seems immediately apparent. The hand of God, the devil's schemes, and the things that matter most aren't the things most people spend their days thinking about. But everything is exposed to the light for the believer — so wake up, and let us walk circumspectly, for the days are evil (Eph. 5:13-17).

Remind others of the spiritual realities that we all so easily forget. Try to give perspective and encouragement when others get weighed down, distracted, or lost in the "cares of the world" (Mark 4:19). Be patient with those who can't yet see, understanding "the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God" (2 Cor. 4:4). Christians trained to see the spiritual wounds beneath a troubled person's attitude can better meet their actual needs.

Build spiritual "reality checks" into your day. For example, when hiking, it's helpful to check your map occasionally, and climb up to a higher vista when you can, so that you can see where you are and where you're going. We need those check-ins every day, the spiritual vistas that let us see the big picture beyond our bills, to-do lists, and the daily drama of life. We can find that perspective in prayer (Eph. 6:18), in meditation on God's Word (Psalm 1), in conversation and worship with other believers (Acts 2:42-47), and in acts of service to others that we offer to God as a sacrifice of praise (Heb. 13:16).

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — John 18:33-40; 1 Thess. 5:4-11; Eph. 1:15-23; 5:6-17; Rev. 1:4-21
Reflect (Tue) — What can I see happening in my life, through the eyes of faith?
Request (Wed) — "O Father of Glory, enlighten the eyes of my heart" (cf. Eph. 1:17-19).
Respond (Thu) — Listen for spiritual needs in your interactions, remembering the eternal spirit in each person.
Reach Out (Fri) — Is there an event in your life you saw one way at the moment but later saw more of the story?

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Cross TrainingSpeak Up With BoldnessRead or Watch

Growing up watching TV in the 80's, my friends and I imagined we, like scrawny Prince Adam, could thrust our sword in the air, shout "I have the power!" and transform into He-Man. But He-Man had a sidekick, Cringer, who needed a transformation of his own. His green and orange feline friend was scared of his own shadow until He-Man turned him into the fearless Battle Cat with a bolt from his sword. And, if you've ever felt frightened like Cringer — maybe you, too, need a bolt of courage from above.

We're Cross Training to develop our integrity, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Integrity comes when we receive the whole truth, live with purity, develop our character, and speak courageously. So how does Christ transform us from cowardly to courageous in this dark world?

What You Need to Know

If someone saves a child from a burning building, we rightly call them a hero. But the hero might ask, "what other choice did I have? I couldn't walk by and ignore the situation!" What looks like courage on the outside often feels like a necessity on the inside. The Lord's people often describe that same feeling of responsibility to speak, even when it's uncomfortable. "For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!" says Paul (1 Cor. 9:16). Jeremiah felt the same, saying: "If I say, ‘I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,’ there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot" (Jer. 20:9). In the same way, "knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others" as "the love of Christ controls us" (2 Cor. 5:11, 14). As a watchman on a city wall, if we don't warn of danger, that's on us (Ezek. 3:17-21). Who are we if we don't love people enough to speak up?

What's the measure of a true friend? Why does the Bible declare "faithful ... the wounds of a friend" (Prov. 27:6)? Because you can count on your real friends to tell you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear. We can get this all twisted and cut people off for speaking uncomfortable words. At times we might have to say with Paul, "Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?" (Gal. 4:16). Biblical love doesn't seek a friend's short-term happiness at all costs. "Love ... does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth" (1 Cor. 13:4, 6). We can't control a person's response, but we try to believe the best (1 Cor. 13:7) and know that our service to God is never meaningless (1 Cor. 15:58).

God's people have a history of boldness in the face of uncomfortable and even dangerous circumstances (cf. Heb. 11:36-12:3; Acts 4:29). From Stephen's convicting sermon (Acts 7) to Esther's royal requests (Est. 5 & 7); from Barnabas advocating for Saul (Acts 9:27) to Paul opposing Peter (Gal. 2:11ff); from Joshua's "choose this day" (Josh. 24:15) to Nathan's "you are the man!" (2 Sam. 12:7). May we join the long line of courageous saints who stepped up and spoke up.

What You Need to Do

Think before you speak (Prov. 16:23). Know your heart — are you responding from bitter anger or genuine concern? We can mistake courageous speaking for "rash" speaking (cf. Eccl. 5:2), "loud" speaking (Prov. 27:14), or "harsh" speaking (Prov. 15:1). We can't go around looking for conflict, but we won't pretend there's peace without God either (Jer. 6:14). By "speaking the truth in love" (Eph. 4:15), we seek to build people up, not tear them down. When we tame our tongue (James 3:7-10), we can direct it to offer wise, purposeful words (Col. 4:5-6). Every time we say anything in Christ's name, we soberly speak "as one who speaks oracles of God" (1 Peter 4:11), taking care in what we say and how we say it.

Read the room, considering the impact that your words will have. Maybe it's best to speak up publicly (Gal. 2:11), or perhaps it's better to address it privately (Acts 18:26). Consider how you would want someone to approach you in a difficult conversation (Matt. 7:12), and make sure it fits the occasion (Eph. 4:29).

Once you've prepared yourself, speak up! Though it'd be easier to stay quiet, "if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted" (Gal. 6:1).

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — Matt. 10:26-40; Acts 4:13-31; Col. 4:2-6; Jer. 1:6-19; Ezek. 3:17-21
Reflect (Tue) — What makes me shrink back from confrontational conversations?
Request (Wed) — "God, give me a spirit of power, love, and self-control" (cf. 2 Tim. 1:7).
Respond (Thu) — Initiate contact with someone today to offer encouragement, pointing to Christ.
Reach Out (Fri) — What impact have the courageous words of others made on your life?

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Cross TrainingDevelop Character Through TrialRead or Watch

How safe is your car, really? Sure, the manufacturer has told you about the airbags, crumple zones, and rigorous safety inspections, but will your car actually keep you alive in an accident? The auto industry constantly crashes brand new vehicles in frightening ways to make sure they pass the test. They even simulate real people at the wheel with their crash test dummies. But we face tests every day, too — high-speed collisions with temptation and trials that threaten to crush us. Will our character prove sturdy or crumple on impact?

We're Cross Training to develop our integrity, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Integrity comes when we receive the whole truth, live with purity, develop our character, and speak courageously. So how can we reinforce our character for life's collisions?

What You Need to Know

When the Bible talks about character, it's talking about the fortitude to pass the test. The Greek word dokimē — translated as character, test, or proof — means to try to learn the genuineness of something by examination (Louw-Nida). Like a soldier tests the strength of his sword in battle, we show our moral makeup every time we face adversity. And like so many commendable qualities of Christ, character doesn't develop overnight. It grows as we continually — and successfully — navigate life's challenges. As Paul said, "suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope" (Rom. 5:3-4).

God judges our character, not by our outward appearance but by the condition of our hearts. As God told Samuel, "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart" (1 Sam. 16:7).

What You Need to Do

Keep your eye on your moral development. Today's many tasks and tests present opportunities for practicing virtue. Attend to your patterns and relationships, mindful of their effect on your character (cf. 1 Cor. 15:33).

"Make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 1:5-8).

As strange as it sounds, we can find joy in our problems when we see that in Christ, our obstacles improve us rather than tearing us down (Rom. 5:3-5; 8:28-37). Try to see God's creative hand, chiseling away imperfections and sculpting you into his image (cf. 2 Cor. 3:18-4:12; Heb. 12:7-11). It takes perspective and power to see anything good in heartbreak, pain, and frustration, so pray for wisdom from God, trusting that he can help you rejoice in your trials (James 1:2-6).

Give special attention to the parts of your life no one sees. Trying to look good can get in the way of doing good. Christ shared an incredible insight into character development when he taught his disciples to do good in secret (Matt. 6:1-9). Think of your character like an iceberg. Most of an iceberg lies submerged underwater and remains unseen. When all of our praiseworthy qualities are seen and praised, it's hard to know whether it's for real. But when we do even more admirable deeds in secret than we do in public, we bolster our character and leave no doubt about our motives.

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — Matt. 7:24-27; Rom. 5:1-5; Phil. 2:12-16; James 1:12-27; 2 Peter 1:3-11
Reflect (Tue) — What have my choices, attitudes, and trials revealed about me this year?
Request (Wed) — "Father, refine me in the furnace of my trials" (cf. Isa. 48:10).
Respond (Thu) — Look back at the past year and give thanks for a difficulty you faced, recognizing the growth God can bring from it.
Reach Out (Fri) — How has suffering strengthened your character?

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Cross TrainingMaintain Your Heart’s PurityRead or Watch

Nothing seemed more refreshing on a hot summer day as a kid than drinking from the hose. But as an adult, I'd have to be pretty thirsty to want to drink that unfiltered and over-chlorinated municipally-sourced hose-water. My wife's also somewhat of a "water snob," with particular brands of bottled water she won't tolerate. "Water should just taste like water," she'll say, refusing to drink anything that hasn't been filtered from those unexpected chemical and mineral additions.

We're Cross Training to develop our integrity, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Integrity comes when we receive the whole truth, live with purity, develop our character, and speak courageously. So how do we filter out impurity from our hearts today?

What You Need to Know

The Greek word translated as "pure" is katharos (like in our English word "catharsis")— meaning clear of dirt, clean, spotless, and unsoiled. Like a glass of water you'd want to drink, purity doesn't happen when there's a bunch of unwanted add-ins. So when Jesus said, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" (Matt. 5:8), he's describing those with a spotless and unsoiled inner-life. And he's uniquely qualified to inspect and detect even the tiniest defect within us (Heb. 4:12-13).

Remember when God said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil? He still holds fast his integrity, although you incited me against him to destroy him without reason" (Job 2:3)? Purity is a unique characteristic among people, and only those with integrity will keep themselves "unstained from the world" (James 1:27). When we commit to walking with integrity and purity, we set an example for others to follow (1 Tim. 4:12).

If you wouldn't want to drink a glass of water with a single drop of sewage, why would God want even a drop of sin in our lives? Jesus warned, "what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander" (Matt. 15:18-19). So purity starts with guarding our hearts — through God's word (Ps. 119:9-11) — from the filth that leads to sinful actions.

What You Need to Do

Fill your mind with pure thoughts. Direct your thoughts toward "whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable" (Phil. 4:8).

Treat even "minor" sins seriously (Mark 9:42-48). Remember that the devil is the father of lies (John 9:44; cf. Gen. 3:4). Proceed with caution, and realize the poisonous effect that "little" sins can have.

Catch impurity early, noticing unhealthy attitudes and ungodly impulses. We'll struggle to rid ourselves of habitual sin after it takes root. Like a weed, sin is easiest to uproot when it's small. "See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no 'root of bitterness' springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled" (Heb. 12:15).

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — Matt. 5:29-30; 15:16-20; 23:25-28; 1 Thess. 4:3-8; Dan. 1:5-21
Reflect (Tue) — When am I most susceptible to impure thoughts?
Request (Wed) — "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me" (Ps. 51:10).
Respond (Thu) — Do a "purity check" on yourself, using a close friend for support.
Reach Out (Fri) — What have you courageously done to keep yourself pure?

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Cross TrainingEmbrace the Whole Counsel of GodRead or Watch

When was the last time someone caught you listening but not really listening? It happens to me all the time, especially when I've got a lot on my mind or I'm distracted by something. My wife will be chatting away, thinking I'm processing what she's saying, and suddenly realize I'm in "la-la land." But when she mentions something I'm interested in, I'm suddenly laser-focused with my attention. "Did you just say something about ice cream?" Selective hearing may be a problem in a marriage, but it's an even bigger problem when it comes to God's word.

We're Cross Training to develop our integrity, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Integrity comes when we receive the whole truth, live with purity, develop our character, and speak courageously. So why do we need to hear all God has to say if we want to walk with integrity?

What You Need to Know

How does God define integrity? God told Solomon to walk "with integrity of heart and uprightness, doing according to all that I have commanded you" (1 Kings 9:4). Integrity is about wholeness, honoring all God's commands. Jesus wants his disciples "to observe all that I have commanded" (Matt. 28:20). Only then can we "do everything in the name of the Lord" (Col. 3:17).

"The sum of your word is truth," says the psalmist, "and every one of your righteous rules endures forever" (Psalm 119:160). What does it mean that the "sum" of God's word is truth? In Numbers, this word translated "sum" describes the total number of Israelites, all accounted for (Num. 1:2,49). Likewise, in Psalm 119, it means the totality of God's word — every part of it all taken together. We can't grab onto the pieces of the truth that fit our views and justify our actions. We don't pick and choose.

When you take the stand in a court, you might be asked: "Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth?" Does this mean saying every true thing? No, it means not holding back any relevant truth. We need this same kind of teaching of the gospel — not holding back any relevant truth. Paul considered himself free of guilt — no matter what anyone chose to do — because he "did not shrink from declaring ... the whole counsel of God" (Acts 20:26-27). A few verses earlier, he explained it like this: "I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable" (Acts 20:20). Bring all his counsel to every aspect of your life. Walk with God in integrity by doing "all that is written" (Josh. 23:6) "with all your heart" (Deut. 26:16).

What You Need to Do

Study through all the different sections of Scripture and diverse subjects. Is there a kind of Bible literature you've avoided? Is there a subject you've dodged? Take it on. Find a partner, if you need it, to think it through with you, but seek out God's counsel from all of his word for all of your life.

Decide to do God's will, no matter what it requires, and you will recognize the truth (John 7:17). "Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you are unable to accept My message" (John 8:43). When we're willing to accept even the hard sayings of the Lord, then we'll understand all that he wants us to know.

Then, apply everything you learn from Christ, paying particular attention to commands you find challenging or might tend to dismiss as "less important." Without application, Bible study is just an academic exercise. So once you've changed your mind to accept all of Christ's commands, let them change your actions to become more and more like your Master (James 1:22-25; 2 Cor. 3:18).

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — Matt. 28:16-20; Josh. 1:7-9; Psalm 119:1-24; John 6:60-69; Titus 2:1-10
Reflect (Tue) — Is there any part of God's will I haven't taken seriously?
Request (Wed) — "Lord, may I understand and embrace your whole counsel for my life" (cf. Acts 20:27).
Respond (Thu) — Make a plan to study something you've avoided or neglected.
Reach Out (Fri) — What command has been a challenging hurdle for you?

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Cross TrainingBe Patient in Difficult MomentsRead or Watch

Maybe you grew up, like I did, watching the animated hijinks of Wile E. Coyote. Suspending your disbelief that a desert-dwelling animal had access to such a massive supply of TNT, it's incredible how many times the Coyote would accidentally blow himself up. No matter how well-prepared or elaborate the scheme, something always went wrong, leading to an explosive ending. But have you ever felt like you're operating with a short fuse that's ready to blow up in your face?

We're Cross Training to develop our mercy, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Mercy comes when we receive God's grace, forgive others, show kindness, and develop patience. So how can we become more calm and loving when it's easier to explode?

What You Need to Know

Genuine love "is patient" (1 Cor. 13:4) because "Love bears all things" and "endures all things" (1 Cor. 13:7). No wonder God shows his love for us in "the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience" (Rom. 2:4). Jesus shows his "perfect patience" towards his followers when we take too long to understand his will and obey (1 Tim. 1:16; Luke 22:31-34; John 14:9). The "God of endurance" (Rom. 15:5) is "slow to anger" (Ex. 34:6), patiently waiting for people to repent (2 Peter 3:9).

We say someone has a "short fuse" when — like a stick of dynamite — it doesn't take them long to explode. The Greek word makro means "long," so the word translated "patience" — makrothumia — makes us think of a looong-fuse or a "longsuffering" nature (Gal. 5:22, KJV). It describes "a state of emotional calm in the face of provocation or misfortune and without complaint or irritation" (Louw-Nida). With patience, we can "bear up under provocation" showing "forbearance" (BDAG).

To unite Christ's church, imperfect people have to create "perfect harmony" with other imperfect people (Col. 3:14), understanding that none of us have "arrived." No one has "already obtained" our goal, none are "already perfect," but we "press on" (Phil. 3:12). While our brothers and sisters might "not yet" (1 Cor. 3:1-3; 8:2) act as spiritually mature as they should, we can believe the best in each other and look forward in the hope of future growth (1 Cor. 13:7). So Christ's followers put on "compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another" (Col. 3:12-13).

What You Need to Do

What do you do when you feel the reins slipping out of your hand, as your tongue — like an untamed beast — is about to lash out (James 1:26; 3:3-8)? Some people count to ten, but how about remembering these ten familiar words instead: "I can do all things through him who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13)? How about imitating Nehemiah, who paused before speaking in a stressful moment, and quietly "prayed to the God of heaven" (cf. Neh. 2:4-5)?

But we need to center ourselves in God's will before the tense moments come, taking time away to pray (Eph. 6:16-18) and meditate on God's Word (Psalm 1). How did the most patient man who ever lived navigate life's difficulties? In his most stressful, emotionally draining seasons (Matt. 14:13), as demands and interruptions piled up (Mark 6:31-32), Christ slipped away to pray (Mark 1:35; Matt. 14:23). As important as sleeping and eating are to our health (and even our patience), Jesus sometimes gave up both to spend time in solitude (Luke 4:1-2) and prayer (Luke 5:15-16). So don't neglect your spiritual well-being!

When you fail, repent and call on the Lord's partnership in your life (Psalm 51). Don't let one outburst become a downward slide of shame, disappointment, and frustration (cf. Matt. 25:29). God's mercy toward you never runs dry (Lam. 3:23). He's a rock (Psalm 18:2), a help in your weakness (2 Cor. 12:9-10), the source of unimaginable power at work within you, as you cling to Christ (Eph. 3:20-21). Can anxious, impatient people like us have a "long fuse," "bearing with one another in love" (Eph. 4:12)? With man, it might seem impossible, but "with God all things are possible" (Matt. 19:26).

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — Luke 22:31-34; 1 Tim. 1:12-17; Prov. 16:32; Rom. 15:1-7; 1 Thess. 5:12-18
Reflect (Tue) — Am I willing to bear with others' weaknesses and failings, as God bears with mine?
Request (Wed) — "Lord, give me the good sense to be slow to anger and overlook offenses" (cf. Prov. 19:11).
Respond (Thu) — Take extra time this morning to prayerfully prepare to respond graciously to the day's difficulties.
Reach Out (Fri) — What irritation or "button" is the Achilles heel of your patience?

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Cross TrainingLove People Enough to Take ActionRead or Watch

Maybe it's happened to you. You pull up to the drive-thru counter, ready to pay for your dinner. Then the cashier tells you that the car in front of you already paid for your food. A small gesture, maybe, but enough to make your day a little better and perhaps inspire you to pay it forward to the car behind you. This past December, the chain of vehicles that "paid it forward" at a Minnesota Dairy Queen extended to 900 customers. Strangers gave each other over $10,000 of food, one act of kindness at a time. Couldn't our suspicious, anxious world use more good deeds — big and small — to restore some faith in each other?

We're Cross Training to develop our mercy, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Mercy comes when we receive God's grace, forgive others, show kindness, and develop patience. So how is a merciful heart reflected in acts of kindness?

What You Need to Know

The Lord has always wanted people to show mercy more than he wanted sacrifices (Hos. 6:6; Matt. 9:13). It's at the heart of God's desire for us: "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Mic. 6:8).

One Greek word translated as "kindness" in our Bibles is philanthropia — literally "love for humanity." The native islanders showed "unusual kindness" to Paul and his shipmates when they wrecked on Malta, welcoming them and kindling a fire for them (Acts 28:2). The other Greek word for "kindness" is chrestotes, which describes benevolence, helpfulness, generosity, and goodness. It's a virtue found in the "fruit of the Spirit" (Gal. 5:22) and Paul's famous description of love (1 Cor. 13:4). Both words describe God's goodness toward us (Titus 3:4; Rom. 2:4), which we must "put on" ourselves (Col. 3:12), as we imitate him (Eph. 4:32-5:2).

We don't feel kindness, we show it! Jesus' famous story about the Good Samaritan illustrates how feeling compassion leads to acting mercifully. After others passed by the other side, the Samaritan saw the helpless man and "had compassion" (Luke 10:33). A flurry of action words follows that feeling of compassion: He went to him, bandaged him, anointed him, "brought him to an inn," and "took care of him" (Luke 10:34). He took out his wallet and paid an innkeeper to care for the man, promising to return and pay for any other expenses later (Luke 10:35). The Lord closes his parable with a question, asking who "proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?" (Luke 10:36). The correct answer isn't "the man who felt merciful" but "The one who showed him mercy" (Luke 10:37). So while we can't always help, when we do, our actions reveal our hearts — "if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?" (1 John 3:17-18).

What You Need to Do

Enter each day looking for ways to show kindness. One of our hymns speaks of the "Beautiful Life" that comes from doing golden deeds and helping those in need. So open your eyes, like Jesus and his disciples did, to those who are hurting and in need all around you (John 5:6; Acts 3:4).

And while you're looking, try to find the opportunities to do good that offer no apparent earthly reward. Lend money expecting nothing in return (Luke 6:35-36). Help people privately (Matt. 6:2-4). Give to strangers (Heb. 13:2,16) and those who actively dislike you (Matt. 5:38-48).

Aim to give something to every person you visit. Bring a blessing, a gift, a card, or an act of service. Small acts of kindness add up. "Do your little bit of good where you are" said Desmond Tutu, "it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world." Remember the simple truth of Christ's words: "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — Luke 10:25-37; 2 Sam. 9:1-13; Zech. 7:9-10; Matt. 25:31-46; Col. 3:8-14
Reflect (Tue) — Do I look outside my bubble and create ways to show kindness?
Request (Wed) — "Lord, keep me from growing weary in doing good" (cf. Gal. 6:9).
Respond (Thu) — Bless each place you go today with an act of kindness.
Reach Out (Fri) — What was the last kind thing someone did for you?

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Cross TrainingForgive Others As God Forgave YouRead or Watch

My wife recently suggested to some guys that we didn't need to take our regular volleyball game so seriously. "Who cares who wins and loses?" "But that's why we keep score," they replied, "if we can't win or lose, why even play?" My competitive streak leads me to feel exactly the same — for some of us, keeping score is what makes it fun! But some parts of life are ruined by keeping score. I once heard about a Christian wife who would joke with her husband when he annoyed her, "That's number 491" — referencing Jesus' command that we shouldn't forgive someone seven times, but seventy times seven (Matt. 18:22, KJV). When Scripture says love isn't "resentful" (1 Cor. 13:5), a more literal translation would be, "love does not count up wrongdoing" or "keep a record of wrongs." Forgiveness means doing our best to rip up the page where we kept track of their offenses.

We're Cross Training to develop our mercy, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Mercy comes when we receive God's grace, forgive others, show kindness, and develop patience. But how can we forgive someone when the wrong they've done feels unworthy of mercy?

What You Need to Know

God has forgiven our debt and paid the ultimate price for our freedom (Col. 1:14-16). Why would God do that for me? Mercy! "Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful" (Luke 6:36). So, as God extends his grace to us, we're expected to mirror that in our lives. "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy" (Matt. 5:7). Like the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matt. 18:21-35), when our Master wipes the slate clean on our debt, how will he feel if we're not paying that forward to others? God's free gift inspires us to be generous with others.

So we follow Christ's example, as he hung on the cross and prayed for God to forgive those who tormented and killed him. As he prayed, he found compassion for them in their ignorance, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:33-34).

When we forgive, we compassionately release someone from their debt of guilt toward us, leaving their judgment to God, who will properly avenge wrongs as he sees fit (Rom. 12:19). But when we refuse to forgive, we're like a container filled with acid. And the acid we hold eats away at the container — destroying us! Our sense of justice can become twisted into a desire to cling to our anger and judgment over the one who hurt us — or worse, hurt a loved one — perhaps even wishing evil on them. When we don't forgive, we get to hold onto our rightness and their wrongness, an appealing prize, but the cost is too high! Not only do we become jaded and bitter, but worse, we wreck our souls, losing our ability to receive God's forgiveness ... until we learn to offer it to others (Matt. 6:14-15).

What You Need to Do

Audit your heart and your past, considering all those who have wronged you. Have you held onto any of those wrongs? Is there a brother you need to approach about wronging you (Matt. 18:15-20; Luke 17:3-4)? Is it time to let go of an old slight?

Pray for blessings and forgiveness for others, especially those whose wrongdoing particularly hurts or offends you. Take a cue from Stephen, who took his cue from Jesus, praying for his killers before he died, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them" (Acts 7:59-60). As a priest of God (1 Peter 2:5-10), you are called to intercede for others (1 Tim. 2:1), calling on God to bless (cf. Num. 6:22-27) even those who curse you (Rom. 12:14).

Then go a step further than praying for them, by doing what you can to serve them. "’If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (‭‭Rom. ‭12:20-21‬).

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — Matt. 18:21-35; Luke 6:27-38; Rom. 12:15-21; Eph. 4:31-5:2; Gen. 50:15-21
Reflect (Tue) — How do mercy and forgiveness liberate me?
Request (Wed) — "Merciful Lord, please bless those who have wronged me" (cf. Matt. 5:44).
Respond (Thu) — If there's anyone you don't have harmony with, do what you can to reconcile (cf. Rom. 12:16-18).
Reach Out (Fri) — What are the biggest barriers to forgiveness?

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Cross TrainingReceive God’s Amazing GraceRead or Watch

Ever since I was old enough to have a job, I've tried to be financially responsible by paying my bills on time and saving money in case of emergency. But while we've probably all cringed at a credit card or cell phone bill, what if the amount was so astronomically high, you could work your entire life and never make a dent? What if your poor choices ran up such a deficit that — without even realizing it — you're drowning in a sea of debt?

We're Cross Training to develop our mercy, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Mercy comes when we receive God's grace, forgive others, show kindness, and develop patience. So how did God's grace cancel out those incredible, unpayable debts we all owed because of our sins?

What You Need to Know

Suppose a king showed favor to a particular servant with surprising kindness and generous gifts. That servant has received grace, the favor and goodwill of the king. The more unexpected the kindness — either by the servant's unworthiness or the gifts' extravagance — the greater the grace. But no one ever offered a gift like God's "amazing grace" towards us.

Given enough time, all people sin against God (Rom. 3:23). In our passion and pride, we've all ignored God's will to chase our happiness (1 John 2:16). We've lived shamefully as sin's slaves, earning eternal death as our final payment (Rom. 6:20-23). If it sounds like a bleak picture, you're right. It is! But that's where Jesus — the one person who never sinned (Heb. 4:15) — comes in. "God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:6-8). Through Jesus' death, he paid the price of our peace and freedom — to ransom and redeem us (Isa. 53:5; 1 Peter 1:18-19).

Our gracious God, "who desires all people to be saved" (1 Tim. 2:4) offers this gift and patiently waits for us to accept it, "not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). So any who come to Christ can enjoy his grace, "having been buried with him in baptism ... raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God ... And you, who were dead in your trespasses ... God made alive ... having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us ... nailing it to the cross" (Col. 2:12-14).

God's mercy — like his grace — is not equal to our worthiness. But where grace highlights his generosity toward us, mercy highlights his compassion toward us, in our weakness. In God's grace, he gives us what we don't deserve. And in his mercy, he spares us what we do deserve.

What You Need to Do

Humbly accept God's salvation as a gift rather than a wage for services rendered. What could be easier than receiving a free gift? Sounds too simple, which makes many of us pause because receiving grace requires us to acknowledge that we can't fix this problem and save ourselves. We may want to sneak our worthiness in through a back door, trying to prove we're better than others. But the goodness that saves us rests with God alone. "God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us ... made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved ... so that ... he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast" (‭‭Eph. ‭2:4-9‬)

Have faith in your salvation (Rom. 5:1-2) and boldly call on God for help. "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (‭‭Heb. ‭4:16‬). We understand why a father shows favor to his children — because he loves them. "If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!" (Matt. 7:9-11).

Respond to God's grace by serving him in righteousness (Rom. 6:1-2). Seek to honor the gift and its giver through good works (Eph. 6:8-10). We'll never be worthy of all this grace, but we can choose today to let our "manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ" (Phil. 1:27). We can say "Thank You" for his grace by putting to death the old ways of sin (Rom. 6:1-23). Don't "fall away from the living God" (Heb. 3:12), having received "the grace of God in vain" (2 Cor. 6:1; cf. Heb. 6:4-6; Gal. 5:4). Instead, let the saving grace of God train you to renounce ungodliness (Titus 2:11-12). Someday, we'll complete the circle of grace and gratitude, receiving heavenly crowns and casting them down before God, knowing our victory is only possible through his grace (Rev. 2:10; 4:10-11).

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — Luke 7:36-50; Titus 2:11-14; Eph. 2:1-10; Rom. 3:20-24; Heb. 4:14-16
Reflect (Tue) — What specific sins has God forgiven me of, showing me mercy?
Request (Wed) — "God, be merciful to me, a sinner!" (cf. Luke 18:13).
Respond (Thu) — Write a "Thank You Card" to the Lord for his incredible gift.
Reach Out (Fri) — How has your response to God's grace changed as you've matured?

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Cross TrainingSet Yourself Apart for God’s PurposeRead or Watch

When we got married, Sharilyn inherited one of her family's most prized possessions — a set of fine china. Yet, despite its beauty and sentimental connection, we've never once eaten with it. We've rarely even touched it since it's packed away safely in a box in the garage to avoid damage. Well, God has a set of fine dishes set apart for special use too! The difference is, he wants to use us! "Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work" (2 Tim. 2:21).

We're Cross Training to develop our reverence, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Reverence comes when we know God, fear him, worship him, and live in holiness. So how do we live as God's special people, "set apart as holy"?

What You Need to Know

Though God created humans to enjoy his presence (cf. Gen. 3:8), sin distanced us from God's holiness (Isaiah 59:2). We see it in the cherubim blocking the Garden gate (Gen. 3:24) and the command not to touch Mount Sinai (Ex. 19:12). We see it in the temple veil that kept people afar, and most all, the "blood of Jesus" that lets us enter "through the curtain" to "draw near" at last (Heb. 10:19-22)!

Holy means different or unique — not in the sense that each person is unique or snowflakes are different — because each person is still a person. Each snowflake is still a lot like every other of its kind. But God is unlike anyone or anything else. "There is none holy like the Lord: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God" (1 Sam. 2:2). That's what we mean when we say God is holy. He is utterly apart, transcendent, and distinct by his very nature. That's why the heavenly creatures "never cease to say, 'Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!'" (Rev. 4:8; cf. Isaiah 6:3). Full of goodness, righteousness, and creative power, God's eternal existence depends on no one. So what does God mean when he says for us to be holy as he is holy (1 Peter 1:16)?

When God separates anyone or anything for himself, he sanctifies them — he makes them holy. What is holy is distinguished — not just from what is unholy — but from what is common (Lev. 10:10). Under the Levitical system, before Christ's new covenant (Heb. 7:21-24), nothing common was used in God's service; everything in the temple was set apart by God. He distinguished his priests from regular, righteous Israelites who didn't have that particular function (Ex. 28:1). The incense, the furnishings, and even the vessels used in the temple were set apart (Num. 4:16-20). That doesn't mean other vessels were evil; they were fine for common, everyday purposes. But what God sets apart for his service is holy. And we "are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession" (1 Peter 2:9).

Yet when God decides to live in the midst of a special people, they must reflect his character. So, holiness also means moral purity and freedom from sin, through Christ's perfect sacrifice and our ongoing obedience (1 Peter 1:14-19).

What You Need to Do

Cleanse your heart, your habits, and your house (1 Cor. 5:7). In order to be holy, we must be clean (2 Cor. 6:16-7:1). In the Old Testament, cleanness involved a whole host of ceremonial rules. But in the new covenant, we're not clean because of what we eat or what we touch, but because of what we think and what we do (Mark 7:18-23). Are there any dirty little secrets in your heart that make you unsuitable to serve before God? "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded" (James 4:8). Examine the shows you watch, the sites you visit, the music you hear, the words you say, and the way you view people in your life. The Christian life is a continual process of searching ourselves and repenting when we find anything out of alignment with God's will. He will forgive, but we must repent (Rom. 2:4). Hold your thoughts and behavior to God's standard, not your own. Remembering the price Christ paid to make us holy, let his grace train you (Titus 2:12) inspiring greater heights of righteousness.

Another word related to holiness is godliness. Godliness is our deep reverence for God that leads to piety and devotion. We make life choices that honor him because we live before a holy God. Instead of filling up the "in-between" bits of your day — the walk from a meeting to your office or the drive home after dropping off the kids — pause to remember that holy God is near. As his temple (1 Cor. 6:19-20), everywhere you go, you stand on "holy ground" (cf. Ex. 3:5). The more we realize and remember that truth, the more our lives will reflect his goodness.

Go into each interaction with the intention of shining God's light (Matt. 5:14-16). Make a habit of praying for people before and after you meet with them (1 Tim. 2:1). "Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord" (Heb. 12:14).

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — John 17:6-19; Phil. 2:12-18; 1 Tim. 2:15-22; 1 Peter 1:13-2:12; 1 John 3:6-10
Reflect (Tue) — Have I set myself apart for God's purposes?
Request (Wed) — "In your grace, Lord, train me to live a godly life" (cf. Titus 2:12).
Respond (Thu) — Walk through your house, looking carefully for any signs of "leaven" that needs cleansed from your life (cf. 1 Cor. 5:7).
Reach Out (Fri) — What do you find is the hardest part about being separate from the world while living in the world?

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Cross TrainingBow Before the Almighty CreatorRead or Watch

Since the '70s, L'Oréal commercials have convinced scores of customers to pay more for shampoo and conditioner because, as their spokespeople put it, "You're worth it." Haven't we all thought that before? Maybe not about boutique hair care products, but I've convinced myself to spend more money than usual on something because "I'm worth it." But what if we flipped that thought process and asked what we'd spend on our God, who actually is worth it?

We're Cross Training to develop our reverence, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Reverence comes when we know God, fear him, worship him, and live in holiness. So how do we show honor and respect to a God who's incredibly worthy of worship?

What You Need to Know

When we worship, we respond to God's grace and greatness by acts that express our reverence and submission to him. Worship expresses worth — think of it as expressing worth-ship. "Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created" (‭‭Rev. ‭4:11‬).

One New Testament word often translated "worship" (proskuneo) relates to bowing down (literally or figuratively). It's a profound act of respect, submission, and reverence. People often bowed before Jesus during his earthly life, worshiping him (Matt. 2:11; 14:33; 28:9). That would be unthinkable and totally inappropriate for any being but God (Rev. 19:9-10; Acts 10:25-26). Beware of letting anything else sneak into your heart as an object of such honor and devotion. We become like what we worship (Ps. 115:8), and we were created to worship only God (Matt. 4:11).

Another word translated as "worship" (latreuo) was often used for priestly service. We present our bodies as a living sacrifice as an act of "spiritual worship" (Rom. 12:1). As his priests, we bring "spiritual sacrifices" (1 Peter 2:5) and "offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe" (Heb. 12:28). Our financial gifts supporting the Lord's work come before him as "a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God" (Phil. 4:18; 1 Cor. 16:1-4). Our prayers ascend to God's presence like the holy incense the priests used to offer in front of the most holy place (Rev. 8:3-4).

Like the early disciples (Acts 2:42; Heb. 10:25) — and the congregation of Israel before them (Ps. 22:22; 107:32) — we fill our lives with God's praise, worshiping him in private (Matt. 6:5-6) and gathering with others to worship and edify one another (1 Cor. 14:15-26). It's not important where we worship, but it does matter how we worship, as God seeks "true worshipers" who "worship in spirit and truth" (John 4:20-24). In sincerity and devotion, we lower ourselves in obedient surrender, lifting him up in his way (Matt. 15:9; Col. 2:23).

What You Need to Do

As you see God's splendor all around you and consider his great acts of creation and deliverance, respond by creating what you can to magnify him. We can speak and write words that proclaim his excellence (1 Peter 2:9-10). We can sing beautiful songs about him to "continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God ... the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name" (‭‭Heb. ‭13:15‬). When you "do good and ... share what you have," God considers it an offering to him, and "such sacrifices are pleasing to God" (‭‭Heb. ‭13:16‬).

The Psalms have a lot to teach us about adoring God, placing our full hope in him, and entrusting our lives under his kingship. Make the Psalms a regular part of your life, reading, praying, even singing them.

Gather with the saints on the first day of the week to remember Jesus by breaking bread (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:23-28). In this supper of remembrance and communion (1 Cor. 10:16-17), we draw near to him in reverent gratitude, proclaiming what the Lord did for us in his death (1 Cor. 11:26). It's a moment with our Lord not to be missed.

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — John 4:20-24; Col. 3:14-17; Rom. 12:1-2; Ps. 95:1-6; Mal. 1:6-14
Reflect (Tue) — What distracts me from my true focus in worship?
Request (Wed) — "Heavenly Father, may your name be held in reverence" (cf. Matt. 6:9).
Respond (Thu) — Bow down in your room and pray a psalm of worship.
Reach Out (Fri) — What idols have you dethroned from your heart to keep God at the center?

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Cross TrainingFear the Lord with Reverence and JoyRead or Watch

Last summer, a group of our friends sat around our fire pit to visit. Some roasted marshmallows. Others just enjoyed its warmth and stared into the flickering light. But when a young boy picked up a fiery stick and started waving it like a sword — typical boy behavior — the grownups got uneasy and cautioned him to stop. Why? Because we understood the nature of fire. We knew that we also needed to respect it and recognize the power it has as much as we appreciated its warm glow.

We're Cross Training to develop our reverence, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Reverence comes when we know God, fear him, worship him, and live in holiness. So how does our love for God and recognition of his power lead us to fear him?

What You Need to Know

In its first sentence, the Bible introduces us to the extraordinary being who created the universe (Gen. 1:1), bringing order to chaos and filling it with life. It continues recounting his deeds of might, justice, wisdom, and love — from Noah's flood (Gen. 6-8) to Pharaoh's plagues (Ex. 7-12), from tablets on a trembling mountain (Ex. 19-20) to a cross under a darkened sky (Matt. 27). It's enough to leave the reader breathless, amazed, and deeply humbled.

Someday, God will judge all people (2 Cor. 5:10; Acts 17:30-31). Knowing who will evaluate the quality of our lives gives us a clearer perspective about our lives. "The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil" (Eccl. 12:13-14). But that doesn't mean he wants his children to live in fear of punishment. We have confidence and security about our future through our relationship with him, as John says, "By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment ... There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment ..." (1 John 4:17-18).

If we want to live well, fearing God is our first step toward wisdom (Prov. 9:10). Regardless of what else we know, if we don't recognize who God is and hold him in the highest honor, we don't know anything about life's most important questions. How can we discern the right way and overcome temptation? It's "by the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil" (Prov. 16:6). Do we mean a cringing, panicked fear that makes us withdraw from God? No, rightly understood, fearing God draws us nearer to him, giving our lives stability and meaning. "In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death" (Prov. 14:26-27).

What You Need to Do

Take your choices seriously. We examine ourselves (2 Cor. 13:5), and if we see any false way, we repent. We work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12). With stakes this high and a God this awesome, how could we take serving him lightly? If we cautiously handle a small flame around a campfire, knowing its power to set a forest ablaze (James 3:5), how much more should we respect our all-powerful God?

Remember that each person we meet will stand before God to answer for their lives (2 Cor. 5:10). Knowing what it means to fear God, we also aim to persuade others to repent (2 Cor. 5:11). Like warning someone about a dangerous fire (2 Peter 3:9-12), we point to the Savior who can rescue.

Let your understanding of who God is affect how you worship and pray. Though he is near us, he is not our "buddy." He's our God. It's enough to make us ask, "Who am I that you should think on me?" (Psalm 8:1-9). So we approach him in both joy and fear. When those who first saw the empty tomb heard that Jesus had risen, they ran to tell the others "with fear and great joy" (Matt. 28:8). The earliest Christians had a spirit of gladness (Acts 2:46), but also awe (Acts 2:42) and fear (Acts 5:11). Knowing God, we recognize his fierce power and holy "otherness" — distinct and wonderfully set above everything. Every interaction with God mingles reverence and awe with our joy and love in a relationship unlike any other. "Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire" (Heb. 12:28-29).

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — Matt. 10:26-33; Deut. 10:12-22; Psalm 33:1-22; Heb. 12:18-29; 2 Cor. 5:6-11
Reflect (Tue) — What humbles me when I consider God's greatness?
Request (Wed) — "May all the earth fear you! May all stand in awe of you!" (cf. Psalm 33:8).
Respond (Thu) — Find an example of God's power and magnificence in nature, then worship him.
Reach Out (Fri) — How has fearing the Lord changed how you live?

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Cross TrainingDevelop a Deeper Relationship with GodRead or Watch

Tony Hawk — the most famous professional skateboarder on the planet — loves to tweet about how often he's unrecognized or mistaken for someone else. Some people confuse him for Lance Armstrong, Tom Brady, or even Tony Stark. Even when he reveals his name, some folks say, "Oh, like the skateboarder? I wonder what he's up to these days." How embarrassing! I'm sure some days he'd love to say, "Don't you know who I am?" rather than flying under the radar. But that's a minor slight compared to the lack of recognition given to the Creator of all we see and enjoy.

We're Cross Training to develop our reverence, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Reverence comes when we know God, fear him, worship him, and live in holiness. But how can humans know God?

What You Need to Know

When we talk about knowing someone, we usually have two different things in mind. First, we know information. The better you know someone, the more you know about them. In the same way, to know God is to know who he is, to understand his character, attributes, and desires (cf. Jer. 9:24). But we also have a relationship with those we know. You can understand a little about someone (like Tony Hawk!) and not even recognize them when you see them face to face. Job had heard a lot about God "by the hearing of the ear," but in his encounter with God, he humbled himself and repented (Job 42:5-6). Through Hosea, God exposed his people's lack of knowledge about God (Hos. 4:6). But God's goal was to know his people like a husband knows his bride (Hos. 2:19-23; cf. Hos. 6:6).

If we open our hearts, we can look around at creation and recognize the hand of almighty God (Rom. 1:19-20). Of course, observation can't teach us everything, but it should give us a sense of awe at his goodness and power, leaving us wanting to know him more. Do you acknowledge and seek God, or are you among the indifferent? "For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened" (Rom. 1:21).

If we seek God, we'll come to know him — not by our wisdom, but by believing what he reveals about himself. He reveals himself in his word: "For ... the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe" (1 Cor. 1:21). But we see God the clearest through Jesus, God the Son (Heb. 1:1-3). Jesus said, "He who sent me is true, and him you do not know. I know him, for I come from him, and he sent me" (John 7:28-29). Jesus came so that we can live forever. "Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent" (John 17:3). To know Jesus is to know God and to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18).

What You Need to Do

To contemplate God is to give the mind and heart its highest occupation. Cultivate an adoring interest in who God is. With each passage you read, ask, "who is God?" Meditate on his works (Psalm 143:5). Find comfort at night in his goodness. As David said, "On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night" (Psalm 63:6).

And when you learn something about God, imitate it. To see God's face is to be transformed by it (cf. 2 Cor. 3:18). Don't live like those who "profess to know God, but ... deny him by their works" (Titus 1:16). To know God is to love like God (1 John 4:7-12) and pursue his holiness (1 Peter 1:14-17).

Always remember that you are God's, and he is yours (Heb. 8:10-12). It's the bedrock foundation of your identity now. Holding onto this relationship, we'll never fall (2 Peter 1:3-8). For "now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back" (Gal. 4:9). What a "firm foundation" — even in unsteady days — to remember that "The Lord knows those who are his" (2 Tim. 2:19).

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — Matt. 6:6-13; Jer. 31:31-34; Hos. 4:1-6; Prov. 2:1-8; 1 John 4:7-12
Reflect (Tue) — How close is my relationship with God?
Request (Wed) — "Lord, may I come to know you better each day" (cf. 2 Pet. 3:18).
Respond (Thu) — Stay up late or wake up early to meditate on God's steadfast love for you.
Reach Out (Fri) — What attribute of God do you most want to emulate?

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Cross TrainingShare the Good News JoyfullyRead or Watch

Watching TV or scrolling through social media, you often find celebrities and influencers recommending some hot new product. But are they genuinely recommending it or just getting a truckload of cash to talk about it? It's enough to make your head hurt! If people only do things because they get paid — well, that's sad. Is there a more authentic way to introduce people to something truly life-changing?

We're Cross Training to develop our joy, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Joy comes when we receive the gospel, build our hope, respond with thanksgiving, and evangelize. So how do we share our joy with the world as authentic ambassadors for Jesus?

What You Need to Know

When heralds used to proclaim the "good news" of a king's victory or a new king's reign, they used the word our Bibles translate "gospel" (e.g. Mark 1:1, 14-15). So as God's heralds, we declare his triumph over darkness through the risen reign of the true King, Jesus Christ (Col. 2:9-15; Rom. 1:1-6; 1 Cor. 15:56-57).

We're Christ's representatives in this world, boldly persuading people to come back to God so he can deliver them (2 Cor. 5:11, 20). We are a "a letter from Christ ... written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God" (2 Cor. 3:3). As God "has shone in our hearts" we want him to "give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (2 Cor. 4:6). Because we've seen the transformational power of the gospel, we can't stop talking about our newfound joy (Acts 4:18-20). Rather than fearfully hiding in the shadows (John 7:13; 17:14-15), we're "the light of the world" — a "city set on a hill*" (Matt. 5:14-16).

We don't need flowery language or a college degree to teach people about Christ — we already have all the tools and information we need (1 Cor. 1:17; 2:1-5)! Jesus didn't send out scholars or motivational speakers; he sent ordinary people — like you and me — armed with an extraordinary message (Mark 6:7-13; 16:15-16; Matt. 28:19-20). God loves it when the gospel spreads, as Isaiah said, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!" (Isa. 52:7; Rom. 10:14-15).

What You Need to Do

Equip yourself with a constant readiness to speak, "as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace" (Eph. 6:15). From the beginning of the gospel's spread, fear has threatened to extinguish it, but his people met that fear with boldness, prayer, and trust in God (Acts 4:23-31; 5:25-42; 16:22-31). Are you afraid of saying the wrong thing, offending people, or maybe even facing imprisonment? What if someone says "yes" to your invitation — will you be forced outside of your comfort zone? Remember that you go with Jesus, carrying his name. "Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me" (Matt. 10:40). When Christ commissioned his followers to make disciples, he promised he would stay with them always (Matt. 28:19-20). So may our joy and faith overwhelm our fear as we shamelessly shout the good news of the Lord's salvation to everyone we can (Rom. 1:16).

Write down the names of people you want to bless with the gospel. Think of each person in your neighborhood, at work, and among your family and friends. Consider workers at local businesses, acquaintances in your groups and activities. Go through each name regularly, praying for God to extend his grace and peace to them. Ask for wise, courageous speech (Col. 4:5-6). And beyond those we know now, pray for new openings, "that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ" (Col. 4:3), praying in faith that God will "advance the gospel" (Phil. 1:12).

Invite people to find out for themselves (John 1:45-46). Ask them to study with you, invite them to worship with you, or make yourself available to pray with them and talk with them about their questions (Acts 8:30-31). Our job isn't to strongarm anyone into submission — even if we think we know what they need. It's simply to invite, to say, "Come" (Rev. 22:17) and allow them to take the free water of life if they want it. When we "reason together" with people (Acts 17:2; 24:25; Isa. 1:18), offering "the Way" (Acts 9:2; 16:17; 18:26), it's like dropping a seed into the soil and letting God's power do the rest (1 Cor. 3:6). God's word is the seed that always brings new life to the willing heart (Matt. 13:18-23; Isa. 55:10-11).

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — Mark 6:7-13; John 1:40-49; 4:27-42; Rom. 10:10-17; 1 Cor. 9:16-23
Reflect (Tue) — Who in my life can Christ bring hope and peace?
Request (Wed) — "Lord, teach me to plant and water, trusting you to provide the increase." (cf. 1 Cor. 3:6)
Respond (Thu) — Invite someone to hear the good news, whether in a gathering or over coffee.
Reach Out (Fri) — What blessings do you wish your unbelieving friends knew?

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Cross TrainingEnjoy God’s Blessings GratefullyRead or Watch

In Groundhog Day, Bill Murray lives the same holiday every day. He arises each morning with dread until he realizes all the gifts and opportunities that day holds. And when we look past the doldrums and difficulties of our day, we welcome a different kind of repeat holiday. We discover that Thanksgiving is more than turkey and stuffing. We carry the aim of that November Thursday into all our days, celebrating the grace of life by expressing our appreciation to the Giver of every good gift.

We're Cross Training to develop our joy, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Joy comes when we receive the gospel, build our hope, respond with thanksgiving, and evangelize to others. So how do we enjoy thanksgiving all year round?

What You Need to Know

When someone gives our kids a present, we ask them, "What do you say?" We understand that receiving a gift creates a debt — not for repayment, but thanks. When Jesus healed ten lepers, only one returned "giving him thanks" (Luke 17:16). "Where are the nine?" Jesus asked, "Was no one found to return and give praise to God but this foreigner?" (Luke 17:17-18). As we go on our way, do we notice we're blessed beyond measure and return to praise God?

God's people are created for praise and thanksgiving, as we enjoy his fullness (cf. Isaiah 43:7,21; Psalm 95:6). God made a "very good" universe that thrives by his blessing (Gen. 1:28-31). "For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving" (1 Tim. 4:4). But when we take all this in mindlessly, without witnessing the gifts and acknowledging their source, our hearts darken, and our thoughts turn futile (Rom. 1:21). We wall ourselves off from a grateful heart through entitlement, comparison, worry, and pride. Beware of anything that closes your heart, extinguishes your joy, and stifles your view of God's glory (Psalm 13:5; Prov. 4:23).

What You Need to Do

Before we can give thanks, we have to notice the blessing. Sometimes I sleepwalk through a whole week without taking in what God is doing in my life. No wonder Scripture links gratitude with alertness. "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving" (Col. 4:2). Recognize that today is the blessing (Psalm 90:12-15) — open the eyes of faith to see God's gracious hand (Psalm 23:6; 42:8). As Maya Angelou said, "This is a wonderful day. I've never seen this one before."

Let your gratitude out by giving thanks! Thanksgiving naturally arises in "the voice of song" (Isaiah 51:3). Sometimes — overwhelmed with joy — our songs come with the exuberance of "a great shout" (Ezra 3:11) or "a joyful noise" (Psalm 95:2). But it's the melody we make to the Lord in our hearts that best expresses our thanks (Eph. 5:19-20). Even in everyday conversations, let thanksgiving set the tone rather than complaining or "foolish talk" (Eph. 5:4).

Present your life as an offering of thanks to God (cf. Rom. 12:1). As grace fills our lives, it overflows into other lives! What a sacred privilege — to channel this grace! To become his conduits, to the "overflowing in many thanksgivings to God" (2 Cor. 9:12)! When we give our money and possessions, we "will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God" (2 Cor. 9:11). We also "speak" the good news to others, "so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God" (2 Cor. 4:15).

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — Luke 17:11-19; 1 Chron. 16:8-36; 1 Thess. 5:16-18; James 1:16-18; Psalm 107:1-43
Reflect (Tue) — What changes in me when I decide to live in gratitude for my life and the joy available to me in Christ?
Request (Wed) — "Let me see your grace all around me, Lord, and overflow with thanksgiving" (cf. Col. 2:7).
Respond (Thu) — Go on a "gratitude walk" looking for God's blessings.
Reach Out (Fri) — How does loss open you to gratitude?

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Cross TrainingHope in the Lord and His PromisesRead or Watch

My wife was in labor with our son (without an epidural) for 32 hours. In the middle of the night, after about 24 hours of labor, she began to insist that he would never come out. Logically, she knew better, but in her exhaustion, she started to lose hope. "No," a nurse reassured her, "this won't last forever. He will come out!" She pushed through, and at 10:40 AM the following day, she happily held our boy.

We're Cross Training to develop our joy, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Joy comes when we receive the gospel, build our hope, respond with thanksgiving, and evangelize to others. So how do we hold onto hope when weariness threatens our joy?

What You Need to Know

In modern use, "hope" often describes a wish that might not come true. "Maybe my team will win it all this year — I hope so!" But a Christian has a "living hope" based on an existing reality, "through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" (1 Peter 1:3). When we realize that death had no power over Jesus (1 Cor. 15:20), we see it has no control over those who follow him (1 Cor. 15:52-57). God has prepared an inheritance for his heirs (Rom. 8:17,23; Gal. 4:4-7), a home where the river of life flows (Rev. 22:1), where "the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever" (Rev. 22:5).

We "hope in the Lord" (Psalm 131:3). More than all the magnificent outcomes he's promised, we happily wait on HIM with unembarrassed (Psalm 119:16; Rom. 5:5), unqualified certainty that whatever the "God of hope" does (Rom. 15:13), it will be good (Psalm 145:17; James 1:17). Because of his character, we trust his judgments (Psalm 36:6; Rom. 2:6-11). And because of his promises, we "know" we "have eternal life" (1 John 5:13).

Hopelessness says, "What's the point? Things'll never get better" (cf. Prov. 13:12). But light breaks into ever our bleakest days when we believe we have something spectacular ahead. So, "we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing" even our problems can serve God's purposes as we prepare for that day (Rom. 5:2-5).

What You Need to Do

Reframe your difficulties, disappointments, and discouragements in the light of hope. When you start considering your situation hopeless, re-consider! "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us" (Rom. 8:18). When Jeremiah couldn't escape his affliction (Lam. 3:19-20), he said, "this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases" (Lam. 3:21-22). Since God's mercies never run dry but "are new every morning ... therefore I will hope in him" (Lam. 3:23-24). So we "wait for him" without complaining (Lam. 3:25-26; Phil. 2:14), looking ahead to mercies not yet seen (Rom. 8:24-25).

Live with boldness (2 Cor. 3:12) and confidence in Christ (2 Cor. 3:4). Hope links the present and future, looking through the lens of faith in God. Paul's letter to the Philippians exemplifies hope-filled living, from his conviction that "he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion" (Phil. 1:6) to his confidence that "my God will supply every need" (Phil. 4:19). In between, Paul rejoices in what God will accomplish in his imprisonment (Phil. 1:12-26) and strains forward to higher ground as he longs for the day of his resurrection (Phil. 3:8-21).

Practice deliberate daydreaming about heaven. Since we already belong to that new, glorious day, we constantly carry our hope with us, aiming not to drift far from heavenly thoughts. Ask yourself, "What will it be like to see Jesus? Won't it be great to leave these headaches behind?" Talk about it. Sing about it. "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory" (Col. 3:2-4).

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — John 11:17-44; Rom. 8:16-39; 1 Cor. 15:51-58; 1 John 3:1-3; Rev. 21:1-5
Reflect (Tue) — Do I live like this world is not my home?
Request (Wed) — "Oh God of hope, fill me with joy, peace, and boundless hope" (cf. Rom. 15:13).
Respond (Thu) — Sing a song of hope throughout the day.
Reach Out (Fri) — What parts of this life are you excited to leave behind?

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Cross TrainingRejoice Always in Jesus’ Good NewsRead or Watch

Few phrases bring as much joy to our daughter's heart as the four words: "We're going to Disneyland!" One year, as we started driving to California, we surprised her with the news that she'd soon see Mickey — and she lost her mind! Good news has a way of bringing instant joy and anticipation (Prov. 15:30).

We're Cross Training to develop our joy, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Joy comes when we receive the gospel, build our hope, respond with thanksgiving, and teach others through evangelism. Wherever the gospel goes, joy seems to follow (e.g., Acts 2:46; 8:8,39; 13:52). What is it about the good news that gladdens people's hearts?

What You Need to Know

The gospel — or good news — declares the reign of a new King — "our God reigns!" Right before Isaiah introduces the Servant "pierced for our transgressions" (Isa. 52:13-53:12), he proclaims:

"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, 'Your God reigns'" (Isa. 52:7).

The news of God's kingdom brings with it peace, happiness, and deliverance from our worst oppressors. Our king's victory is our victory. Jesus, our God and King (Isa. 9:6-7; John 20:28), arose to reign — and so we will live with him as heirs of God (Rom. 6:3-5; 2 Tim. 2:11-13; Gal. 3:26-29). Jesus has "abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel" (2 Tim. 1:10). In his death and resurrection, he defeated sin (Heb. 9:26), "triumphing over" the rulers of darkness that used to reign over us (Col. 1:13; 2:15). He came to "destroy ... the devil and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery" (Heb. 2:14-15).

Imagine you're imprisoned on death row, and someone walks in and says, "you're free to go now." That's what happens when you receive the gospel: your execution stayed, your innocence declared, and your shackles unbound. It's hard even to process our enormous reversal of fortune!

We don't just have hope for a better future; the gospel changes our life now, as we "rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory" (1 Peter 1:8). The burden of guilt, fear, and hatred lifted (1 John 4:10-21), we see God's love for us and discover a new identity, purpose, and strength (Eph. 3:16-21). God's Spirit leads us to different choices and a new intimacy with God (Rom. 8:13-17), mirroring Christ's closeness (Gal. 4:6).

What You Need to Do

Make rejoicing your "new normal" — something you "always" do (1 Thess. 5:16) and notice when it leaves you. Nehemiah counseled people not to "be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength" (Neh. 8:10). If strength comes from our joy, it shouldn't surprise us when Satan tries to bury it under a mountain of forgetfulness and trouble. There's a time to be sad (Eccl. 3:4), but our joy "in the Lord" can stabilize us even in seasons of "trouble" (Phil. 4:4-14).

Don't hide your gladness. Joy can become contagious (cf. Acts 2:46-47) when you put it "on a stand" instead of under a basket (Matt. 5:14-15). The Thessalonian disciples "received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit" and "became an example to all" as "the word of the Lord sounded forth from" them (1 Thess. 1:6-8). Rejoice when you see the gospel spreading (Phil. 1:15-18; Rom. 16:19) and look for opportunities "to proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9-10).

Reflect often on where you'd be if you never heard about Christ. Jesus spoke of some who received the word with joy but never grew deep enough roots to persevere through difficulties (Mark 4:16-17). Some forget their first love (Rev. 2:4), but others deepen their devotion, appreciation, and joy with each passing year. May we say with the old hymn, "I love to tell the story for those who know it best seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest."

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — Luke 2:22-38; Acts 8:26-39; Rom. 15:8-13; 1 Thess. 1:2-10; Isa. 52:7-53:12
Reflect (Tue) — Do I allow troubles to rob me of my joy?
Request (Wed) — "Oh Lord, make known to me the path of life and fill me with joy in your presence" (cf. Psalm 16:11).
Respond (Thu) — Post a list of ways your salvation gives you joy somewhere others can see it.
Reach Out (Fri) — How would your life be different if you never obeyed the gospel?

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Cross TrainingLive With Respect for EveryoneRead or Watch

With a family of educators, I constantly hear horror stories about the disrespectful ways our little ones talk. And sadly, it's not a surprise given how some adults speak to each other these days. Are honor, respect, and basic courtesy gone for good?

We're Cross Training to develop our servanthood, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Servanthood includes seeing with new eyes, humility, sacrificial love, and honor. So why does a disciple stick out like a sore thumb when they lift others in honor?

What You Need to Know

As servants of King Jesus, we lower ourselves before him, honoring his rule over us (Phil. 2:9-11). We follow his counter-cultural example, prioritizing God and others (Matt. 22:37-40). Rather than jockeying for position, we value others and act as the "slave of all" (Mark 10:44). In the friendliest of competitions, we "outdo one another in showing honor" (Rom. 12:10). While the world disrespects and disregards the poor and the marginalized, we're busy serving and honoring them as if they were our King (Matt. 25:37-40). As Jesus says, "as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me" (Matt. 25:40).

The Bible's command to honor people forces us to examine how we think about people and how we treat them. Who do you deem worthy of respect? Who do you value and hold in high regard? Not everyone's actions seem worthy of honor, so why does Scripture say to "honor everyone" (1 Peter 2:17)? We show everyone honor out of reverence for our Lord who died for them (Rom. 14:15; 1 Cor. 8:11). Each person's value comes from their "Maker" (Prov. 14:31). What gives you or me the right to dishonor "people who are made in the likeness of God" (James 3:9)? Every mature disciple can find guidance by returning to the golden rule we teach children — to do to others "whatever you wish that others would do to you" (Matt. 7:12). When I look down on others, I need to remember that it's "by the grace of God I am what I am" (1 Cor. 15:10).

Peter said to "honor the emperor" (1 Peter 2:17) even as he prepared Christians for persecution (1 Peter 3:15). Though we're citizens of a heavenly kingdom (Phil. 3:20), we're not rabble-rousers. We pay taxes (Mark 12:13-17), obey the government (1 Peter 2:13-17), give our best to our employers (1 Peter 2:18-25; Col. 3:23), and pray for leaders (1 Tim. 2:1-4).

We should have been training for this our whole lives — in our homes! "Honor your father and mother ... that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land" (Eph. 6:2-3) isn't just something parents tell their kids. It's a directive from God! And as we learn to honor our parents, "Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live?" (Heb. 12:9).

What You Need to Do

They say, "Familiarity breeds contempt," but be careful not to dismiss or discount someone just because you've known them for a while. Rather than being a hometown "hero," Jesus' message was largely ignored by his friends and family from Nazareth (Mark 6:4-6). Honoring everyone means honoring strangers as well as those closest to you.

Keep an eye on your heart for feelings of bitterness or anger toward others — especially those in leadership roles. You may think you can hide your distaste for someone, but eventually, it's going to come out and reveal your thoughts (Matt. 15:18). Ask God to help you see others the way he does.

We all have moments of weakness, so be ready to apologize if you catch yourself acting disrespectfully. Don't leave someone with a bad taste in their mouth because of something you said or did without thinking. Like Paul, when he unintentionally criticized the High Priest, we need to admit our mistake and move on (Acts 23:1-5).

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — Luke 4:16-30; Rom. 12:9-13; 1 Peter 2:13-3:7; Eph. 6:1-4; 1 Cor. 12:12-26
Reflect (Tue) — Is my respect reserved only for those I view as "worthy"?
Request (Wed) — "Lord, help me honor everyone made in your image" (cf. Prov. 14:31; Gen. 1:26).
Respond (Thu) — Find a way to honor your parents today.
Reach Out (Fri) — When does showing honor come easy? When is it a challenge?

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Cross TrainingLove Others As God Loves YouRead or Watch

There are so many ways to say, "I love you." In a popular film about a so-called "kissing book," a rugged "farm boy" and a beautiful girl fall in love. But whenever she bosses him around, he always responds with, "As you wish," when he really means, "I love you." Later, when she finds out he's still alive, the only way she knows it's truly him — the love of her life — is when he shouts, "As you wish" while tumbling down a hill. But these two phrases aren't as different as you might think.

We're Cross Training to develop our servanthood, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Servanthood includes seeing with new eyes, humility, sacrificial love, and honor. What does it look like to love someone enough to sacrifice for them?

What You Need to Know

The Princess Bride tells a sweet love story, but it's nothing compared to the Lord who loved us — his bride (Eph. 5:25-27) — when we seemed unlovable. "For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly" (Rom. 5:6). The Servant Songs of Isaiah (Isa. 42:1-9, 49:1-6, 50:4-9, 52:13-53:12) tell of the obedient Servant who "carried our sorrows" (Isa. 53:4) though we were the straying sheep (Isa. 53:6).

It's easy to think of love as some warm and fuzzy feeling you have towards someone, but Christlike love is a commitment to everyone — friend and enemy alike (Matt. 5:43-48) — seen in each interaction with others (1 Cor. 13:4-8). It’s good to tell people we love them, but we also need to show them (1 John 3:18). Jesus didn't express love in empty platitudes but on a cross. Sacrifice is an undeniable "language of love," so whenever you doubt his love for you, go back to that supreme "I love you" (1 John 3:16). Then, resolve again to lay down your life by serving people around you (1 John 3:16).

What You Need to Do

Examine the motive behind your sacrifices. You can give away everything you own or even lay down your life for someone, but if you don't do it out of love, it gains nothing (1 Cor. 13:3). On the surface, your sacrifice might look noble or loving, but only you (and the Lord) know that for sure. Do you serve out of obligation, victimization, or a martyr complex? Or does it come from willing love, the decision to pursue another's wellbeing? Like a lamb before the shearers, practice silent submission to God rather than fighting for yourself (Isa. 53:7; 1 Pet. 2:20-25).

Broaden the scope of your kindness beyond your friends and people who treat you well. "For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? ... if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others?" (Matt. 5:46-47). Extend your welcoming warmth and friendship to neglected people around you (James 1:27).

Lean in to listen for ways to serve. Ideally, we'd all express our needs clearly, but sometimes it takes investigation to understand how to support each other. Listen for people's struggles. Pray with specificity and give with generosity (James 5:16).

How can you pour yourself out without going empty? It only works because God promises to fill us back up (Luke 6:27-38). We can give because God provides (Phil. 4:18-19). Do you believe his promise (2 Cor. 9:6-11)?

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — John 3:10-17; 1 Cor. 13:1-8; 1 John 3:11-24; Matt. 5:38-48; Rom. 5:6-11
Reflect (Tue) — What's it look like for me to lay down my life for others in my day-to-day choices?
Request (Wed) — "Lord, pour into me a love for others that reflects your love" (cf. Rom. 5:5; 1 John 4:19).
Respond (Thu) — Tell someone you love them today, not with words, but with your actions.
Reach Out (Fri) — How do you balance your needs with sacrificing for others?

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Cross TrainingLower Yourself Like Jesus DidRead or Watch

As any retail worker knows, customers take their spot in line very seriously! They look for the quickest checkout, jockey for position, and sometimes fight like schoolchildren to defend their territory. It seems every few days, a new kerfuffle makes the news over someone cutting in line. It’s silly, but haven't most of us gotten caught up fighting for our "place" at one point or another?

We're Cross Training to develop our servanthood, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Servanthood includes seeing with new eyes, humility, sacrificial love, and honor. So how can we humbly place ourselves at the back of the line as a servant?

What You Need to Know

Once while Jesus sat at a dinner, he quietly watched guests enter and fight for the good spots at the table. He noted that if you sit in the seat of honor and someone more important comes in, the host will humiliate you by sending you to the back of the room. But suppose you place yourself at the lowest place. The host will say, "’Friend, we have a better place for you!' Then you will be honored in front of all the other guests. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted" (Luke 14:10-11).

Life has a way of disgracing those who elevate themselves (Prov. 11:2; 16:18; 29:23). God hates the pride that sneaks in and corrupts our hearts (Prov. 6:16-17; 16:5; Psalm 101:5). And in the end, God will turn the tables and bless the lowly (Luke 16:19-25). As Jesus often repeated, "the last will be first, and the first last" (Matt. 10:31; 19:30; 20:16).

A hidden beartrap lies on the path toward godliness. As God blesses us with growth and we congratulate ourselves on "how far we've come," pride can take hold and destroy all the good (cf. Luke 18:9-14). But even if you obey perfectly, how should you feel? "... when you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty'" (Luke 17:7-10).

The King of kings wrapped a towel around his waist, got on his knees, and washed his disciples' dirty feet (John 13:3-5). Why? As he explained, "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you" (John 13:14-15). In one simple act, Jesus destroyed any superiority they felt, giving his disciples marching orders to go and serve!

What You Need to Do

To borrow an old cliche, "Keep it simple, servant" (K.I.S.S.). Rather than making everything a big production, work with what you have. Jesus used a towel and a washbasin to change his disciple's lives. Don't underestimate the value of a gifted meal or a few hours visiting someone who's sick or struggling (Matt. 25:34-40). If we imagine service as some elaborate act, we probably won't make it a regular part of each day.

Beware of defining yourself by your strength, wisdom, wealth, or position. Instead, rejoice in the goodness of the God you've come to know (Jer. 9:23-24). "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord" (1 Cor. 1:31; cf. Gal. 6:14). Spend time each day in worship. When we magnify the Lord, we see our smallness — and yet we walk away feeling filled! It's better to worship than to get "too big for our britches" like the king of Babylon who took credit for "his" accomplishments. After God humbled Nebuchadnezzar, he rightly declared, "... praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble" (Dan. 4:37).

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — Matt. 5:2-11; 12:9-21; Luke 1:46-55; 18:9-14; James 4:6-17
Reflect (Tue) — What might Satan try to use to stir pride in me?
Request (Wed) — "May I only boast in this, that I know you, the Lord of steadfast love, justice, and righteousness" (cf. Jer. 9:23-24).
Respond (Thu) — Go and visit someone or drop off a meal.
Reach Out (Fri) — What small acts of service have made a difference to you?

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Cross TrainingView Service Like Jesus DoesRead or Watch

My dad recently had surgery to fix his cloudy, unfocused vision. After a handful of futuristic procedures involving lasers and carefully calibrated lenses, he's now able to see without glasses for the first time in his life. But it took him a while to acclimate to his "new eyes" in the days after his surgery, as everything was too bright and tinted in psychedelic rainbow hues. And now that he's healed, his bionic vision is probably better than mine.

We're Cross Training to develop our servanthood, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Servanthood includes seeing with new eyes, humility, sacrificial love, and honor. So how does Jesus give us new eyes to see?

What You Need to Know

As he prepared for his last days, Jesus began speaking more plainly to his disciples. He asked them, "Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Having eyes do you not see …?" (Mark 8:17-18). In between two stories about healing blind men (Mark 8:22-26; 10:46-52), Christ challenges the disciples to shed their spiritual blindness. Three times on that final journey to Jerusalem, he tells them of his coming death (Mark 8:31; 9:30-31; 10:32-34), but they're unable to fully understand the victory of the cross (Mark 8:32-33; 9:32-34; 10:35-40). Each time, Jesus goes a step further, pointing to the sacrificial service demanded of his disciples (Mark 8:34-38; 9:35-37; 10:41-45). He redefines greatness in the kingdom, saying, "... whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:42-45).

Jesus wants us to receive glory and good things. But we have to reverse our thinking on how to get there. We're exalted after we humble ourselves (James 4:10). To preserve our well-being, we sacrifice and pursue others' well-being. No area of life remains unchanged when we follow the cross-shaped path to blessing. When we see as Jesus sees, we view interactions with compassion, purpose, and spiritual awareness.

What You Need to Do

Pray for new eyes to see how to relate to people. Do you follow the way of the world — looking out for number one and protecting yourself — rather than the way of Jesus? While Dr. Phil and other relationship gurus might have some good advice, Jesus' way has to be our starting point, and it will always seem a little strange to most folks. How can we have empowered love when we yield our rights, walk a second mile, or turn the other cheek (Matt. 5:39-42)? Where our old eyes might see a victimized doormat, our new eyes see a way to "overcome evil with good" (Rom. 12:21). It requires daily reorientation, seeing each encounter with a fresh perspective.

Memorize a key verse that helps you refocus your life, like "Love ... does not insist on its own way" (1 Cor. 13:4-5) or "in humility count others more significant than yourself" (Phil. 2:3). Repeat it to yourself when you get stuck and feel yourself fighting for your own. Read one of the gospels, and each day, imagine how the Jesus you meet in Scripture would navigate your situations and choices. Yield to the influence of what Jesus would do, as you strive to say with Paul, "It is no longer I that live, but Christ who lives in me" (Gal. 2:20).

But transformation doesn't happen when we read one Bible verse — it takes "constant practice" (Heb. 5:14). Every day I have to catch myself in the act of seeing with old eyes, fighting for what's "mine," and acting selfishly. But when I see it, then I can repair it. Now I can stop myself and course-correct mid-interaction. And as God's Spirit continues growing fruit in my life, I see the "Jesus way" to respond more and more. And my relationships and influence are blessed as I follow him.

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — Mark 10:35-52; Luke 6:20-42; 24:13-35; John 12:35-43; 2 Cor. 4:3-18
Reflect (Tue) — How could Jesus' perspective change how I view my current challenges?
Request (Wed) — "Lord, open my eyes" (Psalm 119:18).
Respond (Thu) — Think of a time you interacted with someone from a less-than-Christlike point-of-view. Reach out to apologize.
Reach Out (Fri) — How has God changed your perspective of sacrifice, service, and prioritizing others?

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Cross TrainingOffer Yourself to Serve OthersRead or Watch

When planning a big trip, you might need to book a flight, a rental car, or maybe a hotel room. But imagine showing up at the airport to discover there aren't any seats left on your flight, no cars in the rental car lot, or no vacant rooms at your hotel. What good is booking something in advance if no one's going to hold it for you? Don't you expect your reservation to be available when you need it?

We're Cross Training to develop our dedication, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Dedication includes counting the cost, wholeheartedness, establishing priorities, and making ourselves available to others. So how can we reserve ourselves to guarantee we're available to others?

What You Need to Know

Jesus' disciples often tried to shield him from interruptions, like when a blind man tried to talk to him or when small children approached (Luke 18:35-43; Mark 10:13-16). Yet Jesus constantly made himself available to the disgraced and rejected. Remember his response when questioned about eating with sinners? "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." (Matt. 9:12-13).

Sometimes I make myself an island, but Christ crossed the gulf to come near to us. He left the security of heaven and became like us, to help us at incredible cost (Phil. 2:5-8; John 1:10-14). He comes with open arms, ready to receive. "Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God" (Rom. 15:7). What would happen if you cleared your schedule to focus on your family, friends, and neighbors who need you? How much more impact could you have for others if you prioritized their needs above yours (Phil. 2:3-4)? You might be busy — even with important spiritual work — but making yourself available to someone in a time of need is worth the time (Luke 10:29-37; 8:43-48).

What You Need to Do

Being available to others requires you to show up, offer your support, and get deeply involved in people's lives. How do you do that? It begins by simply saying, "Yes!" Commit yourself to the work, no matter what's required. We pour ourselves out for others, spending and being spent, just like Paul did for the early church (Phil. 2:17-18; 2 Cor. 12:15).

First, we can deeply listen to someone and offer specific and targeted prayers to God about their struggles. James tells us to "confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working" (James 5:16). Grow your skills as a listener, slow to judge, and trustworthy to keep a friend's words in confidence. Try to invest in relationships before the crisis comes.

Second, let's take action and get involved. While our prayers are a mighty way to fight for each other, don't just offer "thoughts and prayers" as a way to keep people at arm's length. Saying "Be warmed and filled" only has power when you take the next step by getting involved, putting our love to work (James 2:15-16; 1 John 3:18)!

Third, let's move beyond patronizing "advice" to the more difficult work of burden-bearing and sharing the load (Gal. 6:1-2). Commit to listening, asking questions, and sharing in someone's challenges as you think, feel, and live through them together. "Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. ... Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep" (Rom. 12:13-15). With "humility, count others more significant than yourselves." Don't just look out for your interests, "but also to the interests of others" (Phil. 2:3-5).

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — Mark 10:13-16; Luke 10:29-37; Acts 4:32-37; Phil. 2:17-30; Gal. 6:1-10
Reflect (Tue) — What opportunities to connect and serve lie just beyond my comfort zone?
Request (Wed) — "Lord, here I am! Send me" (cf. Isa. 6:8).
Respond (Thu) — Check in with three people, listening for ways to bless them through quality time, prayer, and service.
Reach Out (Fri) — How have your relationships evolved when you've gotten more involved?

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Cross TrainingReclaim Your Time and Attention for the LordRead or Watch

My wife and I love to sit and people-watch when we go out for dinner. In recent years, we've watched more couples — young and old — silently seated at the table together, both of them staring at their phones. What a delightfully distracted date-night! But we've been there too, as maybe you can relate. Why is it that we're so easily distracted from living "in the moment" today? How can we reclaim our time and attention for things that matter most?

We're Cross Training to develop our dedication, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Dedication includes counting the cost, wholeheartedness, establishing priorities, and making ourselves available to others. So why are our priorities so crucial to the Lord?

What You Need to Know

Right before Jesus talked about counting the cost (Luke 14:25-33), he told the story of a man throwing a grand banquet (Luke 14:16-24). When the feast was ready, he sent word, and people "all alike began to make excuses" (Luke 14:18). One prioritized a recently purchased field, saying he needed to look at it instead of coming. Another wanted to inspect the oxen he just bought. A third said he couldn't go because he got married. You see, none of the excuses prevented people from attending. They just wanted to do something else they liked better. And that's how serving God works too. You're invited, but you get to choose if you value it more than anything else.

The Bible has a word for anything that takes priority above God in your life: idolatry. When we covet possessions, "covetousness ... is idolatry" (Col. 3:5). Or when we prioritize pleasing people above pleasing God (1 Thess. 2:4), we displace God from his rightful place. What is your most significant source of happiness, satisfaction, and peace? Our lives are full of good stuff from God, and we can rejoice in it all, offering service and thanksgiving to the source of "every good and perfect gift" (James 1:17). Even blessings — like marriage, children, work, and recreation — can become idols when we mix up the order of things and put them above Christ (cf. Matt. 10:34-39).

What You Need to Do

Don't make excuses for distraction. It's easy to justify misplaced priorities, especially when we focus on "good" things. Remember Jesus' friend Martha, who busied herself cooking to show him hospitality? It took a wake-up call for her to see a "better" use for her time. But what if Jesus spoke to you, saying, "... You are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary" (Luke 10:41-42)? We all have a little Martha in us, at times.

But how do you know if you "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness" or chase "all these things" that preoccupy most of the world (Matt. 6:33)? First, you can examine your thoughts. What concerns have your attention? Dump them onto a piece of paper or talk about them with a friend as you try to order them within God's service. "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth" (Col. 3:2). Second, you can review your expenses. "Where your heart is, there your treasure will be also" (Luke 12:34). Third, scrutinize your calendar and "free time" activities (John 9:4; Eph. 5:16). Do some weeding in your garden, so "the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things" don't "enter in and choke the word" (Mark 4:19). Rather than shoving more commitments into your schedule, consider what you could do for God without the added busyness. As our days fill up — even with necessary and useful activities — are we leaving ourselves enough time to build his house (Hag. 1:9-11; Phil. 3:8)?

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — Luke 10:38-42; Matt. 6:24-34; Mark 12:28-31; Josh. 24:14-15; Hag. 1:7-11
Reflect (Tue) — What distractions steal my time and attention away from the Lord?
Request (Wed) — "Lord, clear out my life that you may rule it."
Respond (Thu) — Examine your calendar and expenses to discover what you prioritize. Edit and adjust to put the Lord first.
Reach Out (Fri) — What do you struggle to keep in its proper place in your life?

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Cross TrainingGive the Lord Your Entire DevotionRead or Watch

Have you ever tried to do something halfway? If we find ourselves hesitating, like Daniel San from the Karate Kid, maybe we need the timeless wisdom of Mr. Miyagi. "Walk left side," he told Daniel, "safe. Walk right side, safe. Walk middle, sooner or later get squish just like grape. Karate same thing. Either you karate do 'yes' or karate do 'no.' You karate do 'guess so,' squish like grape."

We're Cross Training to develop our dedication, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Dedication includes counting the cost, wholeheartedness, establishing priorities, and making ourselves available to others. So what does it mean to give the Lord our wholehearted — all-in — devotion?

What You Need to Know

Sometimes we may use words like "all" and "always," when we mean "some" or "most," like when a spouse says, "You always do that!" But when Jesus uses the word πᾶς | pas, meaning all, whole, or every — he always means it.

When a law expert asked Jesus, "Which commandment is the most important of all?" (Mark 12:28), Jesus answered, "The most important is, 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And 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 12:29-30). God says you'll find him when you pursue him with "all" your heart (Jer. 29:13). Doing what's right "yet not with a whole heart," like King Amaziah (2 Chron. 25:2) is no way to honor the living God.

Jesus can't stomach lukewarm Christians (Rev. 3:16) who go through the motions. He knows that halfway will kill you. But how do you love and serve God with all your heart and soul (cf. Deut. 10:12)?

What You Need to Do

What keeps us from wholeheartedness? Sometimes it's fear and worry (Matt. 6:25ff). Maybe it's timidity and an overabundance of caution, holding back to protect yourself (2 Tim. 1:7). We can all get cynical when we give our all and it doesn't go well. It takes great courage to believe "all things" and hope "all things" (1 Cor. 13:7; Prov. 13:12). Spend time in confession, prayer, and worship, searching yourself to know what you've held back, what secret pain or wrong attitude might have kept you from wholehearted service (1 John 1:8-10; Prov. 4:23).

Sometimes trying to be like everyone else can stifle our wholeheartedness, but you're different by design (1 Cor. 12:18), to give Christ's body the diversity to accomplish his work (Rom. 12:3-8; 1 Cor. 12:14-27).

Wholeheartedness requires us to do less to accomplish more. When we take on too much, we scatter our thoughts and fracture our focus, so that we can't fully listen to a friend or even sit quietly in prayer. We're told to "work heartily" not "work hurriedly" — there's a difference (Col. 3:23). No one had more important tasks than Jesus, yet he often gave one individual his full attention (e.g. John 3-4). Troublemakers, distractions, and naysayers will come, leading us to say with Nehemiah, "I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?" (Neh. 6:3).

The poet, David Whyte, wrote of a season of exhaustion in his life, as his work utterly drained him. One night, a wise friend told him, "You know, the antidote to exhaustion is not necessarily rest. The antidote to exhaustion is wholeheartedness." Our bodies and minds will get tired. We might even get discouraged, but those who "wait on the Lord" will receive joy and renewal from him (Isa. 40:28-31; Matt. 11:28; Luke 6:38). So we keep presenting ourselves as a whole offering to the Lord (Rom. 12:1-2; cf. Lev. 1:9). Like the Macedonians, if we give ourselves first to the Lord, all the rest will follow (2 Cor. 8:5).

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — John 2:13-17; Deut. 6:4-9; 1 Chron. 28:9-10; Rom. 12:1-13; Rev. 3:14-22
Reflect (Tue) — What dark corners of my heart have I not considered lately?
Request (Wed) — "Prove me, O Lord, and try me. Test my heart and my mind" (Psalm 26:2).
Respond (Thu) — Confess to God all that has held you back, then quietly sing "I Surrender All."
Reach Out (Fri) — What do you find most encouraging when your passion gets low?

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Cross TrainingConsider the Cost of the CrossRead or Watch

People love a good bargain! Growing up, I spent quite a few Black Friday mornings camping out in line for hours with my mom, rushing through the crowds to grab that discounted item, shopping until I almost literally dropped. But what if stores raised their prices rather than lowered them? Would those die-hard shoppers still be willing to pay the price?

This year we're Cross Training to develop twelve marks of the Master. We started with faith, and today we'll move on to dedication, which involves counting the cost, wholeheartedness, establishing priorities, and making ourselves available to others. So what is the cost of discipleship?

What You Need to Know

Rather than hyping up crowds, Jesus turned them away with sticker-shock at the sky-high price of following him (Luke 14:25ff; John 6:66-69). He said, "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children ... yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:26). Surely "hate" exaggerates his point (cf. Matt. 10:37), but the point is undeniable: no love can come before our love for him!

He sounds several jarring warnings to anyone unwilling to give everything (Luke 14:27, 33). Jesus compares our decision to a building financier who starts a project without checking that he has the resources to finish it. He wants us to do some soul-searching before accepting his offer, committing to him with open eyes. "So," Jesus concludes, "any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:33).

There's a paradox in how Jesus describes the disciple's life. He invites us to take up his yoke and find rest, describing his burden as light and easy (Matt. 11:29-30). Yet he also describes his way as narrow and hard (Matt. 7:13-14). So which is it?

Well, it's hard because we give up our life to gain it (Matt. 10:39). Yet we get so much in return, in both the present life and the life to come (Mark 10:29-31, 1 Tim. 4:8). Paul gave up a lot to follow the Lord, but he said, "*whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him" (Phil. 3:7-9).

What You Need to Do

Pour yourself out in God’s service (Phil. 2:17) and “present your body as a living sacrifice" each day (Rom. 12:1) to "glorify God in your body" (1 Cor. 6:19-20). Rather than hoarding "me-time," steward and redeem the time (Eph. 5:15-17). Your choices, goals, and relationships now serve Christ — your life and your death are now for him (Rom. 14:7-8).

You can't be a new person while living your old life. So out with the old, in with the new (Rom. 6:1-6). Throw off anything that slows you down (Heb. 12:1).

Steel yourself for difficulty ahead. You will suffer (2 Tim. 3:12). Find the strength to continue, knowing "that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22).

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — Luke 14:25-33; Matt. 16:24-25; 19:16-22; 1 Tim. 3:12-13; 2 Sam. 24:18-24
Reflect (Tue) — "What do I still lack?" (Matt. 19:20)
Request (Wed) — "Fill me, oh Lord, as I empty myself before you."
Respond (Thu) — Let go of something you've been unwilling to in the past.
Reach Out (Fri) — What sacrifice are you glad you made for the Lord?

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Cross TrainingCare Enough to Share Your FaithRead or Watch

As a new parent, it seemed like every conversation with family and friends eventually led to some embarrassing discussion about vomit, gas, or destructive diaper detonations. Gross! Moms and dads love to overshare about their newborn war stories as if it were normal dinner conversation — but some things just can't be unheard. Although oversharing can lead to some awkward moments, some conversations can't be shared enough!

This year we're Cross Training to develop twelve marks of the Master, beginning with faith, which encompasses our belief, trust, loyalty, and willingness to share our faith. This week, let's explore the need to reach out to others about our belief in the Lord.

What You Need to Know

Genuine faith leads us to speak. Our faith has to travel the distance from our heart to our mouth or, frankly, it will not save us.

"But what does it say? 'The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart' (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved" (Rom. 10:8-10).

When we confess Jesus Christ as Lord, we announce our allegiance to him. In elementary school, many of us mindlessly recited the pledge of allegiance. But we can't think of "the good confession" (1 Tim. 6:12) as mere words or even magic words that save us while costing us nothing. When we declare our belief, trust, and loyalty to the Lord, we take our stand with God's anointed King.

And while that saving confession is part of our conversion, disciples don't make a one-time acknowledgment of our Master and then keep him a secret for the rest of our lives. Jesus says he'll acknowledge before the Father everyone that publicly acknowledges him (Matt. 10:32-33). It might cost you a lot, maybe even your closest relationships, but it's worth it (Matt. 10:34-39).

So we own Christ out of love for him, but we also owe a debt of love to others to share the gospel (Rom. 1:14-17)! We received a gift we can't pay for; the best we can do is pass it on! Paul couldn't separate his faith in Christ from expressing it to others. Can we say with him, "we also believe, and so we also speak" (2 Cor. 4:13)?

What You Need to Do

Not everyone has a talent for teaching (Rom. 12:5-8; James 3:1), but we all can express the excellence of God (1 Peter 2:9-10). Some evangelize naturally, while most of us stretch outside our comfort zone to speak up, always honing our skills, working hard to develop a readiness to answer people's questions (1 Peter 3:14-17).

When you feel pressured to silently hide your faith, recognize who's behind it, and refuse to "be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs" (2 Cor. 2:11). Let's pray with the early church, "grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness" (Acts 4:29). God answered their prayer, and even as persecution scattered them, they "went about preaching the word" (Acts 8:4). May we find the courage and love to do the same.

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — John 4:4-42; Matt. 5:14-16; Acts 17:22-31; 2 Cor. 4:13-18; 1 Peter 3:14-17
Reflect (Tue) — What "baskets" keep my light from shining in the darkness?
Request (Wed) — "Oh Lord, I call upon your name. Embolden me to speak of your deeds to everyone I meet!" (cf. Psalm 105:1).
Respond (Thu) — Find a way to mention the Lord to at least two people today.
Reach Out (Fri) — What have you used as a launchpad for spiritual discussions?

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Cross TrainingStand Firmly With the LordRead or Watch

Have you ever read the story of Don Quixote, the landowner who imagined he was a knight? In Cervantes' classic novel, Quixote's trusty servant, Sancho Panza, pretends to be a squire and goes with Don Quixote on all his misguided and confused adventures. He's not perfect, but he's loyal. Sancho says he "cannot help loving" his master with all his heart and soul, "and cannot leave him in spite of all his follies." Unlike Quixote, our master leads with genuine wisdom and power. Have you ever thought about what it means to be loyal to Jesus through thick and thin?

This year we're Cross Training to develop twelve marks of the Master, beginning with faith, which encompasses our belief, trust, loyalty, and willingness to share our faith. This week, let's talk about our loyalty to Christ.

What You Need to Know

What if there was an English word that could mean belief, trust, or faithfulness … or all three at the same time? That's what's happening with the Bible words for faith. The Bible word translated faith in some places is translated faithfulness in others. The two are linked and if we don't get that, we'll have an incomplete view of faith.

God is always faithful. So we, too, must offer our loyalty to him. Habakkuk 2:4 says, "the righteous will live by faith." But the Hebrew word for "faith" mainly means firmness, fidelity, and faithfulness. In Galatians, the same Greek word is translated faith (Gal. 5:6) and faithfulness (Gal. 5:22) in the same chapter.

What these three ideas have in common is the firm foundation they create for any relationship. Marriages don't survive without both trust in each other and faithfulness to each other. Friendships are built on belief, trust, and faithfulness (Prov. 18:24), like Ruth's devotion to Naomi (Ruth 1:16-17) and Jonathan's loyalty to David (1 Sam. 24:6-10). But it's much more true for our relationship with our Lord. He is worthy of our wholehearted trust and devotion.

John's gospel emphasizes believing in Jesus, but to believe in him is to receive him as Christ the Lord (John 1:11; 11:27; 20:28-31). It's not just believing an idea, it's choosing to stand with him as your King.

What You Need to Do

Like Samuel’s statement, “speak, for your servant hears” (1 Sam. 3:10), we stand available to God, always ready for our orders. When you see an opportunity to serve others in the name of Christ or to expand his kingdom, jump at the chance. Keep the approval of your master in mind. Can you dare to imagine — as a hymn says — "the smile of the blessed Giver" as he looks in joy upon the faithful deeds of his redeemed servant? Remember the words Jesus used to describe a master's approval: "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master" (Matt. 25:23).

Overcome evil in your life by looking to him in faith and faithfulness. Every temptation tests our loyalty to God. When Joseph was a slave in Potiphar's house, Potiphar's wife tried to seduce him. He was not only loyal to her husband, but more importantly, he saw any sin as an affront against God. He told her of the confidence her husband had placed in him, then asked, "How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?" (Gen. 39:9). Resolve not to break trust with God and damage that relationship.

Remember who you serve and why you're able to serve him. Paul thanked Jesus for judging him faithful and appointing him — a former persecutor — to his service (1 Tim. 1:12-14). He said, "For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised" (2 Cor. 5:14-15). So live for him who is forever worthy of your utmost devotion.

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — John 19:16-31; Luke 9:57-62; Josh. 24:14-15; 1 Kings 8:57-61; 2 Tim. 4:10-18
Reflect (Tue) — What gives Jesus joy?
Request (Wed) — "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer" (Psalm 19:14).
Respond (Thu) — Repeat the phrase, "I stand with Jesus" when temptations come throughout the week.
Reach Out (Fri) — What situations have tested your loyalty to Christ?

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Cross TrainingTrust in God CompletelyRead or Watch

Years ago, looking for something new and exciting to try, I took a trapeze class. I remember climbing the tall, shaky metal ladder, hooking my legs to hang upside down on the bar, and swinging out. Then came the hard part: trusting someone else's grip as I let go of the bar and flew through the air.

Fortunately, there was a net in case something went wrong. But in the disciple's life of faith, we work without a net. So why would anyone release the cables that seem to secure them? Why would we choose instead to take the Lord's hands and let him swing us far beyond our comfort zone? Because he is faithful, reliable, and utterly count-on-able to keep his promises and see us through!

This year we're Cross Training to develop twelve marks of the Master, beginning with faith, which encompasses our belief, trust, and loyalty. Last week we explored belief, so now let's work our way to trust.

What You Need to Know

While belief starts in our mind, trust is an act of the heart. Belief defines what we think is true, but our trust decides who we'll rely on. It's the mortar that holds relationships together. No wonder faith is the basis for knowing God (Gal. 2:20; 3:11, 26).

Riches will fail (Prov. 11:28), our minds might lead us astray (Prov. 28:26), and even our closest friends could betray us (Psalm 118:8). But God has never let anyone down, made a promise he won't keep, or told a lie (Heb. 6:18). He always works for our good (Rom. 8:28). So we hope in him and wait on him (Psalm 62:5-8). Because we know him (2 Tim. 1:12), his character gives us stability and peace (Isaiah 7:9; 26:3-4; Phil. 4:7).

What You Need to Do

Like any relationship built on confidence, every interaction with the Lord should convey how much we trust him. Speak to him with trust through your regular and sincere prayers (Mark 11:24). Allow him to lead you wherever he desires (Prov. 3:6-8). Smile in hope, knowing all he has prepared for you (John 14:1-4).

Read Scripture to grow your trust in God, noticing his track record of love, power, and wisdom. Learn to pray with confidence by praying the psalms, holding onto the Lord "my rock," "my fortress," and "my salvation" (2 Sam. 22:2). Even in difficult times, let's echo the confidence of three faithful men long ago who said, "... our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up" (Dan. 3:17-18).

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — John 14:1-4; Heb. 13:5-6; Jer. 29:11-14; Prov. 3:1-8; 2 Sam. 7:27-29
Reflect (Tue) — Who is God?
Request (Wed) — "Oh Lord, I trust in you without fear. What can anyone do to me?" (Psalm 56:3-4)
Respond (Thu) — List some problems you're unsure how to solve, and then sit in stillness, knowing that God is God.
Reach Out (Fri) — When has God proven trustworthy in your life?

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Cross TrainingSee With the Eyes of FaithRead or Watch

In 1938, a popular radio program went viral, convincing listeners that Martians were invading New Jersey. Though the media reported widespread hysteria over Orson Welles' "War of the Worlds" dramatization, only a handful of people believed what they heard over the radio. Ladies and gentlemen, we interrupt our program to bring you a special bulletin: with all the misinformation out there, be very careful about what you choose to believe!

Over the last month, we've seen four discipleship dimensions: Truth, Heart, Action, and Community. Continuing our Cross Training, keep those dimensions in mind as we apply them to twelve marks of the master, beginning with faith. Faith includes our beliefs, trust, and loyalty. And as we relate to others, our faith leads us to speak, confessing Christ, and sharing the gospel. Let's start this week by taking a closer look at belief.

What You Need to Know

God — the Father and Creator of the universe — loved humanity so much that he sent Jesus — his sinless Son — to die for us. And "... whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). We believe that Jesus is Lord and that God raised him from the dead to save us from our sins (Rom. 10:9-10). But "without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him" (Heb. 11:6).

Jesus didn't refuse to give any evidence, but he placed limits on how much he would give (Matt. 12:39). After he rose from the dead, Thomas, one of his disciples, was skeptical. He said, "Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe" (John 20:25). A week later, Jesus welcomed him to do just that. While Thomas quickly changed his tune, Jesus said, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed" (John 20:29). Our faith in the Lord will take us past what we can prove and require us to decide to trust him (Prov. 3:5).

What You Need to Do

Don't take anyone else's word for it! Your faith needs to be your own (2 Tim. 1:5). Consider nature's complexity and design (Rom. 1:19-20). Listen to what the gospels say about Jesus (John 20:31) — the prophecies he fulfilled, the miracles he performed, and especially the facts surrounding his resurrection (Acts 17:31; 1 Cor. 15:1-11). Know why you believe what you believe through careful study (Acts 17:11), testing everything (1 Thess. 5:21).

And then walk by faith, not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7). As believers, we have a different perception of life, the future, and all the realities we can't see (cf. 2 Kings 6:17-20). Let the "secret and hidden wisdom of God" (1 Cor. 2:7) develop in you "the mind of Christ" (1 Cor. 2:16). The good news of Christ may seem silly to some (1 Cor. 1:19), but it pleases God "through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe" (1 Cor. 1:21). So, grow in your faith, rooted and grounded in him, and gratefully serve the Lord every day (Col. 2:6-7).

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — Mark 9:14-29; John 9:35-41; 20:30-31; Psalm 119:65-72; Rom. 4:16-25
Reflect (Tue) — How does faith change the way I see my life and everything happening around me?
Request (Wed) — "Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief." (Mark 9:24)
Respond (Thu) — Pray for something big and bold, and believe that God can do it.
Reach Out (Fri) — What has strengthened your faith?

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Cross TrainingLet the Lord Shape All Your RelationshipsRead or Watch

What little boy didn't love Superman or Batman growing up? I'd often pretend I could fly, shoot laser beams from my eyes, or that I had a fully stocked utility belt with all the coolest gadgets. But what good would all those abilities do if the heroes never left their secret hideouts? Imagine if Clark Kent chilled out all day in the Fortress of Solitude, or Bruce Wayne played video games in the Bat Cave 24x7! A hero's job — like most meaningful work — is about people!

As we grow up in discipleship, we learn the truth, let it rewrite our hearts, and take action for Jesus. But what else do we need in Cross Training to be the Lord's disciple? We need to leave our fortress and venture out to serve those in our community. So, let's talk about how our relationship with Christ shapes our other relationships!

What You Need to Know

Jesus' disciples follow his lead by building up believers and reaching out to those who don't yet know the Lord. "As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Gal. 6:10).

Our first concern is the community of believers. Paul spends a giant chunk of his letters on the attitudes and behaviors needed for a healthy family in Christ. We strive for "humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:2-3). It's easy to get hung up on what others "have done for me lately." But God's family flourishes when each of us begins with a Christlike commitment to contribute to others.

The Lord is also concerned with how we relate to those outside the church. We represent him in our interactions and seek to bring people into contact with the Lord himself (2 Cor. 5:20; 1 Peter 2:9).

What You Need to Do

Let's accept that whether we're connecting with those in the church or outside it, dealing with people is "messy" business. We all have our burdens, but Christ calls us to help bear each other’s load (Gal. 6:2). Past and habitual sins, money problems, emotional brokenness, and marital issues — real difficulties are rarely solved by a quick and easy donation made from a distance. Are we ready to listen and invest in people? Christ's disciples can't passively keep to themselves, hoping folks will leave us alone. As Jesus "went about doing good" (Acts 10:38), we must seek to love people and do as much good for others as we can (Luke 6:27-36). Jesus' story of the good Samaritan teaches us to get involved when someone needs us, rather than keeping our distance as we go about our "holy" business (Luke 10:25-37).

Commit to hospitality (Heb. 13:2; Rom. 12:13), welcoming friends and strangers with grace and generosity. That often means opening our homes, but these days there are lots of other ways to invite others to connect and build friendships.

Relationships are two-way streets, but "so far as it depends on" us, we seek peace (Rom. 12:18). Perhaps neighbors will notice our distinctive lives of hope and character (1 Peter 2:9-12) and ask about the hope within us (1 Peter 3:15).

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — Matt. 9:9-13, 35-38; Luke 10:30-37; Eph. 4:25-32; Rom. 15:2-7; 1 Peter 3:8-16
Reflect (Tue) — What can I do to build more meaningful relationships?
Request (Wed) — "Lord, show me where I can serve and support others today."
Respond (Thu) — Give an encouraging text, card, or call to someone you think might need it today.
Reach Out (Fri) — What approaches have you found most effective in teaching an unbeliever about Jesus?

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Cross TrainingLet the Lord’s Actions Shape Your BehaviorRead or Watch

From what I can tell, there are two types of kids: those who play with their toy figurines and those who collect them to display on a shelf. I probably would've made a fortune selling unopened, mint-condition Star Wars toys from my childhood. But back then, I couldn't rip open the packaging fast enough to start playing! In my defense, they are called "action" figures for a reason.

As we grow up in discipleship, we learn the truth and let it rewrite our hearts. But what comes next in Cross Training to be the Lord's disciple? At some point, we have to get off the shelf, unwrap our protective packaging, and take action for Jesus! So, let's talk about how Christ can shape our behavior and put us into play!

What You Need to Know

Faith works! As we grow, right thinking leads to right living. Christ calls us to a counter-cultural lifestyle. We forgive those who hurt us, go the extra mile when someone asks us, and give more than someone demands. We seek peace and joyfully endure insults (Matt. 5-7). We can talk about our faith all day long, but until our walk matches the talk, it isn't really living faith at all (James 2:14-17, 22-26; cf. Heb. 11).

Like a three-legged stool, we need to hear sound words of truth to form a wholesome heart and stir us to healthy behavior. If you take just one of these supports away, the whole thing falls apart. Without the truth, you're passionately following your own path rather than God's (Rom. 10:2-3). Eliminate a loving heart, and all your knowledge and sacrifice gain you nothing (1 Cor. 13:1-3). Remove action, and you're like those hypocritical teachers of Jesus' day who preached but didn't practice (Matt. 23:3).

What You Need to Do

Remember that change takes time. Don't get so distracted by lofty goals that you lose focus on the small steps you can take today. You'll have good days and bad ones, but don't give up! Develop Christ-like spiritual habits, filling yourself with God's Word, spending time in prayer, and finding support in the church.

Stop thinking that someone will take action or that someday you'll make the right choices. If not you, who? If not now, when? We've all spent enough time living in sin, and now it's time to let the old life go, embracing the new (1 Peter 4:3). Deny yourself, take up your cross, and offer yourself as a daily sacrifice to Jesus (Matt. 16:24; Rom. 12:1-2). “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:13-16; 6:1-4).

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — John 13:1-17; 1 Cor. 13:4-8; 1 Pet. 2:12; James 2:14-26; Matt. 7:17-27
Reflect (Tue) — What one small change could make a big difference in my life?
Request (Wed) — "Lord, let my daily conduct bring the glory all to you and not to myself."
Respond (Thu) — Do something extra for someone today.
Reach Out (Fri) — What have others done for you that made a positive impact?

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Cross TrainingLet the Lord’s Values Shape Your AffectionsRead or Watch

When I was little, I loved watching Westerns with my dad. He loved them, so I loved them. We wore cowboy boots, and it brought us closer together. Now, my kids love to share the things I love too. On football Saturdays, we all dress up in our Buckeye gear and watch College Football Gameday together. My daughter even made a drawing of Brutus the Buckeye she hangs next to the TV each Saturday. They don't know much about football, really, but they love it because I love it, and it's something we can share.

As we follow Jesus and seek to grow closer to him, we want to bond with him by sharing the things he loves, delighting in his delights. Roy Masters said, "Loving what is right is different than hating what is wrong and feeling right about it." If knowing the truth is the first dimension of discipleship, what comes next in Cross Training to be Jesus' disciple? We need to let the Lord direct our affections so that what Jesus values shapes our whole inner life.

What You Need to Know

When the Bible talks about the "heart" it refers to the "center and source of the whole inner life, with its thinking, feeling, and volition" (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich). So it includes our emotions, but also our thoughts and will.

When King David was a young nobody, God sent Samuel to anoint the next king. As each of David's brothers came before Samuel, he thought, "ah, here's the one, I'm looking at the next king of Israel!" But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart" (1 Sam. 16:7). After doing that song and dance seven times, Samuel asked, "Is this everybody?" And they sent for the youngest, who was out tending the sheep. When David ran up, the Lord said, "Arise, anoint him, for this is he" (1 Sam. 16:12). God called David "a man after my heart, who will do all my will" (Acts 13:22). Why did God so value a person "after" his heart? Why does he ignore what we tend to value and look "on the heart" (1 Sam. 16:7)?

Your life flows from your heart. "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life" (Prov. 4:23). Like a fountain, your heart bubbles up and spills out into the world (Luke 6:45). It's no wonder God cares about your heart more than all the stuff that occupies most people's time.

What You Need to Do

Jesus' disciples must pay constant attention to transforming our affections and attitudes to reflect the Lord's character. In John's gospel, the first words of Jesus are "What are you seeking?" (John 1:37). Have you ever asked yourself that? The reality is, you'll often get what you're looking for (cf. Matt. 7:8).

At times, we all fight against our desires to choose the right thing (Rom. 7:19). But a significant change comes in a Christian's life when what we want changes (cf. Rom. 8:5-7). It's not an automatic switch that "just happens" one day. Keeping our heart with vigilance requires us to recognize what's happening in our hearts (Prov. 4:23) and do the daily work of exposing ourselves to God's transforming power. The Psalms begin with a blessing on those who meditate on God's instruction (Psalm 1), envisioning a tree planted by the water. A drizzle on the surface won't change our hearts. Like a tree whose roots get soaked in a flowing stream, we need to get drenched in God's nourishing word. While Bible study helps us understand the truth (Dimension 1), Bible meditation lets it seep into us so that our response begins to change in the moment of action. Take the time to think deeply about it, pray it, and talk about it.

Finally, it's a daily practice — catching ourselves going down the wrong mental pathways and redirecting. Our mindset slowly changes from frustrated to grateful, from bitter to forgiving, from covetous to content, and from irritable to patient. God's word gets etched onto our hearts, and his Spirit brings fruit into our lives (Gal. 5:22-24).

Through the Week

Read (Mon) — Luke 2:41-52; Prov. 4:23; Acts 13:22; Matt. 7:7-8; Gal. 5:22-24
Reflect (Tue) — What do I really want? Is that the same thing that God wants?
Request (Wed) — "Lord, create in me a clean heart. Renew a right spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10)
Respond (Thu) — Write a letter to yourself describing who you want to be.
Reach Out (Fri) — How have your aspirations and attitudes changed as you've matured? What future "heart" changes do you want to make?

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Cross TrainingLet the Lord’s Teaching Shape Your ThinkingRead or Watch

Classic TV programming in the '80s and '90s really wanted us to know things. Remember phrases like, "The more you know" from NBC's public service announcements? How about "Knowing is half the battle" from G.I. Joe? Or "Take a look, it's in a book" from Reading Rainbow? This week we're changing the channel from last year's Into the Book reading plan to a yearlong series on developing as Christ's disciples. We call it Cross Training — learning from the Master Teacher himself (Luke 6:40). As one disciple put it many years ago, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me" (Gal. 2:20).

So, as we kick things off, let's focus on what we know, considering the first of four Dimensions of Discipleship: Truth.

What You Need to Know

When Jesus went on trial before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, Pilate asked him if he was a king. Jesus said, "For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice." So Pilate asked, "What is truth?" (John 18:37-38). He didn't wait for an answer before leaving, but it's the kind of rhetorical, half-whispered question many of us might find ourselves wondering. What's the real story about life? Are there answers worth building my life upon? What is truth?

Christ sets the guiding lines of a Christian's life like a cornerstone sets a building's angles. We "are ... members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone" (Eph. 2:18-22). Jesus sent apostles to represent him, carrying his authority and proclaiming his message (cf. Mark 3:13-19; Acts 1:21-26). Prophets also uttered God's words (2 Peter 1:19-21). The apostle Paul said, "When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery ... revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit" (Eph. 3:4-5). The apostles and prophets reveal Christ, elaborating and explaining his life and teaching. When we trust these words and obey them, we build on the apostles' and prophets' foundation.

A lot of folks go through life without a guiding "cornerstone" or a definite "foundation." How about you? Before we can mature as disciples, we need to know that all Scripture comes from God's breath (2 Tim. 3:15-17). These writings are inspired, authoritative, and trustworthy (1 Cor. 2:12-13; 14:37-38; John 16:13; 17:17).

What You Need to Do

We sometimes settle for a shaky foundation, built with the faulty materials of a worldview shaped by the world. But we need to rebuild our lives on Christ's words and example, and what his apostles and prophets taught. Examine your assumptions and align your thinking with the Lord's. It's not enough to embrace some of the teaching, trying to make do with a half-installed, faulty foundation. Search out the Lord's answers to your questions and settle into genuine faith.

You can know the truth (John 8:31-32). It's up to you, and it begins with hearing (Rom. 10:9-10) or reading (Eph. 3:3-4) the words.

What we believe shapes our lives. And knowing the truth is step one on the road to becoming like Jesus.

Through the Week

How can we put truth into action Through the Week? Here are five challenges that you can do on your own own, along with us.

Read (Mon) — Matt. 4:1-11; John 8:31-32; 17:17; 2 Tim. 3:15-17; 1 Cor. 2:12-13
Reflect (Tue) — What influences shape my worldview? Does my view match the way the Lord sees things?
Request (Wed) — "Lord, teach me what I ought to know. Bless me as I listen to your words."
Respond (Thu) — List five things you know are true. Make a list of questions you want to answer.
Reach Out (Fri) — What do you think are life's most important questions? What answers have you found?

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Watch This Introduction

Happy New Year everyone!

Now that our Into the Book reading plan is over, what's next? Today, we're excited to share our plans for 2021! We're calling it Cross Training — a yearlong discipleship development series for believers of all ages and spiritual maturity levels. We want to become fully trained — cross trained — by the Master Teacher himself (Luke 6:40). To do that, each week we'll focus on four different Dimensions of Discipleship:

Truth — The Lord's teachings shape our thinking.
Heart — The Lord's values shape our affections.
Action — The Lord's actions shape our behavior.
Community — Our connection to the Lord shapes all our relationships.

Every Monday beginning January 4th, we'll tackle a different Element of spiritual growth, taking our cues from Jesus. We'll release a Daily Download podcast episode, post an article on our website, and share a video on social media, just like we did with our Into the Book series in 2020. You can also sign up for our weekly email newsletter! We'll also share five Through the Week Challenges to help keep us motivated.

Read — A few passages to help build your knowledge
Reflect — A reflective question to ask yourself
Request — A prayer you can bring before God
Respond — A step to take that turns your belief into action
Reach Out — A discussion to have with those you meet

We'll introduce the series, talking about the four Dimensions of Discipleship in detail in the first four weeks. And then, for the rest of the year, we'll cover twelve Marks of the Master, spending four weeks exploring foundational elements of each one. These Marks include Faith, Dedication, Servanthood, Joy, Reverence, Mercy, Integrity, Watchfulness, Fruitfulness, Endurance, Leadership, and Lifelong Learning.

We're hoping to grow together with you throughout the year in deeper discipleship and service to the Lord. If you've taken a break from the show, now's the time to jump back on board! Find out more information at biblegeeks.fm/crosstraining.

Into the BookReach the End of the JourneyRead or Watch

Have you ever waited to see a movie or TV show, only to have the ending suddenly revealed by a coworker or friend? Where was the "spoiler alert" before you learned that Rosebud was a sled, the astronauts never left earth, or the villain is actually the hero's father?

As we come to the final week of our Into the Book reading plan, we'll wrap up the last five chapters of the Bible in Revelation. And — SPOILER ALERT — you won't want to miss John's vision of the ending of history itself.

The Good Guys Win

On Monday (Rev. 18), we hear the angels announce "Babylon, the great" city's destruction (Rev. 18:2). Since it was full of immorality and luxurious living, onlookers marvel as it burns to the ground in a single day (Rev. 18:2-8). Then a voice cries out to the faithful, "Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues; for her sins are heaped high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities" (Rev. 18:4-5).

If God can destroy evil nations, what else can he accomplish in your life today?

Happily Ever After

After the fall of the evil city, on Tuesday (Rev. 19), the multitudes in heaven shout their praise and worship to God (Rev. 19:1-5). With great anticipation, they announce a wedding feast for the Lamb and His Bride (Rev. 19:6-8). Just then, a rider arrives on a white horse, with eyes like fire, wearing a blood-dipped robe, and commanding the armies of heaven (Rev. 19:9-16). Who could this be? It's the "King of kings and Lord of lords" (Rev. 19:16)!

How does God's victory over evil earthly establishments help you trust him and praise him more?

To Be Continued

On Wednesday (Rev. 20), we watch an angel lock up the ancient dragon — the devil — into the bottomless pit for a thousand years. But "Satan will be released from his prison and will come out to deceive” the earth (Rev. 20:7-8). And once his deceptions are over, he's thrown into the lake of fire to suffer eternal torment (Rev. 20:10). But the story continues with a fantastic judgment scene, as all the dead stood before the throne when the great books were opened (Rev. 20:11-12). "And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire" (Rev. 20:15).

Is your name found in the book of life (Rev. 20:12-13)?

On Thursday (Rev. 21), a new heaven and earth appear, as the holy city — the new Jerusalem — descends from heaven as the Bride for her Husband (Rev. 21:1-2). Now, God dwells with man, taking away all our sorrows, pain, and fears (Rev. 21:3-7). In vivid detail, John describes the Bride's beauty as he watches the heavenly city descend from above (Rev. 21:10-21). It's simply breathtaking to imagine! There's no sun or moon to shine over the city because God's glory gives it light, illuminating all who live there (Rev. 21:23-26). Praise God that some things will continue forever!

What will not be in that great city, and why is that comforting for John's audience to hear?

Finally, as we close out our yearlong New Testament readings, on Friday (Rev. 22) we find a life-giving river flowing from the Lord's throne through the great city (Rev. 22:1-2). And along the river, there's the tree of life, like the one we saw in the garden of Eden (Gen. 2:9), bringing life and healing to all who ate it (Rev. 22:2). We're reminded that the prophecy of this book "must soon take place" and how Jesus is coming soon in judgment as a bright and morning star (Rev. 22:6-16). And as John closes, he warns us not to add to or take away anything written in this prophecy (Rev. 22:18-19).

Can you say, along with John, "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!" (Rev. 22:20)?

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Into the BookCount on God’s JudgmentRead or Watch

When I was a kid, I grew up learning how to count from a mysterious but friendly purple vampire who lived on a familiar television street. Whether he counted spiders on the wall or cobwebs in the hall, his musical approach to enumeration always left you tapping your feet. And this week, as we count down some of the final chapters in our reading plan, we'll find more noteworthy numbers in Revelation.

Two Beasts

On Monday (Rev. 13), John watches the first of two multi-headed beasts rise out of the sea with authority over the earth (Rev. 13:1-5). It spoke blasphemies against God and made war against the saints (Rev. 13:6-8). Then a second beast rose from the earth, deceiving the world into worshiping the first beast (Rev. 13:11-13). And through its deception, all humanity wore a mark with its name on their forehead (Rev. 13:16-18).

Why should these terrifying beasts lead the saints toward endurance (Rev. 13:10)?

Three Angels

Unlike those who wore the beast's mark, on Tuesday (Rev. 14) we'll find the Lamb surrounded by 144,000 who wore God's name on their foreheads (Rev. 14:1). They sing a new song around the throne (Rev. 14:2-5). Judgment is coming, as we look up to see three angels flying overhead, bringing an eternal gospel and a condemnation against the beast and all who worship it (Rev. 14:6-11).

How do the closing images about harvest relate to what Christ said about a "harvest" of judgment (Rev. 14:14-20; cf. Matt. 13:24-30))?

Seven Bowls of Wrath

On Wednesday (Rev. 15), those who conquered the beast sang Moses' song — the song of the Lamb — in heaven as seven angels came from the sanctuary with seven terrible plagues, wearing pure white robes. Then the four creatures gave each angel a bowl of wrath to pour out on the earth (Rev. 15:2-7).

The angels began to empty their bowls on Thursday (Rev. 16), pouring God's wrath upon the earth (Rev. 16:1). The plagues against God's enemies are terrible — like those in Egypt — with painful sores, rivers and seas of blood, fire burning the earth, darkness, drought, and finally hail after a great earthquake (Rev. 16:2-21).

Are you willing to say to God, "True and just are your judgments" (Rev. 16:7)?

Ten-Horned Beast

On Friday (Rev. 17), one of the seven angels shows John a great prostitute riding on a scarlet beast with seven heads and ten horns standing on many waters (Rev. 17:1-5). Her evil is evident, as she holds a cup full of abomination and sexual immorality and is drunk from the blood of Jesus' martyrs (Rev. 17:4-6). And while John marvels at the sight, the angel explains in great detail what it all means (Rev. 17:7-18).

How does the angel's explanation of the woman shape your understanding of the book?

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Into the BookExperience John’s VisionRead or Watch

Through our imagination, the sounds, sights, and smells of a story can transport us to another place. It may be frightening or exciting. It might stir memories of a past time. It can even lead us to consider a time and place beyond this world. Last week, John's vision led us through the "door standing open in heaven" (Rev. 4:1). And as you read this week, take in all the colorful sights, and dramatic sounds as the spectacular scenes play out in your mind.

Hear the Trumpets

Monday's reading (Rev. 8) begins with the sound of "silence in heaven for about half an hour" (Rev. 8:1). But with the opening of the seventh seal, seven angels receive seven trumpets, and the silence is broken (Rev. 8:2, 7). Each of these trumpets brings partial destruction, affecting a third of the earth (Rev. 8:7-12). They're not meant to bring an end, but repentance — yet people still won't turn from evil (Rev. 9:20-21). The first four trumpets brought hail and fire mixed with blood, a flaming mountain, a falling star, and a darkened sky (Rev. 8:7-13).

What do you learn about prayer from the opening paragraph of this chapter (Rev. 8:3-5)?

Smell the Smoke

The week began with incense smoke, bringing its sweet scent before God with the saints' prayers (Rev. 8:3-4). But Tuesday's reading (Rev. 9) is filled with the stench of a different kind of smoke released by two more trumpets. At the sound of the fifth trumpet, smoke rose from a bottomless pit where locusts arose to torment those who hadn't been sealed (Rev. 9:1-6). The sixth trumpet brought sulfurous smoke coming from horse's mouths (Rev. 9:13-19).

How do God's purposes for the plagues on Egypt (Exod. 7-11) help us understand these symbols?

Tastes the Scroll

On Wednesday (Rev. 10), we turn to watch a mighty angel come down from heaven — standing on the sea and the land — carrying a tiny scroll that John is told to eat (Rev. 10:1-3). The seven thunders sounded when the angel called out, but John wasn't allowed to record what they said (Rev. 10:3-4).

What do you think is signified by John eating the scroll (Rev. 10:9; cf. Jer. 15:16; Ezek. 2:9-3:4)?
Why might it bring him both sweetness and bitterness?

Feel the Earthquake

On Thursday (Rev. 11), John is handed a stick to measure God's temple, the altar, and those who worship there (Rev. 11:1). We learn of two witnesses who would eventually be killed by the great beast from the bottomless pit (Rev. 11:3-10). And as the world rejoices over their death, they would return, bringing a massive earthquake (Rev. 11:9-13)! Then, when the seventh trumpet sounded, those in heaven shouted, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever" (Rev. 11:14).

What's the purpose of the temple throughout Scripture, and where is his temple today (cf. 1 Cor. 3:16)?
Why is it comforting to recognize that God knows the measure of his temple (cf. Zech. 2:1-5)?

Watch the Battle

On Friday (Rev. 12), two great signs appear in heaven – a pregnant woman and a red dragon (Rev. 12:1-3). But before the dragon could eat the woman's son "who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron" (cf. Psalm 2:7-9) — he's swept away to God's throne, and the woman escapes into the wilderness (Rev. 12:4-6). Then Michael and his angels fight the dragon — "that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world" — defeating him and casting him down to the earth (Rev. 12:7-9). He chases the woman in the wilderness, but as every attempt to destroy her fails, he turns his attention to the rest of her children (Rev. 12:13-17).

What does the wilderness represent throughout Scripture, and what do you notice about it here?

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Into the BookBehold a Vision of HeavenRead or Watch

In one of cinema's most iconic moments, a young girl's little dog pulls back a curtain to uncover a "great and powerful" wizard — only to find a scared, hesitant old man. But unlike that lackluster "revelation" from the movie, we'll watch as John pulls back the curtain into heaven itself in this week's readings! And from his incredible vision, we'll stand in awe at the greatness and power hiding just beyond our view.

Our Hope in Heaven

On Monday (Rev. 3), the Lord dictates three more letters to the churches in Asia:

Sardis (Rev. 3:1-13), a church with a good reputation, but that's fallen asleep and nearly dead.
Philadelphia (Rev. 3:14-22), a church whose unwavering stand for the truth, leads Jesus to protect them from evil influences.
Laodicea (Rev. 3:14-22), a lukewarm church who thinks they're rich when in reality they're poor.

He promises that those who conquer with him will wear white garments and have their name in the book of life (Rev. 3:5). Conquerors will sit with him on his throne (Rev. 3:21) and never leave God's temple. They'll wear the names of God, Christ, and "the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven" (Rev. 3:12).

What does it mean for you to conquer with Jesus?

The Throne in Heaven

On Tuesday (Rev. 4), John sees an open door into heaven and hears the thunderous words, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this" (Rev. 4:1). Immediately he sees a great throne, surrounded by a rainbow, a sea of glass, seven fiery torches, and twenty-four other thrones with elders in white clothes seated on each (Rev. 4:2-6). Then he sees four fantastical creatures around the throne, all shouting, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!" (Rev. 4:6-8).

Why is it important for us to remember — even through our trials — that God is the one on the throne?

The Scroll in Heaven

On Wednesday (Rev. 5), John's attention turns to the one seated on the great throne, holding a scroll with seven seals in his right hand. "Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?" a mighty angel cries (Rev. 5:2). The Lion of the tribe of Judah! Suddenly, a Lamb appears, as if killed, taking the scroll from the one on the throne (Rev. 5:6-7). The four fantastical creatures and all the elders fall to the ground, singing, "Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals" (Rev. 5:9).

On Thursday (Rev. 6), the Lamb begins to open six of the seven seals, one by one. And with the first four, one of the four creatures shouts, "Come!", and a horse appears with a rider carrying a powerful object (Rev. 6:1-8). Opening the fifth seal, we see martyred souls under the altar receiving white robes (Rev. 6:9-11). The sixth causes a great earthquake and darkness, as the earth's rulers hide from the Lamb's wrath (Rev. 6:12-17).

Why is Christ alone worthy to open the scroll?
What do the martyrs cry out? How does the rest of the book reveal God's answer to this prayer?

The Multitude in Heaven

Finally, on Friday (Rev. 7), before opening the seventh seal, John's attention turns to four angels standing at the earth's corners and holding back the four winds (Rev. 7:1-2). A fifth angel calls to them, "Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads" (Rev. 7:3). Then 144,000 from Israel — 12,000 from each tribe — receive a seal (Rev. 7:4-8). Afterward, an innumerable multitude appears with people from every nation, wearing white robes and shouting praise to God and the Lamb (Rev. 7:9-11). Who are these people, and from where do they come? "These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation" who were cleansed by the Lamb's blood (Rev. 7:13-17)!

Revelation 6 closed with the question, "who can stand?" (Rev. 6:17). How does this chapter (Rev. 7) answer that question?
What words of hope and comfort do you find in this picture of people in God's presence?

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Into the BookLearn From John and Jesus’ LettersRead or Watch

It's amazing that we're only a text message, email, or video call away from almost anyone in the world — including our coworkers, friends, and family. But up until a few decades ago, communication took a lot longer! Like something straight out of the stone age, once upon a time, we had to write letters — by hand — to stay in touch. We even have a pejorative name for it these days — snail mail! And in this week's readings, we'll reach into that old-fashioned first-century mailbag to read some powerful and personal letters from some important authors.

Letters From John

On Monday (1 John 5), John concludes his first letter, encouraging believers to keep God's commandments (1 John 5:3) and to believe in the Son of God, knowing our faith is our victory (1 John 5:4-5). John wrote this letter so that those who believe in the Son of God "may know" that they have eternal life (1 John 5:13). While we know we're of God, we also know that "the whole world lies in the power of the evil one" (1 John 5:19). So we try to restore one another when we fall into sin (1 John 5:16-17).

On Tuesday (2 John), John writes to "the elect lady and her children" (2 John 1). He says to love one another (2 John 5-6) and warns of "deceivers" who say Jesus Christ didn't come in the flesh (2 John 7). To have Christ, we must stay within his teaching (2 John 9).

On Wednesday (3 John), he writes to Gaius, giving a snapshot into church life through two very different men: "Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first" (3 John 9) and Demetrius, who has "a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself" (3 John 12). We too must learn to distinguish between different influences, so that we will "not imitate evil but imitate good" (3 John 11).

What have you learned from John's letters about truth, love, and obedience?

Letters From Jesus

On Thursday (Revelation 1), we begin the last book of the Bible, heading into the home stretch of our reading plan. The opening words provide some keys to the reader. It is a "revelation," or uncovering, of events that John said "must soon take place" (Rev. 1:1). While the end of the book will reveal some final events (Rev. 20-22), most of Revelation revolves around historical events the Christians of John's time needed to understand. We can learn a lot for our time as well, as we endure trials and place our hope in the One "who is and who was and who is to come" (Rev. 1:8).

The chapter closes with a picture of Jesus in all his fierce might and glory. He wants John to write a message to the "angels" of seven churches, whose "lampstands" surround Christ (Rev. 1:20; cf. 2:1).

On Friday (Revelation 2), we read Jesus' letters to four churches in Asia:

Ephesus (Rev. 2:1-7), a church who stood firm against false teaching but lost their passion and love for the Lord.
Smyrna (Rev. 2:8-11), a church that was faithfully dedicated to suffering and standing for the truth despite their deep poverty.
Pergamum (Rev. 2:12-17), a church who didn't deny their faith but harbored those who promoted immorality and lies.
Thyatira (Rev. 2:18-29), a church full of love and service, but where a woman named Jezebel was encouraging sexual immorality.

In all the letters, we see that Jesus knows what they're going through and what they're doing (e.g., Rev. 2:2).

What encouragement can you take from seeing how much Christ knows and cares about their struggles and victories?

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Into the BookBe ConfidentRead or Watch

I don't know what the word of the year should be for 2020, but one of the contenders has to be "Uncertainty." Call it a crisis of confidence — in our future, in our government, in our news, maybe even in ourselves. If we’re not careful, doubt and fear can overwhelm us and dominate our lives. But as a well-known hymn says, "When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay, On Christ the solid rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand." This week, we'll find some solid ground in Hebrews and First John.

Confident the Lord Is With Us

On Monday (Heb. 13), we finish Hebrews, with its encouragement to hold onto our confidence (Heb. 3:6,14; 10:35). After inviting us to boldly "draw near to the throne" (Heb. 4:16; cf. 10:19-22), the book concludes with a call to confidence in his ever-present help, "for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' So we can confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?'" (Heb. 13:5-6).

Even if we have to bear shame with Christ "outside the gate" (Heb. 13:10-13), we know the city we seek is eternal (Heb. 13:13-14), and our hope is worth the cost.

Confident We’re Forgiven

Tuesday's reading (1 John 1) emphasizes "fellowship" (1 John 1:3,6-7), our close association with God and Christ, which we share with all who "walk in the light" (1 John 1:7). Since God is light, we can't have fellowship with him while walking in darkness (1 John 1:5-6), a sobering thought. But — John assures us — if we confess our sins, we can count on him to forgive us (1 John 1:9).

Why's it so important for us to honestly acknowledge our sin?

Confident We’re His Children

This book's purpose is to give confidence in what we can "know" (1 John 2:21; 5:13) — a word used nearly forty times. How do "we know that we have come to know him" (1 John 2:3)? On Wednesday (1 John 2), John says we know because we keep his commandments and "walk in the same way" that he walked (1 John 2:3-6). That means loving each other (1 John 2:7-11) and not loving worldly things (1 John 2:15-17). We know we're God's children because "everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him" (1 John 2:29).

Thursday's reading (1 John 3) exclaims in wonder, "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are" (1 John 3:1). When Christ returns, we'll become like him (1 John 3:2, cf. Rom. 8:29; Php. 3:20-21). While we wait, we imitate him by keeping ourselves from continually practicing sin (1 John 3:6-8; cf. 1:7-9) and by actively loving people (1 John 3:17-18). So our lifestyle makes it "evident who are the children of God" (1 John 3:10). And even when "our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything" (1 John 3:20).

How do Christ's actions define love?

Confident at Judgment

On Friday (1 John 4), John says to "test the spirits" (1 John 4:1) — to examine all teaching and ensure that it aligns with what the apostles taught (1 John 4:6). He particularly confronts teachers who distort the gospel and question Christ's incarnation (1 John 4:2-3; cf. 1 John 1:1-3; 2:22-23; 2 John 7; John 1:14).

God is love (1 John 4:16), and as we imitate his love and abide in it, love is "perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment ... There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear" (1 John 4:17-18).

How do we know what real love is? And who initiated the relationship of love between God and us?

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Into the BookReach Forward to ExcellenceRead or Watch

What if you could travel back in time to visit some of history's most iconic figures? Who would you visit? No matter how far back you went, everything would be very different, but also the same in many ways.

In this week's readings from Hebrews, we're transported back on an excellent adventure to the days of Noah, Abraham, Moses, and others — whose faith made an impact on the world. And as we consider these notable historical figures, we're called to embrace excellence as they did.

Excellent Ministry

On Monday (Hebrews 8), we look to Jesus as our high priest, who's seated at God's right hand (Heb. 8:1). He "has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises" (Heb. 8:6). And because the first covenant could not save humanity from their desire for sin, it was made obsolete by a new covenant where God would mercifully forgive our sins (Heb. 8:7-13).

Then on Tuesday (Hebrews 9), we're reminded of the earthly tent where the Israelites worshipped, with its structure and furnishings (Heb. 9:1-5). And when Christ appeared as high priest, he offered his blood (Heb. 9:6-14) — rather than animal's blood — becoming the mediator of that new covenant (Heb. 9:15). Unlike the copy of the tent on earth, he entered heaven itself, with a single sacrifice "offered once to bear the sins of many" (Heb. 9:28).

What disqualified Jesus from being an earthly high priest, and what does this say about where he ministers today?
How is the sacrifice that purifies us different from the animal sacrifices under the law?

Excellent Faith

On Wednesday (Hebrews 10), we see how Jesus' blood — offered once — was more effective than that of bulls and goats — shed year after year (Heb. 10:1-18). And with our confidence in his priesthood and blood, "let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith," being excellent to each other in holiness (Heb. 10:22-25). And if you're tempted to give up, don't "throw away your confidence," since it brings such an excellent reward (Heb. 10:35)!

On Thursday (Hebrews 11), we're reminded that "faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Heb. 11:1). And with our faith, we follow in the footsteps of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, the Israelites, Rahab, and countless more who waited on God's promises (Heb. 11:4-40).

How are you encouraging others to keep the faith today?
Which historical figure of faith do you connect with the most?

Excellent Endurance

Finally, on Friday (Hebrews 12), we're called to let go of sin and run with endurance by looking to Jesus (Heb. 12:1-2). While discipline may be painful, it's given by our Father out of love to train us (Heb. 12:5-11). Unlike Israel, who trembled with fear when they heard the Lord's voice from the mountain, we – who have come to an even more glorious assembly – must not refuse him (Heb. 12:18-26). So let us endure, and "be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire" (Heb. 12:28-29).

What do you learn from Esau's example about the things you value most in life?

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Into the BookFind Maturity in ChristRead or Watch

Have you ever pined away for days gone by when times were simpler, and life seemed better? My wife loves to say that she was born in the wrong decade, wishing that she'd lived during the turn of the 20th century. But in our nostalgia for those "good old days," it's easy to overlook life's difficulties back then, especially without our many modern conveniences and technological improvements today.

In this week's readings, the writer of Hebrews addresses his audience's desire to go back to their Jewish traditions. And pointing back to a few important historical figures, he shows how Christ is better in every way.

Better Than Moses

On Monday (Hebrews 3), we learn that "Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses" (Heb. 3:3). While Moses was a great servant in God's house — delivering God's Law to the people — Christ is better as the Lord's faithful son (Heb. 3:4). Unlike the rebellious people Moses led through the wilderness, if we follow Jesus in faith and soft-heartedness, we'll avoid falling like they did (Heb. 3:7-19).

On Tuesday (Hebrews 4), we'll think about our rest, and consider how Israel viewed Canaan from a distance. Will we trust in God and enter that rest? Or will we fail to reach it because of disunity and disobedience (Heb. 4:2, 6)? As David spoke long ago, "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts" (Heb. 4:7; Psalm 95:7-11).

What do you think it means that "the word of God is living and active ... discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (Heb. 4:12)?

Better Than the Priests

Transitioning from Moses to the priesthood, Hebrews calls Jesus "a great high priest who has passed through the heavens" (Heb. 4:14). Through his temptations, he can sympathize with us and mediate for us to the Father. And on Wednesday (Hebrews 5), we're reminded how the high priests under the Old Law had to sacrifice for their own sins (Heb. 5:1-3). But God has appointed Christ as a sinless high priest (Heb. 5:5-9), the "source of eternal salvation to all who obey him" (Heb. 5:9).

And continuing the thought, let's skip ahead to Friday (Hebrews 7), where Jesus is compared to Melchizedek, "king of Salem and priest of the Most High God" (Heb. 7:1). Though only mentioned briefly in Genesis (Gen. 14:18-20), we see that Abraham gave him a tenth of his spoils and honored him as a priest and king. And so we honor Christ today, who's a greater priest than those long ago (Heb. 7:15-25), a better mediator between God and us (Heb. 7:25), and guarantees us "a better covenant" (Heb. 7:22).

Does Christ's mediation give you boldness as you "draw near to the throne of grace" seeking mercy in your time of need (Heb. 4:16)?

Better Than Basic Understanding

But let's go back to our midweek reading (Hebrews 5 & 6), where the writer expresses his frustration over their immaturity. These Jewish believers should have been teachers of God's law by now, but instead, they were stuck on basic principles (Heb. 5:12-13). He pushes them to live with wisdom and discernment, leaving the basics behind (Heb. 5:14-6:2). He warns about the dangers of backsliding and calls them to bear fruit for God (Heb. 6:4-8). Believers can trust God to keep his word, just as he made good on his promises to Abraham long ago (Heb. 7:13-19).

How can we train our "powers of discernment" and become mature (Heb. 5:14)?

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Into the BookBehold the Son of GodRead or Watch

Naming a child is hard. Most parents make lists, look up word origins, dreaming of how those names might sound as their child gets older. We packed as much meaning into our kids' names as their birth certificates could hold, giving each of our kids five names!

On the other hand, when kids are mean to each other, we say, "Don't call each other names!" Because what we call someone matters. Never is that more evident than the designations given to Jesus, as we'll see this week.

The Man

This week begins and ends with Christ's humanity. Let's start at the end of the week, where Friday's reading (Hebrews 2) asks, "What is man that you are mindful of him, or the son of man that you care for him?" (Heb. 2:6-7). In his inexplicable grace, God gives humanity a place of honor. Considering our failings, perhaps someone should show us what it means to be human as God intends, to bear his image and reflect his glory? Enter the one "who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor" (Heb. 2:9). He "had to be made like his brothers," you and me, "in every respect" to "become a merciful and faithful high priest" (Heb. 2:17), freeing us from sin (Heb. 2:17) and death (Heb. 2:14-15).

On Monday (John 19), Pilate ironically points to Jesus and says, "Behold the man!" (John 19:5). But Pilate didn't even realize how darkly ironic his statement was, as Jesus is indeed "the man," the "Son of Man" (John 13:31), the Word made flesh (John 1:14). They dress him in a purple robe and a crown of thorns, and Pilate later mocks the Jews by saying, "Behold your King!" (John 19:14). Seeing his humiliation and pain on "the day of Preparation of the Passover" (John 19:14), we remember that he's our passover, the "lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29).

What encouragement do you find in knowing our High Priest was tempted in all ways as we are, yet without sin?

The Lord

On Tuesday (John 20), we'll read about encounters with the risen Christ. Mary Magdalene meets Jesus at his tomb (John 20:1-18) and announces, "I have seen the Lord" (John 20:18). Then Jesus shows up in a locked room to meet the disciples (John 20:19-24). But Thomas wasn't there, and doubts it ever happened, demanding to see and touch the nail scars of crucifixion (John 20:25). When — eight days later — Jesus appears and invites him to do just that, he cries out, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28).

On Wednesday (John 21), Jesus meets the disciples on the shore as they fish (John 21:1-8), inviting them to join him for breakfast (John 21:9-14). John's closing words remind us that no book can capture all of Christ's great deeds: "Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written" (John 21:25).

What is John's stated purpose for writing (John 20:30-31)? Did the book accomplish its goal?

The Son

And on Thursday (Hebrews 1), Jesus is contrasted with angels, who delivered God's message in times past (Heb. 2:2). Now, God "has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world" (Heb. 1:2).

What do you learn about angels from this passage?
What do these Old Testament quotes tell you about the Son?

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Into the BookDraw Closer to ChristRead or Watch

What do you look for in a friend? In one of my kids' favorite movies, a toy cowboy overcomes his jealousy and acts with courageous loyalty. As Randy Newman's well-known theme song says:

"You got troubles, and I got 'em too
There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you
We stick together, and we see it through
'Cause you've got a friend in me."

In our readings this week, we'll get an intimate look at Jesus in the hours before his betrayal and crucifixion. Even in his time of trial, the Lord gives attention to his friends, preparing them for life after his death.

Friends Love

The word "love" is used twenty times in John 14-15, as Jesus expresses his commitment to them and calls them into loving, obedient fellowship with him and his Father.

On Monday (John 14), Christ tells them not to let their hearts be troubled but to believe in him (John 14:1). He's going away, but he will make a way for them to be together again (John 14:3). In fact, Jesus is the "way the truth and the life" (John 14:6). Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit, "the Helper" (John 14:26), will remind them of everything Jesus said. And so, he leaves them with peace (John 14:27).

On Tuesday (John 15), the Lord says to hold onto him, abiding in him, so that we can bear fruit (John 15:2). Like branches apart from the vine, Jesus tells his disciples, "apart from me, you can do nothing" (John 15:5). So, when the world hates us, we remember that they hated him first (John 15:18-20), and we stay close to Jesus.

What do Jesus' true friends do (John 15:14)?

Friends Support

On Wednesday (John 16), Jesus continues his final encouragement to his disciples before his death. Rather than being filled with sorrow, he tells them, "It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you" (John 16:7). And with the Holy Spirit's help, their sadness will turn to joy (John 16:20). Though they will all be scattered after his death, they'll quickly find courage as they see how Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33)!

On Thursday (John 17), Jesus lifts his eyes to heaven in a moving prayer to the Father. He calls on God to "glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed" (John 17:5). He recalls his work on earth and asks the Lord to strengthen, protect, and unify his beloved disciples (John 17:11-12). Though the world will hate them, just like it hated him, he prays for "evil one" to be kept at bay (John 17:14-15). And, in a sense, he prays for you and I today — those who believe through the disciple's words (John 17:20-21).

How does the Holy Spirit's work continue to support you today?
What do you learn about the importance of unity from Jesus' prayer?

Friends Show Dedication

Finally, on Friday (John 18), we watch two of Jesus' friends turn their backs on him — as Judas betrays him (John 18:2-3), and Peter denies knowing him (John 18:15-18, 25-27). Though Peter displays courage in defending Jesus in the garden, he's reminded of his mission when the Lord asks, "Shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?" (John 18:11). After Annas (John 18:12-14) and Caiphas, the high priest, questioned him (John 18:19-24), he went to Pilate, the Roman governor (John 18:28-38). And after Pilate finds nothing to accuse him of, the crowds turn their backs on him, asking to release a criminal rather than the King of kings (John 18:38-40).

How do Peter's denials help you become more dedicated to the Lord?

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Into the BookBelieve in the Exceptional SaviorRead or Watch

It's amazing how a short, carefully crafted piece of paper can stand between you and employment in a competitive job market. What makes your résumé stand out from the crowd? What qualifications or work history would "seal the deal" and get you that new job?

In this week's readings, we'll see Jesus' extraordinary qualifications on display. But unfortunately, despite all his marvelous works, he continues to face rejection at every turn.

Jesus the Healer

On Monday (John 9), Jesus passes a man born blind. And after spitting on the ground to make some mud, he rubs the man's eyes, tells him to wash in the pool of Siloam, and he returns with his sight (John 9:6-7)! Everyone was shocked at his healing, but the Pharisees were skeptical. After questioning the man and his parents, they cast him out of the synagogue (John 9:13-34).

Why wasn't the blind man's healing enough to convince the religious leaders?

Jesus the Shepherd

On Tuesday (John 10), Jesus addresses the Pharisees. He calls himself "the good shepherd" who brings abundant life, laying down his life for the sheep (John 10:11). Unlike the hired hand who runs at the sight of danger, he's committed to protecting his flock (John 10:13). He says that "I and the Father are one," (John 10:30), which almost pushes the Jews to stone him for blasphemy.

Are you listening to the Shepherd's voice?

Jesus the Resurrection

On Wednesday (John 11), Jesus' good friend Lazarus gets sick and dies (John 11:1-16). Martha and Mary — Lazarus' sisters — come to get Jesus. And after he tells them that their brother will rise again, he says, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live" (John 11:25). And when Jesus calls him to come out of the tomb, Lazarus walks out – four days after his death (John 11:38-44)!

How does Jesus' reaction to Lazarus' death help you connect with him?

Jesus the King

On Thursday (John 12), Mary anoints Jesus with oil in Bethany (John 12:1-8) before entering Jerusalem on a donkey. The crowds praise him, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" (John 12:13). He prepares the crowds for his upcoming death (John 12:20-36), and though many still wouldn't believe (John 12:37-43), he reiterated his mission to save the world (John 12:47).

Why do you think the people went from shouting "Hosanna!" to "Crucify him!" in only a few days?

Jesus the Servant

Finally, on Friday (John 13), Jesus retreats from the crowds for an intimate Passover meal with his disciples. He washes all their feet in a shocking turn, showing them an example of what real service looks like (John 13:1-12). He tells them to "love one another just as I have loved you" (John 13:34). But there's already trouble among them, as Judas will soon betray him (John 13:21-30), and Peter will soon deny him (John 13:36-38).

Does Jesus washing Judas' feet impact how you treat those who hurt you?

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Into the BookFind Satisfaction in ChristRead or Watch

Some meals have the power to transport us back to a simpler time. Often high in calories and loaded with sentimental attachment — we call them comfort food. Maybe it's a freshly baked apple pie, a big bowl of macaroni and cheese, or a tray full of warm chocolate chip cookies.

In this week's readings in John's gospel, Jesus serves up a few "dishes" that aren't just comforting but eternally satisfying.

The Food of God's Work

On Monday (John 4), Jesus offers a Samaritan woman "living water" from "a spring of water welling up to eternal life" (John 4:9-14). His disciples return with lunch, but Jesus declines, saying, "I have food to eat that you do not know about ... My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work" (John 4:32-34). And when the Samaritan woman brought her friends to hear his teaching, many of them believed. Then he continued God's work by healing an official's son in Capernaum.

On Tuesday (John 5), Jesus tells a man by the pool of Bethesda to "Get up, take up your bed, and walk" (John 5:8). And as the Jews criticize him for healing on the Sabbath, he tells them, "My Father is working until now, and I am working" (John 5:17). He explains his authority to judge the world and calls everyone to believe in God's Son and be saved (John 5:19-29). For further proof, he summons four witnesses to the stand — John the Baptist, his miraculous works, God the Father, and Scripture (John 5:30-47).

What do you learn about teaching the gospel from Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman?
Are you willing to believe the testimony Christ presented?

The Bread of Life

Then on Wednesday (John 6), as Jesus teaches across the Sea of Galilee, he provides a miraculous meal for over five thousand people (John 6:1-15). Then he walks on water to meet his disciples in the middle of the night (John 6:16-21). And after the crowds chase him down, he challenges them with these shocking words:

"I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst ... Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day" (John 6:35, 54-55).

Though his disciples believed, many in the audience turned away and stopped following him from then on (John 6:60-69).

How would you have reacted to Jesus' statement about eating his flesh and drinking his blood?

Rivers of Living Water

On Thursday (John 7), Jesus' brothers urged him to attend the Feast of Booths in Judea. But instead of going, Jesus follows behind secretly to listen in on the festivities (John 7:1-9). He went to the temple to teach (John 7:14-24), but his message raised plenty of questions (John 7:25-36). And on the final day of the feast, he stood up publicly and said, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water'" (John 7:37-38). But again, many were unwilling to believe.

Finally, on Friday (John 8), the Jews came to test Jesus, asking him what they should do with a woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). Pointing to their hypocrisy, he called on the sinless ones to stone her first. And after they all went away, he told her to "go and sin no more" (John 8:11). He continued teaching that he is the "light of the world" (John 8:12-30), that his words "will set you free" (John 8:31-38), and "before Abraham was, I AM" (John 8:48-59).

What did Jesus mean when he said, "rivers of living water" would flow from our hearts?
How does Christ's compassion for the adulterous woman change the way you relate to the world?

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Into the BookDon’t Miss the Key IngredientsRead or Watch

Fall is baking season, when we fill our homes with the aroma of pies and cookies. It's a fun time, but have you ever forgotten a key ingredient in a recipe you've made? Maybe you've left out the eggs, flour, salt, or yeast in your cake, bread, or cookie batter — the result: lackluster at best.

This week in our readings, we'll find Peter, Jude, and John describing those who've missed a crucial ingredient in their faith. And the results: eternally disastrous!

Missing God's Promise

On Monday (2 Peter 3), Peter reminds us of promises made long ago (2 Peter 3:1-2). He warns that "scoffers will come in the last days" questioning whether God will ever return to judge the world (2 Peter 3:3-7). But God operates on a different timetable than we do (2 Peter 3:8-10)! And since he'll judge us on some unknown day, we must stay ready with "holiness and godliness" (2 Peter 3:11-13).

How does God's patience change the work you do today?

Missing Reverence

Then on Tuesday, we jump to Jude's brief but powerful letter. He warns that "certain people have crept in unnoticed" and introduced contrary ideas to Christ (Jude 4). "These people blaspheme all that they do not understand" and have no reverence for God or his angels (Jude 8-10). He describes them as "waterless clouds," "fruitless trees," and "wild waves of the sea" (Jude 12-13).

But on Wednesday, as we begin John's gospel (John 1), we’ll contrast these false teachers with powerful statements of reverence and honor about Jesus.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made" (John 1:1-3).

Then we meet another John — John the Baptist — as he says to Jesus, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). And as Jesus calls his first disciples after his baptism, we find Andrew telling his brother, "’We have found the Messiah’ (which means Christ)" (John 1:41), and Nathaniel saying, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" (John 1:49).

What should we do about people who try to divide the church?
Would you have responded to Jesus with such reverence if you had met him as these men did?

Missing Belief

On Thursday (John 2), after performing his first miracle by turning water into wine at a wedding (John 2:1-12), he faces his first opposition from the Jews in the temple. He turned over the moneychangers' tables and cleaned out the house of the Lord, but the people wanted a sign to show his authority. Jesus answered, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" (John 2:19), which caused quite a bit of confusion (John 2:20)!

Finally, on Friday (John 3), we watch as a Pharisee named Nicodemus secretly meets with Jesus by night. He calls him "Rabbi" (or Teacher), and then listens as Jesus teaches him precisely what he needs to hear: "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3). He explains God's great love for humanity (John 3:16), and that anyone who doesn't believe in the Son of God cannot be saved (John 3:18).

What areas of your life need "cleaning out" as Jesus did in the temple?
How does the most famous passage in the whole Bible (John 3:16) change your view of God?

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Into the BookPrepare for AdversityRead or Watch

How is it that the secret agent stays so calm and collected in every spy movie, even when their life is on the line? When the assassin sneaks up behind them, they quickly disarm them at the last possible minute. While strapped to a table with a laser beam approaching, they shrug it off with some pithy remarks. And though they can see right through the enemy's tricks, they play it cool until it's time for action. All their training and experience must really pay off!

This week, as we finish up First Peter and begin Second Peter, we find some helpful instructions when we're in the enemy's grips ourselves.

Don't Be Surprised

On Monday (1 Peter 3), Peter continues his encouragement about submission from the previous chapter, now directed to wives (1 Peter 3:1-6). He calls on the church to be loving, unified, tender, and to bless rather than curse (1 Peter 3:8-9). And when we're slandered for Christ, our response should be gentle, respectful, and with good behavior (1 Peter 3:15-16).

Then on Tuesday (1 Peter 4), we're to arm ourselves with Christ's mission of suffering by putting off sin and putting on righteousness (1 Peter 4:1-11). And though the world will be surprised by your change in lifestyle, we shouldn't be surprised by their rejection and ridicule (1 Peter 4:4, 12). Instead, we should rejoice for the opportunity to share in Christ's difficulties (1 Peter 4:13-14).

Why are Peter's instructions about the family so hard for our modern society to accept?
How have you handled rejection by those who knew you before you came to the Lord?

Don't Be Anxious

On Wednesday (1 Peter 5), Peter encourages the elders — as a fellow elder himself — to willingly oversee the congregation with eagerness for their wellbeing (1 Peter 5:1-3). He calls the whole church to be humble and not to be anxious about life's troubles but cast every care on God who loves us (1 Peter 5:6-7).

With the devil prowling around, what safeguards can we take to keep him at bay?
How long is suffering going to last, and what will happen after it's over?

Don't Be Misled

Then, on Thursday, we move on to Peter's second letter (2 Peter 1), where he addresses troubles with false teachers. He lists the qualities that make us productive for Christ: faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love (2 Peter 1:5-7). Without these, we're no longer able to see the life to which Christ has called us (2 Peter 1:9). Then he explains that it's not a bunch of clever myths that they're following, but the eye-witness accounts of Peter and the apostles (2 Peter 1:16-21).

And finally, on Friday (2 Peter 2), Peter warns about the devil's secret agents who will bring destructive teachings into the church (2 Peter 2:1-2). Though many will listen to them and be destroyed, God will rescue those who stay firmly rooted in the word (2 Peter 2:4-10). He calls them "irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed" (2 Peter 2:12). These people would have been better off never knowing Christ than to come to him and abandon their faith (2 Peter 2:21-22).

How can we confirm our calling and election today?
Knowing that these false teachers come from "among the people" (2 Peter 2:1), how does that impact our watchfulness?

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Into the BookSuffer for ChristRead or Watch

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." ― Martin Luther King Jr.

Following Christ will lead the world to hate us (John 15:20). Though we may never sit in a prison cell for our faith, living for Jesus leaves us increasingly disconnected from today's dark world. So, how do we deal with these "times of challenge and controversy?" In this week's readings, we'll gain insight from Paul and Peter about how a disciple responds to suffering!

Suffer as Soldiers

On Monday (2 Tim. 2), Paul tells Timothy to "Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus" (2 Tim. 2:3). A soldier battles to please God (2 Tim. 2:4), competes according to the rules (2 Tim. 2:5), and works hard in the Lord's vineyard (2 Tim. 2:6). But we're not alone, since Paul also suffered for Christ with his imprisonment in Rome (2 Tim. 2:8-10). There's no shame in suffering, as long as you're "rightly handling the word of truth!" (2 Tim. 2:15).

What does a soldier for Christ do and not do in our battle for the cross?

Suffer for Scripture

Then on Tuesday (2 Tim. 3), Paul explains that "in the last days there will come times of difficulty" (2 Tim. 3:1). Many won't listen to God, but instead, they'll turn aside to pride, unholiness, and self-gratification (2 Tim. 3:2-5). So Timothy must hold on to Scripture since it's "breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16-17‌).

How does our expectation of suffering for the truth shape the way we live?

Suffer with Sobriety

On Wednesday (2 Tim. 4), Paul charges him to be "sober-minded" in his defense of the gospel, just like he is (2 Tim. 4:5-8). The message is powerful and active both "in season" and "out of season" (2 Tim. 4:2). And as he closes out this short letter, he urges caution about specific people who oppose his message (2 Tim. 4:15).

What do we say to those who reject "sound teaching?"

Suffer with Hope and Holiness

Then on Thursday, we move on to Peter's first letter to the "elect exiles of the Dispersion" (1 Peter 1:1). They're dealing with suffering too, and Peter offers a message of hope during their difficulty. They've been "born again to a living hope" to experience an "inheritance that is imperishable" awaiting in heaven (1 Peter 1:3-4). And because of this hope, God's people must be holy like he is (2 Peter 1:14-16).

How does starting with hope and holiness change what we do in response to suffering?

Suffer with Submission

And finally, on Friday (1 Peter 2), Peter tells them to "long for the pure spiritual milk" like newborns, that they may grow up and be saved (1 Peter 2:2). Believers serve the King as integral parts of God's building — living stones and royal priests (1 Peter 2:4-10)! While serving the King of kings, earthly rulers and authorities deserve respect and honor (1 Peter 2:13-17). Looking to Christ's sufferings, don't fight back out of anger, but trust in God to lead us to eternal life (1 Peter 2:21-24)!

Is it enough to suffer, or is there a kind of suffering we should avoid?

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Into the BookServe the ChurchRead or Watch

All jobs are important, but during the COVID-19 crisis, we've come to realize that some jobs are essential. Imagine a hospital with no doctors, a grocery store with no one at the register, or a restaurant with no one cooking the food! Especially when difficult times come, these jobs become even more critical to keep our economy functioning smoothly.

In this week's readings in 1st and 2nd Timothy, Paul details a few 'essential' jobs. He encourages elders, deacons, evangelists, and every member to help the body of Christ thrive through tough times.

Frontline Workers

On Monday (1 Tim. 3), Paul tells Timothy about a few critical roles in the church: overseers to lead and deacons to serve. But only certain men are qualified, as Paul explains in detail (1 Tim. 3:2-7, 8-12). Paul hopes to visit Timothy soon, but until then, his letter explains how to handle themselves in the church (1 Tim. 3:14-15).

Then on Tuesday (1 Tim. 4), Paul shifts his focus to the evangelist's work. He warns that "some will depart from the faith" (1 Tim. 4:1), and encourages the young preacher to "have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths" (1 Tim. 4:7) which these false teachers promote. Timothy needs to "command and teach" the truth (1 Tim. 4:11), showing his "example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, (and) in purity" (1 Tim. 4:12).

Why do you think elders and deacons need to have such a specific character and background?
What could happen if a preacher didn't "walk the walk" after "talking the talk?"

Essential Jobs

So on Wednesday (1 Tim. 5), Paul gets practical, explaining the church's work for its members. He says to "honor widows who are truly widows" (1 Tim. 5:3). Why make such a distinction? He says that if a family can support a widow, they should. But if a believing widow has no one to take care of them, then it's the church's job to help. He tells them how to handle accusations against elders (1 Tim. 5:19), to watch out for bias and prejudice (1 Tim. 5:21), and to keep their eyes open for evildoers among them (1 Tim. 5:24-25).

What do you learn about the role of the church in helping its members?
How should we view our elders who do their job well?

Protect Yourself

On Thursday (1 Tim. 6), Paul warns Timothy again to watch out for those who have "unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words" (1 Tim. 6:4). While they're motivated by pride and greed (1 Tim. 6:2, 5), "godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Tim. 6:6). It's time for Timothy to "fight the good fight of faith" (1 Tim. 6:12) and "guard the deposit entrusted" to him (1 Tim. 6:20).

And finally, on Friday, we transition to Paul's second letter to Timothy (2 Tim. 1), where he echoes many of the same encouragements from 1 Timothy 6. He thanks God for Timothy and his family (2 Tim. 1:3-5), and tells him to stoke the fire of his faith (2 Tim. 1:6). Rather than be ashamed of Paul's suffering, Timothy needs to take courage and "follow the pattern of the sound words" that Paul left him (2 Tim. 1:13).

What should we watch out for when a brother turns away?
Paul says we should expect to suffer as servants, so why are we sometimes caught off guard by life's troubles on our race for the eternal crown?

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Into the BookLearn to LeadRead or Watch

Imagine taking responsibility for 155 people in a life-or-death crisis. In 2009, Captain "Sully" Sullenberger piloted flight 1549 to safety after they hit a flock of geese, and the engines lost power. His landing strip? The Hudson River. Captain Sully was calm and decisive in that dangerous moment, though he later called it "the worst sickening, pit-of-your-stomach, falling-through-the-floor feeling" of his life. And he put those under his charge ahead of himself, waiting until every soul deboarded the plane before he exited. That's leadership!

This week we'll find Paul's message of leadership to a pair of younger evangelists — Titus, teaching on the island of Crete, and Timothy, working with the church in Ephesus. These letters show us how to stand courageously under seemingly impossible odds.

Leadership Protects

On Monday (Titus 1), Paul directs Titus to appoint elders to protect the church. These men must be "above reproach" (Titus 1:7) and "hold firm to the trustworthy word" (Titus 1:9). They have to watch for "liars, evil beasts, (and) lazy gluttons" as a Cretan poet called them (Titus 1:12).

What differences do you notice this week between empty teaching and healthy teaching?

Leadership Models

On Tuesday (Titus 2), Paul encourages Titus to teach sound doctrine to those of every age (Titus 2:1-6). His life should give them a "model of good works" (Titus 2:7). God's grace is for everyone, but it doesn't loosen God's standard for us; instead, it trains us "to renounce ... worldly passions" and live with self-control (Titus 2:11-12). And he needs to teach these truths "with all authority" (Titus 2:15).

Paul gives commands for different groups (Titus 2: 2-10). Which group fits you, and how can you apply the instruction?

Leadership Submits

Some truths bear repeating, so Wednesday's reading (Titus 3) says to remind people to submit to authorities and do good works (Titus 3:1). But our righteous works don't save us. Our gracious God justifies us "by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ" (Titus 3:4-7). So, instead of battling with each other, avoid foolish controversies and fights (Titus 3:9)!

Who must we "show perfect courtesy" toward (Titus 3:2)?

Leadership isn't Ashamed

On Thursday, we move onto Paul's first letter to Timothy. In chapter 1, we learn more about those who have "swerved" from the truth (1 Tim. 1:6), having "shipwrecked" their faith (1 Tim. 1:19). But rather than fear, Timothy must stand against them with power, love, and discipline (1 Tim. 1:5). Nobody's perfect — including Paul (1 Tim. 1:13-15) — but don't be ashamed when you follow the pattern of sound words, guarding the treasure.

What's the "aim" of our teaching (1 Tim. 1:5)?

Leadership Prays

Finally, on Friday (1 Tim. 2), Paul equips Timothy with the most indispensable leadership tool of all: prayer! We need to pray for all people, including authorities, through our mediator, Jesus Christ (1 Tim. 2:1-5). He calls on men to pray rather than fight (1 Tim. 2:8), and women to live in faith, love, holiness, and self-control (1 Tim. 2:15). All these lessons of leadership and faith help us serve and bring others to God, "who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Tim. 2:4).

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Into the BookUnderstand God’s Eternal PlanRead or Watch

Plato told a famous story about prisoners chained up in a cave, with a fire burning behind them. The prisoners couldn't see anything except the shadows of whatever passed by the fire. To them, everything looked like shadows; that was all there was. But then a prisoner was freed to experience the world above. After seeing this fuller reality, he returned to tell the other prisoners about it, but they thought he was crazy and sent him away.

For Plato, the story illustrated the philosopher's life. But it raises a lot of other questions for me. Do I see things as they are? What am I missing? Is there a reality beyond the shadows, a greater meaning to life?

As we bring these questions to our readings in Ephesians this week, let's notice three phrases that lift us to see "the eternal purpose" (Eph. 3:11) — the epic, cosmic story behind everything.

The Heavenly Places

Last Friday, we read about the "spiritual blessings in the heavenly places" (Eph. 1:3). This week, on Monday (Eph. 2), we learn that God saved us by grace and seated us with Christ "in the heavenly places" (Eph. 2:6; cf. 1:20) to display his "immeasurable riches" of kindness toward us (Eph. 2:7). But later in the book, we'll see that the "heavenly places" are also the spiritual realm where dark forces exist. To see the world beyond the cave, we must realize that "we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" (Eph. 6:12).

The Mystery

God hid his plans for a long time, but God has now revealed "the mystery" (Eph. 3:3), and "when you read" Paul's letters, you can grasp the insight God gave him (Eph 3:4). God has brought people from all nations together with Jewish Christians as "fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ" (Eph 3:6).

In Tuesday's reading (Eph. 3) Paul explains "the plan of the mystery hidden for ages … so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places … according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ" (Eph. 3:9-11). God shows his wisdom in the church! By his redemptive love, believers unite with Christ as a bride to a husband. As Paul says, "this mystery is profound" (Eph. 5:29-32).

The Walk

One of Ephesians' striking features is how it shifts seamlessly from three chapters of lofty ideas to three chapters of practical applications. On Wednesday (Eph. 4), the second half of the book begins, "I therefore … urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called"(Eph 4:1; cf. 4:17).

On Thursday, Paul says to "walk in love" (Eph. 5:2), "walk as children of light" (Eph. 5:9), and "walk, not as unwise but as wise" (Eph. 5:15). If our affections rest with Christ in the heavenly places, it changes life below, in our earthly walk.

The book closes on Friday (Eph. 6) with a call to arms, urging us to equip ourselves with God's character and join the battle against evil (Eph. 6:10-20). Flawed as we are, God aims to make you and me his holy instruments of love and righteousness — that's the point of it all!

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Into the BookFocus on the Things That MatterRead or Watch

When Disney wanted to learn what captured children's attention at their theme parks, they hired Kare Anderson and a cultural anthropologist to study DisneyWorld's guests. Do kids focus on Mickey and his friends? Or maybe the sweets and rides? No, as Anderson wrote in the Harvard Business Review, "Instead it was their parents' cell phones, especially when the parents were using them. Those kids clearly understood what held their parents' attention — and they wanted it too." She says, "we often fail to realize how what we focus on comes to control our thoughts, our actions, and indeed, our very lives. Whatever we focus upon actually wires our neurons." 1

This week, we'll see that the key to joyful maturity in Christ is our focus. Reading Philippians and Ephesians, it's clear that whatever has your attention determines your attitude about circumstances and people. So, where should we place our focus?

Focus on the Gospel

On Monday (Php. 1), as Paul writes from prison, he shows a surprisingly positive outlook on his situation. Not that he likes imprisonment, but he sees progress where it matters most: in the spread of the gospel (Php. 1:12-18). As he sees it, living "means fruitful labor" (Php. 1:22) and dying is even better (Php. 1:23)!

How would your perspective change if you viewed everything as an opportunity for bringing people to Christ?

Focus on Others

On Tuesday (Php. 2), Paul challenges us to look beyond our interests and prioritize others (Php. 2:3-4). We must learn from Christ, who emptied himself for us (Php. 2:6-8). We can also learn from the selfless example of Paul (Php. 2:17), Timothy (Php. 2:20-21), and Epaphroditus (Php. 2:25-30).

How far should we take the command to "count others more significant than yourselves" (Php. 2:3)?

Focus on the Goal

Wednesday's reading (Php. 3) begins with Paul stacking up his credentials (Php. 2:4-6) against the Judaizing false teachers' (Php. 3:2-4). It's easy to get stuck in past achievements and failures, but Paul shows us how to get beyond our past. How? By looking forward to our resurrection (Php. 3:10), like a runner looks to the finish line (Php. 3:12-14).

"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body …" (Php. 3:20-21).

Have you fixed your attention on that great day?

Focus on the Lord

On Thursday (Php. 4), we find some of Paul's most famous and inspiring words, encouraging us to fix our hearts on God. He says to "rejoice in the Lord always" (Php. 4:4), to "not be anxious about anything" (Php. 4:6), and to think noble thoughts (Php. 4:8). He promises that God's peace "which surpasses all understanding" will guard our hearts (Php 4:7), and we "can do all things" through Christ (Php. 4:13).

Why do you think joy and peace accompany those who wholeheartedly follow these instructions?

Focus on Your Blessings

On Friday, we start the book of Ephesians, Paul's explanation of God's grand, eternal purposes. He praises God who has "blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" (Eph. 1:3). Then he lists many of our spiritual blessings, like our adoption (Eph. 1:5), redemption (Eph. 1:7), and inheritance (Eph. 1:11). Then he fittingly moves from praise to express his thanksgiving and prayer for the Ephesian disciples (Eph. 1:15ff).

How often do you reflect on your spiritual blessings in Christ?
What effect does gratitude have on your perspective of your life?

1: What Captures Your Attention Controls Your Life by Kare Anderson

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Into the BookThink DifferentRead or Watch

Few advertising slogans are more iconic than Apple's "Think Different" campaign. Back when computers were big beige boxes, Apple shook up the status quo with a new perspective. And as we read Paul's prison letters, Paul challenges us to shift our perspective as well — to "Think Different" about almost everything.

Think Different About Jesus

On Monday (Col. 1), Paul opens up his short letter to the Colossians, telling them how he prays for them to be full of the "knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding" (Col. 1:9). He shares his thankfulness that God has pulled us out of darkness, giving us a place in his Son's kingdom — where we find forgiveness of all our sins (Col 1:12-14). And he lifts up Jesus as preeminent, the Creator of the world, the perfect embodiment of God in human form, who is head of the church, bringing us peace through his death (Col. 1:15-23).

Think Different About Suffering

As Paul closes out the first chapter, he says that it isn't easy following Jesus — which he should know, as he's writing from a prison cell! Is he discouraged from his sufferings? Not at all! He describes these trials as opportunities to serve the entire multi-ethnic community of the Lord's people, bringing them to maturity, wherever they are (Col. 1:27-29).

Think Different About Growth

And then on Tuesday (Col. 2), Paul encourages them to keep growing, not only in their faith (Col. 2:7) but growing closer to each other in love (Col. 2:2). They might be tempted to follow either the Jewish or pagan influences around them, Paul reminds them that in Christ, they're set free from all these old traditions and religious-looking practices (Col. 2:16-19).

Think Different About Your Life

So, on Wednesday (Col. 3), Paul gets practical by reshaping our thinking on basically every aspect of our lives. He lists a slew of sinful practices and shows us the better alternatives for each (Col. 3:5-17). He gets personal, addressing our relationships with spouses, parents, children, masters, and slaves (Col. 3:18-4:1). This new way of life is more than changing our actions. It's a total change in mindset!

"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God" (Col. 3:2-3).

Think Different About Your Brother

On Thursday (Col. 4), Paul familiarly closes his letter with some warnings, encouragements, greetings, and some housekeeping. But as he mentions a handful of first-century brothers and sisters who say, "Hello!", he name-drops — just briefly — a man named Onesimus, "our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you" (Col. 4:9).

And that leads us to Friday (Philem.), where we learn more about Onesimus. He had run away from his master — a believer — named Philemon. And while he was on the run, he heard the gospel and obeyed it! So Paul writes to Philemon to get the two of them back together again. He leverages his relationships with both men to bridge the gap between them. We don't really know how their story ended. But seeing Paul's confidence in Philemon as we read the letter makes it easy to imagine forgiveness and reconciliation. How can a slave and a master be transformed into brothers? Through a new way of thinking, in Christ.

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Into the BookLearn from Jesus’ SermonsRead or Watch

In Ferris Bueller's Day Off, a high school senior skips school, reasoning that, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it" I may not let my kids use that line to ditch school, but he has a point. As we race through our days, we lose sight of the forest when we fixate on the trees. Likewise, a through-the-Bible reading plan can keep us zooming through chapters without realizing how it fits together.

So before we wrap up the book, let's "stop and look around" at Matthew's gospel, noticing how five of Christ's sermons take center stage in this book. Each sermon’s design lends itself to teaching and memorization. And each ends by saying what happened "when he had finished" speaking (Matt. 7:28; 11:1; 13:53; 19:1; 26:1). Let's look at how these sermons have fit into the story of Jesus in Matthew.

The Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7)

After Matthew's introduction took us from Christ's birth to his early ministry (Matt. 1-4), we got a window into the kind of teaching that grabbed people's attention. "And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes. When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him" (Matt. 7:28-8:1).

The Missionary Sermon (Matt. 10)

After Jesus chose his apostles, he sent them with a warning of persecutions (Matt. 10:16-25), a promise of providence (Matt. 10:26-32), and a sense of authority (Matt. 10:40). "When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples" he continued preaching throughout Galilee (Matt. 11:1). But controversy grew in the next set of stories, fulfilling the sermon's foreboding tone.

The Parable Sermon (Matt. 13)

Christ's parables painted earthly pictures to illustrate the kingdom of God. They hid the truth from some but illuminated it for others, and the difference between these two groups becomes even clearer in the next stories. "And when Jesus had finished these parables" he faced rejection in his hometown (Matt. 13:53-58) before turning to others, including Gentiles (Matt. 15:21-39).

The Church Sermon (Matt. 18)

Here, Jesus directed congregational life, prompted by a question about "Who is the greatest in the kingdom" (Matt. 18:1). "Now when Jesus had finished these sayings, he went away from Galilee and entered the region of Judea beyond the Jordan" (Matt. 19:1), transitioning from Galilee to his Judean ministry.

The Sermon of Predictions (Matt. 24 & 25)

On Monday and Tuesday (Matt. 24 & 25), Jesus predicts the fall of Jerusalem and the temple (Matt. 24:1-34), then explains his final coming in judgment (Matt. 24:35-25:46). "_When Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said … "the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.”" (Matt. 26:1–2). So the final chapters of the book will lead us through the betrayal night (Matt. 26), crucifixion (Matt. 27), and resurrection of the Lord (Matt. 28).

All of these sermons share an underlying theme: separation. The Lord's trial gives us a final, literal example of what we've seen throughout the book — people deciding what they think about this figure. As a familiar hymn says, "What will you do with Jesus?"

Then at the end of the book, the disciples receive a commission to instill all of the Lord's teaching in new disciples throughout the world (Matt. 28:19-20). How fitting that this book of Christ's sermons closes with a command for us to continue Jesus' ministry of teaching!

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Into the BookFace Life’s Tests Like ChristRead or Watch

Growing up, most teenagers excitedly prepare for one of the most impactful tests of their lives — the driving test! Some day, hopefully, they'll become skilled and responsible drivers. But as any fearful parent knows, they don't always start that way. In this week's readings, we find Jesus masterfully passing multiple tests, while the religious leaders, and even some disciples, seem to fail at every turn.

Tests on the Road

On Monday (Matt. 19), the Pharisees test Jesus with a controversial question about divorce (Matt. 19:3-12). We find the disciples preventing parents from bringing their children to see Jesus (Matt. 19:13-15). And a rich young man asks Jesus to point out what he's missing (Matt. 19:16-24).

Then on Tuesday (Matt. 20), Jesus shares a powerful parable about equity after Peter wonders what they'll receive for giving up everything (Matt. 20:1-16). Misunderstanding the kingdom's true nature, James and John's mom awkwardly asks Jesus if her sons can have powerful positions someday (Matt. 20:20-28). And along the road outside Jericho, the crowd tried to keep two blind men from bothering Jesus with their cries for healing (Matt. 20:29-34).

How does the Lord's teaching on divorce affect the importance you place on your marriage covenant?
Would you have prevented those parents from bringing their children to Jesus, or the blind men from being healed?

Tests in the City

On Wednesday (Matt. 21), Jesus sends two disciples into Jerusalem to fulfill Zechariah's prophecy, entering the city on a donkey while the people shout his praises (Matt. 21:1-11). He comes to the temple to put the religious leaders to the test, asking them to state their position on John's baptism (Matt. 21:23-27). And after two thinly veiled parables about an obedient son and some murderous vineyard-keepers, the religious leaders are ready to arrest him (Matt. 21:28-46).

Then on Thursday (Matt. 22), Jesus tells a story about how some will accept the invitation to the wedding feast, while others reject it (Matt. 22:1-14). He faces three attempts to trap him in his words, with questions about taxes (Matt. 22:15-22), the resurrection (Matt. 22:23-33), and the greatest commandment (Matt. 22:34-40). But he finally silences their barrage of questions when he asks, "Whose son is the Christ?" (Matt. 22:41-46).

Why do you think the crowds went from celebrating Jesus as he entered the city to shouting “Crucify him!” days later at his trial?
What do you learn from Jesus about responding to probing questions?

Failing the Test

Finally, on Friday (Matt. 23), Jesus points out the total failure of the scribes and Pharisees, pronouncing seven "woes" on them for their hypocrisy and unrighteousness (Matt. 23:1-36). He calls them "blind fools" (Matt. 23:17), "children of hell" (Matt. 23:15), and a "brood of vipers" (Matt. 23:33), among other things. And the week closes with Christ's lament over the city of Jerusalem, wishing he could bring them together in safety, despite their stubborn rejection (Matt. 23:37-39).

How would you have felt to hear these woes from Jesus about you?
In what ways do you struggle with the same failures as the Pharisees did?

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Into the BookRemember the Troubles Christ FacedRead or Watch

"Nobody knows the trouble I've seen," says an old Spiritual. The song was sung by slaves in the American south, who surely knew its meaning better than most of us. Yet it has continued as a consoling lament for those wearied by life's troubles. In the version I learned growing up, the opening refrains ends with the words, "Nobody knows but Jesus." Those four words make all the difference for me. They remind us that even when we feel utterly alone, misunderstood, and burdened in a way no one else seems to see, there is one who knows what we're going through.

In this week's reading, we see Jesus face a day of stress and sorrow. We'll watch mean-spirited people try to foil his noble goals. And even his closest friends seem to have the wrong idea about him, misunderstanding half the things he says and does.

Jesus Knows All About Hard Days

On Monday (Matt. 14), the Lord gets news of a death in the family. His cousin (and forerunner) John the Baptist has been beheaded. Pay attention to how the day goes from there, and imagine what it must have been like for Jesus.

"Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns" (Matt. 14:13).

He had compassion for them and fed them (Matt. 14:14-21), then finally escaped for a long night alone in prayer (Matt. 14:22). It was sometime between 3 AM and 6 AM when he famously helped Peter walk on water. The miraculous combination of sea crossing and feeding thousands reminds you of Exodus. Just another signal of the great deliverance God is working in Jesus.

Jesus Knows All About Difficult People

On Tuesday (Matt. 15), Jesus faces off (again!) with the Pharisees and scribes, this time about handwashing (Matt. 15:1-9) and defilement (Matt. 15:10-20). But in each case, the Lord aims beyond their arguments to give us a broader lens and a deeper truth. Contrast these religious "experts" with the gentiles who approach Jesus in faith (Matt. 15:21-39).

Jesus Knows All About Being Misunderstood

On Wednesday (Matt. 16), those pesky Pharisees come again, now asking for a sign (Matt. 16:1), as though Jesus hadn't given dozens of signs already. In this chapter, we find Jesus misunderstood by his disciples (Matt. 16:5-12) and even rebuked by Peter when he predicts his death (Matt. 16:21-23). But don't let Peter's ignorance overshadow his extraordinary confession — the confession you and I cling to today (Matt. 16:13-20).

Then on Thursday (Matt. 17), the Lord's glory and authority are confirmed from on high, at the mount of transfiguration (Matt. 17:1-13). This series of events – Peter's confession, Jesus' predicted death, and the transfiguration — are at the center of Matthew's gospel.

All of this misunderstanding leads Jesus to offer a corrective discourse on Friday (Matt. 18). When some of the disciples come to Jesus asking, "Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 18:1), Jesus takes another stab at getting through to them about the kingdom. He says to learn from children (Matt. 18:2-6), be willing to cut out anything that tempts you to sin (Matt. 18:7-9), and do whatever you can to restore your lost brother (Matt. 18:10-20). And when Peter asks about forgiving someone seven times, he tells a story that puts forgiveness into perspective for all of us (Matt. 18:21-35).

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Into the BookLet the Doctor SpeakRead or Watch

Maybe we don't see them as much in the age of ad-free streaming, but chances are you've seen those awkward commercials for oddly named medications, often with frightening side effects. They usually encourage viewers to, "talk to your doctor to see if this medication is right for you." In this week's readings, we'll find the greatest physician speaking profound and healing words to those he meets.

Speaking to the Sick

On Monday (Matt. 9), Jesus speaks forgiveness and healing to the paralyzed man (Matt. 9:1-8). He declares himself the great physician for those sick in their sins (Matt. 9:11-13). Then he speaks to a woman who touched his coat on his way to raise a girl from the dead (Matt. 9:18-26) and to two blind men, restoring their sight (Matt. 9:27-31). He even made a demon-possessed man speak who had previously been mute (Matt. 9:32-24).

How do you view the spiritually (and physically) sick people around you?

Speaking to (and Through) His Disciples

On Tuesday (Matt. 10), Jesus sends out his disciples on a parallel preaching path with the Spirit's power. If they're concerned about public speaking, Jesus offers some encouragement.

"... do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you" (Matt. 10:19-20).

Then on Wednesday (Matt. 11), John the Baptist sends some of his disciples to ask if Jesus is "the one who is to come" (Matt. 11:3). Jesus speaks a message for John about the signs of the Messiah. When they left, Jesus called John a great prophet, "... Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he" (Matt. 11:11).

What does John's question teach you about being confident in your understanding of the truth?

Speaking to His Critics

On Thursday (Matt. 12), Jesus faces accusations of breaking the Sabbath because his disciples picked heads of grain, and Jesus healed a man with a withered hand (Matt. 12:1-14). And if that weren't enough, as Jesus healed a blind, mute, and demon-possessed man, they accused him of working for Beelzebul, the prince of demons (Matt. 12:22-24)!

So Jesus addresses their hypocrisy with these chilling words, "You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matt. 12:34).

Are you prepared to face opposition like Jesus and his disciples did?

Speaking in Parables

And finally, on Friday (Matt. 13), Jesus began some of his most powerful, yet puzzling teaching — speaking in parables. He shows us the kingdom's unique nature in stories about dirt, plants, treasure, nets, and pearls. The point is to open a window into God's purposes.

Why do people receive the kingdom in different ways?
How can God's kingdom coexist with the evil in the world around us?
And why would someone joyfully sell everything they have for the kingdom, and consider it the most reasonable thing they could do?

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Into the BookLearn From the Master TeacherRead or Watch

In recent years you may have seen advertisements for a brand of celebrity-led online classes called "MasterClass." Their pitch? If you're going to take a course, why not learn from a world-renowned expert. Let Carlos Santana teach you to play guitar. Hire Serena Williams as your tennis instructor. Make Gordon Ramsay your cooking coach. You can see the appeal. But what if your aspirations run a bit higher than improving your backhand? What if you want a master class in living? Who qualifies as the master teacher of life?

In this week's reading, Matthew presents Jesus of Nazareth as the Great Instructor and invites you into a curriculum for total life training.

Introducing the Master Teacher

Last week we saw Jesus endorsed by angels (Matt. 1:20-21), wise men (Matt. 2:10-11), John the Baptist (Matt. 3:14), and God the Father (Matt. 3:16-17).

On Monday (Matt. 4), Matthew presents more credentials, as Jesus goes into the wilderness for testing, just as the children of Israel did. But unlike Israel, Jesus passes every test (Matt. 4:1-11). Matthew continues to present Jesus as the one who fulfills the Scriptures (Matt. 4:13-16; cf. Matt. 1:22; 2:15, 17, 23), as he calls followers (Matt. 4:18-22), doing mighty works and growing in fame (Matt. 4:23-25).

What does Jesus call his first disciples to do (Matt. 4:19), and what might this mean for you as Christ's disciple?

Enrolling in the Master Class

On Tuesday (Matt. 5), we dive into the Sermon on the Mount — undoubtedly one of the most influential lessons by any teacher in history. The Lord begins by painting a strikingly different picture of a blessed life than what we might expect (Matt. 5:3-11). Then he relates his teaching to the Old Testament. Jesus did not come to invalidate God's Word in the "law and the prophets" — rather, he fulfills them (Matt. 5:17-18)! He offers six antitheses, setting what "you have heard" against what "I [Jesus] say to you" (Matt. 5:21, 27, 31, 33, 38, 43).

On Wednesday (Matt. 6), Jesus cautions against hypocrisy in charitable giving (Matt. 6:2-4), praying (Matt. 6:5-15), and fasting (Matt. 5:16-18). He warns us to watch what we treasure (Matt. 6:19-24) and avoid worry by trusting God and prioritizing his righteousness (Matt. 6:25-34).

What aspects of the Lord's prayer (Matt. 6:9-13) can you apply to your prayer life?

On Thursday (Matt. 7), the Lord teaches on judging others (Matt. 7:1-6), asking for what we need (Matt. 7:7-11), and the golden rule (Matt. 7:12). Then he wraps up the discourse by presenting our two choices — pictured as two roads (Matt. 7:13-14), two fruit trees (Matt. 7:15-20), and two houses (Matt. 7:24-27). How we respond to Jesus will determine how he responds to us (Matt. 7:21-23). Will we do what Jesus says (Matt. 7:21, 24, 26)?

Watching the Master in Action

On Friday (Matt. 8), Jesus displays his authority again (Matt. 7:28-29), this time with his deeds! Each miracle shows us a little more about Jesus and his kingdom, from the way his touch cleanses the unclean (Matt. 8:1-4) at the chapter's start, to the way demons know his identity at the chapter's end (Matt. 8:28-34).

What do you notice about the people Jesus meets in this chapter?

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Into the BookExperience the Power of ChristRead or Watch

In 1971, the popular series of educational shorts Schoolhouse Rock! debuted their pilot episode of the series, called "Three Is a Magic Number." The past, the present, and the future — faith, and hope, and charity — the song highlights just how significant this little number can be! And in this week's readings — as we close out Second Corinthians and start the gospel of Matthew — we'll find the number three in every chapter!

Three Pleas to the Lord

On Monday (2 Cor. 12), Paul shares his struggles with a "thorn in the flesh" — some affliction he begged the Lord to remove three times! But to keep him humble, the Lord refused his request, leaving Paul to boast in his weakness rather than feel ashamed (2 Cor. 12:7-10). He's deeply worried that the Corinthians are chasing after "super-apostles" rather than listening to him, and the more he loves them, the less they seem to reciprocate (2 Cor. 12:15).

How can you apply Christ's promise that his grace is sufficient, and his power is perfected in your weakness (2 Cor. 12:9)?

Third Visit to Corinth

On Tuesday (2 Cor. 13), he closes the letter with a conversation about his third trip to see them. He warns them how he'll address those in sin (2 Cor. 13:2) and that he's coming with the power of God in Christ (2 Cor. 13:3-4). But he doesn't want his visit with them to be harsh — so instead, he prays for their restoration and peace (2 Cor. 13:10-11).

How can you examine yourself "to see whether you are in the faith" (2 Cor. 13:5)?

Our Third Gospel

We began our Into the Book reading plan with Luke's rich and detailed gospel, looking at Jesus' humanity. Then in the second quarter, we flew through Mark's gospel, exploring Jesus' power. Now in the third quarter, we're back to consider Christ's kingship as recorded by Matthew.

On Wednesday (Matt. 1) we'll encounter every reading plan's "arch-nemesis" — the genealogy! But as you read this long list of names, notice the three sets of fourteen generations — Abraham to David (Matt. 1:2-6), David to Babylon (Matt. 1:6-11), and Babylon to Christ (Matt. 1:12-16). And the chapter closes out with an abbreviated account of Jesus' birth, leaving us with the angel's words ringing in our ears, "... you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins" (Matt. 1:21).

More than a simple family tree, what does this genealogy tell you about the Old Testament's story?

On Thursday (Matt. 2), we'll find some who seek to worship Jesus and others who want him dead. In his search for this newborn "king of the Jews," King Herod sends some wise men to Bethlehem, where they offer Jesus three gifts — gold, frankincense, and myrrh. But things quickly turn dark as Joseph and Mary escape to Egypt before Herod slaughters all the baby boys in the region (Matt. 2:16-18).

How do the events in Christ's life echo important moments in Israel's story, and what should we learn from these parallels?

And finally, on Friday (Matt. 3), we're back with John the Baptist as he powerfully preaches repentance in the wilderness of Judea, preparing the way for Jesus. And Jesus comes to John to be baptized, though Jesus has to do some convincing first before John would agree. Notice the three-persons of the godhead here at his baptism — the Spirit descending, God the Father speaking (Matt. 3:16-17).

How do John’s and Jesus' message about God's kingdom (Matt. 3:2; 4:17) apply to you (cf. Acts 3:18-21; Col. 1:9-14)?

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Into the BookBoast in the LordRead or Watch

Something about college football brings out our pride in the strangest ways. Rivalries get so intense that winning isn't enough, we need a crazy trophy! For example, the winner of the Oregon-Oregon State "Civil War" game gets the Platypus Trophy — that's right, a big, wooden platypus! The winner of the Indiana-Mighigan State game takes home the Old Brass Spitoon! Other trophies include the Dutchman's Shoes (two wooden clogs!), the Battle of the Bones (a 100 lb., bronze rack of ribs), and the Troll (a monster made of moss and pinecones!).

The things we'll do to show off our bragging rights! Look beyond football and notice all our status symbols — we love to show we're exceptional. We even have a name for stealth boasting — the "humble-brag!"

But as we read Second Corinthians, we find Paul in a dilemma. He deserves the Corinthians' respect as the apostle who brought them the gospel. They should submit to his authority and listen with open hearts. So when they question his credentials, he has to build himself up. But this can come across as boasting. So in this week's reading, Paul helps us all understand what it means to boast as a Christian.

Ready to Repent

On Monday (2 Cor. 7), Paul rejoices that they heard his letter with godly sorrow and repented. He boasted to Titus about their character, and they proved him right by receiving his correction (2 Cor. 7:14). Remember, Paul opened the letter reveling in his confidence that they'd boast in each other when Christ returns (2 Co 1:14). What a different kind of boasting — not in how great Paul is, but that God has brought more saints into fellowship through Paul, and someday they'll celebrate Christ's final victory together!

How can you distinguish godly sorrow for your sins from worldly sorrow?

Ready to Give

Our readings on Tuesday and Wednesday (2 Cor. 8 and 9), focus on the gift Paul want to collect for the needy saints in Judea. You might remember, he told them to set money aside "for the saints" in his first letter (1 Cor. 16:1-4). This week we'll read some of the New Testament's most profound — and convicting — insights into giving.

Why should grace lead to generosity (2 Cor. 8:9-11; 9:7-15)?
What did the Macedonians give first, before giving their money (2 Cor. 8:3-5)?
What does the principle of equity have to do with manna (2 Cor. 9:9-10)? What kind of responsibility comes when others have a lack, and you have more than you need (2 Cor. 8:12-15)?
How does the law of the harvest affect your giving (2 Cor. 9:6-7)?

Ready to Preach

On Thursday (2 Cor. 10), we'll see a shift in tone, as Paul completes his heartfelt appeal and begins a sharp defense. He uses the word "boast" 22 times this week, and 17 of those come on Thursday and Friday (2 Cor. 10 and 11). He closes Thursday's reading with his commitment to do the work God gave him — bringing the gospel to new areas, just as he did in Corinth.

"We do not boast beyond limit in the labors of others. But our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged, so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in another's area of influence" (2 Cor. 10:15–16).

Maybe some in Corinth commended themselves, but Paul aimed to anchor all his boasts in the Lord (2 Cor. 10:17; cf. Jer. 9:23,24).

What "strongholds" in your life need destroyed (2 Cor. 10:4)? What arguments, opinions, and thoughts in you need taken captive to obey Christ (2 Cor. 10:5)?
How can we maintain simple devotion to Christ, protecting ourselves from Satan's cunning (2 Cor. 11:2-3)?

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Into the BookReflect the Light of God’s LoveRead or Watch

Elizabeth Barrett Browning began (possibly) her most famous sonnet with these words, "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways." And as Paul attempts to reconnect with the Corinthian church after his challenging first letter and painful visit to them (2 Cor. 2:1), he begins "counting the ways" he loves them, with some poetic language of his own.

"For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you" (2 Cor. 2:4).

The Aroma

On Monday (2 Cor. 2), after urging them to forgive their penitent brother (1 Cor. 5:1-2), Paul compares himself to a captive of Christ in a triumph. He likens his work of spreading the knowledge of Christ to a permeating fragrance in the world (2 Cor. 2:14-16).

Why do you think their discipline was so effective toward this sinning brother? And what do they need to do now (2 Cor. 2:7-8)?
How far and wide does the "aroma" of your teaching spread around you?

The Letter

Then on Tuesday (2 Cor. 3), Paul defends himself against those who questioned his credentials as an apostle of Christ. But Paul shows them his credentials — by pointing them to a mirror! "You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all" (2 Cor. 3:2).

Where does Paul's confidence come from (2 Cor. 3:4-6)?
And how does the glory of the old covenant differ from the glory of the new covenant (2 Cor. 3:7-18)?

The Clay Pot

On Wednesday (2 Cor. 4), Paul contrasts his human frailty with the light of Christ's glory that shines in him. He calls his body to a jar of clay (2 Cor. 4:7-12). But he keeps suffering and speaking because believers must speak (2 Cor. 4:13), "so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God" (2 Cor. 4:15).

What will happen if we blindly ignore the light of Christ (2 Cor. 4:3-4)?
What's the difference between what the outer person is going through and what the inner one experiences (2 Cor. 4:16)?

The Tent

Then on Thursday (2 Cor. 5), Paul takes his weakness a step further, comparing the "tent" we live in now with the eternal "building" God prepares for the faithful (2 Cor. 5:1-5). But while we're here, we aim to please him (2 Cor. 5:9), persuade others (2 Cor. 5:11), and live as a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17)!

Are you comfortable in this "tent" or groaning for something more (2 Cor. 5:2)?
What motivates you to be Christ's ambassador in the world (2 Cor. 5:11)?

The Temple

And finally, on Friday (2 Cor. 6), Paul says that, "now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (2 Cor. 6:2). It's time to cast away unhealthy friendships with the world, and embrace a relationship with God as his temple (2 Cor. 6:16-18)!

Are you surprised by anything Paul uses to "commend himself" (2 Cor. 6:4-10)?
How can you cut ties with darkness today (2 Cor. 6:14-18)?

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Into the BookSay “Amen" in ChristRead or Watch

Almost every prayer I've ever heard in a gathering of Christians has ended with the same word: "Amen." It's an ancient word that has passed from Hebrew into hundreds of other languages, as generation after generation has made it their own. Ever wonder what this word means and why it's so meaningful to so many people?

The more unstable life gets, the more I appreciate this word. To say "amen" is to say, "truly," or "may it be certain." It's related to words like steadiness and trustworthiness. It asserts confidence. In this week's reading, Paul uses "amen" several different ways, and in a way, the whole week will focus on what we can say "amen" to, what we can rely on.1

What Can You Say "Amen" To?

On Monday (1 Cor. 13), Paul applies love to spiritual gifts (cf. 1 Cor. 12:1). In a famous, life-changing chapter, he shows that love is the "more excellent way" (1 Cor. 12:31) to deal with everything, including gifts. Then he turns to the assembly and says we need love and order to affect positive change in one another (1 Cor. 14). He asks:

"how can anyone in the position of an outsider say 'Amen' to your thanksgiving when he does not know what you are saying?" (1 Cor. 14:16).

We can only say "amen" to what we understand and affirm, but the message got lost in translation. We come together to be built up, not to show off our gifts or put on a show. But in their gatherings, people spoke over one another. Others spoke in foreign tongues with no interpreter. Though the gifts came from the Spirit, it became so disorderly that no one could learn, or sing, or pray in a meaningful way.

Do all of the attributes of love (1 Cor. 13:4-7) describe your attitude? What do you still need to learn about actively loving others today?
What do you learn about God's aims for our assembly? How can you align your intentions with God's purposes for your time with the church this Sunday?

What Can You Count On?

When things get crazy, it's so reassuring to meditate on lasting, unchangeable things. We start the week with the reassurance that — though prophecy and tongues would cease — faith, hope, and love abide (1 Cor. 13:8-13).

On Wednesday (1 Cor. 15), we'll read Paul's deepest dive into the subject of the resurrection. He rehearses the evidence for Christ's resurrection, then makes it clear that if we believe Jesus arose, we must recognize that we will too. This single fact gives lasting significance to everything we do for the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58).

On Thursday (1 Cor. 16), after instructions about the collection (1 Cor. 16:1-4), he commands the Corinthians to stand firm in faith and love (1 Cor. 16:13-14). Then he gives a fitting conclusion to the book:

"_My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen" (1 Cor. 16:24).

At the end of the week, we'll start the book of Second Corinthians, one of Paul's most personal letters. Some in Corinth have questioned Paul's integrity, since his travel plans changed (2 Cor. 1:15-17; cf. 1 Cor. 16:5-7). He wasn't "vacillating" or saying "yes" and "no" at the same time (2 Cor. 1:17). Then he offers these encouraging, stabilizing words:

"Jesus Christ … was not Yes and No, but in him it is always Yes. For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. And it is God who establishes us … who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee" (2 Cor. 1:19-22).

1: For further study, look at the usage of "amen" in Num. 5:22; Deut. 27:15–26; 1 Kings 1:36; 1 Chron. 16:36; Neh. 5:13; 8:6; Psalm 41:13; 72:19; 89:52; 106:48; Jer. 11:5; 28:6; Matt. 5:18; John 3:5; Rom. 1:25; 9:5; 11:36; 15:33; Gal. 1:5; Phil. 4:20

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Into the BookDo All to God’s GloryRead or Watch

Few things are as funny as a good old fashioned pie to the face. And some Hollywood films have taken this classic gag to the extreme, like the 1965 slapstick comedy The Great Race. Marketed as "the greatest pie fight ever," we watch a bakery explode into all-out warfare, lobbing over 4,000 fruit-filled pies at each other.

While there’s nothing wrong with a good food fight, there's nothing funny about the battles we find the Corinthians fighting in this week's readings. And Paul is forced to address their most divisive issues before they wind up at war with each other.

Food Fights

On Monday (1 Cor. 8), we'll find them fighting about whether or not to eat foods sacrificed to idols. Paul encourages them to rethink their personal choices — including what they eat — and avoid anything which would cause a brother to stumble.

What does "knowledge" do compared to love (1 Cor. 8:1-3)?
What would you be willing to give up for your brother's soul (1 Cor. 8:13)?

On Tuesday (1 Cor. 9), Paul explains that just because you can do something, doesn't mean you should. And he reminds them that he could have asked them to support him financially, but didn't. He considered himself a servant to everyone, continually looking for the best way to approach each person.

Why did Paul choose not to ask for financial support from them (1 Cor. 9:11-18)?
What can you learn from Paul's diverse approach to teaching the gospel (1 Cor. 9:19-23)?

And in case you thought Paul was done with the topic of food and idols, on Wednesday (1 Cor. 10), we'll revisit the subject with a strong warning to stay pure from outside evil influences. As long as we're thankful for the food and it won't offend someone, Paul gives the all-clear to eat! But he also commands them not to have fellowship in an idol feast, comparing it to our communion in the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 10:14-17)!

How does the example of the Israelites in the wilderness change the way you live (1 Cor. 10:6-12)?
What should be our guiding principle in everything we do (1 Cor. 10:31-33)?

Family Feuds

On Thursday (1 Cor. 11), the topic changes to fights surrounding their fellowship. He deals with the roles of men and women in the assembly, and how to maintain holiness and proper order. Next, he charges them with misusing the Lord's Supper, since they were treating it as an everyday meal and not waiting for each other.

What do we learn about authority from Paul's conversation about head coverings (1 Cor. 11:2-16)?
How can division impact the way we worship together — especially in taking the Lord's Supper (1 Cor. 11:18-22)?

And addressing the various abilities they'd been given by the Holy Spirit, on Friday (1 Cor. 12), we'll see how even these God-given gifts were a source of division. Paul says that since we all have the same Spirit, we're all part of one body (1 Cor. 12:13) — and every body part is crucial. But as he lists the various roles in the church, he closes out the week with a cliffhanger: "But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way" (1 Cor. 12:31).

What's the common thread in the diversity of all our gifts and abilities (1 Cor. 12:4-7)?
How does Paul's comparison of the church to a human body teach us to work together (1 Cor. 12:14-26)?

Into the BookBe HolyRead or Watch

Years ago, as a teenager abroad in Germany, I lost my passport. For a day or so, I felt a little like a man without a country! I couldn't return home without a passport, but Germany couldn't issue one. So how do you step into a US government office while inside another country? Of course, I had to go to the US embassy!

Twice in this week's readings, Paul brings up the temple to convince the Corinthians they needed to think and act differently than everyone around them. The temple was like an embassy — a meeting place between two countries. Heaven and earth overlap in the temple. Stepping inside was like stepping into the residence of God on earth — his home-away-from-home (cf. Psalm 132:13). No building could contain him, yet his glory dwelt there (1 Kings 8:10-11, 27).

The Church is God's Temple

Last week we began reading about the divisions in the Corinthian church, as they organized around different teachers (1 Cor. 1:10-17). But as we'll read on Monday (1 Cor. 3), they didn't see that all of those teachers were just servants at work on God's building (1 Cor. 3:5, 9, 10). He tells them "you" (plural) "are God's temple" (singular), so they need to tend to the unity of God's house (1 Cor. 3:16, cf. 1 Peter 2:5). In other words, you're not just forming cliques and arguing with people. You're in danger of destroying God's temple, and if anyone does that, "God will destroy him" (1 Cor. 3:17)!

On Tuesday (1 Cor. 4), Paul continues putting himself and all the other apostles and teachers in their proper place. The church needed to learn "not to go beyond what is written" (1 Cor. 4:6), so that they wouldn't get puffed up. What do you learn from Paul's attitude about being judged (1 Cor. 4:1-6) and being humbled (1 Cor. 4:8-13)?

On Wednesday (1 Cor. 5), we learn of another report Paul heard, about sexual immorality in the church (1 Cor. 5:1). Since the church is God's holy temple, it must stay pure (1 Cor. 5:6-7,12-13). What do you learn about the purpose and process of church discipline from this chapter? What do you think it means to celebrate the Passover feast today (1 Cor. 5:6-8)?

Your Body is God's Temple

On Thursday (1 Cor. 6), after dealing with the problem of lawsuits within the church (1 Cor. 6:1-8), Paul returns to the issue of sexual immorality (1 Cor. 6:9-20). Maybe their freedom in Christ got to their heads, and they started saying things like "all things are lawful for me" (1 Cor. 6:12) and "food is meant for the stomach" (1 Cor. 6:13) to justify sexual sins. All of this brings Paul back to the temple … this can't happen in God's temple!

"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body" (1 Cor. 6:19–20).

On Friday (1 Cor. 7), Paul moves from the reports (1 Cor. 1:11, 5:1) to their questions (1 Cor. 7:1), beginning with questions about marriage. What fundamental principles guide Christian marriages? Why do you think he implies singleness is a "gift" (1 Cor. 7:7; cf. 7:32-35)?

Into the Book Stop the Spread of Church Problems Read or Watch

Chances are, you've heard the phrase "flattening the curve." For months we've taken preventative measures to avoid winding up in the hospital. But when you DO get sick, you need treatment fast! And when our local churches encounter problems, we need to deal with those issues quickly too. This week's readings diagnose five spiritual ailments and prescribe an effective treatment plan for each.

Persecution

On Monday (2 Thess. 1), we'll encounter the problem of persecution. While this church faced a constant barrage of affliction, Paul encourages them to treat it with perseverance (2 Thess. 1:4) and confidence (2 Thess. 1:5-12).

The persecution should give them even more confidence — it's "evidence" of God's coming judgment (2 Thess. 1:5), which will turn the tables on their wicked tormentors (2 Thess. 1:6) and bring relief to the afflicted believers (2 Thess. 1:7).

What do you learn about the Lord's coming in this chapter (2 Thess. 1:7-10)?
What encouragement do you find from Paul's closing prayer (2 Thess. 1:11-12)?

Deception

On Tuesday (2 Thess. 2), we find that someone has lied to the believers, teaching that the Lord has already come, even claiming that Paul said so (2 Thess. 2:1-3)!

Paul addresses their lies by reminding them of some coming events he already told them about (2 Thess. 2:5). Before the end comes, a man will sit in God's temple and exalt himself (2 Thess. 2:3-4).

What can we do to inoculate ourselves against deception (2 Thess. 2:10-12)?
What does Paul ask for in this chapter's closing prayer (2 Thess. 2:16-17)?

Idleness

On Wednesday (2 Thess. 3), we discover that some in the church aren't willing to work, rather spending all their time in other people's business (2 Thess. 3:11)!

Paul warns that if they don't want to work, they shouldn't get to eat (2 Thess. 3:10). And he holds up his example of hard work and sacrificial service for them to imitate (2 Thess. 3:7-8).

What do you learn in this chapter about how the church disciplines members who refuse to repent (2 Thess. 3:6-12)?
Where does true peace come from in his closing request for them (2 Thess. 3:16)?

Division

On Thursday, we'll start reading First Corinthians, where Paul addresses ailments of an immature church, like immorality and pride. The first six chapters address problems he's heard from reports about them (1 Cor. 1:11; 5:1). The rest of the book (1 Cor. 7-16), Paul answers the questions they had asked him (1 Cor. 7:1; 7:25; 8:1; 12:1; 16:1). He wastes no time before diagnosing problem number 1: divisions in the church (1 Cor. 1:10-17)! Rather than following their favorite preachers, they need to follow the crucified Lord and stop thinking like the world!

What was Paul's mission from Jesus (1 Cor. 1:17)?
What are we permitted to boast about (1 Cor. 1:31)?

Earthly Wisdom

On Friday (1 Cor. 2), we'll continue with a problem introduced in 1 Cor. 1:18 — the wisdom of the world. Unlike the smooth-talking, pompous philosophers the Corinthians were familiar with, Paul came with simple speech, a humble appearance, and astounding acts of power (1 Cor. 2:3-4).

How does Paul describe the wisdom of God, and who was unable to hear it (1 Cor. 2:7-8)?
How can you know if you are a "spiritual" person or a "natural" person (1 Cor. 2:12-16)?

Into the Book Find Strength in Family Read or Watch

As an only child, I'd watch classic TV shows like The Waltons, Happy Days, and The Brady Bunch, wondering what it'd be like to have a big — sometimes dysfunctional — family. Though I didn't grow up in a house bursting with brothers or sisters, reading Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians this week reminds me how I'm part of a family that's bigger than I could ever imagine.

Family Matters

In chapter 2, Paul sets the familial tone for the letter. He came to them in gentleness, "like a nursing mother taking care of her own children" (1 Thess. 2:7). But he also spoke "like a father with his children," exhorting and charging them to live as they should (1 Thess. 2:11-12). Throughout the book, he calls them his "brothers," the most common word in the book. What do you learn about brotherly love from Paul's intense concern for these brethren, and his longing to see them face to face (1 Thess. 2:17-3:11)?

Family Reunion

In chapters 4 and 5, Paul answers a concern the Thessalonians had about the Lord's coming and the brothers who had already died. This might be the best news of the whole letter, and he saves it for the very end.

"Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord" (‭‭1 Thess. 4:17‬).

Who are you excited to see again?
What do you learn about the Lord’s coming in this passage (1 Thess. 4:17-5:4)?
Are you ready for that great reunion that's coming "like a thief in the night" (1 Thess. 5:2)?

Family Life

This book is full of encouragement for the way we walk in God's family, living as "children of light" (1 Thess. 5:5). Here's a thought to consider for each day of the week:

Monday (1 Thess. 1), ask yourself if you receive (1 Thess. 1:6) and send out the word (1 Thess. 1:8) in the same way this church did?
Tuesday (1 Thess. 2), consider what it means for you to "walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory" (1 Thess. 2:12).
Wednesday (1 Thess. 3), consider how your commitment to your brethren's spiritual well-being compares to Paul's. Do your prayers for others prioritize holiness, love for others, and right standing with God at Christ's coming (1 Thess. 3:12-13)?
Thursday (1 Thess. 4), examine your control over your body (1 Thess. 4:4) and your brotherly love (1 Thess. 4:9). Then ask yourself if you "aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands" so you're blameless before outsiders and "dependent on no one".
The week ends with a bunch of short, pointed commands (1 Thess. 5). Do you respect those who "are over you in the Lord" (1 Thess. 5:12) and pursue "peace among yourselves" (1 Thess. 5:13)? How do you respond to the idle, the fainthearted, and the weak (1 Thess. 5:14)? How often do you rejoice, pray, and give thanks (1 Thess. 5:16-18)? And finally, do you make a practice of carefully examining everything, so you can hold onto the good stuff and stay far away from any form of evil (1 Thess. 5:21-22)?

Into the Book Live Free Read or Watch

In the United States, we love our liberty. We name our famous landmarks after it: a cracked bell, an iconic statue, a restored tower. When the French made us mad, we even renamed our fries for a while to honor freedom. But we also understand that we can lose freedom as quickly as it was won. As Ronald Reagan said, "Freedom is a fragile thing and is never more than one generation away from extinction … it must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation, for it comes only once to a people."

Paul knew that spiritual liberty is as fragile as civil liberty. Remember our time in the book of Acts last quarter, with its debates about accepting uncircumcised Gentiles (e.g., Acts 11, 15)? Imagine Paul hearing how these Gentiles he converted had turned to a twisted gospel built on observing Old Testament laws, like circumcision (Gal. 5:2) and the Sabbath (Gal. 4:10). When teachers came to "trouble" the Galatian Christians and "distort the gospel of Christ" (Gal. 1:7), Paul wrote to defend their freedom.

"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery" (Gal. 5:1).

A Declaration of Independence

Keeping with our metaphor of American liberty, we might describe Paul's first argument as his "Declaration of Independence" from any other man (Gal. 1:10-2:14). His gospel didn't come from Peter or James (cf. Gal. 1:18-19; 2:6-10), but by revelation from God himself (Gal. 1:11-12). These "pillars" accepted Paul as an apostle ministering to the uncircumcised (Gal. 2:7-9).

What did Paul do when a group wanted to "spy out our freedom" and "bring us into slavery" (Gal. 2:4)?

The Enemies of Freedom

On Tuesday (Gal. 3), we'll read that Christ frees us from the law (Gal. 3:23) and its curse (Gal. 3:10-14).

What purpose did the law play "until Christ came" (Gal. 3:23-24)?
Who has "put on Christ" (Gal. 3:27)? Whose offspring are you, if "you are Christ's” (Gal. 3:29)?

Shockingly, Jews and Gentiles outside Christ find themselves in the same predicament: "enslaved to the elementary principles of the world" (Gal. 4:3, 9). Gentile Christians were set free from enslavement to false gods (Gal. 4:8), just like Jews were freed from the law (Gal. 4:3). So Paul asks a good question: Now that you've tasted freedom, why go back to slavery?

Children of the Free Woman

Our reading on Wednesday (Gal. 4) gives two memorable contrasts:

First, he contrasts the slave with the heir (Gal. 4:1-7). Only full-grown sons could inherit their father's fortunes, but whether you're male or female (Gal. 3:28), you can become a full-grown "son, and if a son, then an heir through God" (Gal. 4:7).
The second contrast (Gal. 4:21–27) goes back to the stories of Isaac and Ishmael, two sons of Abraham (Gen. 16, 17, 21). One was the son of a slave woman, Hagar, and the other the son of a free woman, Sarah. God promised to bless all nations through Isaac. Paul compares Ishmael to the old covenant and Isaac to the new.

The Life of the Freeman

Freedom can be dangerous. What if people abuse it? Our readings on Thursday and Friday (Gal. 5 and 6) show us what our lives look like when God's Spirit leads us (Gal. 5:16-26) and Christ forms in us (Gal. 4:19).

"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another" (Gal. 5:13).

Into the Book Slow Down and Listen Read or Watch

There's a funny scene in the old show, Taxi, where a guy taking a driver's test — played by Christopher Lloyd — asks, "What does a yellow light mean?" Someone tells him, "Slow down." So Christopher Lloyd slows down, asking, "Whaaat doooes aaa yeellooow liiight meean?" The guy says, "Slow down!" And Christopher Lloyd continues repeating the phrase slower and slower! When I think of the book of James, I think of that question, "what does a yellow light mean?" and I remind myself that my relationship with God often has to do with slowing down and really listening to what he has to say.

You might remember a helpful, pithy verse we read on Friday:

"Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger" (James 1:19).

This verse contains some of James' major themes, with its emphasis on how we listen, speak, and manage our anger. The book of James begins and ends with instruction about trials (James 1:2-18 and 5:1-18), but in between, we find a challenging collection of sayings that force us to examine our daily lives.

Quick to Hear

Like a mirror, hearing God's word shows us who we are so that we can change (James 1:22-25), not so that we can play at worthless religion (James 1:26-27). On Monday, James develops the theme further, challenging us to fulfill the law and live our faith.

If we love our neighbors as ourselves, we can't pick and choose who to treat with honor. All of God's laws matter, so hear and apply them all (James 2:1-13).
Just like hearing the word without doing it is useless, empty words (James 2:15-16) and shuddering belief (James 2:19) mean nothing until our faith lives in our works (James 2:14-26).

Slow to Speak

On Tuesday, we'll take a hard look at what we say, in James' famous examination of the tongue (James 3:1-12). Are you consistent in speaking only pure and helpful words? Where can you improve the use of your tongue?

Slow to Anger

When James returns to the theme of wisdom (James 3:13-18; cf. James 1:5), he describes a meek (James 3:13; cf. James 1:20-21) and gentle, peaceable attitude (James 3:17) that produces righteousness (James 3:18), something that the anger of man never can produce (James 1:20). When our passions war within us, we fight (James 4:1), but when we humble ourselves before God, he helps us (James 4:11). Such humility will lead us to submit to the leadership of God, knowing our lives are in his hands (James 4:13-17).

Never Quick to Desert

On Friday, we'll start Paul's letter to the Galatians who — to Paul's astonishment — are "quickly deserting" God and "turning to a different gospel" (Gal. 1:6). False teachers convinced them that they had to submit to the Mosaic law to be God's people. Why do you think Paul brought up his background and his relationship with the leaders in the Jerusalem church? What does Paul say about those who bring us any other gospel? Where did Paul get the gospel he preaches?

Into the Book Look for the Light Read or Watch

Once, when I was younger, my teacher drew a dot on a blank whiteboard. She asked us what we saw, and someone said, "A black dot." She reminded us that most of the board was white, but we only mentioned the black spot in the middle. It's easy to focus on the darkness and miss the light. Sometimes life's trials feel overwhelming, and the night seems to surround us. But if we look for it, we'll see God's light piercing the blackness, like a light at the end of a tunnel.

This week's chapters pull no punches about the blackness around us, but they also show us the gospel's light. These are chapters about trial and temptation. They remind us that God's present and future blessings are real, but so is the hardship we must face along the way.

A Warning of Trials

On Monday in Mark 13, we'll read Jesus' warning about some coming tribulations. Pay attention to the conversation that sets the stage for the rest of the chapter: What does Jesus predict (Mark 13:1-2), and what questions do the disciples ask (Mark 13:3-4)?

This is a challenging chapter with some unfamiliar, Jewish language. Don't be intimidated. As you read it, take an extra minute to look at some Old Testament passages that use the same imagery.

Jesus references a phrase from Daniel, "the abomination of desolation" (Daniel 11:31; 12:11). What do those passages describe?
Imagery like falling stars and the darkened sun comes from passages like Isaiah 13:10 and Isaiah 14:12. What are those passages about, and why do you think Jesus would use language like that here?
What time frame does Jesus give for these things taking place (Mark 13:30)?
Do you notice a transition from talking about a time disciples should recognize and flee (cf. Mark 13:14) to a time no one can know (Mark 13:32)? What two different events do you think Jesus has in mind?

An Example in Trials

Through the middle of the week, in Mark 14-16, we'll slow down and witness the Lord in his time of trial.

On Tuesday (Mark 14), as he shares the Passover with his disciples, imagine the scene and take in his heaviness of heart. What do you learn from his spirit of obedience?
On Wednesday (Mark 15), as he goes through the sham of a legal trial, the mocking, and the crucifixion, remember why he went through it all. How can you imitate the king who came "not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45)?
On Thursday (Mark 16), consider the light at the end of the tunnel that the Lord's resurrection has brought into your life.

A Perspective on Trials

On Friday, we'll begin the book of James. This book will challenge us with its practical wisdom on how to live by faith (cf. Jam. 1:19-2:26). He starts by giving us a crash course on enduring trials:

Why should we rejoice in trials (Jam. 1:2-4)?
Where can we turn when we have difficulty seeing the blessings in trials (Jam. 1:5-8)?
Where does temptation come from, and why should we "remain steadfast" through trials (Jam. 1:12-18)?

Into the Book See Clearly What Discipleship Means Read or Watch

In Monday’s reading in Mark 8, there’s a striking story about Jesus healing a blind man (Mark 8:22-26). Jesus takes the blind man’s hand and leads him out of town, spits in his eyes and asks, “Do you see anything?” (Mark 8:23).

And he does — Jesus has given a blind man sight. But he doesn’t see clearly yet, everything is blurry. He says, “I see people, but they look like trees, walking” (Mark 8:24). But when Jesus laid his hands on him again, “he saw everything clearly” (Mark 8:25).

This story kicks off the middle act of the gospel of Mark, a unit that ends with the healing of blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52). In a way, this whole section is about going from blind, to blurry, to seeing clearly.

Blurry

After healing the blind man, Jesus gets to work healing the spiritual blindness (Mark 8:17-21) of the disciples. Like the blind man he healed, it’s a process. Peter’s confession (Mark 8:29) shows that he sees Jesus’ true identity, yet Peter’s next conversation with the Lord (Mark 8:31-38) reveals that he still doesn’t see clearly what that means. The two stories of blind men receiving sight form bookends to the heart of Mark’s gospel, in which we’ll find the book’s three predictions of Christ’s coming death (Mark 8:31; 9:30-31; 10:33-34) and three challenges for disciples to humble themselves and serve others (Mark 8:33-38; 9:33-50; 10:38-45). In this way, our readings on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (Mark 8-10) will reveal the surprising future of the Messiah and his followers. Anyone who would consider being the Lord’s disciple needs to wrestle with what that means.

Are you ready to take up a cross, deny yourself, and follow the Lord? Are you willing to walk the Lord’s counterintuitive path to greatness, by becoming the servant of everyone around you?
What do you think the three disciples who witnessed Jesus’ transfiguration (Mark 9:1-13) took away from the event?

Blind

We’ll begin the third and final section of Mark on Thursday (Mark 11). The happy fanfare of the triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Mark 11:7-10) quickly turns into a clash with religious leaders too blind to understand who Jesus is.

What is the message of the cursed fig tree (Mark 11:12-14, 20-25)? How does it parallel the cleansing of the temple?
What do you think the cleansing of the temple (Mark 11:15-19) is all about? How might Jesus’ actions relate to the coming destruction of the temple in the judgment on Jerusalem (cf. Mark 13)? What’s the meaning of the temple? Why do the chief priests and scribes want to kill him?
Who are the tenants in Jesus’ vineyard parable (Mark 12:1-12)?
What do you learn from the Lord’s exchanges with religious leaders in Mark 12:13-37?

Into the Book Hear the Secret Read or Watch

What is it about a great story that pulls you in, making you turn the page or binge-watch to the next episode? J.J. Abrams, the celebrated producer of shows like Lost and movies like Star Wars: The Force Awakens, calls it the "Mystery Box." As a boy, his grandfather took him to a magic store and bought him a wooden box covered in question marks. To this day, he keeps it in his office and has never opened it. He says it represents all the possibilities and secrets a story could unfold. "What are stories," he asks, "but mystery boxes?" What's in the box of secrets keeps us reading, watching, wanting to know more.

Secrets & Stories

As we read through Mark, we sense a growing tension. We can see that the conflict with the Jewish leaders will keep escalating. Where will their opposition lead? Well, since this is the most famous story ever told, most of us now know where that's headed — more on that in a minute.

But you might notice another tension in these stories, between two contradicting themes. On the one hand, these chapters emphasize the mission of Christ and his apostles to proclaim the good message. Nothing spreads like a good story, so the news of Jesus reaches far and wide, and crowds find him everywhere he goes. On the other hand, Jesus commands demons (Mark 1:24-25,34; 3:11-12) and people he heals to keep it quiet (Mark 1:44; 5:43; 7:36). As readers, we learned that Jesus is "the Christ, the Son of God" in the book's first sentence (Mark 1:1). There's no more critical truth we could know. So why keep it a secret (Mark 8:29-30)?

Well, not everyone in Jesus' day knew the end of the story. Most Jews had different ideas about the Messiah. As we read Mark, watch how Jesus unveils what it means to be Messiah — and to be one of his disciples. To carry a cross, to die, to rise again — what a strange and wonderful mystery this box holds for those who find it! But who can open the box?

Insiders & Outsiders

On Monday in Mark 3, we'll read stories of a new kind of family. The Lord's kin told people, "he's out of his mind" (Mark 3:21), but Jesus chose a new inner circle. He named them "apostles" (Mark 3:14), delegates he could send out to represent him and share his message. He selected twelve of them, just like the twelve patriarchs that began God's first covenant people. Who did Jesus say were his "mother" and "brothers" (Mark 3:34-35)?

On Tuesday in Mark 4, Jesus will explain the distinction between those who get to see what's in the mystery box and those who don't. This is the "parable chapter" in Mark. Jesus told his disciples, “To you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God, but those who are outside everything is in parables" (Mark 4:11). As Jesus explains God's kingdom, notice the keyword "hear." And ask yourself, "What kind of hearer am I?"

On Wednesday (Mark 5) and Friday (Mark 7), Jesus will enter Gentile cities and perform miracles. He helps a frightening demon-possessed strongman (Mark 5:1-20), a humble Syro-Phoenician woman's daughter (Mark 7:24-30), and in Decapolis, he heals a deaf man (Mark 7:31-37). What do you learn from these encounters? And how does the deaf man's cure foreshadow the spiritual goal Christ seeks for his disciples?

Into the Book Hold Onto What Matters Most Read or Watch

Our family recently watched Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and our kids couldn't understand why Elsa and Indy had trouble letting the Grail go, even when their lives depended on it. After Indy watches Elsa fall into a pit, he finds himself in the same position. Wanting desperately to reach the Grail, he hears his father call to him.

"Indiana," his father says, "Indiana, let it go." As much as he wanted to save the treasured relic, the cost was too high. He reaches up and takes his father's hand, escaping the crumbling cave just in time.

In this week's reading, we'll see that — like Indy — we sometimes have to let go of something dear to us to take hold of what matters more.

What Matters: One Another!

At the beginning of the week, we'll finish the book of Romans with instructions about life in the family of God. These chapters show us the problems among the Roman Christians, shedding some light on Paul's goals in explaining the gospel of salvation for all through faith — not through the works of the Mosaic law. Gentiles and Jews had to learn to live together in harmony, holding to their common faith without letting differing opinions (Rom. 14:1), backgrounds, and baggage separate them.

Monday's reading in Romans 14 teaches us not to "judge one another" (Rom. 14:13).

Tuesday's reading in Romans 15 commands us to "accept one another" (Rom. 15:7).

Wednesday's reading in Romans 16 reminds us to "greet one another" (Rom. 16:16). The whole chapter displays the love Paul shares with this group, as he greets many of them by name.

Looking at these brethren in Rome, we might ask ourselves: Am I ready to swallow my pride and accept my brother?

What Matters: Following Jesus!

This week we start quarter two of our reading plan, where we'll go back to some of the early books of the New Testament. We begin on Thursday with our earliest gospel, the fast-paced, action-packed gospel of Mark. One of Mark's favorite words is "immediately" (Mark 1:12,18,20,21,29), and sometimes reading Mark I feel like an uptempo, thumping soundtrack should play in the background as the Lord races from town to town, healing and casting out demons as he proclaims his great announcement about God's kingdom.

On Thursday (Mark 1), we meet four fishermen who let go of their old lives to hold onto something more precious: becoming disciples of Jesus (Mark 1:16-20). We also see villagers flocking to Jesus, practically breaking down his door to see his wonders and hear his teaching. What do you make of Christ's authority (Mark 1:22, 27), his compassion (Mark 1:41), and his credentials (Mark 1:8,11, 24)? What does Jesus consider his mission (Mark 1:38)? And what can you learn from his prayer life (Mark 1:35)?

Friday's reading (Mark 2) focuses on a different cast of characters — scribes and Pharisees — who stumble over everything Jesus does. They think he blasphemes when he claims to forgive sins (Mark 2:1-12). They can't believe he eats with "tax collectors and sinners" (Mark 2:13-17). They think his disciples are slackers for not fasting (Mark 2:18-22) and lawbreakers for picking grain on the Sabbath (Mark 2:23-28). Can you put yourself in their shoes? Why do you think they had such a hard time accepting the Lord?

Looking to Christ's earliest disciples makes me ask myself: Is there something I need to walk away from to follow the Lord?

Into the Book Live the Christian Life Read or Watch

Have you ever heard of a DINO? How about a RINO? Some Democrats and Republicans use these terms to describe people in their party who don't support the party's ideology. They'll say, "he's a Democrat In Name Only," a DINO. Or, "she's a Republican In Name Only," a RINO. They're trying to distinguish those who hold the same views from those who just go by the same party name.

Israelites in Name Only

In our readings on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (Romans 9-11), Paul does something similar, as he tries to answer the big questions about Israel. To answer these questions, he has to explain how you know a true Israelite — a Jew who is more than an Israelite in name and ethnicity. He's not putting his Jewish kin down. As you read this week, you'll hear his passion for his nation and his heartbreak (Rom. 9:2-3) that "not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel" (Rom. 9:6).

Monday's reading (Rom. 9), draws from Isaiah and Jeremiah to envision Israel as pottery crafted by God for his purposes. God has used all of Israel for his purposes, just as he even used Pharaoh for his purposes. However, some of Israel chose unfaithfulness, and they'll face God's wrath.

Tuesday's reading (Rom. 10) highlights the difference between those Jews (and Gentiles) who will be saved and those who won't. God saves those who hear the good news of the Messiah and believe it, confessing their allegiance to Jesus as Lord (Rom. 10:5-17). No wonder Paul felt such a debt to everyone to share the gospel (Rom. 1:14-16)! So should we!

Wednesday's reading (Rom. 11) concludes the discussion of Israel, showing that Israel isn't one monolithic group. God has always had a remnant of faithful Israelites within the nation, and so he does today. But lest us Gentiles get a big head, he reminds us that we're grafted onto the tree of Israel. We should honor Israel's role in salvation history and count ourselves grateful to find ourselves among Abraham's children.

Christians in Name Only

On Thursday (Rom. 12), Paul transitions from explaining the gospel to applying it, challenging us with commands for daily Christian living. In a word, "therefore," he packs the ideas of the previous eleven chapters — like grace, faith, justification, and hope — and directs all of that energy into a command. "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice" (Rom. 12:1).

Are you offering God your body (Rom. 12:1), transforming your mind (Rom. 12:2), and using your gifts (Rom. 12:3-8)? Do you love unhypocritically (Rom. 12:9), wholeheartedly serving others (Rom. 12:10-11,13)? Do you celebrate their joys and mourn their heartbreaks (Rom. 12:15)? Do you respond to life's difficulties with hope, patience, and prayer (Rom. 12:12)? And are you willing to respond to hurtful people in a way that overcomes evil with good, confident in the Lord's justice (Rom. 12:17-21)?

Friday (Rom. 13), we'll learn how to respond to government authorities (Rom. 13:1-7), the one debt we owe everyone (Rom. 13:8-10), and what it means to be people of the day (Rom. 13:11-14).

So do you genuinely reflect God's love to people around you? Do you place your trust in Christ and present yourself every day as a living sacrifice? Are you more than a Christian in name only?

Into the Book Know Who You Are Read or Watch

Disney's The Lion King tells the story of a lion named Mufasa, the great king of the Savannah, and his son, Simba, who should've succeeded him as king after Mufasa died. But Simba shirks his duty. He wanders around having fun with no worries until a wise baboon named Rafiki approaches him and says, "You don't even know who you are!"

Simba says, "And you do?" to which Rafiki replies, "You're Mufasa's boy."

"You knew my father?" Simba asks.

"Correction," Rafiki says, "I know your father." And Rafiki leads him to a pond and points to Simba's reflection to show him that his father is still alive in HIM. But Simba must remember who he is before he can fulfill his purpose.

Like Simba, we can lose our way when we forget our identity in Christ. So our readings this week remind us of who we are. Where do you find your identity?

A New Lineage

We often find some of our identity in the family we come from, and in Monday's reading (Rom. 4), we discover that we are part of a different family. As Gentile believers, we have a new lineage that goes back to a great forefather, Abraham. At the beginning of the Bible, in Genesis 3-11, we read about the destructive influence of sin on the world. Then God picked this one man, and his family, through whom to bless the whole world (Gen. 12). Jews, who took great pride in their ancestor Abraham, might expect that God would declare Abraham righteous based on keeping the Law of Moses. But instead, Abraham has this relationship with God based on his faith (Gen. 15:6), long before Moses received the law! Now we who believe God are his children (cf. Gal. 3:7). How does this chapter affect the way you think of your part in the story of the Old Testament?

A New Relationship

On Tuesday (Rom. 5), Paul contrasts Christ with Adam — who brought sin and death into the world. How are Christ and Adam different? How does Christ start something new in us? Why should we be confident in our relationship with God now (Rom. 5:8-10)? Can trials be a good thing in Christ (Rom. 5:3-5)?

A New Way of Life

When we forget who we are, we forget how we should live. On Wednesday (Rom. 6), we will read the importance of obeying the right master. What two masters must we choose between? What do you learn about baptism (Rom. 6:3-5)?

A New Present and a New Future

On Thursday (Rom. 7), we will see a bleak picture of human life in the flesh, including a tragic relationship with God's good law. But that all turns around in the glorious last verses of the chapter and the beautiful picture of our new life we'll read on Friday (Rom. 8). Romans chapter 8 is one of those passages worth reading more than once, savoring, even memorizing. What does it mean to be led by the Spirit of God? Why can we now call out to God as our "Abba, Father," the name Jesus used when praying (Mark 14:36)? What kind of future awaits us? What assures us that God is with us now?

Take Hold of God's Grace Read or Watch

What do you want for your birthday? A new phone? A new pair of shoes? Maybe just a quiet evening at home? Everyone loves receiving gifts from those they care about. So what's the best present you could possibly get?

In Romans 3, Paul unwraps the box on a gift so amazing and powerful, that it saves us from the deadliest disease imaginable!

Our Sins

"... None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one" (Rom. 3:10-12).

We've all sinned! Saying (or thinking) that we haven't sinned is a big mistake on our part (1 John 1:8, 10). That lie you once told a coworker, the lustful thought you had while browsing the internet, or the secret sin that no one ever sees — all leave you separated from the Holy God (Isa. 59:2).

So, let your sin sink in — own and acknowledge them. Only when we realize the extent of our failure, will we understand what we need so desperately.

His Grace

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins" (Rom. 3:23-25).

We absolutely need God's grace to be saved from our sins. The gift of Christ's blood is something we could never earn or repay. He speaks about it as justifying, redeeming, and as a propitiation — bringing two separate things back together again.

That's what Jesus' blood does for us — it brings us back to a relationship with God, despite our past sins. So what's required of us?

Our Faith

"It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith" (Rom. 3:26-27).

How do we access his gracious gift of salvation? Remember our first point, we've all sinned! So we could never boast about our perfect rule-keeping. That's why it's all about faith — trusting in Jesus enough to walk like him, think like him, and respond like him every day.

Grace cost Jesus his life, but what does your faith cost you? Are you willing to give up your old ways of life because Jesus laid down his for yours? And it's not about perfect rule-keeping, but all about being Christ's disciples — learners and students — here on this earth.

Praise God for his incredible mercy! Let's admit our sins, and take hold of his grace by faithfully following him today.

See the Standard God Set Read or Watch

When our daughter was a baby, we'd never think of getting angry when she knocked something over or made a mess. She was little, and we expected her to do the unexpected. But as she's grown up, our standards have grown with her. Now, she knows better!

In Romans 2, Paul addresses the problem of Jewish hypocrisy — asking a series of questions to a people who should have known better too.

Will You Escape?

"Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God?" (Rom. 2:3).

Paul echoes Jesus' comical words about seeing the speck in a brother's eye, while there's a log sticking out of yours (Luke 6:41). If we get so distracted by pointing out other people's faults, we'll never see our own. But just like God sees other's sins, he sees ours just as clearly!

So will you escape on that final day of judgment?

Will You Repent?

"Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?" (Rom. 2:4).

Though God will judge all men, he's also extraordinarily merciful and patient. Does that mean he'll accept our sinful lifestyle — because he's so kind? As Paul liked to say, by no means! His mercy and patience give us more time to repent and be saved (2 Peter 3:15)! He's set his standard, and now he's given us time to change.

So will you use the time you have left here on earth to repent?

Will You Teach Yourself?

"You then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?" (Rom. 2:21–22).

Could we be guilty of having a "Do as I say, not as I do" attitude? Paul certainly considered that possibility, as he said, "I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified" (1 Cor. 9:27). Sadly, the fallout from this kind of hypocrisy may lead people to hate God (Rom. 2:24). If we ever hope to impact this world, sharing the message of Christ with them, we've got to control ourselves first.

So will you redirect your attention and first teach yourself?

Let's take a fresh look at our lives because we know better. And let's remember God's judgment, patience, and desire for us to turn away from evil today!

Choose God Over Yourself Read or Watch

Our choices tend to define us. Who we are, what we stand for, and where our loyalties lie come from the decisions we make every day. And every choice has its consequences.

So as Paul begins his letter to the saints in Rome, he lays out a few of humanity's life-defining moments and the tragic results of these decisions.

Choose God or Impurity

"Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen" (Rom. 1:24-25).

We can accept that God is the powerful Creator of the universe — seen through the inexcusable evidence of nature — or we can reject him to follow our foolish ways (Rom. 1:19-21). But if we choose not to trust him, he'll give us up to our lusts and impurity. The choice is ours, but rejecting God comes with terrible consequences.

So, do you honor God, or are you the source of wisdom and authority in your journey through life?

Choose God or Passions

"For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error" (Rom. 1:26-27).

We can accept that God has authority over nature, or we can reject him to define our way of living. But if we choose not to acknowledge his natural order, he'll give us up to unnatural passions and practices. The choice is ours, but rejecting God comes with terrible consequences.

So, do you honor God, or are you too caught up in the passing pleasures of sin?

Choose God or a Debased Mind

"And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. ... Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them" (Rom. 1:28, 32).

We can accept that God has authority over our lives, or we can reject him to make up our own rules. But if we choose not to acknowledge him, he'll give us up to knowingly practice evil. The choice is ours, but rejecting God comes with terrible consequences.

So, do you honor God, or are you knowingly choosing and approving the evil alternative?

May God help us in our choices today. And let's honor him as the Creator with all authority over nature and our lives even today.

Learn from Island Living Read or Watch

If you were stuck on a desert island, what three items would you bring? It's a challenging question! But looking to Paul's island shipwreck in Acts 28, let's frame the question a bit differently. "If you were stuck on a desert island, what three qualities would you want to find in the natives?"

Warm & Welcoming

"After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta. The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold" (Acts 28:1-2).

Especially in times of uncertainty and trouble, finding someone who's "unusually kind" can be incredibly comforting. While it's easy to live in fear of outsiders, unsure and suspicious, the natives rolled out the red carpet for these shipwrecked prisoners. Hospitality is one of the marks of Christ's disciples — not only to those we know but especially to those we don't (Heb. 13:2).

So, how warm and welcoming are you to those in need all around you?

Uphold Justice

"When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, "No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live"" (Acts 28:3-4).

These natives had a basic understanding of the difference between right and wrong. And they suspected Paul's sudden snake-bite was punishment for his "crimes." Sure, they sounded pretty superstitious, at least they believed in the concept of good and evil. Sadly, the same can't be said for everyone, since so many today get the two mixed up (Isa. 5:20). But what about you?

Do you recognize evil for what it is, and courageously call it out when it's happening?

Willing to Change

"He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god" (Acts 28:5-6).

Like we're prone to do, they jumped to conclusions about Paul. But after seeing the evidence, they changed their minds! Sure, they were misguided in calling him a "god," but they did something we're often unwilling to do — reconsider our assumptions.

So, when was the last time you reconsidered the evidence behind your beliefs?

May God help us learn a few lessons from these natives of Malta. And let's show hospitality, uphold justice, and be willing to change when necessary.

Into the Book Proclaim the Kingdom Read or Watch

Have you ever heard the saying, "All roads lead to Rome"? It comes from a monument Romans used to mark the beginning point of roads to major cities in the empire. They called it "The Golden Milestone."

This week, we reach our own milestone as we finish Acts, and it seems that all roads in our readings will lead to Rome! We'll witness Paul's travels to Rome on Monday and Tuesday. Then we'll spend the rest of the week reading his letter to the Romans.

But for Paul, all roads lead to Christ — to the spread of the gospel. His imprisonment might seem like a giant roadblock, but even his chains serve the gospel.

Paul's Road to Rome

An angel promised Paul that he "must stand before Caesar" (Acts 27:24), but it will require a long, treacherous journey to fulfill this commission. Paul already had shipwrecked three times before this (2 Cor. 11:25), so he knew the danger. He left after the Day of Atonement (Acts 27:9), which means it's close to the time all sailing stopped. But he knew that to follow Christ, he had to live a life of risk and sacrifice. His journey from Caesarea will take him to port in Sidon, Myra, and Cnidus, then to the islands of Crete, Malta, and Sicily before arriving in Rome.

Reaching the Destination

Paul reaches Rome, but we don't know much about what happens next. When we leave Paul, he has not yet come before Caesar, but he's busy "proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance" (Acts 28:31). The book of Acts ends abruptly, with much more left for Paul and other disciples to do. And that's probably the point! The story must continue, and you are part of the story too!

Changing Lanes

Before he reached Rome, he reached a group of Romans with the gospel, writing to the Roman Christians during his third missionary journey, on his way to Jerusalem (Rom. 15:25). With Luke and Acts, we saw the story of Jesus and the church. Now we turn to Romans because, in this book, Paul explains many of the most important ideas we'll encounter throughout the rest of the year.

Roadmap to Romans

In between the familiar greetings at the beginning (Rom. 1:1-15) and end (Rom. 15:22-16:27), the book reads more like a treatise than a letter.

Look for the gospel in a nutshell at the beginning of the book (Romans 1:1-6). What do you learn about Christ and the goal of his message?
Find the book's main point in Romans 1:16-17. Why is the gospel so important, and what does it reveal about God? As you read the rest of the book, keep Paul's thesis in mind.
Then, look for our biggest problem in Romans 1:18-3:20. What is the problem, and how does it affect the Gentiles (Rom. 1:18-32) and the Jews (Rom. 2)?
Finally, starting in Romans 3:21, look for God's great solution. With two, wonderfully simple words, "But now" Paul begins explaining how everything has changed for those faithful to the Messiah.

Programming Note: This week, we're replaying some of our favorite episodes from the past. We'll be back Monday with brand new episodes.

Rejoice and Praise the King Read or Watch

The time has come for Jesus to enter Jerusalem — a moment he's mentioned many times during his ministry. In only a few days, he'll face the angry crowds and be led away to his public execution. But as he makes his way into the holy city, riding on a donkey, the people shout their songs of praise and honor for their King.

"… as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen" (Luke 19:36-37).

So, as Jesus made his way through the jacket-lined roads, let's look at a few of the things he heard along the way.

"Blessed is the King"

"Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!" (Luke 19:38).

Reciting an old familiar phrase from their songbook, they're doing just as the psalm continues, "... We bless you from the house of the Lord" (Psalm 118:26). Like a royal procession into the city, they show their King the highest honor and praise as he makes his way through the gates.

But Jesus knew they'd shout these words of praise when he came back. As he lamented the rejection of Jerusalem long before this joyful day, he said, "Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!'" (Luke 13:35).

"Peace and Glory"

"... Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" (Luke 19:38).

If Jesus' life could be summarized in two words, "peace" and "glory" may be the most appropriate. He brought an otherworldly peace to the faithful who follow him (John 14:27). His whole life brought glory and honor to the Lord (John 12:27-28). But sadly, those who shouted his praise from the streets would soon be crying for his death just a few days later (Luke 23:21).

While these are fitting words for a time of celebration, we've heard them before in Jesus' life. Like bookends, they're said at the end, but also at the beginning of his time on earth. Remember the heavenly hosts who exclaimed at his birth, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" (Luke 2:13-14)?

While the people shouted, the religious leaders tried to silence them. But he said, "I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out" (Luke 19:39-40).

So, let's cry out today. As living stones in his spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5), let's rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all his mighty works!

Programming Note: This week, we're replaying some of our favorite episodes from the past. We'll be back Monday with brand new episodes.

Avoid the Dangers of Not Listening Read or Watch

Are you living in an Echo Chamber? If you've never heard of one before, here's a simple definition:

"An environment in which a person encounters only beliefs or opinions that coincide with their own, so that their existing views are reinforced and alternative ideas are not considered."

Though you won't find this phrase in the Bible, there are countless examples of people collecting themselves together and refusing to listen to the plain evidence around them. Let's look at a few times where people refused to listen and see how dangerous living in echo chambers can be.

Destroys Unity

After Solomon's death, his son Rehoboam sought advice on what to do with God's people (1 Kings 12). Instead of listening to the wisdom of the older counselors, he went with the foolish plan of the younger men. No doubt, he already had in his mind what he wanted to do. And when he found others who agreed with him, he abandoned the advice of the elders. Eventually, his harsh treatment of the people led to the fracturing of Israel.

Closing our ears and refusing to listen is still a problem for us today. And when we refuse to be open to another way of handling a situation, we risk isolating others and shutting them out. So, are your ears open to the counsel of others, or have you already made up your mind?

Fuels Prejudice

When Jesus preached in his hometown, the people were filled with prejudice (Matt. 13:53-58). They were offended by him and lowered him to the status of a carpenter's son, refusing to believe. As a result, Jesus was forced to move on.

We can also reject an important message purely based on prejudice today. If we judge the one presenting the truth as "unworthy" of listening to, we'll close our ears and write them off. Operating in an echo chamber, we'll use any excuse to dismiss the evidence. But are we willing to hear a truthful message, without respect to the messenger?

Promotes Misinformation

During Jesus' trial (Matt. 27:20-23), many of the same people who had, just days before, shouted "Hosanna to the Son of David!" (Matt. 21:9) were now shouting "Crucify him!" So, what changed? The people allowed the rumors and false accusations to cloud their minds, rather than looking back to evidence of Jesus' ministry and miracles to guide them.

May God help us if we allow rumor and misinformation to guide us! Rather than investigating the facts, do we accept the words of others as truth? Are we digging for the truth, or are we satisfied with merely listening to the words of others?

Collecting ourselves together with people of common beliefs is one of the great blessings of the church! But let's always be careful not to shut our ears to the possibility that we still have more to learn.

Programming Note: This week, we're replaying some of our favorite episodes from the past. We'll be back Monday with brand new episodes.

Remain Firm Yet Moldable Read or Watch

Over the summer, our daughter went to Science Camp. The focus of their weeklong study was — wait for it — SLIME! That's right. She spent an entire week learning about, making, and playing with a variety of ooey-gooey substances. For their final project, they made a non-Newtonian substance out of cornstarch and water. It was fascinating!

Non-Newtonian slime feels like any other liquid, but only if you move through it slowly. As soon as you speed up, or apply any amount of force, the fluid becomes as hard as a rock. While watching the kids dance on top of this otherworldly concoction, oddly enough, it got me thinking about our faith.

Dealing With Others

The same Jesus who calmly sat with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1-42), also flipped over the tables of the moneychangers in the temple (John 2:14-17). He showed mercy and kindness to the lost sheep of Israel, but was tough on the religious leaders, since they should have known better. Some situations call for softness, and some require more forceful action. As Jude said, "... have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh" (Jude 22-23).

So, how do you approach those lost souls around you? May God give us the wisdom needed to be gentle with some, and stronger with others.

Firm Under Pressure

"As he went away from there, the scribes and the Pharisees began to press him hard and to provoke him to speak about many things, lying in wait for him, to catch him in something he might say" (Luke 11:45).

Jesus was under constant threat from the religious leaders. But he never backed down or gave up! Few things prove our character more than testing and trial (Rom. 5:3-5). When force is applied, will we cave to the pressure, or will we resist the schemes of the devil (1 Peter 5:8-9)?

We must fight firmly against sin while remaining pliable to God's will. As James encouraged, "... "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:6-7).

Power in Weakness

Like that tub of non-Newtonian slime, looks can be deceiving! We don't find lasting strength when things are easy. True power comes when times get tough. As Paul said, "For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Cor. 12:10).

Next time you find yourself frustrated by the suffering you're facing, remember that things aren't how they appear! Christ's power is made perfect through your difficulties (2 Cor. 12:9).

So, may God help us to be the kinds of non-Newtonian disciples who remain strong yet moldable throughout our walk with him!

Programming Note: This week, we're replaying some of our favorite episodes from the past. We'll be back Monday with brand new episodes.

Hold On! Read or Watch

One of life's transcendent joys is watching someone you love rise from the waters of baptism. What a pleasure to see a friend become family in Christ! But with it comes the knowledge that at some point, the road will get rough. If you wrote a letter to a new disciple, what counsel would you give?

I find myself wanting to impress two words upon new Christians: "Hold on!" Anyone who has followed Christ for any length of time has watched brothers drift away (Heb. 2:1) like unanchored ships (Heb. 6:19). The same Savior who said, "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved" (Mark 16:16), also said, "the one who endures to the end will be saved" (Matt. 24:13). So, don't let anything pull you away!

If we're going to make it, we have to "test everything" and "hold fast to what is good" (1 Thess. 5:21-22). The word for "hold fast" means "to glue together," "to join together," "to bind."1 Gorilla Glue the good stuff to yourself and hate everything that doesn't pass the test (Rom. 12:9). What should every Christian hang onto?

Hang on to These Words

The gospel has the power to save you, if and only "if you hold fast to the word I preached to you" (1 Cor. 15:1-2). "Let your heart hold fast my words" (Prov. 4:4). The more time you spend with Scripture, the more you'll understand your life.

Hang on to Your Family

After Paul told the Romans to "hold fast to that which is good" (Rom. 12:9), he said, "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor" (Rom. 12:10). Christians are the best thing in the world. They are a work in progress (like you), but the relationship between you will grow more meaningful, and they will — at times — astonish you with their goodness, courage, and love. Treasure your newfound "brothers and sisters and mothers and children" (Mark 10:28-29).

Hang on to Hope

One of your life's most significant changes is now you have hope. More and more, you'll discover the power of living for a bright future. When a group of Hebrew Christians teetered on the brink of falling away, a prophet repeated the call to hold fast our confidence (Heb. 3:6), and the hope set before us (Heb. 6:18) "without wavering, for he who promised is faithful_" (Heb. 10:23).

I remember water skiing for the first time, the wake and wind fighting against me. It got harder and harder to hold onto the handle as I bounced over the water. But I knew I had to hold on and stay connected to the boat. Jesus once told a church, "I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown" (Rev. 3:11). Never loosen your grip on him, but "serve him and hold fast to him" (Deut. 13:4) and he'll see you through.

1: Schmidt, K. L. (1964–). κολλάω, προσκολλάω . G. Kittel, G. W. Bromiley, & G. Friedrich (Eds.), Theological dictionary of the New Testament (electronic ed., Vol. 3, p. 822). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.

Into the Book Follow The Lord Through Trial Read or Watch

In the early nineties, NBC introduced a new procedural show called Law and Order. Thirty years later, the franchise has six spin-offs and has produced over a thousand episodes. Known for its "ripped from the headlines" storylines and familiar, two-note, signature sound (Duh-duh!), the show blends plot twists with a familiar pattern. The first half of the show follows the investigation, while the second half focuses on the trial.

Like a serialized court drama, this week's readings in Acts will offer one trial after another.

A Series of Trials

Episode 1: The Crowd (Acts 22) — While not an official trial, the week's readings begin with Paul asking a mob of Jews at the temple steps to "hear the defense" he will make before them (Acts 22:1). What details does he emphasize about Ananias (Acts 22:12), Jesus (Acts 22:14), and his conversion (Acts 22:16)?
Episode 2: The Sanhedrin (Acts 23) — The high court of the Jews consisted of both Pharisees and Sadducees, two parties fiercely split on the issue of the resurrection of the dead. How does Paul deftly play them against one another?
Episode 3: Felix (Acts 24) — Now in the coastal city of Caesarea — the Roman seat of government in the area — Paul makes his case before the governor of Judea, Marcus Antonius Felix. What topics alarmed Felix (Acts 25:25)?
Episode 4: Festus (Acts 25) — Felix leaves the matter for the next governor, Porcius Festus, who ruled over Judea from 60-62 AD. What dilemmas do these rulers face as they try to render a verdict on Paul (Acts 25:18-20)?
Episode 5: Agrippa (Acts 26) — When Festus hosts King Agrippa II and his wife, the king asks to hear from Paul. Why do you think he gives Agrippa more details?
To Be Continued (Acts 27-28) — Paul appeals to Caesar — Nero at this time — which will ultimately bring him to the political capital of the world to make his case for the way of Christ.

Plot Twists

These chapters have their share of plot twists (and twisted plots)!

In Monday's reading (Acts 22), as the Jews riot over Paul's speech (Acts 23:22-23), the Roman soldiers decide to flog and interrogate Paul (Acts 23:24). What does Paul reveal that stops them and changes the course of the events for the rest of the book (Acts 22:25-29; 23:27; 25:11-12)?
In Tuesday's reading (Acts 23), a plot to assassinate Paul gets thwarted when Paul's nephew discovers it, and they alert a centurion. What promise did the Lord make to Paul right before the conspiracy came to light? How do these efforts of evil men end up facilitating the Lord's purposes?

A Familiar Pattern

In our readings in Luke, we emphasized the Lord's journey to Jerusalem. As Paul made his trip to Jerusalem, he too knew that suffering awaited him (Acts 20:22-23). In this week's chapters, we'll see that Paul — like our Lord — will face four trials before rulers. Despite all this, both Jesus (Luke 23:4,14,22) and Paul (Acts 23:9; 25:25; 26:31) are declared innocent three times in Luke-Acts. Why do you think Luke has emphasized the parallels in the lives of Jesus and his follower, Paul? What differences could we note?

Follow the Lord in Trials Read or Watch

The tension builds, nerves are on edge, and time feels like it slips away in the hours before a big life moment. That’s what Acts 21 feels like as Paul prepares for his return to Jerusalem. His future isn’t certain — but he’s about to face an angry Jewish mob and face an unjust imprisonment.

This chapter shares a few similarities with those tense moments leading up to Jesus’ arrest in the garden (Luke 22). So let’s look at a few thing Paul and Christ shared in these stressful moments.

Prophesied Delivery

“While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles’”” (Acts 21:10-11).

Before Jesus was led away, he reminded his disciples of Isaiah’s prophecy long ago, “For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment” (Luke 22:37). They both knew what was awaiting them — delivery into the hands of evil men.

Urging & Tears

“When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? ...” (Acts 21:12-13).

Remember when Peter once insisted that Jesus would never be delivered over for death (Matt. 16:21-23)? These disciples similarly urge Paul. And Paul was heartbroken, like Jesus — alone in the garden — crying out to the Lord with tears and sweat (Luke 22:44). So how did they proceed despite their agony?

The Lord’s Will Be Done

“... ”For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.” After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem” (Acts 21:13-15).

Both Paul and his friends echo Christ’s prayerful words to the Father, “Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). Of course, they didn’t want to face affliction, but if it was God’s will for them to suffer, that’s what they’d do! And suffering was what Jesus wanted for Paul. Remember back to Christ’s words to Ananias, “For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name” (Acts 9:16).

Both Christ and Paul handled their upcoming trials with courage and faith. So when we come to our own moments of difficulty — when our conviction is tested, and we have to suffer for Christ — let’s follow their lead and commit to the Lord’s will until the very end!

Engage Your Heart in Service Read or Watch

When was the last time you had a good cry? Has it been a while? While there's lots of reason to be brought to tears, as the apostle Paul makes his way to Jerusalem in Acts 20, he shares a few emotional moments with the elders of the Ephesian church.

Serving the Lord

"You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews" (Acts 20:18-19).

Paul's service to the Lord was more than academic — but deeply personal. As he traveled throughout the world teaching, he humbled himself with tears as he faced the Jewish opposition. And as the Jews rejected Christ, Paul would have given up his salvation in exchange for theirs (Rom. 9:3).

Do you take your service personally? Do you get emotional when someone rejects the Lord's will? Let's get our hearts engaged and feel the depth of joy — and sadness — over the work we're doing today!

Defending the Flock

"Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. ... be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears" (Acts 20:28, 31).

Paul begs them to stay alert as shepherds, using himself as an example. For three years, he was continually on guard with tears. And watching out for others can be a gut-wrenching task, especially when things aren't going well. If you're a parent, you've probably experienced the pain of seeing your little ones suffer.

Let's remember that slipping away from the Lord doesn't just impact you, but also those who love you. Pay attention and stay alert against the devil's schemes with prayer and perseverance (Eph. 6:18)!

Saying Goodbye

"And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again ..." (Acts 20:36-38).

Paul's not sure what the coming days hold, other the promise of imprisonment and affliction (Acts 20:23). It’ll be the last time he sees them. So saying his final goodbyes to some of his closest brothers, there isn't a dry eye among them. And while goodbyes are never easy, there's always hope to see our faithful friends again in eternity.

So, may God soften our hearts today. And next time you find yourself touched by trouble or loss, remember from Paul's example that it's okay to cry.

Call Out the Counterfeit Read or Watch

How would you feel if you suddenly realized you were wearing Adidos shoes while drinking a can of Mountain Lightning soda after ordering pizza from Pizza Hat? Off-brands, knock-offs, and generic products are all over the place, but where's the real thing? In Acts 19, we find a hilarious story of some counterfeit disciples, who wind up naked and wounded for their deception.

The Real Deal

"And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them" (Acts 19:11-12).

If these miracles seem familiar, you're probably thinking of Jesus' walk through the city streets in Mark 5:27-34. God worked through Paul to do some fantastic signs. And he didn't even need to be present for these miracles to occur!

But why was God doing these things through Paul? What's the takeaway for us? Simply put, listen to Paul! With God working through him, Paul's words are worth our consideration. And even Peter gave Paul's instructions equal weight with the Scriptures (2 Peter 3:16), so he must be the real deal.

The Foolish Fakers

"Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, "I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims." Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this" (Acts 19:13-14).

Riding on Paul's coattails, these men thought they'd get in on the action too. But notice how wishy-washy they were when attempting to cast out this evil spirit. "The Jesus whom Paul proclaims," doesn't sound like they believe what they're saying!

Who are you listening to today? Those with authority like Paul or the knock-off religious fakers of the world? Would you rather read a commentary of the Bible — some man's opinion — or the Bible itself? Let's be careful and test everything we hear to see if it's genuine (1 Thess. 5:20-21)!

A Regrettable Rumble

"But the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?" And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded" (Acts 19:15-16).

Some situations are so cringeworthy that it's hard to watch, but harder to look away. But this evil spirit seems to have more conviction about Christ and Paul than these men. And he had no problem spotting the faker!

So, strangely, let's take a lesson from this evil spirit and point out the genuine article. Listen to Christ, listen to Paul, and don't be fooled by counterfeit teachers today!

Be Bold but Accurate Read or Watch

Why is it that we tend to focus on a single piece of negative feedback or criticism we receive over the mountain of positive comments about something we've done? While it's easy to fixate on our failures, in Acts 18, we meet a man who turned critique into correction.

Eloquent & Competent

"Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord ..." (Acts 18:24-25).

Apollos had a lot going for him. Luke describes him as "eloquent" (λόγιος | logios), or cultured and well-learned. But being a skilled speaker isn't enough (1 Cor. 1:16). He was also "competent" (δυνατός | dynatos) in the Scriptures, having a strong understanding of the Law. He knew his stuff, and skillfully communicated God's will with others.

We'd do well to be more like Apollos today. Are you studying as often as you could? Do you accurately handle God's word (2 Tim. 2:15)? And could someone call you "eloquent" or "competent" in your understanding of the Bible?

Fervent & Bold

"And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue ..." (Acts 18:25-26).

He was also on fire for Christ, with a "fervent" (ζέω | zeō) spirit like a pot of boiling water. He was the opposite of that lukewarm Laodicean church in Rev. 3:14-22. And his enthusiasm was contagious, leading him into the synagogues to speak boldly.

Maybe it's time for a regular checkup today. What's your spiritual temperature? Do others see your excitement for Christ by your words and actions? And are you speaking up about the Lord without fear as he did?

Accurate & More Accurate

"... but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately" (Acts 18:26).

With all his positive qualities, he was missing something critically important (Jesus' baptism). So this husband and wife team privately pointed him to a more accurate understanding of the gospel. As with any confrontation like this, it could have turned ugly. But rather than getting defensive and rejecting their criticism, Apollos shows us how to be a good listener!

But how would you have handled this situation? While it's easy in hindsight to think I'd follow his example, I know myself far too well. I might have put my shields up, become defensive, and fixated on the failure. That type of reaction will never lead to growth!

So as the Lord's disciples — learners and students — let's see failure as part of the process. And let's get good at listening, so we can boldly share God's word with more accuracy.

Into the Book Make the Case Read or Watch

In an 1880 case — Miles vs. United States — the Supreme Court ruled that a jury can't convict someone unless they have enough evidence of guilt "to the exclusion of all reasonable doubt." We believe defendants are "innocent until proven guilty," and proof should be "beyond a reasonable doubt." But in the modern media age — even with a sequestered jury — some trials can become public relations battles. And in Paul's day, too, cases sometimes played out first in the "court of public opinion."

The Charges

Theophilus, the recipient of Acts (Acts 1:1), had probably heard of "disturbances" (Acts 19:23) throughout the empire tied to Paul and other Christians. At every turn this week, Christianity itself will face opposition. Were Christians a dangerous gang of troublemakers? Or was it a misunderstood movement that could change the world for the better?

Monday (Acts 17), they'll face accusers in Thessalonica who say they "turned the world upside down" (Acts 17:6) — not something the Romans wanted.
Tuesday (Acts 18), Jews will bring Paul before Gallio the proconsul, but he will declare the matter an internal, religious debate among Jews, effectually making Christianity legal in Corinth (Acts 18:14-16).
Wednesday (Acts 19), an Ephesian group of silversmiths decide that Christianity threatens their profits in the idol-making business "in almost all of Asia" because Paul says, "gods made with hands are not gods" (Acts 19:26).
Finally, on Friday (Acts 21), Jews in Jerusalem will accuse Paul of "teaching everyone everywhere against the people and the law" and bringing Gentiles into the temple (Acts 21:28).

The Jury

Paul made his case by "reasoning with" people (Acts 17:2,17; 18:4,19; 19:8,9; 24:25). But that defense strategy only works with fair-minded, impartial people. Paul was "explaining and proving" his case (Acts 17:3) in Thessalonica, but many Jews became jealous and took him before the city rulers (Acts 17:5-6). But those in Berea were more noble-minded. What can you learn from their open-minded example, as they searched the Scriptures daily to see if Paul’s words were true (Acts 17:11)?

The Defendants

The personal vignettes of disciples in these chapters make a compelling case for Christianity. What kind of character do they display?

Tuesday (Acts 18), we'll meet Aquila and Priscilla, an extraordinary Christian couple chased from Rome along with other Jews. Notice how they approach Apollos, and then examine your approach to correcting others.
Thursday's reading (Acts 20) offers a look into an early Christian assembly (Acts 20:7-12) and then gives insights into the responsibility God gives to church leaders (Acts 20:17-38). Look for applications from these invaluable glimpses into the life of the first-century church.

The case for Christianity continues to play out in the "court of public opinion." These disciples boldly spoke while unsure what it might cost them. May we learn from their example and do the same! It makes me think of the old question: if you someone accused you of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?

Stay Positive in Trial Read or Watch

You're thrown in jail for a crime you didn't commit — beaten unlawfully by people who hate you. What do you do when the jail cells suddenly burst open? Make a run for it or stay put?

In Acts 16, Paul and Silas found themselves faced with this exact situation, and their reaction may surprise you.

Singing in Shackles

"About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened" (Acts 16:25-26).

After casting out the evil spirit from a young girl (Acts 16:16-18), they seized Paul and Silas, beat them, and threw them in jail. Their response: prayer and singing! It's not what you'd expect, but they were making the best of the situation.

Though we may never face such opposition for our faith, what can we learn from their example? Standing up for what's right isn't going to be popular with the world, but that shouldn't make us bitter or angry. Rejoice when you face trials (1 Peter 1:6)! Trust the Lord to deliver you, as he did for them when that great earthquake opened their cell doors.

Seeking Suicide

"When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, "Do not harm yourself, for we are all here"" (Acts 16:27-28).

Guards were responsible for prisoners with their lives! And when they lost an inmate, they often lost their lives (Acts 12:19). So it's no surprise that this jailer would turn to suicide, thinking that everyone had escaped. Fortunately, they all stayed put and called for him to put his weapon down.

Like the jailer, many people experience hopelessness today. But that's why we need to follow Paul's example and make sure the hope-filled message of Christ is heard! It's not too late. Things aren't too bad to turn to the Lord in faith.

Suddenly Saved

"And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household"" (Acts 16:29-31).

What a response! But why was this his first question? Could their songs and prayers have been a factor? Who knows what kind of influence we'll have on the world when we quietly, practice our faith in this world? And when others see our humble service, in their darkest hours, they'll know who to turn to for guidance.

So, may we endure trials as they did. And let's focus on filling this world with the hopeful message of Christ's saving grace with every interaction today!

Discuss Without Division Read or Watch

The stage is set. It's an election year, which means plenty of public debates where candidates of all sides speak up about their platforms. But as is the tendency in our culture today, so often these once civil discussions quickly devolve into divisiveness and name-calling.

But in Acts 15, Luke records a debate between the disciples regarding the Gentiles, which went a very different way. The issue:

"But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, "It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses"" (Acts 15:5).

Peter Speaks

"... why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will" (Acts 15:10-11).

Circumcision was a staple of the Old Law. Beginning with Abraham, circumcision was a symbol for every male Israelite of their unique relationship with God. But Peter points out how the requirements of that Law were unbearable.

Outward signs or symbols don't save today, but inward transformation by the grace of Christ (Rom. 2:29). We'll never be "good enough" or "perfect enough" to earn salvation. It's either his gift of grace or nothing at all.

Paul & Barnabas Speak

"And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles" (Acts 15:12).

Paul and Barnabas were busy teaching the Gentiles and performing signs among them. God enabled them through the Spirit to back up their words with proof. So, if they were missing an essential aspect of transformation and salvation (circumcision), why would God help them to spread misinformation?

To their credit, they were very attentive listeners. It seems so rare in any debate, but the disciples were sincerely seeking God's answer on the matter. And all the evidence was under consideration!

James Speaks

"… just as it is written, "'After this I will return, and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it, that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who makes these things known from of old'" (Acts 15:15-18).

Employing Jesus' strategy of referencing the prophets (Luke 24:45-47), James points them back to Amos (Amos 9:11-12). God promised long ago to restore the remnant of Israel — and to call the nations by name. James' advice: don't bother the Gentiles with circumcision (Acts 15:19)! And that's what they agreed to do.

So, let's take a lesson from the disciple's debate, being good listeners, looking at all the evidence, and searching the Scriptures when dealing with questions today!

Praise the True God Read or Watch

For years, humanity has invented gods to help explain the world around them. Who made the sun, the weather, love, war, and even our bodies? These must have been the work of some powerful supernatural beings, right?

In Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas faced a crowd of people whose polytheistic background made them believe they were gods in human form because of their miracles.

"And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, "The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!" Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker" (Acts 14:11-12).

We're Men!

"But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, "Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you ..." (Acts 14:14-15).

The only correct response of anyone with any sense when being worshipped is to cry out, "No!" Their reaction was the exact opposite of what Paul and Barnabas were wanting.

How would you react if someone lifted you on a pedestal? Would you demand to be taken down, or stay silent and enjoy the attention? The Lord is the only acceptable object of attention, but we're merely his disciples on this earth. And if we ever allow people to elevate us, we'll never help them to know Jesus.

Turn to God!

"... and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them" (Acts 14:15).

The keywords here are "vain" and "living." Little g gods are vain, meaningless, and don't exist — but God is living, meaningful, and real (1 Cor 8:4)!

As we teach the world, our goal should be the same as theirs. We help the world turn away from fables to facts, from rumors to reality. Our God, the One True God, is who we're continually directing the world to know.

See the Evidence!

"In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness" (Acts 14:16-17).

But how could these Gentiles have known about God? He left evidence! Look around at the witness of the rains, crops, and the food we enjoy so much (Rom. 1:19-20).

And nature is a great starting place for us to teach people about God today. Point people to the world's complexity, how it's designed for our good, and lead them to understand the One who created it all.

So, let's praise and honor the True and Living God today! And let's humble ourselves before him as we share his greatness with others.

Detect the Devil’s Deception Read or Watch

If you've ever seen a street magician perform their amazing tricks, you might be left wondering, "How'd they do that?" With a few simple tactics, these illusions seem to exceed the bounds of what's possible — though they're always accomplished with natural means.

In Acts 13, we find a magician on the island of Crete who used some deceptive devices to stand against the Lord, but Paul had a "trick" up his sleeve too.

Misdirection

"But Elymas the magician (for that is the meaning of his name) opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, "You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy ..." (Acts 13:8-10).

This malcontent magician was trying to take people's focus off of faith. He was well-versed in the art of deception, so it's no surprise. But Paul calls him on the carpet and accuses him of being Satan's son and full of lies.

But it's a tactic we still face today. The devil wants to change our focus — off of Christ — to anything else. We're encouraged not to pray, read our Bible, spend time with godly friends, or share our faith. And with our eyes off the Lord, we're just asking to fall victim to the world's lies.

Manipulation

"... will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord?" (Acts 13:10).

Paul then tells him how he's taking the Lord's straight paths and perverting them into crooked ones. Satan has been manipulating humanity into disobedience this way since the beginning — back to his words with Adam & Eve (2 Cor. 11:3).

But don't we see that today with those who replace evil with good and good with evil (Isa. 5:20)? Our society specializes in normalizing sin and demonizing righteousness. But if we can acknowledge that they're manipulating us, at least we have a chance to recognize it and resist!

No Optical Illusion

"And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time." Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand" (Acts 13:11).

His punishment seems a bit ironic. He wasn't willing to see God's power, so God took away his ability to see anything! Plus, he removed the most fundamental sense a magician uses in their illusions — sight.

Those today who want to turn us from the faith are just as blind as he became. They're not visionaries. They're visionless. And if we follow them, don't be surprised when you wind up in a ditch along with them (Matt. 15:14)!

So let's be careful of the devil's deception today, and make sure we see his tactics as clearly as Paul did!

Into the Book Watch the Gospel Spread Read or Watch

In 1957 — long before board games like Settlers of Catan and video games like Civilization, a Frenchman named Albert Lamorisse invented the "game of world conquest," known as Risk. I have great memories of huddling around a table, trying to outwit and outmaneuver friends as we all try to spread our troops across a map of the world. To win, you have to choose the right home base (I recommend South America, Africa, or Australia!) and spread from your home base into the right territories, at the right time.

A New Home Base

Last week, we saw persecution drive many of the Jerusalem Christians away from the city. In chapter twelve, we'll see one last look at the oppression in the region, as Herod kills James and imprisons Peter. After a divine prison break, even Peter leaves Jerusalem, and Luke turns the reader's attention to a new headquarters, Antioch. At the end of Friday's reading (11:19-30), we saw this group thriving, as Jews and Gentiles worked together, and Barnabas brought Saul to the city to teach the new converts (11:25-26). This Tuesday, we'll see the Holy Spirit set apart Paul and Barnabas to represent the group on a mission to spread the gospel into new regions.

Strategically Spreading

Tuesday and Wednesday, we'll read of Paul's first missionary journey, then on Thursday, he'll split with Barnabas and start his second journey. It helps to have a map handy as you read these chapters, as he goes from Syrian Antioch to Cyprus to Pisidian Antioch. From there, he heads to Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe before retracing his steps back "home" to Antioch at the end of chapter 14. On his second journey, he'll see a vision (16:9-10) that will lead him into Greece.

The Exciting Conquest of the Gospel

What's in a Name? This week, we'll watch Barnabas' sidekick Saul become Paul, the leading spokesman of the mission to the Gentiles. Notice the change from 13:7 to 13:13. What do you think led to the change?

Heroics in Jesus' Name! Luke packs these chapters with fantastic stories like when Peter gets mistaken for his angel and when a fortune-telling slave girl gets cured, only to leave her money-grubbing owners mad at the miracle-workers! The marvelous deeds of Paul and Barnabas even lead some to mistake them for the Greek gods Zeus and Hermes. Paul gets stoned, beaten, and imprisoned, but nothing stops him from speaking!

This is Us. After Paul's vision (16:9), the narrator stops calling Paul and his companions "they" and starts describing what "we" did. This change seems to indicate that Luke, the author, joined the traveling party in Troas, and will continue with Paul. The four "we" passages are Acts 16:10-17; 20:5-15; 21:1-18; and 27:1-28:16.

Facing the Opposition

As Thursday's reading (Acts 15) begins, the harmony and growth in Antioch are threatened by "some men" who come from Jerusalem, teaching that Gentiles must be circumcised and follow the law of Moses for salvation. The issues outlined in this chapter will form the backdrop for many of the epistles we'll read later.

Get Busy in Christ’s Work Read or Watch

Sometimes it’s hard to see how anything positive could come from a difficult situation. When we found an angry mob of Jews who murdered Stephen in Acts 7, how could that possibly wind up being a good thing? Surprisingly, his death spread the good news of Jesus as no event had before!

“Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews” (Acts 11:19).

So as the new community of Christ’s followers scattered, Luke records in Acts 11 the bustling activity — far from Jerusalem — in a city called Antioch.

Continued Growth

“But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord” (Acts 11:20-21).

Though the church scattered far from where it began, the work didn’t stop or suffer. Many continued Christ’s charge to share their faith with anyone — anywhere — who would hear (Mark 16:15). And that’s what we see in Antioch with some unnamed disciples from Cyprus and Cyrene. The Lord was with them as they preached, and their work flourished as a result.

So, are you sharing the good news with the world as they did?

Spending the Time

“So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year, they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch, the disciples were first called Christians” (Acts 11:25-26).

Barnabas and Saul treated the Lord’s work more like a marathon than a sprint. They realized that growth takes time! And finding such fertile soil as we see in Antioch, why not spend a whole year working there? And this receptive city was the origin of our commonly used title, “Christian.”

So, are you spending the time needed to encourage others as Barnabas and Saul did?

Supporting the Saints

“So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul” (Acts 11:29-30).

Here we’re introduced to a recurring theme throughout many of Saul’s (a.k.a. Paul’s) letters — the famine in Judea. And what an encouraging scene to see these disciples providing financially for their relief! These Christians in Antioch were such an outstanding example of love and concern for others, one which we’d do well to follow today!

So, are you concerned enough about disciples abroad to help them out during their time of need?

May God help us be as active as Antioch. And let’s invest our time in preaching and caring about the growth of the kingdom wherever we are today!

See the Full Menu Read or Watch

Whenever we're in search of a new restaurant, our family regularly visits Yelp for guidance. Scrolling through the photos and reviews, we'll usually make up our minds pretty quickly. Too many complaints in the comments and we tend to steer clear. But in Act 10, we find the apostle Peter offering some pretty standard restaurant feedback of his own.

The Food Took Too Long

"And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. And there came a voice to him: "Rise, Peter; kill and eat"" (Acts 10:10-13).

Peter waited so long for dinner that he fell asleep! But during his dream he sees a curious sheet coming down from heaven, filled with a bunch of animals. Ever been so hungry you could eat a horse? That's basically what the voice told him to do, "Dig in, Peter!" Confused? Let's continue ...

Doesn't Fit My Dietary Restrictions

"But Peter said, "By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean." And the voice came to him again a second time, "What God has made clean, do not call common." This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven" (Acts 10:14-16).

While gluten-free, vegan, keto, and peanut-free restrictions seem to be all the rage today, the Jews were "picky eaters" long before (Lev. 11:2-47). Though Peter refuses these unclean foods, the voice in the vision directs him to the whole menu.

Peter doesn't get it, but he'd soon find out that God was opening salvation to the Gentiles — a people the Jews considered "unclean" (Acts 10:28-29). And he'd be the one to preach the gospel of Christ to them for the very first time.

There's Something in the Water

"... Then Peter declared, "Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. ..." (Acts 10:46-48).

After sharing the gospel with a Caesarean centurion named Cornelius, along with his family and friends, something truly amazing happened — the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard him (Acts 10:44). The Gentiles began speaking in tongues, just like Jews did on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:4). And then they were all baptized in water in the name of Jesus. Praise God for extending salvation to everyone, including us today!

So let's find encouragement from Peter's opening words today, "... Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him" (Acts 10:34-35).

Judge Others Rightly Read or Watch

I'm pretty skeptical when something seems too good to be true — maybe you can relate? Those get-rich-quick schemes, miracle creams, and diet pills usually promise a lot but deliver very little. But what happens when we're skeptical about the genuine article?

In Acts 9, we again meet a man named Saul, who was ravaging the church (Acts 8:3). But Jesus had big plans for him after their conversation on a country road (Acts 9:3-9). With Saul's radical transformation of faith underway, would the rest of the church be skeptical, or accept him as one of them?

Listen to the Lord

"But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. ..." But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel" (Acts 9:13-15).

Are you able to see the potential in people that God sees, or are you too blinded by their past to think they could ever change? The Lord's plans are beyond our plans (Isa. 55:9), so let's get good at listening. Who knows, maybe that person we've written off — thinking they're too far gone — might become a powerful ally for the Lord someday!

See their Fruits

"And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is the Son of God." And all who heard him were amazed and said, "Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? ..."" (Acts 9:21-22).

Are you holding people's past over their heads, neglecting to see who they are today? We're called to examine the fruit of people's lives (Matt. 7:20) and test every spirit (1 John 4:1-2). And when we see that someone is a faithful worker for the Lord, let's get to work alongside them rather than remaining skeptical.

Check with Others

"And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord ..." (Acts 9:26-27).

Are you quick to jump to conclusions, or willing to do some research before making a judgment about someone? As Levar Burton from Reading Rainbow used to say, "You don't have to take my word for it!" Ask around and make sure you see the situation with clarity. Chances are there's more to their story than meets the eye.

May God help us to judge among ourselves rightly today. And may we be willing to drop our skepticism and accept those who faithfully follow the Lord.

Focus on the Future Read or Watch

Imagine starring in a blockbuster movie as a child, only to spend the rest of your career forgotten by Hollywood in your adult life. Would you miss the celebrity you once enjoyed? In Acts 8, we meet a magician named Simon, who knows that "formerly famous" feeling all too well.

He Was Boastful

"But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, "This man is the power of God that is called Great"" (Acts 8:9-10).

Want to become "famous?" Many today hope to dazzle the world with their accomplishments. "Pay attention to me!" is increasingly problematic. But Paul calls this kind of boastfulness unrighteousness (Rom. 1:29-31). And Simon soon found out how short-lived celebrity is!

He Was Baptized

"But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ ... Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed" (Acts 8:12-13).

To Simon's credit, he accepted Christ's message and was baptized. He took a critically important step that we all need to make today. While God cleanses our sins through immersion in water (Titus 3:5), it's not the end of our story. And Luke continues Simon's.

He Was Begging

"Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, saying, "Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit"" (Acts 8:18-19).

Simon's magic paled in comparison to the miracles of the apostles — and he wanted more. Old habits die hard, and Simon had a tough time letting go of his fame. What about you? Do you "pine away" for your past life, as Simon did? Fortunately, Peter offers the prescription.

He Was Bitter

"But Peter said to him, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! ... Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity"" (Acts 8:20-23).

Peter told him to repent! And it's a message we still need today. Turn away from your past desires, and turn toward God in faith. Otherwise, you're living a life of bitterness — a slave to your sinful passions.

So as Simon begged Peter to pray for him, may God forgive us when we look back to our old life longingly. And may we change our focus from the past to a new future of faith in Christ!

Into the Book Embrace the New Way of Christ Read or Watch

In one of my favorite musicals, Tevye, a Jewish farmer in Russia, says, "without our traditions, our lives would be as shaky as … as … as a fiddler on the roof!" Jewish laws and customs shaped their identity, as Tevye explains, "because of our traditions, every one of us knows who he is, and what God expects him to do."

"Tradition!"

In this week's readings, Jewish Christians face changes that could throw their world out of balance. Imagine the courage it took for those disciples to step out in faith.

How would a typical Jew view Samaritans (John 4:10)? What changes (Acts 8:4-8)?
What does Stephen imply about the temple (Acts 7:47-50)?
Why does Peter refuse the Lord's command to eat unclean animals (Acts 10:14)?
And what's crazier than giving up kosher food? How about an uncircumcised centurion becoming part of God's people (Acts 10:45-48)? Cornelius' conversion is so significant (and unfathomable!) that we'll read about it twice, as Peter describes it to the church, convincing them to accept Gentiles. Notice what Peter adds and emphasizes in his retelling.
Another repeated event is Saul's conversion (Acts 9) — which he'll later recount to a Jewish crowd (Acts 22) and Agrippa (Acts 26). How does Saul's conversion ignite the spread of Christianity among Gentiles (Acts 9:15)?
How is the church at the end of Acts 11 different from the one at the start of this week’s reading?

"Matchmaker, Matchmaker"

Watch the way God brings speakers and seekers together this week, especially Tuesday and Thursday (Acts 8; 10):

What characteristics do you see in Phillip and Peter that allows the Lord to use them?
What makes the eunuch (Acts 8:26ff) and Cornelius (Acts 10) productive soil for the gospel (cf. Mark 4:13-20)?

"If I Were a Rich Man"

Slow down when you meet Simon the sorcerer (Acts 8:4-25), and you might find some helpful insights.

What did Simon want to buy (Acts 8:19), and what did Peter say about Simon's money (Acts 8:20)?
Philip performed signs (Acts 8:6-7; cf. Acts 6:5-6), but only a particular group of people could pass on the Spirit (Acts 8:14-19). What conclusions could you draw from this account?
What did Peter tell Simon to do for forgiveness (Acts 8:22)? How does that differ from how Simon first came to Christ (Acts 8:12-13; cf. Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16)? Can you learn anything from this story about your forgiveness?

"Sunrise, Sunset"

A turning point comes in Acts 8:1 when persecution strikes the church. But as the sun seems to set on a period of growth in Jerusalem, a new opportunity for worldwide growth arises.

How does Acts describe Stephen's martyrdom (Acts 6:8-8:3)? How are Stephen and the mob different?
How did good come from the persecution (Acts 8:1-4)?

"To Life!"

A lyric from Fiddler says, "God would like us to be joyful, even when our hearts lie panting on the floor. But how much more can we be joyful when there's really something to be joyful for?" It's fun to see what we spread when we share the gospel.

What came to Samaria along with the gospel (Acts 8:8)?
What did the eunuch do after he "came up out of the water" (Acts 8:39)?
What has come to the gentiles (Acts 11:18)?

Focus on What Matters Read or Watch

They say that multitasking is a myth. While we can do some things at the same time - like listening to music while typing an email - doing other activities simultaneously seems practically impossible.

That's the dilemma the apostles faced in Acts 6. They had too many balls in the air and not enough time to focus on them all. So how'd they juggle all these tasks, and what can we learn about staying focused today?

Trouble Triage

"Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution" (Acts 6:1).

As they continued to grow, it became clear they'd neglected an important group of people from the financial support they were collecting. And helping these Hellenist widows was undoubtedly an important task which needed to get done, not overlooked.

When you're feeling overwhelmed, it's helpful to start by writing everything down. Make a list. What issues need addressing? Are you missing anything? Only when you've acknowledged all the tasks can you start assigning their priority.

Preferred Priority

"And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, "It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. ... But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word"" (Acts 6:2, 4).

So the apostles prioritized their list. They knew what their mission was, and — more importantly — what it wasn't. Prayer and preaching the word of God was on the top of their list. So was helping feed the widows unimportant? Not at all! But that was a job which others could do.

What do you place at the top of your priority list? What's your overall purpose in life? Sometimes we act like firefighters, chasing every little issue as it comes up, rather than surgically selecting our next steps with thoughtfulness. As it's been said, "If everything is important, nothing is important!"

Delegated Duties

"Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. ... And what they said pleased the whole gathering ..." (Acts 6:3, 5).

The apostles delegated this critical job to others to manage. They stayed "hands-off," allowing the rest of the disciples to select seven men to take care of these widows. Empowered with the task, they were greatly encouraged.

Delegation is one of my biggest challenges. "If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself" has often left me feeling overworked and overstressed. Lean on each other and let others help you! And in doing so, it helps them feel a part of the community too.

So when you're juggling too much, take a lesson from the apostles. Note all your tasks, prioritize them appropriately, and ask for help from others!

Get Real, Get Honest Read or Watch

For years, researchers have been fascinated with the science of lying. How often are people dishonest in a day? Can we use body language to identify deception? Is technology effective in revealing an untruth?

In Acts 5, we meet a pair of liars who appear to be faithful to the Lord, but whose misrepresentation of the facts leads to some severe consequences.

Won't it Look Good?

"But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife's knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles' feet" (Acts 5:1-2).

Doesn't it look good on the surface? They were making a sizeable donation to support the needy, but keeping some of the proceeds for themselves. What's wrong with that? As we learn later, they misrepresented the sale price, making it seem as if they gave 100% (Acts 5:8).

What might motivate us to lie today? Often it's the same reason as they had — looking good to others. We want to seem exceptional, sacrificial, the "hero" of the story. But when we misrepresent our accomplishments to others, we're walking down the deadly path of deception.

Who Would Know?

"But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? ... Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God" (Acts 5:3-4).

They lied to the wrong man — one filled with the Holy Spirit! Satan filled their hearts, the father of all liars (John 8:44). But they didn't think anyone would be the wiser, forgetting that God always knows!

We don't walk around connected to polygraph machines today. We're unlikely to ever run into someone with Peter's ability to spot a con-artist. But that doesn't mean our lies won't be revealed someday (Luke 12:2-3). Just because you fool someone into believing you, don't think you can pull the wool over the Lord's eyes.

What Could Happen?

"When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it" (Acts 5:5).

Both he and his wife died immediately. It's a scene you might expect to find in the Old Testament. God is deadly serious about honesty! But on a positive note, it caused the rest of the church to fear.

Accounts like this help us to have a newfound respect for God too. What could happen? As John's revelation reveals, our lies may leave us destined for the lake of fire (Rev. 21:8)!

So let's be honest, realizing that God sees everything, and fear the results of misrepresenting the truth.

Come Together in Christ Read or Watch

In our politically and socially divided society, it's rare to find something which unites humanity together. Ideally, we'd be united, but practically speaking, it's far from a reality. But as Luke follows the beginnings of the Lord's church in Acts — amazingly — we see a very different story.

Singular Souls

"Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common" (Acts 4:32).

Notice the absolute language Luke uses here: "full," "one," "no one," "any of the things," and "everything." All the earliest believers were united in both heart and soul! They didn't view their possessions selfishly but shared with others. What a refreshing description!

This kind of unity remains our pattern for the church today. It's more than just a "pipe dream," but something we practice together with our brothers and sisters. We're not wall-builders, but barrier-breakers in connecting with the community of Christ's faithful followers.

Powerful Preaching

"And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all" (Acts 4:33).

If the apostles had a "hobby-horse" sermon topic, it was the resurrection of Jesus. And it makes sense that they'd continuously remind them of this. His resurrection from the grave after three days is of "first importance" to our faith (1 Cor. 15:3, 17).

The gracious gift of God, sending his only Son, binds his church together! Our worldly differences melt away when we remember his love and sacrifice for us. If you're struggling to keep the "bond of peace" with your brothers, maybe it's time for a refresher course on his resurrection!

Equity Established

"There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need" (Acts 4:34-35).

We live in a "What's mine is mine" and "What's yours is yours" kind of society. But when the earliest believers came together, they abandoned that mentality and started sharing freely with each other. Following the words of Jesus and John, they identified their abundance and cashed it out for their brothers.

And it's the same in his church today. While we individually watch out for the needs of everyone, we have a special responsibility as a church to help the household of faith (Gal. 6:10). From our abundance, we supply our brother's lack, so they can provide ours when we have a need (2 Cor. 8:13-14).

So let's live together in unity like the early church did, knit together in our soul, taking care of each other's physical needs and focusing on Jesus.

Focus on Jesus’ Power Read or Watch

Sitting in a crowded area or driving down the highway, have you ever gotten the sense that someone is staring at you? Whenever I have that sneaking suspicion I'm being watched, it often turns out to be true! And as Peter and the apostles continued their ministry in Acts 3, they found a few people staring at them rather intently.

Look at Us

"And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, "Look at us." And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, "I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!"" (Acts 3:4-6).

Cutting through the noise of the passing crowds, Peter wanted this disabled beggar's full attention — "look at us". He didn't give him a hand out, but a hand up, taking his hand and healing him from his condition.

When we reach out to the world and offer spiritual healing, it's essential to cut through the noise too. Don't be afraid to focus people's attention on your message and the example of your life of faithfulness.

Why Do You Look at Us?

"... Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk?" (Acts 3:12).

The people "were filled with wonder and amazement" (Acts 3:10). But Peter asks them an important question, "Why do you stare at us?" With humility, they acknowledge that the miraculous healing wasn't based on their power.

While we try to capture people's attention with the gospel, the power to save isn't ours! Let's be extremely careful not to become the focus. Like Paul urged when those in Lystra worshiped them as 'gods', "... We also are men, of like nature with you ..." (Acts 14:15).

Look at Jesus

"And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all" (Acts 3:16).

So Peter redirects the people's focus to Jesus — the real source of this man's healing. Without faith in Christ, man can accomplish nothing.

And don't forget to acknowledge Jesus in your work today. It's not about you, but all about him! As the Hebrew writer reminded his audience, "looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God" (Heb. 12:2).

So, may God help us impact the world with his word, bringing humanity's focus on him in all our words and deeds!

Into the Book Speak the Gospel Read or Watch

Have you ever walked around a foreign country with a phrasebook in your hand, looking for the right way to order your food or even find a bathroom? It's a disconcerting experience. Sometimes my wife and I feel like we're speaking different languages, and things get lost in translation. Only when we learn to communicate — to speak and understand — do we find a way forward.

In the Shadow of Babel

Over the last month, we saw in Luke that Jesus' salvation is for everyone, not just the Jews (cf. Luke 2:30-32). This month we'll see Christ's saving work reach all kinds of people. Though this week's chapters all take place in Jerusalem, right from the start, God signals his desire to bring together a restored human race. One of the early symptoms of humanity's moral decline was God's confusion of our languages at the Tower of Babel (Gen. 11:1-9). In a dramatic sign inaugurating the last days (Acts 2:16-17), the disciples begin to speak to people of over a dozen homelands and languages — each hearing the words in their native language (Acts 2:8-11)!

Lost in Translation

This passage includes some phrases that might be unfamiliar, so let's get a little context.

What's the Day of Pentecost? One of three Jewish pilgrimage feasts (Exod. 34:22), held fifty days after Passover (Lev. 23:16), celebrating the firstfruits of the wheat harvest (Exod. 34:22). Jews from across the world gathered to Jerusalem to celebrate, hence the diverse audience in Acts 2. The thousands saved that day were the firstfruits of a worldwide harvest for the Lord.
What's the Sanhedrin? The Supreme Court of the Jews made up of 70 men plus the High Priest.
Who were the Hellenists? A minority of the population of Jerusalem were Jews whose first language was Greek, rather than Aramaic. Some of these culturally different Jews became disciples (Acts 6:1).

Keep Talking!

Acts is a book about witnesses (Acts 1:8) who must keep speaking! The Holy Spirit empowers them to speak (Acts 2). People told them to stop talking, and they said "we cannot but speak" (Acts 4:20). And when problems arose among them, they said they could not even "give up preaching the Word" to deal with it (Acts 6:2). As you read, consider the importance of the spoken Word in your life — both hearing it and sharing it!

Life-Changing Words

Here are a few application questions to consider as you read this week.

Something New: What signs of a different kind of community do you see in this group? How can we imitate their zeal, reverence, love, prayer-life, and boldness?
Trouble in Paradise: What three problems do you notice develop in the readings for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (Acts 4-6)? How does the new community deal with these problems?
Preaching's Greatest Hits: What are the main ideas in Peter's sermons this week? What do you learn about Jesus and Christianity? How should this affect the message you share?

Follow the Apostle's Journey Read or Watch

The greatest storytellers love to leave us hanging until their next installment. While not as common in our binge-watching age, "To be continued ..." keeps us guessing about what's to come.

Luke continues his fantastic narrative of Jesus' accomplishments with the book of Acts — following his apostle's progress after Jesus ascended to heaven.

Power Promised

"... wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, "... you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now ... you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you"" (Acts 1:4-5, 8).

During his life, Christ backed up his powerful preaching with incredible miracles as proof. But now that he's leaving, how will the world confirm the instruction of his apostles to be true? As Jesus promised, the Holy Spirit would also give them power!

While many false apostles claimed to be from Christ, only true apostles were able to back up their message with miracles. Do you believe the words of Christ AND his apostles, or are you listening to someone other than them?

Scope Set

"... and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

Before Jesus ascended to heaven, he assigned them an exclusive job title: witnesses in the world! But how would they remember all the events of the last three years? As Jesus said, "... the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you" (John 14:26).

Soon they'd leave the confines of Jerusalem and journey throughout the whole world, sharing what they had seen. And their message speaks to us even today. Will you listen to their testimony and believe in Jesus today?

Ally Added

"And they prayed and said, "You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place." And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles" (Acts 1:24-26).

With Judas' betrayal and suicide, they were down a worker. So they called on God to provide them with another apostle. While we don't know much about Matthias' work, we see that God was still helping them after Jesus ascended.

And God is still helping us today. Calling on him in prayer, he cares for us and offers to support us in uncertain times (1 Peter 5:7). He thoroughly equips us with all the tools we need to serve him (2 Tim. 3:17)!

So jump back into Luke's powerful words, and follow along as the apostles continue Christ's work on earth.

Ask Probing Questions Like Jesus Read or Watch

If Jesus had a favorite tool in his disciple-training toolbox, it was asking probing questions. With just a few simple words, he challenged people's thinking, making them work through their biases and beliefs. He always knew the answer, but his audience rarely did.

After his triumphal resurrection from the dead — before anyone realized what had happened — Jesus had a curious conversation with two confused travelers on the way out of Jerusalem.

"What Things?"

"Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" And he said to them, "What things?"..." (Luke 24:18-19).

Imagine talking to Jesus, but not realizing it was him! These two men had no idea they were speaking with the Savior. So they answered his question by explaining all the events that had happened (Luke 24:19-24), as if Christ didn't know.

Often the best place to start in sharing the good news of Christ is addressing the "What?" question. Don't assume they've already heard about Christ. Keep it simple and stick to the facts. Explain who Jesus was, what happened to him, and how it makes you feel.

"Wasn't it Necessary?"

"... And he said to them, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?"" (Luke 24:25-26).

But the two men — filled with doubt — didn't fully understand what had taken place. So, pointing them back to the words of the Prophets for guidance, "... he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself" (Luke 24:27).

Sharing the facts about Jesus may not be enough. Expect follow-up "Why?" questions. The message of Christ's victory through death seems like nonsense to the world (1 Cor. 1:21-25). So be patient and be prepared to give the reasons for your hope, with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15).

"Why Are You Troubled?"

Once the men realized who they'd spoken to, they rushed back to Jerusalem to share their story with the other disciples. And as they were talking, Jesus appears with more questions for them.

"... Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. ..." (Luke 24:37-39).

Don't forget to ask the "What now?" question when sharing Christ with the world. The evidence and reasoning demand a decision — to accept him or remain doubtful. While we plant and water the seed (1 Cor. 3:6-7), ultimately, the choice to commit their lives to the Lord is theirs.

So, let's do our part to lead humanity out of fear into faith, using the powerful and probing questions Jesus asked two strangers after his resurrection.

Fear God and See Your Guilt Read or Watch

What do you think your last words on earth will be? Will they be profoundly insightful words, or maybe something less meaningful? The Bible records the deathbed statements of many people throughout history. And as Jesus hung on the cross between two thieves, Luke shares the final conversation these men had with the Savior before they died.

"One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!"" (Luke 23:39).

While one of these criminals desperately mocked Jesus, the words of the second man were much more reverent.

Don't You Fear God?

"But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?"" (Luke 23:40).

He comes to Jesus' defense and corrects the other lawbreaker — rhetorically asking if he fears God because of their current pain and punishment. Open your eyes to your problems, since you're no better off!

But we can be guilty of this kind of deflection today. It's the "speck in your brother's eye" problem all over again (Luke 6:41). And when we fall into that trap, don't we need someone like this faith-filled felon to tell it to us straight? Fearing God leads us to get real with ourselves — to see the sad situation that sin has plunged us into.

We're Guilty!

"And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds ..." (Luke 23:41).

In other words, "We're getting what we deserve!" Matthew says these men were robbers (Matt. 27:38), and whatever they stole, it's clear they were guilty, unlike Jesus.

But what sins are you guilty of? What punishment do you deserve? It's time we own up to our guilt as the thief did. But despite our guilt, God loves us and offers us peace with himself through Jesus' death. Though we were his enemies — guilty of sin and undeserving — through faith, we have access to his free gift of grace (Rom. 5:1-11).

He's Not!

"... but this man has done nothing wrong" (Luke 23:41).

We've all heard the phrase, "It takes one to know one." And this man is mindful enough, in spite of his agony, to realize that Jesus isn't a criminal like them.

Jesus faced all the weakness and temptation this world could bring but endured it all without sin (Heb. 4:15). He came sinlessly to take away our sins. And as John said, "No one who abides in him keeps on sinning ..." (1 John 3:6). And because he knows what we're going through, he's uniquely qualified to plead our case before the Father.

So, may God help us to fear him, accept our guilt, and rely on our sinless Savior. And may we faithfully call on the Lord to "remember us," as this criminal did before he died.

Fight a Spiritual Battle Read or Watch

Have you ever told your kids to "knock it off?" It seems that's a commonly used tool in my parenting toolbox whenever our daughter isn't acting appropriately. But in the hours leading to his crucifixion, like a father, Jesus tells his disciples to "knock it off" too.

Two Swords

"He said to them, "But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. ..." And they said, "Look, Lord, here are two swords." And he said to them, "It is enough."" (Luke 22:36-38).

He tells his disciples that it's time to pack their bags and arm themselves. But he's not preparing them for a physical battle. Like with so many of his teachings, the disciples misunderstand. Looking around and presenting two swords to Jesus, he tells them, essentially, to "knock it off" — they've missed the point.

While we have the benefit of hindsight to see what Jesus is really talking about, do we still misunderstand his message today? Jesus isn't leading a physical kingdom, where we arm ourselves for hand-to-hand combat with the world. The nature of our battle is spiritual (John 18:36; Eph. 6:12)!

One Ear

"And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?" And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear" (Luke 22:49-50).

A short while later, Judas approaches with a crowd to arrest Jesus. With his prior (misunderstood) words of battle still ringing in their ears, the disciples take up arms to defend their King. And before Jesus can stop them, Peter "knocks off" the ear of the high priest's servant (John 18:10).

It's amazing how far off track we get when we jump to conclusions. But Peter probably felt justified in physically defending Jesus, especially considering David's words about not harming the Lord's anointed (1 Sam. 24:6). But what if we're fighting the wrong battle today? What if we've missed the point?

No More

"But Jesus said, "No more of this!" And he touched his ear and healed him" (Luke 22:51).

Again, Jesus tells them to "knock it off!" — and miraculously heals the man's ear. Jesus showed his concern for man's restoration over their destruction. And it's the same care that led him to call on God from the cross to "forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34).

But what about you? Are you more interested in tearing others down rather than building them up? Are you taking up arms against your enemies rather than offering them spiritual healing? If so, maybe you need to hear those pointed words of Jesus' correction today: "Knock it off!"

Into the Book See the Big Picture Read or Watch

When we go on vacation, my wife likes to work on a big, thousand-piece puzzle. I used to wonder, "what's the point?" Isn't it simpler to look at the picture on the box? But as those final pieces click into place and you see it all together, it's not hard to understand the appeal. I once got in trouble for robbing my wife of that satisfying sense of completion by sticking a piece in my pocket and filling the last empty spot myself. I still haven't heard the end of that one!

See the Big Picture

Like assembling pieces in a cardboard puzzle, as we end Luke and begin Acts this week, it's an ideal time to take a step back and notice how it all fits together. Luke's gospel has three acts.

Act I (Luke 1:1-9:44) focuses on Jesus' identity. Everyone kept asking, "Who is this guy?" — his hometown neighbors (Luke 4:22), Pharisees (Luke 5:22), his cousin (Luke 7:20), and even his disciples (Luke 8:25). At last, Peter identified Jesus as "the Christ of God" — the King (Luke 9:20), and God confirmed it from heaven as Christ's face shone (Luke 9:35).
Act II (Luke 9:51-19:45) follows Jesus on a journey to Jerusalem, as he prepares his disciples for the decisive events that await him there.
Act III (Luke 19:46-24:53) is the climax — the Lord's last days in Jerusalem, leading up to his betrayal, trial, and death. Then he rose from the dead and explained that the Big Picture story of Scripture comes together in him (Luke 24:27).

Frame the Edges

Everybody knows you start a puzzle by finding all the flat-edged pieces and framing the outside. Likewise, Luke will begin Acts by framing the contents of the book in Christ's last words before ascending (Acts 1:8).

Jesus says that first, they'll "receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon" them. The disciples will wait in Jerusalem (Acts 1) for the Spirit to come in power on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2).
Next, he says, "you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem." The disciples will proclaim the risen Lord in Jerusalem (Acts 2-7) until persecution scatters them.
Then, they'll preach "in all Judea and Samaria," as Philip preaches to Samaritans and an Ethiopian (Acts 8).
Finally, the Word will go "to the end of the earth" as Peter and Paul bring the gospel into the gentile world (Acts 9-28).

Connect the Pieces

It's easy to miss the unity of Luke's gospel and Acts, but he wrote them to tell Theophilus one continuous story about Christ's work. Luke opens Acts by summarizing "the first book" where he "dealt with all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up" (Acts 1:1). The word "began" means that Jesus continues that work through his church, so Acts tells that story.

Appreciate Your Work

Half the fun of jigsaw puzzles is admiring your completed work. On that note, take a minute at the end of this week to acknowledge that — a month in — you've already finished reading the longest book in the New Testament. Keep up the good work!

Silence the Insincere Softly Read or Watch

Have you ever seen an anglerfish? This deepsea predator uses a tactic called "aggressive mimicry" to capture its prey using a kind of glowing fishing rod on its head. While an unsuspecting fish is mesmerized by the harmless glowing light, it never sees the giant jaws of the hunter coming to eat them. It's the same tactic the religious leaders used to try and trap Jesus in his words.

"So they watched him and sent spies, who pretended to be sincere, that they might catch him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor" (Luke 20:20).

Malicious Motivation

"The scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on him at that very hour, for they perceived that he had told this parable against them, but they feared the people" (Luke 20:19).

The religious leaders were offended and wanted to kill him. When someone hurts us, it's easy to let our anger take control. We stop listening, stop reasoning, and become laser-focused on "getting even." If we're not careful, we'll lash out. Or maybe we'll just "stew on it," thinking about how to retaliate.

If you've ever felt this way, remember that man's anger never produces God's righteousness (James 1:20).

Insincere Inquiries

"So they asked him, "Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?"" (Luke 20:21-22).

Doesn't their question seem sincere? There's nothing wrong with asking questions about the Bible. But what are we trying to accomplish? If we're sincerely seeking to know God's will for our lives, then we're on the right path. But if we're aiming to undermine the credibility of the Bible, twisting the Scriptures, we're headed down a destructive path (2 Peter 3:16).

Caught in Craftiness

"But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them, "Show me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?" They said, "Caesar's." He said to them, "Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." And they were not able in the presence of the people to catch him in what he said, but marveling at his answer they became silent" (Luke 20:23-26).

Jesus saw beyond the facade and silenced them with his response. Unlike Jesus, sometimes it's hard to know when people are trying to trap us today. So let's be on guard and test every spirit (1 John 4:1) — ready to answer like Jesus did, with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15).

May God give us a heart of sincerity in seeking him. And may our words and conduct silence our critics like Jesus did (1 Peter 2:12, 15).

Rejoice and Praise the King Read or Watch

The time has come for Jesus to enter Jerusalem — a moment he's mentioned many times during his ministry. In only a few days, he'll face the angry crowds and be led away to his public execution. But as he makes his way into the holy city, riding on a donkey, the people shout their songs of praise and honor for their King.

"… as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen" (Luke 19:36-37).

So, as Jesus made his way through the jacket-lined roads, let's look at a few of the things he heard along the way.

"Blessed is the King"

"Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!" (Luke 19:38).

Reciting an old familiar phrase from their songbook, they're doing just as the psalm continues, "... We bless you from the house of the Lord" (Psalm 118:26). Like a royal procession into the city, they show their King the highest honor and praise as he makes his way through the gates.

But Jesus knew they'd shout these words of praise when he came back. As he lamented the rejection of Jerusalem long before this joyful day, he said, "Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!'" (Luke 13:35).

"Peace and Glory"

"... Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" (Luke 19:38).

If Jesus' life could be summarized in two words, "peace" and "glory" may be the most appropriate. He brought an otherworldly peace to the faithful who follow him (John 14:27). His whole life brought glory and honor to the Lord (John 12:27-28). But sadly, those who shouted his praise from the streets would soon be crying for his death just a few days later (Luke 23:21).

While these are fitting words for a time of celebration, we've heard them before in Jesus' life. Like bookends, they're said at the end, but also at the beginning of his time on earth. Remember the heavenly hosts who exclaimed at his birth, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" (Luke 2:13-14)?

While the people shouted, the religious leaders tried to silence them. But he said, "I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out" (Luke 19:39-40).

So, let's cry out today. As living stones in his spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5), let's rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all his mighty works!

Connect With the Humble Read or Watch

Think of someone you're better than. Got them in mind? Now quit it!

In Luke 18, Jesus addressed the people's feelings of superiority over others by showing them what it looks like to truly love the lowly.

The Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14)

Jesus shares the famous parable of two men praying in the temple. While a Pharisee pridefully proclaimed his greatness before God, especially compared to this sinful tax collector, the tax collector wouldn't even lift up his eyes in shame. Hitting himself, he begged for mercy over his sins. And Jesus said only one of those men went away justified — the one who humbled himself.

Sin is the great equalizer. We've all done it (Rom. 3:23) — rich or poor, strong or weak, famous or unknown. Without God's mercy, we're just like everyone else: lost. And when we overlook our shortcomings to highlight our accomplishments, comparison and contempt for others are soon to follow.

Will you find common ground with the lowly by admitting that you're no better without God's mercy?

The Children (Luke 18:15-17)

Apparently Jesus' disciples struggled with a "superiority complex" too! When parents brought their children to touch the Savior, his followers reprimanded them. But that didn't fly with Jesus! He called them to come closer, saying "for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it" (Luke 18:16-17).

Pride and earthly accomplishment have a way of robbing God of our hope and trust (1 Tim. 6:17). But the meek and lowly, like children, don't have those kinds of distractions. They're completely dependent on their parents. So, Jesus points us down the social ladder rather than up.

Will you trust in God like a child who depends on their parents for everything?

The Blind Beggar (Luke 18:35-43)

When a blind man heard that Jesus was nearby, he began calling out for mercy. Apparently his persistence got on people's nerves — remember the widow from his earlier parable (Luke 18:1-8)? Like the children, Jesus calls this man closer and then heals him with a word. With his newfound sight, he follows the group praising God along the way.

Ever find yourself annoyed by "needy" people? Jesus wasn't bothered by the lowly who kept calling him. He saw it as an act of great faith. It's easy to discount others when they get on our nerves, but loving them leads us to answer their continual cries for help.

Is there someone who's been asking you for help that you've ignored for too long?

Do you struggle with pride and superiority? Lower yourself and connect with the lowly around you, just like Jesus, our humble Savior, did with those he met!

Remember to Show Gratitude Read or Watch

Have you ever told your kids, "Now, what do you say?" when they've received a gift or had someone treat them with kindness? In our house, to avoid that sometimes awkward interaction, I'll look at my daughter and use the sign language word for "Thank you," to remind her to be grateful. And Luke records a time in Jesus' ministry where a few former lepers needed this same reminder.

"On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us"" (Luke 17:11-13).

After he healed them, only one turned back to say thanks. Let's look at how Jesus reacted to this man's expression of gratitude.

"Were Not Ten Cleansed?" (Luke 17:17)

After pleading with Jesus to heal them, he does. And each had equal reason to be thankful for his miraculous healing, as they all shared the same disease. He didn't show partiality in his mercy — picking and choosing which of them he would cleanse — he extended it to all ten.

His promise to cleanse us of our sins is the same today. All who call on him in faith will find forgiveness (Rom. 10:13), without partiality (Rom. 2:11)!

"Where Are the Nine?" (Luke 17:17)

Can't you hear the disappointment in Jesus' words? Have you ever felt that way — gone out of your way to show kindness to someone, only to have them respond with ingratitude? And what greater gift could Jesus have given them physically than to heal their life-altering condition? It seems that nine of them were so caught up in the moment — so distracted by their newfound healing — that they forgot where it came from.

Our hope in constantly reminding our daughter to say "Thank you," is that eventually, it'll become second-nature. But do we need to be reminded to be grateful? Will we be like the one who turned back to praise God or the nine who went about their business?

"Was No One Found ...?" (Luke 17:18)

""Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" And he said to him, "Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well"" (Luke 17:18-19).

Jesus makes a point to encourage this faithful Samaritan for returning. But he expected more from God's chosen people. Maybe those nine Jewish lepers were too "numb" to the blessings of God, but his miracle seriously changed this foreigner's life.

Outsiders, those heavily rooted in worldliness, can be some of the best people to share the good news with. As a doctor goes to those who are sick (Luke 5:31), that should be our aim in sharing Christ with others too.

So, let's live with gratitude for God's salvation — never forgetting to glorify him for cleansing us from all our sins!

Into the Book Prepare for the Storm Read or Watch

They say you can tell a storm is coming by the signs in nature. The temperature drops suddenly, leaves go limp and show their undersides, dogs get jumpy, and of course, there's that fantastic smell. In the midwest, you can always tell a snowstorm is coming by the lines at the supermarket. And because every person you've seen that week only wanted to talk about the weather. In this week's reading, we'll watch the signs, as the storm at the end of the book draws near.

The Coming Storm

This week, we'll complete the Jerusalem Journey, the long middle section of the book (Luke 9:51-19:44). In this last stretch, Luke punctuates the climactic climb by mentioning Jesus' location at every stop. With each chapter, the dark clouds on the horizon loom larger. The distant thunder's rumble grows louder as he's "on the way to Jerusalem" (Luke 17:11), then he "_ entered Jericho and was passing through_" (Luke 19:1), just down the road from his destination (cf. Luke 10:30). Then he's "near to Jerusalem" (19:11), "going up to Jerusalem" (Luke 19:28), and "drew near to Bethphage and Bethany," villages overlooking the city (Luke 19:29). At last, like a refreshing burst of light rain, "drawing near — already on the way down the Mount of Olives" (Luke 19:37) the multitude bless "the King who comes in the name of the Lord" (Luke 19:38). But don't miss the Lord's response "when he drew near and saw the city" (Luke 19:41), which reveals the coming torrent for what it is.

Severe Reading Advisory

We'll begin this week with a Strange Stewardship Parable that might seem confusing (Luke 16:1-13). Why does the master compliment the dishonest manager for his shrewdness? Christ doesn't praise dishonesty, but the forethought of the man who maximized his opportunities to set himself up for the future. How can we be shrewd with our money now, to gain rewards later?
Dead Men Talking: One of the great figures of the Old Testament makes an appearance in one of the Lord's stories in chapter 16. His message to a doomed man may haunt you. Some things are beyond changing. What does it teach you about wealth, faith, and the Word of God?

The Five Day Forecast

Here's what to expect this week.

Money Monday. From the Shrewd Manager to the Rich Man and Lazarus, chapter 16 will force us to ponder our possessions.
Trial Tuesday (Luke 17). Relationship challenges, the temptation to exalt ourselves and neglect thanksgiving, and the trials coming upon Jerusalem.
"What Do You Want?" Wednesday (Luke 18). Reflect on your prayers and wishes as two parables poke at your prayer life, a rich man faces a crossroads, and Jesus asks a bling man a simple question.
Triumphal Thursday (Luke 19). Jesus stops for dinner with a famous "wee little man," before entering Jerusalem.
Fiery Friday (Luke 20). After forcefully cleansing the temple to end chapter 19, the conflict increases throughout chapter 20, as the leaders try to trap Jesus again and again.

Seek the Lost Unselfishly Read or Watch

I love pie — pumpkin, pecan, peach, lemon, key-lime, basically every kind of pie! The only thing I don't like about it is watching someone else cut a slice — one less piece for me! But joking aside, that's the kind of selfish approach Jesus' critics held in Luke 15.

"... the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, "This man receives sinners and eats with them"" (Luke 15:1-2).

So, Jesus responds with three parables about finding lost things. The final, and most pointed one, directly addressed their sour attitude — the prodigal's angry brother.

Personal Pity Party

"Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.' But he was angry and refused to go in ..." (Luke 15:25-28).

Have you ever thrown a pity party when you heard of someone else's success? Sadly, I have. But why do we do that? From the older brother, we see his selfishness, envy, jealousy, and lack of love for his brother. Rather than rejoicing when good things happen to others, it's too easy to make it all about us. But Jesus goes on.

Just the Facts

"... His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, 'Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!'" (Luke 15:28-30).

Did you notice that everything the older brother said was factually correct? Do we excuse our feelings of jealousy and selfishness that way — by listing out all the facts? When we focus so much on justice that we forget about mercy, we're walking the road of anger and bitterness. When we refuse to show mercy to others, God won't show us mercy either (James 2:13).

Enough for All

"And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.'" (Luke 15:31-32).

Salvation isn't like a pie. There's enough to go around for everyone! And when a lost soul is found, the only appropriate response is to celebrate. Like the father reminded the older son, do you need a refresher course of your blessings in Christ?

Praise God that salvation is extended to all! And may he help us search out the lost ones of this world, rather than selfishly shutting them out and looking down on them in judgment.

Stay Salty in Your Service Read or Watch

Late-night infomercial hosts are usually peddling products with multiple functions. "It slices! It dices!" But what happens when those kitchen gizmos break and fail to perform any of their intended tasks effectively?

"Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear" (Luke 14:34-35).

Through this short, but powerful example, Jesus teaches us a critical lesson in fulfilling our function as his disciples.

No Use

Little has changed since Jesus' day with how we use salt today. It's used in agriculture, as a preservative, and most commonly, enhancing a food's flavor. Watch any cooking competition show, and you'll likely hear complaints about the lack of seasoning at the judge's table.

As disciples, we have a specific function in this world. Without stretching the metaphor too far, we promote growth, seek to preserve the lives of the lost, and extend a satisfying message of salvation to the world. But what happens when we stop serving our purpose?

Beyond Repair?

Jesus rhetorically asks, "... how shall its saltiness be restored?" (Luke 14:34). It's not to say that, like the prodigal son in the next chapter, we can't come to our senses and return, but it'll be an uphill climb! And Peter warns that those who turn to Christ but then go back to the world are in a much worse state than they were before (2 Peter 2:20).

If you're unwilling to serve your function as a believer, that's a huge problem! How can God use you if you're too stubborn to obey him? Jesus warns us all that there's only one thing left to do with functionless former followers.

Thrown Away

Saltless salt isn't even useful for the dirt or the manure pile. Yikes! So, what's left, but the trash can? While we live in a "throw-away society" today, the idea of dumping something in the trash was a much bigger deal in the first century. Even those who lived through the great depression could probably teach us a lesson or two about re-using and recycling worn-out items. But at some point, there's no value in keeping something around if it's beyond repair.

How would you feel if Jesus called you "useless?" It honestly makes me cringe just thinking about it. And unless we want to be discarded, as so many of Jesus' parables about judgment illustrate, it's time to start doing our jobs in his service if we're not already!

So, the next time you reach for the salt shaker at dinner, think about your role in the kingdom, and whether or not you're doing your part as a useful and functional member.

Start Small and Grow Big Read or Watch

Throughout the decades, Hollywood has captivated audiences with larger than life characters — giant gorillas, supersized superheroes, and even towering toddlers. Wouldn't it be great to suddenly find yourself bigger than you are?

Jesus talks about the exploding growth of his kingdom in Luke 13, starting with a simple question: "What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it?" (Luke 13:18). And compared to the kingdom, he points to a mustard seed and a little leaven.

Small Beginnings

"It is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his garden, and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches" (Luke 13:19).

Matthew refers to mustard seeds as "the smallest of all seeds" (Matt. 13:32). And the kingdom started the same way — small. A "grassroots" movement lead by a lowly carpenter's son, a handful of disciples, and a minority of devoted followers would eventually change the world (but more on that later)!

And most of us don't start out serving the King in "big" ways, and that's okay. Like a seed, it takes time to establish roots before we can begin bearing fruit. Don't get discouraged by where you start from, as long as you're always taking steps towards growth.

Almost Forgotten

"It is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, until it was all leavened" (Luke 13:21).

Jesus says the man buried the seed in the ground, and the woman hid the leaven in the dough. Out of sight, out of mind? In addition to starting small, there'd be a period early on where many would forget about the kingdom. Think about the fear and sorrow those faithful disciples felt when it seemed they wasted their time after Christ died (John 20:19). And how many Jews probably went back to "business as usual" before they heard Peter at Pentecost?

We all go through periods where we don't feel like we're making enough progress in our faith. But don't give up! Keep your eyes on Jesus and be patient.

Big Impact

"... If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you" (Luke 17:6).

In time, the mustard seed and leaven massively multiplied in size and impact. And so did the kingdom! You might say that it "turned the world upside down" (Acts 17:6). And the gospel of Jesus still has the power to change hearts, almost 2,000 years later.

Through faith in Christ, you can have a massive impact on the world too! With his word in your heart, you're thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17)!

So, don't get discouraged. Keep pushing, growing, and doing your part as you serve the King today!

Let God Refine You Read or Watch

You've probably heard the phrase "fighting fire with fire." It may seem counterintuitive, but if you're a firefighter, starting a small controlled burn is an effective way of keeping a brushfire from spreading. By burning a line in the fire's path, you create a barrier that the fire can't cross.

As Jesus taught his disciples in Luke 12, he told them of a similar approach to saving us from certain destruction.

His Fire

"I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled!" (Luke 12:49).

Fire reveals impurities from metal so they can be removed. And God's fire refines us in the same way. As Zechariah prophesied, "And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested" (Zech. 13:9). It's this fire that tests our works and our firm foundation in Christ (1 Cor. 3:13-15).

So, since fire can reveal the real strength of our faith, what will testing show about you?

His Baptism

"I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished!" (Luke 12:50).

Wait a second, wasn't Jesus already baptized by John? He was, but water baptism isn't what he's talking about here. In this case, he's referring to his upcoming death on the cross. He's about the pay the ultimate price for our sins, and he's deeply troubled by the thought. But it's his death that prevents our eternal death — like fighting fire with fire!

So, if Christ was willing to endure the pain of crucifixion for us, what are you ready to pay?

Our Division

"Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law" (Luke 12:51-53).

Jesus didn't come to bring peace? Doesn't that contradict passages like Isaiah 9:6, where he's called the "Prince of Peace?" Don't miss his statement "on the earth" here! Christ didn't sacrifice himself to merely bring harmony between men. He came to bring peace between us and God (Rom. 5:1), not peace for the unfaithful who reject him. He created a barrier between believers and unbelievers through his death — a division that you may even find in your own family!

So, have you accepted that following Christ may put you at odds with those you love?

These are hard words to accept from Jesus. But may God refine our faith and help us pass the test of fire that we'll all face someday!

Into the Book Feast on Christ’s Teaching Read or Watch

I remember going to this party years ago that started at one house for appetizers, then went to another home for soup. Then onto the main course, before traveling to a final house for dessert. It's called a progressive dinner, and it was a lot of fun! This week's reading is kind of like that progressive dinner.

Meals on Wheels

We’re in the middle act of the book, Christ's journey toward Jerusalem (Luke 9:51-19:44). As we travel, it sometimes feels like a trip from one dinner party to another. Jesus will attend feasts in the homes of two different Pharisees in these chapters (Luke 11:37-54; 14:1-24). Then some will accuse him of welcoming sinners and eating with them (Luke 15:1-2).

Beyond that, the Lord's teachings will take us to quite a few fascinating parties, like the grand banquet for the poor and crippled, the celebration in heaven, and the famous "fatted calf" supper a father held for his wayward son. In his banquet parables, the Lord explains the nature of his kingdom. Who will the king invite? What should we do as we wait for the feast? And what kind of thing makes God want to throw a party?

He also gives us some kingdom party etiquette. Like, who should you invite when you host a banquet? Where should you sit when you're a guest? How do these instructions apply to other areas of our lives?

Turning Down the Invitation?

Jesus describes the chosen people as a select guest list who decline the party invitation (Luke 14:16-24). Rather than receiving the Messiah and his kingdom, most of the Jews missed God's time of visitation (cf. Luke 18:42, 44). So from the fig tree parable to the warning to interpret time correctly to the lament over Jerusalem, listen for Christ's sad, prophetic message of judgment on the nation and its capital, Jerusalem.

What's on the Menu?

For my wife and me, our biggest wedding day regret is not finding time to enjoy the beautiful dinner we planned for everyone. We ran from table to table visiting folks, but never got more than a few bites ourselves, as we played host and then shuffled off to our honeymoon.

As Christ prepares his disciples to follow him after he's gone, Luke fills these chapters with disciple training. Like those first disciples, we need this training. So as you read this section, don't forget to partake in the meal yourself.

Do I think of money the way Jesus did?
Does my prayer life reflect the confidence Jesus teaches?
Do I readily acknowledge Christ before men?
Am I striving to enter, knowing the cost of following him?

God's people have anticipated a Great Messianic Banquet since Isaiah's time (Isaiah 25:6-7; 55:1-2; cf. Luke 14:15; 13:29). Reading Luke 11-15, examine your readiness for the master and his feast (Luke 12:35-48).

Programming Note: This week, we're replaying some of our favorite episodes from the past. We'll be back Monday with brand new episodes.

Stranger Things Be of Service to Strangers Read or Watch

One of my favorite movies growing up was about a strange little alien stranded on earth. After meeting some young kids, the extra-terrestrial plays dress-up, eats candy, rides bikes, and eventually phones his parents to pick him up. But he never could have returned home without his newfound friends.

As believers, we’re also called to help the strangers among us. So, what can we do to offer our assistance to those we don’t know?

Warm and Welcoming

“But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him” (Luke 10:33–34).

The Samaritan showed mercy, even though he knew nothing about the beaten-down man. We’re the peacemakers — the meek, merciful, and poor in spirit (Matt. 5:2-12). And Jesus promises to bless us when we show our concern for each other. Even in the smallest of interactions with strangers, do they see a glimpse of the fruit of God’s Spirit within you (Gal. 5:22-23), or is the encounter cold, callous, and uncaring?

Liberal Lending

“_ But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful_” (Luke 6:35-36).

We’re called to go the “extra mile” (Matt. 5:41) — above and beyond what’s expected of us. We follow Jesus’ call to “give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back” (Luke 6:30). We share our possessions with strangers and those who hate us — not just with friends and family. Like the children of Israel, we reserve the corners of our fields “_ ... for the poor and for the sojourner_” (Lev. 19:9-10).

Listening and Leading

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matt. 9:36).

Our compassion towards the stranger leads us to empathy and action. Like Jesus, we see their most significant need for salvation, and we “pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Matt. 9:38). We see their helpless condition and connect with them, leading them to the light of Christ’s love. And while we do what we can to help them physically, the bulk of our efforts are spent on supplying them spiritually.

So may God open our eyes to the needs of the stranger — to step in and help by showing mercy, supplying their needs, and leading them to the Lord!

Programming Note: This week, we're replaying some of our favorite episodes from the past. We'll be back Monday with brand new episodes.

Let Jesus Multiply Your Abilities Read or Watch

Have you ever been so hungry you could eat a horse? How would you react to finding your kitchen stocked with nothing but condiments and a few goldfish crackers? Most of us have had times when the pickings were slim for our next meal — and so did Jesus before one of his most famous miracles.

"'There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?' ... Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted" (John 6:9-11).

So what can we learn about Jesus and his power to stock our spiritual pantries today?

The Messiah of Multiplication

Jesus provides in abundance from seemingly nothing. Those who ate had "as much as they wanted" (John 6:11) and "had eaten their fill" (John 6:12). He provided an all-you-can-eat meal. No fancy restaurant tiny dishes here! Jesus lavished them with enough to satisfy them. Notably, the description of their leftovers drives home the point that Jesus doesn't do anything in half-measures. Like "the best wine" he made in his first miracle (John 2:1-12), he didn't leave anyone wishing for something more. But it all started with a deficit. There wasn't enough to go around, yet Jesus sent them home with doggie bags!

Meager Beginnings

Sometimes we might look at our meager beginnings — like the five barley loaves and two fish — and find ourselves lacking or unworthy. "What could Jesus possibly do with me?" It seems impossible that we could be a valuable contributor in his extraordinary work. But Jesus can bypass our human merits and do something abundantly through us, as God said, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts" (Zech. 4:6). It's not because we are anything, but because he is everything!

Be the Basket

We all can probably relate to Paul's self-assessment, when he said, "The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost" (1 Tim. 1:15). But only when we move beyond who we are, can we realize what Jesus can do with us, as Paul continued, "But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life" (1 Tim. 1:16). Jesus can use us, even in our weakness, to show the full extent of his perfection through us.

You don't start out as a full basket. You're not equipped to the task by yourself. But Jesus can multiply your abilities (Matt. 25:14-30) and mold you into a fully-functional member of his kingdom (2 Tim. 3:17).

Programming Note: This week, we're replaying some of our favorite episodes from the past. We'll be back Monday with brand new episodes.

Hear the Voice of His Miracles Read or Watch

Before our daughter could talk, we taught her some basic sign language to help her communicate. Words like "please," "more," "all done," and "thank you." It's incredible how quickly she caught on and especially convenient around dinner time.

"Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name" (John 20:31-32).

Throughout Jesus' ministry, he performed many signs (or miracles) to solidify our belief in him. He spoke to us in those moments, often without speaking. So, what do his signs tell us about his power and authority?

He Supplies Our Needs

When a wedding party ran out of wine, Jesus made more from some jars of water (John 2:1-12). When a large crowd needed food, Jesus multiplied a few loaves and fish to feed them (John 6:1-14).

If he has the power to take care of physical needs, he can also take care of the greatest spiritual needs. As he said, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst" (John 6:35). So, let these signs speak to you, and trust him to provide for you eternally.

He Has Power Over This World

When Jesus wanted to see his friends in the middle of the sea, he walked there — on the water (John 6:15-21)! When a violent storm raged, he silenced it with just a word (Mark 4:39).

But despite our modern scientific advances and technology, we're still incapable of setting aside the laws of nature as he did. Who else could have such authority, then the Creator of all things? Let these signs speak to you, and trust him with the power over your life.

He Controls Sickness and Death

When Jesus met a blind man, he restored his sight after rubbing clay on his eyes (John 9:1-41). When his close friend died, he called him out of the tomb and brought him back to life (John 11:1-46).

When we're sick, we go to the doctor. But the most excellent physician is Jesus! He showed his power over physical illness and death, and he also has control over spiritual disease and the ability to raise us up on the last day (John 6:40). So, let these signs speak to you and trust him to heal and to raise you.

Jesus said, "... the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the Father has sent me" (John 5:36). What do his signs say to you? And are they enough to convince you of his love for you and his authority over your life?

Programming Note: This week, we're replaying some of our favorite episodes from the past. We'll be back Monday with brand new episodes.

Accept Jesus' Teaching Read or Watch

Think of a word that describes Jesus' teaching. Got it in mind? Did you choose the word offensive? Chances are you didn't since we usually don't think of Christ's message in that way. While he wasn't unnecessarily abrasive, harsh, or unkind with his words, plenty of people took offense at him.

"... and coming to his hometown he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, "Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter's son? ... Where then did this man get all these things?" And they took offense at him ..." (Matt. 13:54-57).

Let's look at why Jesus' teachings garnered such a strong reaction from his audience, and what it means for us today.

Offense Prophesied

"... he will become a sanctuary and a stone of offense and a rock of stumbling to both houses of Israel, a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And many shall stumble on it. They shall fall and be broken; they shall be snared and taken" (Isa. 8:14-15).

The prophets foretold his audience's reaction hundreds of years before Jesus began his ministry. He wouldn't come with a smooth, comfortable message — but one that required work to accept. He would purposefully offend, challenging them to see beyond the flesh to the spiritual nature of his instruction (John 6:60-64). And as predicted, many did stumble over his words, taking them personally, and shutting their ears to the truth.

A Countercultural Message

"'... it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.' Then the disciples came and said to him, 'Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?'" (Matt. 15:11-12).

Jesus was continually clarifying and reframing the Old Law to the religious "elite" of his day. But they wouldn't accept that their traditions were coming to an end — especially from the son of a carpenter. They saw Jesus as a troublemaker, one who was trying to rock the boat. And so, many hardened their hearts rather than accepting his words.

The Choice is Yours

Though Jesus was rejected by many, he has become the cornerstone for those who believe (1 Pet. 2:4-7). His words are our firm foundation, providing us strength and security through the storms of life (Matt. 7:24-27). And we're called to build on his foundation as a spiritual house, to serve and sacrifice for him as priests today.

So, how will you respond to Jesus' words? Will you accept them as truth or reject them as offensive? The choice is yours!

Let us never be offended by Jesus — remembering those comforting words, "... blessed is the one who is not offended by me" (Matt. 11:6).

Into the Book Journey with Jesus Read or Watch

Last week we started journeying through the New Testament, beginning with Luke. As Luke leads us through the mountains and seaside villages of Galilee, these Spirit-led words can bring us to someplace new — insights and fresh resolve to follow this unusual King. So let’s get ready to set off on the next leg of our trip through Luke.

Put Jesus “on the Map”

Back in Luke 4:19, Jesus “returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee.” Luke took us from Bethlehem to Nazareth to Judea in last week’s readings, but this period of teaching and miracle-working in Galilee will put him on the map, as he rises to new heights of fame - or infamy, depending on who you ask — in chapters 5 to 9. As you read, try to see this man from the perspective of the people around him.

Catch the Sights

When I’m on a road trip, it’s easy for me to get so caught up “making good time” that I forget to notice the interesting landmarks around me. Some of the most beloved moments in the Bible come in these chapters, so don’t rush past them without appreciating them. The Good Samaritan story will lead you to be more merciful. The story of Mary and Martha will remind you to slow down and listen at Jesus’ feet. The exchange with Peter will highlight the gravity of confessing Christ. And while Jesus shows you his power as he feeds five thousand, he’ll show you his compassion when he cares for the weak, the poor, and the outsiders - again and again.

Notice the “Turning” Point

Tensions build throughout these chapters as controversy increases. When we get to chapter nine, the pace of the events picks up even more, until the chapter closes around these heavy words:

“When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51).

He won’t arrive in Jerusalem for another ten chapters. But now he starts preparing the disciples and himself. Jerusalem isn’t just a geographic destination, it’s the completion of his work, his purpose. What’s about to happen in Jerusalem? A few verses earlier Jesus said it: “Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men" (Luke 9:44). The climax of history draws near.

Speaking of words sinking in …

Learn to Take Directions

Some of us (ahem) notoriously refuse to ask for directions, even in unfamiliar territory. A family member recently told me about a road trip where her driver got in a shouting match with Siri (the iPhone voice mapping their way)! But if we want to go where Jesus leads, we have to learn to listen.

At the end of the sermon on the plain he asks, “Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you?” (Luke‬ ‭6:46‬). Ouch! When he starts telling parables, don’t miss the surprising purpose of these parables (Luke 8:4-18). He says to “pay attention to HOW you hear” (Luke 8:18). And when Jesus’ face shines on a mountain, what does God say from above? “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!” (‭‭Luke‬ ‭9:35‬).

As you read Luke this week, take it as another opportunity to do just that — listen to him!

Be Willing to Walk Away Read or Watch

What are you carrying that you’d feel naked if you left the house without — a cell phone, wallet, keys, headphones, pocket knife, notebook, pen, Bible, or something else? Most of us can think of a few items we’d be missing if they were left behind. But Jesus was with a bunch of guys who had left everything at home to follow him.

“In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles” (Luke 6:12-13).

Let’s look at a few of these apostles and what they left behind to follow after the Messiah.

The Fishermen

“... And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him” (Luke 5:10-11).

Fishermen weren’t typically known for being very “well off” during Jesus’ day. But despite not being wealthy by the world’s standards, these humble workers walked away from their boats — and their newfound massive haul of fish (Luke 5:9) — to follow this mysterious man.

With their livelihood behind them, Jesus assigns them new jobs — man catchers! From now on, they’d be fearlessly luring in the hearts of those seeking a relationship with the Lord.

The Tax Collector

“After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, “Follow me.” And leaving everything, he rose and followed him” (Luke 5:27-28).

Like the fishermen, Levi left his job to follow Jesus. It’s not clear how much Levi knew about Jesus before leaving his tax booth, but it sure seems like he took a massive leap of faith. As a wealthy man, it must have been challenging to abandon such a high paying — yet morally questionable — job like he had!

And it’s not to say that Levi gave up his possessions when he left everything since he immediately hosts Jesus for a great feast in his home (Luke 5:29). But from that day on, Levi’s life would change from a selfish lifestyle to selfless servitude of the Savior.

And You?

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23).

While we consider the faith and commitment of Jesus’ earliest disciples, what about you? What are you willing to walk away from to follow him? Are you ready to put him before your family relationships (Luke 14:26), to give up your earthly possessions (Luke 14:33), or face a daily barrage of ridicule and threats from the world (Luke 14:27)?

Count the cost and commit to being a disciple of Christ like those fishermen and a tax collector did long ago.

Don't Let Familiarity Breed Contempt Read or Watch

At the birthplace of many great American heroes, you’re likely to find monuments to their achievements. But this wasn’t the case when Jesus went back home.

“And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. … and he stood up to read. … And all spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth. And they said, “Is not this Joseph’s son?”” (Luke 4:16, 22).

While the people of Nazareth were amazed at his teachings, they doubted the validity of his message based purely on the fact that he grew up there.

Prophet Problems

““And he said, “Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown” (Luke 4:24).

Why is it so hard to listen to someone close to us? Does familiarity really breed contempt? According to Jesus, it’s human nature to reject someone just because we know them too well. And we can do the same thing today! Do you treat strangers better than your own family sometimes? Does it take a third-party saying the same thing your spouse has been saying for it finally sink in?

Let’s never let someone’s familiarity discount their value!

Seeking Seekers

“… there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah … and Elijah was sent to none of them but only to Zarephath … And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian” (Luke 4:25-27).

Jesus goes on to compare himself with two of the greatest prophets that ever lived. Imagine how that must have made their blood boil! But his point was — sometimes those seeking help will receive it over those who would reject it. And “moving on” is exactly what Jesus told his disciples to do when they encountered opposition (Luke 9:5).

So, if we truly want help, let’s be open to receiving it!

Mob Mentality

“When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. And they rose up and drove him out of the town … so that they could throw him down the cliff” (Luke 4:28-29).

How quickly their praise turned to thoughts of murder! They took Jesus’ rebuke so personally, they were collectively ready to kill him. Have you ever joined in with mob mentality? Why is it we tend to think more clearly when we’re not in a crowd? If you ever find yourself riled up, stop and ask whether you’d be as angry without others “egging” you on.

Let’s be careful to think for ourselves and examine our biases before joining in with those around us!

While those in Nazareth rejected Jesus, will you? Acknowledge him today as the Perfect Prophet, seek his counsel, and come to your own conclusions about him through the study of his word!

Bear the Fruits of Repentance Read or Watch

In pulpits across the world, the call to repent and be baptized usually leads us to Peter's powerful words on Pentecost.

"Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit"" (Acts 2:37-38).

But paving the way to Jesus, John the Baptist proclaimed the same prescription to God's people — repent and be baptized (Luke 3:3). And just like Peter's audience, those who heard John's message asked, "What shall we do?" Let's look at a few "fruits in keeping with repentance" (Luke 3:8) that John shares.

Be Helpful

"And the crowds asked him, "What then shall we do?" And he answered them, "Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise"" (Luke 3:10-11).

Do you have a closet full of clothes or a pantry full of food? John says it's time to downsize! A mark of true repentance comes by detaching ourselves from earthly possessions and providing for those in need. Jesus echoed these same words to the rich ruler, though he seemed quite resistant to the idea (Luke 18:22-23).

So, are you willing to help others, especially considering your great abundance?

Be Honest

"Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, "Teacher, what shall we do?" And he said to them, "Collect no more than you are authorized to do"" (Luke 3:13-14).

No one was more despised than a tax collector. These Jewish citizens, employed by the Roman government, were known to collect more than they were commanded and keep the rest. But a mark of true repentance comes by being honest. We can't be deceitful and dishonest and still hope to call God our Father (John 8:44).

So, will you live with integrity, being honest in all your dealings with others?

Be Happy

"Soldiers also asked him, "And we, what shall we do?" And he said to them, "Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages"" (Luke 3:14).

Similar to the dishonesty of the tax collectors, these soldiers were also extorting money from the people. John's instruction — be satisfied with what you have! Another mark of true repentance is contentment. No longer pulled by the pursuit of worldly accomplishment, we find true satisfaction through the strength of God (Phil. 4:11-13)!

So, are you content with the simple life God has called you to?

May we all take John's lessons in repentance to heart, learning to be helpful, honest, and happy as servants of the King today!

Learn from Simeon’s Words Read or Watch

What's on your "bucket list?" While we likely all have things we'd like to do before we die, a man named Simeon had something added to his list by none other than the Holy Spirit.

"Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ" (Luke 2:25-26).

As promised, Simeon meets baby Jesus in the temple, holds him in his arms, and tells Mary and Joseph some extraordinary things about their newborn son.

God Keeps His Word

"Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word" (Luke 2:29).

Whenever God speaks, you can take his words to the bank! And when he promised Simeon that he'd get to see Jesus before he died, that's exactly what happened. If God is trustworthy in small promises, we can count on him in more significant ones too.

So, trust him to take care of your physical needs (Matt. 6:30), to deliver you from temptation (1 Cor. 10:13), and ultimately to save your soul from death (John 3:16)!

Salvation is for All

"for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel" (Luke 2:30-32).

Simeon recognized the truth that many Jews seemed to ignore. Not only would Jesus save his people, the Israelites, he would also rescue the rest of the world too. But God had already revealed the extent of his salvation (Ps. 98:2), though many Jews were too prideful to acknowledge it.

Praise God that his salvation has been extended to all people through Jesus, including you and I today!

Difficult Times Are Ahead

"Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed" (Luke 2:34-35).

Simeon then turns to Mary, revealing what no mother wants to hear — difficult times are ahead! Rather than being loved and accepted by all, Jesus would face extreme opposition. And Mary herself would be pierced through with grief over his rejection (John 19:25-27). But through the upcoming dark time of sorrow, hope remained that many would rise to experience salvation!

So, let us accept Christ today with pure thoughts and honest hearts, rather than rejecting him.

While just a brief encounter, Simeon was blessed to hold the Savior in his arms. May his words lead us to trust in God's promises, to see the salvation he brings, and to accept Christ as our Lord and King!

Into the Book Meet the Son of the Most High Read or Watch

Movie previews remind me of the tiny foods they pass around at a wedding: They’re fun because they’re mini versions of a main course, and they whet your appetite for the real thing. But sometimes my wife and I will watch a preview — maybe even laughing and enjoying it — but at the end we say, “Well, don’t need to see that movie!” Why? Because the preview already showed us the whole plot. So a good preview needs to prepare you for what you’ll see (is this a rom-com or a thriller) and build some anticipation, without spoiling the whole thing.

That’s what we hope to do with our Monday videos this year. We invite each of you to read the New Testament with us in a reading plan we designed to help us all grow in the word. Each week you’ll find an “Into the Book” Daily Download, previewing the five chapters we’ll read that week. To download a reading plan, go to biblegeeks.fm/intothebook

With that out of the way, here’s your preview for Luke 1 to 5, packed with three things you don’t want to miss, three warnings, and a cliffhanger. But let’s start by setting the stage for the story.

“In a World…”

Luke’s story begins in a world waiting for a promised king, where we find an old priest in the temple burning incense. An otherworldly messenger meets him there with a strange promise, and we’re off!

This book is the first of Luke’s two volumes on Christ and the church, both written to an official named Theophilus.

3 Things You Don’t Want to Miss

Jesus’ Mic Drop. He announces himself as the Messiah by reading Isaiah 60 in his hometown synagogue. Bold move.
The Magnificat. Mary’s famous song about the magnificence of a God who turns the tables on the strong and the weak. There’s a reason it’s a favorite of song composers (it’s beautiful!).
The Temple Encounters. Like celebrity cameos, these chapters contain intriguing, brief brushes with fascinating characters like Simeon and Anna. And how I’d love to be a fly on the temple wall, listening to a pre-teen Jesus’ talk with the teachers!

3 Warnings

This preview is approved for all audiences, but we will warn you about a couple things.

The words of John the Baptist have been known to prick sensitive hearts. If you own two coats, you might find yourself doing some closet sorting soon!
Luke is the longest book in the New Testament, but it only has 24 chapters … so some of these are looong chapters. Hang in there, it’s worth it!
And chapter 3 features every modern reader’s most daunting nemesis in these reading plans: a genealogy! But pay attention to the way it differs from Matthew’s genealogy, the way it works backwards, and goes all the way back to Adam, “the son of God.” What do you think that’s about?

3 Cliffhangers

Since no good trailer gives it all away, let’s close with a couple questions you’ll have to read to answer.

Where do all these nativity scenes around town and the carols on the radio get the story right? Where have they missed the point?
What did Peter — shockingly — tell Jesus to do when he figured out who he was?
What do you notice about Jesus’ call for Simon and Levi to follow him, that might affect our own call to discipleship today?

So, grab your Bible and dive into Luke 1-5 with us this week!

Building Plans Avoid the World's Distractions Read or Watch

While Nehemiah lead the people to restore Jerusalem's walls, the surrounding nations were far from supportive. To think this feeble band of God's people could rebuild the defenses of their once-glorious city seemed laughable to many. So, if the work weren't challenging enough, Nehemiah also dealt with external pressure from their critics.

Handle Criticism

"Tobiah the Ammonite ... said, "Yes, what they are building—if a fox goes up on it he will break down their stone wall!" Hear, O our God, for we are despised. Turn back their taunt on their own heads and give them up to be plundered in a land where they are captives" (Neh. 4:3-4).

As Nehemiah heard the taunts of their critics, he called on God to defend them. When we're working together toward growth today, expect criticism from the world. Don't let it stop you! And while they rail against our efforts, remember that we cannot fail with God on our side (Acts 5:38-39). So, how will you handle criticism on your journey toward growth?

Avoid the Trivial

"Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, "Come and let us meet together at Hakkephirim in the plain of Ono." But they intended to do me harm. And I sent messengers to them, saying, "I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?" And they sent to me four times in this way, and I answered them in the same manner" (Neh. 6:2-4).

Nehemiah's enemies tried unsuccessfully to distract him. But he recognized there were "weightier" matters that required his attention (Matt. 23:23). If we allow ourselves to be distracted by the trivia of the world, our progress toward growth will stop. Sometimes it's better to say, "No!" So, are you allowing distraction to pull you away from the important work you should be doing?

Don't Pick a Fight

"From that day on, half of my servants worked on construction, and half held the spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. ... each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other. ..." (Neh. 4:16-18).

The enemies of God's people wanted them to stop building and come out to fight. But Nehemiah came to build, not to battle. He didn't look for a fight, and he didn't run from one either. Sometimes we have to fight, but often we should mind our own business and focus on the work (John 21:19-23). So, what are you more focused on, building or fighting?

May God strengthen us when dealing with external conflict this year. Let us never be stopped by criticism, avoiding the world's distractions, and remaining focused on the work we're here to do!

(This series adapted from Nehemiah's Plan for Church Growth by Ken Leach from the Monte Vista church of Christ)

Building Plans Deal With Trouble Directly Read or Watch

As Nehemiah lead the people to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem in only 52 days (Neh. 6:15-16), their work was not without internal conflict. To maintain their unity and keep the people productive, he had to tackle some troubling people-problems which threatened the entire project.

Be Direct

"... I said to them, "You are exacting interest, each from his brother. ... We, as far as we are able, have bought back our Jewish brothers who have been sold to the nations, but you even sell your brothers that they may be sold to us!" They were silent and could not find a word to say" (Neh. 5:7-8).

Nehemiah faced problems within the family head-on. But difficulties aren't unusual, or even necessarily harmful unless they stop our progress. When issues arise, we can't ignore them! Often we find trouble coming from the same source — troublemakers! We need to be direct, addressing problems quickly, so we're not continually putting out brush fires (Prov. 22:10). So, are you willing to be straightforward with your brothers, addressing problems when they happen?

Don't Quit

"And next to them the Tekoites repaired, but their nobles would not stoop to serve their Lord. ... the Tekoites repaired another section opposite the great projecting tower as far as the wall of Ophel" (Neh. 3:5, 27).

While everyone else was working, the noblemen of the Tekoites refused to lift a finger. The Tekoites could have said, "If they don't work, we won't either!" And what a damaging domino effect that would have been. But the Tekoites picked up the slack and did more than they signed up for. Don't quit — even if others aren't doing their share! We'll all individually give an account of our work to the Lord (Rom. 14:12). So, will you pick up the slack when others refuse to work?

Take Courage

"In the place where you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us" (Neh. 4:20).

Nehemiah reminded the people that God is on our side. It's easy to get discouraged when we think it's up to us, and us alone. But the battle belongs to the Lord (1 Sam. 17:47)! If we limit our plans to our capabilities, we're walking by sight and not by faith (2 Cor. 5:7). So, are you accomplishing all things with God on your side (Phil. 4:13)?

May God help us deal with internal conflicts in the coming year. Let us be direct in dealing with issues, never getting discouraged when others won't work, and remembering that it's God who fights for us today!

(This series adapted from Nehemiah's Plan for Church Growth by Ken Leach from the Monte Vista church of Christ)

Building Plans Bind Together Read or Watch

Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem to find a nation in disarray. Under his leadership, he developed a plan to unite them together again in a massive rebuilding effort. Nothing brings people together more than working toward a common goal, and that sense of unity was just what God's people needed.

Encourage Each Other

"And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, "Let us rise up and build." So they strengthened their hands for the good work" (Neh. 2:18).

Nehemiah was incredibly persuasive and motivational. His encouragement set the people's minds at ease to tackle the tough work ahead. But too many today are quick to complain, criticize, and promote a pessimistic view toward change. What about you? Are you supportive of others, encouraging them to love and good works (Heb. 10:24)?

Love the Brethren

"... "We, as far as we are able, have bought back our Jewish brothers who have been sold to the nations, but you even sell your brothers that they may be sold to us!" They were silent and could not find a word to say" (Neh. 8:8).

Nehemiah had to address the lack of love, which threatened to destroy their unity. And the people were speechless when they heard his rebuke. Let's face it — humans make mistakes! If we want forgiveness, why not offer some in return? But often, it's too easy to believe the "worst" about a brother — to turn on each other rather than to each other. When our love is like the church of the first century, our growth will be like theirs, too (John 13:34-35). Are you willing to build unity by loving your brother as yourself?

Don't Get Careless

"So neither I nor my brothers nor my servants nor the men of the guard who followed me, none of us took off our clothes; each kept his weapon at his right hand" (Neh. 4:23).

In the face of extreme opposition, the people were always ready for action. It seems like too many saints today are on auto-pilot, satisfied with the status quo, and resistant to change. While it's easy to get complacent, let's not forget that we're fighting a spiritual battle! If we're satisfied with "the way things are," we'll never grow. So, will you be a soldier who's alert to the dangers around you, or one who's careless and distracted?

May God bless us with unity today. And may we seize every opportunity to encourage, show love, and to care about our collective work for Christ in the new year!

(This series adapted from Nehemiah's Plan for Church Growth by Ken Leach from the Monte Vista church of Christ)

Building Plans Get to Work Read or Watch

When Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem, seeing the sad condition of the city walls, he knew they needed to rebuild. And under his loving leadership, the people worked together to fortify the city in only 52 days (Neh. 6:15-16). How was this kind of growth possible? "... the people had a mind to work" (Neh. 4:6)!

Requires Planning

"Then I arose in the night, I and a few men with me. ... I went out by night by the Valley Gate to the Dragon Spring and to the Dung Gate, and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem that were broken down and its gates that had been destroyed by fire" (Neh. 2:12-13).

Nehemiah surveyed the situation by night, planning the work. Growth doesn't just happen — it takes thought and careful inspection. State your goals, your intentions, and make them measurable. Once you've planned the work, then get to work on the plan. How foolish it is to think we could ever succeed in our spiritual building projects without a plan. So, what are your goals for growth this year?

Takes Work

"So we labored at the work, and half of them held the spears from the break of dawn until the stars came out" (Neh. 4:21).

The people didn't relax until they finished the job. Growth doesn't just happen to us, or is something we're "blessed" with — it's about the work we're willing to put in. Sadly though, growth costs more than some are willing to pay. But if work is good enough for Jesus (John 9:4), then it's good enough for us. So, are you ready to endure the (sometimes) back-breaking work of building?

Use Every Resource

"Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate. ... And next to him the men of Jericho built. And next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built" (Neh. 3:1-2).

Nehemiah gave everyone a job and counted on them to do their part — just like we all have a function in building the body of Christ today (Eph. 4:15-16). We're not alone! Count on each other for help, and be willing to come to their aid as well. When we're all actively building, few will be quick to tear down. So, are you ready to lean on others for support while you grow?

As you begin a new year, may God bless you with a growth mindset. Develop a plan, don't rest until the work is done, and depend on others around you to reach your goal of spiritual growth!

(This series adapted from Nehemiah's Plan for Church Growth by Ken Leach from the Monte Vista church of Christ)

Building Plans Care About Growth Read or Watch

In 445 BC, almost 100 years after God's people returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian captivity, the walls of their capital city were in ruins. Defenseless and heartbroken, they began the daunting task of rebuilding. But a man named Nehemiah had a plan — starting with being a loving leader.

As you bravely begin your journey into another new year, become a loving leader like Nehemiah!

He Cared

"And the king said to me, "Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of the heart." Then I was very much afraid. I said to the king, "Let the king live forever! Why should not my face be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' graves, lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?"" (Neh. 2:2-3).

Nehemiah was filled with grief when learning about the situation back home. But some today care very little about the condition of God's people. Where are they, where have they been, and where are they going? A congregation won't grow until the members care about growth. How will you respond if you find the world's greatest institution, the church, not growing?

He Prayed

"And I said, "O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants ..."" (Neh. 1:5-6).

Many times during the planning and construction, the leaders were engaged in prayer (Neh. 1:4, 6; 2:4; 4:9). And we must be in constant communication with the Creator as well. Will you call on God for wisdom, guidance, strength, and to establish your work today (Prov. 16:3)?

He Had Faith & Courage

"... "Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple. Let us close the doors of the temple, for they are coming to kill you ... by night." But I said, "Should such a man as I run away? And what man such as I could go into the temple and live? I will not go in."" (Neh. 6:10-11).

When told to run and hide, Nehemiah stood courageously. Often, it's fear that stops productivity, and Satan knows it! But we need to put our trust in God completely, remembering that there's no challenge too high when he is on our side. Will you run away from the work, or face it head-on?

Let the Lord lead you to care, calling on him in prayer, and courageously stand against fear as you begin the new year!

(This series adapted from Nehemiah's Plan for Church Growth by Ken Leach from the Monte Vista church of Christ)

See God’s Mercy and Wrath Read or Watch

If you've ever watched fishing documentaries on TV, chances are you've seen people sort out the "catch" from the trash.

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matt. 13:47-50).

To truly understand the kingdom of heaven, and by extension, to understand the Lord, we must accept that God's judgment comes with blessings and curses associated with it.

God is Good and Merciful

"The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him" (Nah. 1:7).

These words (and those in Nahum 1:2-3) also echo the words of God to Moses after the children of Israel built the golden calf at the foot of Sinai, "… The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin …" (Ex. 34:6–7a).

We prefer to think about God's nature as merciful. It's comforting to know that he's good — that he brings safety, shows mercy, grace, patience, love, and faithfulness by forgiving us of our sins. There is truly none like God!

God is Avenging And Wrathful

"But with an overflowing flood he will make a complete end of the adversaries, and will pursue his enemies into darkness" (Nah.1:8).

Again, these echo the words of God to Moses, "… but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children's children, to the third and the fourth generation" (Ex. 34:7b)

So, which is it? Is God "good," or is he "wrathful"? To understand God's complete nature, we must realize that his goodness makes him BOTH the One who blesses and the One who punishes.

It's not some paradox we need to overcome — look to a parent's relationship with their children. When a parent goes to either extreme by only lavishing blessings on their children or only punishing them, we see the error of these approaches quite clearly.

God, as our Father, shows perfect balance in requiring His children to live by his standard — either blessing them for their obedience or punishing them for their disobedience. Both approaches are necessary, and it's how he handles us even today.

So, may God help us see his abundant grace and mercy, but also develop a healthy fear of his avenging anger and punishment towards us if we disobey his will!

Find Purpose in Suffering Read or Watch

Lamentations may feel like one of the longest books in the Bible, but it’s only five chapters. It’s full of challenging and disturbing imagery — with gut-wrenching depictions of the people’s condition without God’s presence. But nestled within this utterly depressing book, Jeremiah calls to mind a hope-filled message. A thought we should think about when we’re facing times of uncertainty and trouble.

“Remember my affliction and my wanderings, the wormwood and the gall! My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me. But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:” (Lam. 3:19-21).

His Love Never Ends

“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him”” (Lam. 3:22-24).

Have you ever felt abandoned by God? Like the struggles you’re facing in life are too hard? Remember that God’s love never ends! And the blessings of his mercy and faithfulness are new every morning.

Though we lose everything we have, he is still our “portion” or inheritance. His promise of eternal riches for those who love him cannot fail. So, let God’s love and mercy bring you comfort through your trial.

He Doesn’t Want to Punish

“For the Lord will not cast off forever, but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does not afflict from his heart or grieve the children of men” (Lam. 3:31-33).

Like a father enforcing discipline over his children, sometimes God needs to bring us through difficulty for us to come to our senses. But he doesn’t afflict from his heart, or because that’s what he wants.

In a perfect world, we’d never sin, and God would never punish. But as with our earthly fathers, God’s love for us motivates him to correct us. So, let us see God’s correction as an act of love.

Our Sins Are the Problem

“Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has commanded it? Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that good and bad come? Why should a living man complain, a man, about the punishment of his sins?” (Lam. 3:37-39).

In humility, we acknowledge our collective sinfulness. And it’s sin that brings about the suffering we face. Whether it’s your sins or the sins of another, we cannot blame God when difficulty comes.

He designed a perfect world in which only blessings existed. But man chose to leave his side and violate his law — thus bringing punishment into the picture. So, let us recognize that suffering comes from man and not from the Lord.

May you find hope today, calling to mind God’s love for you, his discipline, and his willingness to rescue you from the pain and suffering of sin.

Don’t Miss Out on Salvation Read or Watch

Nothing is more heartbreaking in sports than losing by a single point — the missed field goal, the three-pointer bouncing off the rim. They were so close to winning but missed it by that much.

The Bible records many examples of people who almost made it. And from their stories, we find encouragement to finish the contest of our lives with strength.

Missed the Promised Land

"Go up this mountain of the Abarim, Mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, opposite Jericho, and view the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the people of Israel for a possession. And die on the mountain which you go up ... because you broke faith with me in the midst of the people of Israel at the waters of Meribah-kadesh ..." (Deut. 32:49-52).

Though Moses had endured years of hardship, leading the people to Canaan, he missed out on entering because of one terrible decision. When God told him to speak to the rock at Meribah (Num. 20:8), frustration got the best of him. And by striking the rock with his staff instead (Num. 20:10-11), he sealed his fate to die in the wilderness.

Small decisions can have huge impacts. And when we overlook God's instructions, even in seemingly minor situations, the ripple effects can keep us from God's promises. So, are you neglecting any small instructions on your journey toward heaven?

Missed Paradise

"... between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us" (Luke 16:26).

In Jesus' famous parable of the rich man and Lazarus, we see a frightening picture from beyond the grave. As the rich man suffered in torment, he saw paradise outside his reach. And though he begged to go there, he was prevented by the tremendous uncrossable gulf which separated the two.

Part of the punishment of eternal condemnation will be the constant reminder that we almost made it. We'll see the pleasure and comfort of God's rest, but it'll be just outside our reach. And for all eternity, we'll regret not living our lives for Christ while we still had the chance. So, what side of that great gulf will you be on?

Missed Discipleship

"You almost persuade me to become a Christian" (Acts 26:28, NKJV).

When Paul gave his defense before King Agrippa, his argument was compelling enough to almost convince him to become a disciple. Though we don't know if he ever did commit himself to the Lord, almost isn't enough.

What would convince you to go "all-in" for Jesus? What's holding you back? Let the truth of God's love take root in your heart and produce the fruit of His Spirit within you. And don't miss out on the promised rest by waiting any longer.

Avoid Feeling Superior Read or Watch

Of all the "woes" that social media has brought upon us, comparison may be the most pervasive and damaging. The quest for more followers, likes, and engagement has fostered a society of superficial perfection-seekers. And it's all so we can be better than everyone else.

"God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get" (Luke 18:11-12).

The Pharisee saw his righteousness as superior to "other men," as if God used the same standard that he had. So, why are feelings of superiority so problematic for the disciple?

We Lack Understanding

"Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding" (2 Cor. 10:12).

We're using the wrong standard when we determine our value based on other people. It's no longer God's who judges us, so long as we can find someone to whom we're better. But when we're wise in our own eyes, we're truly using a foolish standard (Prov. 26:12). So, will you start looking heavenward to determine your self-worth?

We Ignore Other's Value

"The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you," nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable" (1 Cor. 12:21-22).

Consider the damage to others when we hold ourselves up as "better." We'll only continue to discount, alienate, and lessen their sense of value and belonging. Even within the church, every member is valuable, though our work may not look the same. So, will you start acknowledging the indispensable work that others are doing?

We Forget Our Sinfulness

"What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, as it is written: "None is righteous, no, not one ..."" (Rom. 3:9-10).

It's easy to build dividing walls to keep "those people" out. Yet while we're busy isolating ourselves, we often neglect to see our failures. We are just as guilty of sin as those we're trying to keep at arms-length. So, will you start looking inward, before you lovingly look outward, when dealing with sin?

May God help give us the humility to see that we're no better than anyone else, and to boast only in him, as Paul said, ""Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord." For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends" (2 Cor. 10:17-18).

Escape the Imprisonment of Sin Read or Watch

Long before Hollywood dramatized an inmate's escape from their jail cell on the big screen, the Bible captivated us with the supernatural prison break of the apostle Peter.

" And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, "Get up quickly." And the chains fell off his hands. And the angel said to him, "Dress yourself and put on your sandals." And he did so. And he said to him, "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me." And he went out and followed him ..." (Acts 12:7-9).

We've all been held prisoner to the sinful desires within us (Rom. 7:23). But how do we break free from the bondage of sin and escape to freedom? Let's look to the words of the angel from Acts 12 for help.

"Wake Up"

"Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame" (1 Cor. 15:34).

No one ever escaped from prison by staying asleep. And sometimes, we need a spiritual wakeup call to bring us back to our senses. Are you snoring your life away in the "dreamland" of sin without even realizing it? Do you need to turn the lights on to see where sin has darkened your heart? Wake up, and do it quickly!

"Get Dressed"

"... So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime ... But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires" (Rom. 13:12-14).

Prisoners are typically dressed in bright-colored jumpsuits to make them easily identifiable. But, when we're imprisoned by sin, we're clothed in the works of darkness. So, are you wearing the prison uniform of sin or freedom in the Lord? If you want to escape eternal condemnation, put on Christ with his armor of light (Eph. 6:10-20)!

"Follow Me"

"... If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it" (Matt. 16:24-25).

Every great prison break needs a map. But we can't guide ourselves out of sin's bondage. Fortunately, God provided the perfect escape plan — faith in his only Son (John 3:16). Only by following Jesus through self-denial and total self-sacrifice will we be rescued from our chains. But will you trust him enough to lead you to safety?

May God help us escape our spiritual prison cells by waking up, getting dressed, and following him today!

The Art of Shaving Correct Brothers Lovingly Read or Watch

The secrets of shaving with a single-blade razor are angle, pressure, and patience. And we've been applying these concepts to addressing sin in our brother's life (Matt. 7:3-5). So far, we've covered the angle we take in correction, coming from a place of humility and friendship. And the pressure we apply, with gentleness and wisdom.

Finally, let's talk about removing the "stubble" of sin in our brother's life, addressing how much patience we should have.

Patience in Shaving

The first pass with the razorblade is usually not enough to achieve the desired smoothness. About 2-3 passes are required. Be patient and don't try to rush it! But how much patience should we have when correcting a brother?

Bearing With One Another In Love

"with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:2-3).

We can't always expect immediate change overnight. Patience isn't natural, but when we consider how patient and loving our God is toward us, we'll have a much easier time extending that patience to others. We shouldn't write anyone off because of their sins, but be patient with them and help them reach maturity — because we love them. So, are we willing to bear with each other? Or do we expect an immediate transformation?

Willing to Forgive Them

"Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, 'I repent,' you must forgive him" (Luke 17:3-4).

Seven times in a day?! We must be willing to extend forgiveness as we've been forgiven — without limits! God doesn't hold a grudge or hang our sins over our heads, and we shouldn't do the same with those we love who are getting over sins. So, are you willing to forgive? Or are you harboring a grudge that you're unwilling to let go?

It's not easy, convenient, or fun to sit down and tell someone they're in sin. But we need to find the courage and love for their souls to step in and help! It's a delicate operation, but we need to be willing to do it.

So, let's be willing to forgive each other — as we've been forgiven — and welcome a brother back when they've made the necessary corrections.

The Art of Shaving Correct Brothers Wisely Read or Watch

Since I began shaving with a single-blade razor, I've learned the three secrets to shaving: angle, pressure, and patience. And we're applying these concepts to addressing sin in our brother's life (Matt. 7:3-5). So far, we've covered the angle we take in correction, coming from a place of humility and friendship.

Now let's talk about removing the "stubble" of sin in our brother's life, continuing with the kind of pressure we apply.

Pressure in Shaving

With a cheap multi-blade razor, you usually have to push very hard to remove hair. Applying the same amount of pressure with a quality single-blade razor will result in injury. Typically, the weight of the blade itself is enough to remove hair without damage. However, not enough pressure will not get you the results for which you're looking. But what kind of pressure do we apply when correcting a brother?

Spirit of Gentleness

"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted" (Gal. 6:1).

Dealing with sin in our brother's lives is a delicate operation, one that we need to approach with gentleness. Being compassionate and gentle when we offer criticism is what we would want if someone were coming to correct us. So, do we treat our brothers gently when we offer correction? Or do we push them to the breaking point?

With Wisdom

"If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector" (Matt. 18:15-17).

The amount of pressure we put on a brother is dependent on the situation, but we need to be praying for wisdom to know how to respond. Gaining a brother back is the ultimate goal, and that should be in our mind the entire time! So, do we use wisdom to know the right approach? Or do we escalate the situation too early?

It's not easy, convenient, or fun to sit down and tell someone they're in sin. But we need to find the courage and love for their souls to step in and help! And when we apply the correct amount of pressure — considering the situation — we'll hopefully be met with receptive ears to our correction.

The Art of Shaving Correct Brothers Humbly Read or Watch

While I'm not a particularly hairy individual, a few years ago, I decided to switch to a single-blade razor when I need a good shave. If you're not careful, you can cut yourself pretty badly. So I quickly learned the three secrets to shaving this way: angle, pressure, and patience.

Repeating these three words to myself every morning got me thinking about Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7.

"Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye" (Matt. 7:3-5).

He's undoubtedly addressing the need to deal with our sins first. But he's also telling us how important it is to remove the sins from a brother's life. It's a delicate job — like shaving — and requires the same three principles to avoid doing more harm than good.

Let's talk about removing the "stubble" of sin in our brother's life, starting with the angle we take.

Angle in Shaving

The angle that the blade comes in contact with the skin is critical if you want to remove hair without cutting yourself. The use of a safety razor usually helps prevent injury, but the proper angle is roughly 30 degrees. But what angle do we take when correcting a brother?

Approach With Humility

"in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will" (2 Tim. 2:25-26, NKJV).

Pride and arrogance have no place when trying to bring someone back from their wandering ways since we realize we're just as capable of falling (Gal. 6:1). So, do we humble ourselves when correcting a brother? Or do we act like their superior, looking down on them like we're somehow better?

Approach With Friendship

"Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy" (Prov. 27:6).

When we've developed strong bonds with each other, they'll see those wounds as faithful rather than hateful. So, does our correction come as a friend? Or do we approach them like someone on the attack?

It's never easy, convenient, or fun to sit down and tell someone they're in sin. But we need to find the courage and love for their souls to step in and help! And by starting with ourselves — the approach we take — we give them the best possible chance of hearing and turning.

Be Faithful to God Read or Watch

How would you feel if you caught someone looking longingly at your husband, wife, girlfriend, or boyfriend? Our natural reaction might be jealousy. And would it surprise you that God shares this same reaction towards his people?

“(for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God)” (Exo. 34:14).

Jealousy is such a part of God’s makeup that he uses the word as his name! Despite our typically negative views of this emotion, it must be good if it’s part of God’s nature. So, let’s explore why God is jealous and what that means in our relationship with him today.

A Holy Marriage

“And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness. And you shall know the Lord” (Hos. 2:19-20).

Throughout the Bible, we see our relationship with God explained using terms we can understand — a marriage. God is the loving and faithful husband, and we are his bride. We’ve made a special commitment to each other and have pledged to be united in love and sacrificial service. We share an intimate bond that ideally will never be broken.

Broken Intimacy

“... I will punish her for the feast days of the Baals when she burned offerings to them and adorned herself with her ring and jewelry, and went after her lovers and forgot me, declares the Lord” (Hos. 2:13).

While God will never leave us or betray us, we can easily be tempted to stray — chasing willfully after sin and selfishness. And God doesn’t take this breach of intimacy lightly. He’s jealous of us, demanding our faithfulness and exclusive affection. If we willingly choose to wander away from God, seeking pleasure in the arms of another, his anger burns like a consuming fire (Deut. 4:24)!

He Wants Us Back

“I will heal their apostasy; I will love them freely, for my anger has turned from them. ... They shall return and dwell beneath my shadow; they shall flourish like the grain; they shall blossom like the vine; their fame shall be like the wine of Lebanon” (Hos. 14:4, 7).

But if we come to our senses, leave our sins behind, and return to the Lord, he’ll welcome us back to that loving relationship. He is patient with us, not wishing that any should be lost (2 Pet. 3:9). But let’s be careful not to take advantage of his mercy and grace. We can’t continue to stray from him, living lives of willful sin, and expect him to welcome us back indefinitely (Rom. 6:1-2).

So, let us praise God for his love for us, his jealousy, and our intimate and exclusive relationship!

Accept Jesus' Teaching Read or Watch

Think of a word that describes Jesus' teaching. Got it in mind? Did you choose the word offensive? Chances are you didn't since we usually don't think of Christ's message in that way. While he wasn't unnecessarily abrasive, harsh, or unkind with his words, plenty of people took offense at him.

"... and coming to his hometown he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, "Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter's son? ... Where then did this man get all these things?" And they took offense at him ..." (Matt. 13:54-57).

Let's look at why Jesus' teachings garnered such a strong reaction from his audience, and what it means for us today.

Offense Prophesied

"... he will become a sanctuary and a stone of offense and a rock of stumbling to both houses of Israel, a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And many shall stumble on it. They shall fall and be broken; they shall be snared and taken" (Isa. 8:14-15).

The prophets foretold his audience's reaction hundreds of years before Jesus began his ministry. He wouldn't come with a smooth, comfortable message — but one that required work to accept. He would purposefully offend, challenging them to see beyond the flesh to the spiritual nature of his instruction (John 6:60-64). And as predicted, many did stumble over his words, taking them personally, and shutting their ears to the truth.

A Countercultural Message

"'... it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.' Then the disciples came and said to him, 'Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?'" (Matt. 15:11-12).

Jesus was continually clarifying and reframing the Old Law to the religious "elite" of his day. But they wouldn't accept that their traditions were coming to an end — especially from the son of a carpenter. They saw Jesus as a troublemaker, one who was trying to rock the boat. And so, many hardened their hearts rather than accepting his words.

The Choice is Yours

Though Jesus was rejected by many, he has become the cornerstone for those who believe (1 Pet. 2:4-7). His words are our firm foundation, providing us strength and security through the storms of life (Matt. 7:24-27). And we're called to build on his foundation as a spiritual house, to serve and sacrifice for him as priests today.

So, how will you respond to Jesus' words? Will you accept them as truth or reject them as offensive? The choice is yours!

Let us never be offended by Jesus — remembering those comforting words, "... blessed is the one who is not offended by me" (Matt. 11:6).

See the Passing Pleasure of Sin Read or Watch

If you’ve ever poured sour milk on your cereal in the morning, you probably paid much more attention to expiration dates next time you went shopping. Most food has a shelf-life, but have you ever considered that our worldly pleasures have a shelf-life too?

“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. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:16-17).

The pleasure of worldly pursuits doesn’t last long, as three men in the Bible learned firsthand.

David’s Lust

David, a man after God’s own heart, struggled to see the shelf-life of sin (2 Sam. 11). Whatever pleasure he experienced in his adulterous relationship with Bathsheba, it was certainly short-lived. Soon after, he faced severe and terrible consequences for a few fleeting moments of gratification.

When you struggle with self-control, don’t just focus on the pleasure — think about the consequences (Prov. 5:3-4). Like Paul, discipline yourself now, so you don’t miss out on the eternal reward in the end (1 Cor. 9:27). So, will you see beyond the momentary pleasure, to the eternal consequences?

Achan’s Covetousness

Achan, a greedy Israelite, struggled to see the shelf-life of sin (Josh. 7:21). In spite of God’s instructions about the riches of Jericho, Achan stole some gold and silver for himself. Sadly, he never even lived to spend his newfound, yet ill-gotten, wealth, since all the people stoned him to death after finding out.

When your eyes become fixated on what you don’t have, don’t just focus on the pleasure of acquiring it — think about the long term price you’ll pay. Jesus said it would be better to be voluntarily blind than to allow your eyes to lead you into eternal destruction (Matt. 5:29-30). So, will you guard your eyes against pursuing material satisfaction?

Nebuchadnezzar’s Arrogance

Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, struggled to see the shelf-life of sin (Dan. 4:28-33). During a routine walk on the palace roof, he proudly shouted about his greatness and majesty for building such a prosperous kingdom. But before the words left his lips, he was driven out to eat grass with the cows.

When your heart inflates with feelings of pride, don’t just focus on your accomplishments — consider the consequence of forgetting God’s role in your success. Not drunk on our importance, we need to sober up and realize that God makes us who we are (Rom. 12:3). So, are you willing to lower yourself and honor God?

May God help us today to choose the limitless blessings of godliness over the limited pleasure of sin!

Trust God's Power in Failure Read or Watch

Failure isn't fun. But it's part of the learning process — continually leading us to try and try again. Throughout the Bible, we see how God teaches his people through trial and error. He knows what the successful result will be, but often he leads his people through failure first, helping them grow along the way.

The story of the ten plagues is an excellent example of this. Though God knew that nine of the plagues wouldn't convince Pharaoh to let his people go, he didn't immediately jump to the tenth. Why not? Because failure is part of the process!

Establishing Authority

"See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron shall be your prophet. You shall speak all that I command you, and your brother Aaron shall tell Pharaoh to let the people of Israel go out of his land" (Exo. 7:1-2).

God gave Moses the ability to perform incredible miracles. But many of these miracles left Pharaoh unconvinced. Though the people weren't set free, it doesn't mean they were a failure. At the very least, these signs showed that Moses was God's messenger. And his call to, "Let the people go!" grew more substantial with every passing plague.

Dealing with Stubbornness

"But I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and though I multiply my signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, Pharaoh will not listen to you. Then I will lay my hand on Egypt and bring my hosts, my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great acts of judgment" (Exo. 7:3-4).

Some people require more convincing. Like the straw that breaks the camel's back, one plague alone, even the final one, was not going to convince Pharaoh to listen to God. So, God gave him plenty of evidence. He turned the water to blood, sent frogs, gnats, flies, killed their livestock, inflicted them with boils, hail, locusts, and darkened the sky. Each of these slowly chipped away at Pharaoh's hard heart, until God finally struck down the firstborn in the land.

The People Will Know

"The Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring out the people of Israel from among them" (Exo. 7:5).

Changing Pharaoh's mind wasn't God's goal. He ultimately wanted every Egyptian, and every Israelite, to see his power as Lord. And who could deny his authority after witnessing such amazing acts?

Were nine of the plagues a "failure?" Not at all! God knew what was necessary to accomplish his goal. And Moses trusted him enough to follow his lead. So, when you experience failures on your journey toward growth, will you see them as part of the process? Will you trust that God is in control and that he'll make all things work together for your good (Rom. 8:28)?

Stop Being Lazy Read or Watch

Chances are, you’ve probably had firsthand experience with ants in your home. These pesky little insects always seem to pop up around our house in the spring and summer, prompting us to search for their source and put down insecticide.

So what’s the best way to kill an ant? Believe it or not, the Bible has some helpful instructions on destroying these tiny little nuisances!

“Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest” (Prov. 6:6-8).

Attack Their Action

Ants always seem to be active. They’re lined up in a row, searching for food and carrying it back to their home. A shared sense of purpose drives them, making them incredibly effective. So, to destroy the ant, distract them from the work they should be doing!

“How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep?” (Prov. 6:9).

Ants take action, but do you? Are you motivated, driven, and busy with the Lord’s work?

Destroy Their Discipline

While ants work together, they have no ruler or taskmaster to make sure they’re doing their job. They’re each aware of their role, and they take responsibility. You never see a lazy ant sitting on a tiny couch. So, to destroy the ant, convince them to rest while someone else does the work!

“A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest” (Prov. 6:10).

Ants live with discipline, but do you? Are you engaged, responsible, and self-controlled enough to not require micromanagement?

Eradicate Their Readiness

Ants don’t live “paycheck to paycheck.” Food is only available during certain times of the year, so they store it up and prepare themselves for the scarcity of winter. They need to live with the future in mind, planning, so they have enough food to survive. So, to destroy the ant, make sure they’re living in the moment rather than planning for the future!

“... poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man” (Prov. 6:11).

Ants live with readiness, but do you? Are you prepared, forward-thinking, planning for the uncertain future ahead?

No, Solomon wasn’t telling us how to kill ants in this proverb. But we do learn a valuable lesson from them! Looking at these tiny insects, we find encouragement to get to work and avoid the destructive effects of laziness in our lives.

So, may the Lord help us all to become more active, disciplined, and ready as we serve Him on this earth!

Share With Others in Need Read or Watch

This time of year is always challenging as a parent. In a season where we exchange gifts and create wishlists, teaching our little ones that giving is better than receiving can be a real struggle.

“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’” (Acts 20:35).

Life is about more than merely acquiring possessions for ourselves and storing them away. We work so we can share with others in need (2 Cor. 8:13-15). So, let’s look at a few groups of people to whom we should be willing to give.

To The Needy

“Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Luke 12:33).

Who best to receive benefit from our abundance than someone who needs it? But this can be a real sticking point for even the most committed disciple. Like the rich ruler (Luke 18:18-23), we may view selling our many possessions as a dealbreaker. But as Jesus would say, “... How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” (Luke 18:24).

To A Brother

“But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:17-18).

As the poor of the world, we may see members of the church in need. And our deep concern for them motivates us to take action. Like the early church did (Acts 2:44-45), we view our possessions as common possessions within the brotherhood.

To Your Enemy

“... Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles” (Matt. 5:38-41).

Maybe the most challenging recipient of our sharing is those who take advantage of us. It’s not our place to withhold a gift just because we don’t think they “deserve” it. Ultimately, we were God’s enemies in our sins, yet he gave us the most precious gift of all, his Son (Rom. 5:8-11).

So, open your heart, and your wallet, to those in need. And remember Jesus’ words, “... You received without paying; give without pay” (Matt. 10:8).

Be Amazed at God's Creation Read or Watch

Every year on my birthday, I head up north to a cabin in the woods alone. As God’s incredible creation surrounds me, it’s hard not to think about Paul’s words to the Christians in Rome:

“For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse” (Rom. 1:20-21).

The Bible contains the fully revealed truth about God. But we also learn about him outside the pages of his holy book. Nature is another of the Lord’s classrooms, where he teaches about his “invisible attributes.” Let’s look around to see what the Lord is showing us about Himself in the creation we enjoy.

His Eternal Power

The complexity of God’s creation is undeniable. A single tree stands in the middle of the forest. It began as a seed until it grew into maturity. Animals find food and shelter in its branches. It’s continually sustained by the rivers, the rains, and the sun, providing us with oxygen to breathe. And when it dies, it breaks down, giving nutrients to the soil for other trees to grow.

But time would fail us to consider the full extent of nature’s complexity. We see God’s eternal power at work, even in a single tree. Who else could create something so complicated, yet fundamental to life, than God? Who else could have designed an entire universe in which that single tree could survive? Even time itself, marking the life and death of that tree by its rings — who could have created it other than an eternal God?

His Divine Nature

He not only creates, but his creation is for our good. And by blessing us with the oxygen we breathe, the food we enjoy, the water that sustains us, the planet we live on, and our bodies themselves, we see his love for us and his desire for a relationship with us. And in return, we honor him, fear him, and love him.

What an amazing Creator we serve, who made all we see and experience around us for our good. Let us see his fantastic creation all around us, and find yet another reason to honor and glorify him.

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. ...” (Psalm 19:1-4).

Shout Songs of Thanks and Praise Read or Watch

We're in our time machines again, heading back to the days of the prophet Isaiah over 700 years before Christ. After explaining the fantastic character, transforming power, and authority of this coming King in Isaiah 11, God tells us how we'll respond to his leadership in Isaiah 12.

See Our Sin & Salvation — Isa. 12:1-3

When this King comes, we’ll have no choice but to confess our shortcomings and failures. Unlike his perfect righteousness and holiness, we’re entirely unworthy and full of sin. But our mourning will quickly turn to joy when we see how his anger turns to comfort! Our faith and trust in him will grow as we lean on Him for strength.

And coming from the parched desert of our sins, we’ll approach a life-giving well of saving water (John 4:13-14). We were so close to death, but he pulled us from that dreadful fate into this fruitful kingdom. Our hopelessness will turn to joy! So, are you ready to be saved from your sins?

Shout Thanks & Praise — Isa. 12:4-6

Since God will place such an amazing King on His throne, we’ll shout our thankfulness and appreciation. Only God could establish such a powerful and peaceful leader. Only God could transform us and save us from our sinfulness.

In our rejoicing, we’ll call to him in song, praising him for bringing us the Holy One of Israel! We’ll praise him for his protection and mercy. We’ll honor him for allowing us to live together in harmony. And those songs will never end, as long as there’s breathe within our lungs! So, are you ready to praise the Lord for his glorious deeds?

Spread the Good News — Isa. 12:4-5

We’ll NEVER have reason to be ashamed of our King. Instead, we’ll share his incredible acts of love and mercy with everyone we meet! Our gates will not be closed, nor our borders fixed. But this kingdom will be open to all. All will hear our songs of praise for the King’s incredible name!

And, we know that if the King could transform our violent nature, he can change anyone. So, we’ll share the good news with “wolf” and “lamb” alike. Without prejudice, we’ll welcome into our fellowship anyone who accepts the rule and authority of the King. So, are you ready to share the good news with the world?

Now let's go back to the future to the present day. Everything God prophesied about this kingdom has been established today — in the church. So, will you acknowledge your sin and take hold of salvation? Will you shout your songs of praise to the Lord? And will you share the good news of his kingdom with everyone you meet?

Praise the Lord for establishing Christ as our King, and for saving us with that life-giving well of water!

Bow to Christ's Authority Read or Watch

Hop in your time machine, back to the days of the prophet Isaiah. About 700 years before Christ was born, the Lord speaks to his people in Isaiah 11 about a King that's coming sometime in the future. Given the division and idol-worship in the nation, are you ready for a change in leadership?

His Character — Isa. 11:1-5

A King is coming with a legitimate claim to the throne. He'll be from the lineage of Jesse, the "Son of David," to fulfill God's promise (Acts 13:23). More than a figurehead, he'll be unlike all the kings before him, since he will "bear fruit."

The Lord's Spirit will rest upon him (Matt. 3:16), confirming God's presence and acceptance. His character will be unmatched, full of wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord. He won't judge based on what he sees or hears, but in his righteousness, equity, and severity. So, are you ready to serve such a worthy King?

His Transformation — Isa. 11:6-9

He will bring an unnatural peace to the land by transforming our nature. The violent predator will be tamed and live safely in community with their prey. Killers will become nurturers. And even a nursing child will live alongside those that formerly would have ended their lives.

How will this otherworldly peace and safety come? Because the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord — changing them to their core! Everyone in this kingdom will experience a peaceful relationship with the Creator. And, by extension, will peacefully coexist with each other. So, are you ready to allow him to transform your life too?

His Authority — Isa. 11:10-16

This amazing King will shine like a beacon for the whole world. His authority will stretch beyond Israel to ALL people. And those in every nation who seek him out will find rest. He'll gather the remnant of Israel from the four corners of the earth back to himself and provide them with safety.

But he will also turn his face against all those who oppressed his people. They'll be cut off, surrendering to be plundered and pillaged. No opposing nation will be able to stand against this new King! So, are you ready to submit to his authority over you?

Now fast-forward in time and imagine living during the ministry of Christ. Would you have recognized Jesus as this King, the Messiah, the signal for all people? The Jews rejected him, but will you?

May God help us to see the Son of David as our King today, to submit to his authority, and to be transformed by him completely.

Speak Up About Failure and Faith Read or Watch

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, there were over 58,000 recorded wildfires in the United States in 2018. All told, these fires destroyed approximately 8.8 million acres of land. But like James said, even the most enormous inferno starts small.

"... the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!" (James 3:5).

Our words have immense power, both in tearing down and building up. And one of the most constructive uses of our words is in confession. Let's look at how speaking up about our faith and our failures can significantly change our lives for the better.

The Power to Reveal

"If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:8-9).

Speaking to God about our shortcomings — revealing them — is the only way to find forgiveness. He already knows our sins, but he wants us to acknowledge them for ourselves. So, when we approach the Lord, do we say, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner!" (Luke 18:13)? Or do we hide our sinfulness by saying, "God, I thank you that I am not like other men" (Luke 18:11)?

The Power to Heal

"... confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working" (James 5:16).

We tend to present the "best" parts of our lives before the world. But when we parade our "perfection" before others, we'll never find the powerful healing that comes through prayer. So, are you willing to be vulnerable with your brothers and sisters — to open up to them about your sins — so they can approach God on your behalf?

The Power to Save

"... if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved" (Rom. 10:9-10).

Speaking about Christ has the power to save us! It's an integral part of being his disciple. More than a one-time act, we're called to share our faith with the lost continually. And when we confess him before others, he promises to confess us before the Father (Matt. 10:32-33). So, are you tapping into the power of public confession that can save you in the end?

Let us never underestimate the power of our words. As small a gesture as confession may seem, these simple statements can reveal, heal, and even save us!

Avoid the Dangers of Not Listening Read or Watch

Are you living in an Echo Chamber? If you've never heard of one before, here's a simple definition:

"An environment in which a person encounters only beliefs or opinions that coincide with their own, so that their existing views are reinforced and alternative ideas are not considered."

Though you won't find this phrase in the Bible, there are countless examples of people collecting themselves together and refusing to listen to the plain evidence around them. Let's look at a few times where people refused to listen and see how dangerous living in echo chambers can be.

Destroys Unity

After Solomon's death, his son Rehoboam sought advice on what to do with God's people (1 Kings 12). Instead of listening to the wisdom of the older counselors, he went with the foolish plan of the younger men. No doubt, he already had in his mind what he wanted to do. And when he found others who agreed with him, he abandoned the advice of the elders. Eventually, his harsh treatment of the people led to the fracturing of Israel.

Closing our ears and refusing to listen is still a problem for us today. And when we refuse to be open to another way of handling a situation, we risk isolating others and shutting them out. So, are your ears open to the counsel of others, or have you already made up your mind?

Fuels Prejudice

When Jesus preached in his hometown, the people were filled with prejudice (Matt. 13:53-58). They were offended by him and lowered him to the status of a carpenter's son, refusing to believe. As a result, Jesus was forced to move on.

We can also reject an important message purely based on prejudice today. If we judge the one presenting the truth as "unworthy" of listening to, we'll close our ears and write them off. Operating in an echo chamber, we'll use any excuse to dismiss the evidence. But are we willing to hear a truthful message, without respect to the messenger?

Promotes Misinformation

During Jesus' trial (Matt. 27:20-23), many of the same people who had, just days before, shouted "_ Hosanna to the Son of David!_" (Matt. 21:9) were now shouting "Crucify him!" So, what changed? The people allowed the rumors and false accusations to cloud their minds, rather than looking back to evidence of Jesus' ministry and miracles to guide them.

May God help us if we allow rumor and misinformation to guide us! Rather than investigating the facts, do we accept the words of others as truth? Are we digging for the truth, or are we satisfied with merely listening to the words of others?

Collecting ourselves together with people of common beliefs is one of the great blessings of the church! But let's always be careful not to shut our ears to the possibility that we still have more to learn.

Become More Receptive to Truth Read or Watch

Have you ever felt like you're talking to a brick wall? If you're a parent, you can probably relate. Giving our little ones instruction and guidance, sometimes it feels like no one's listening. In Isaiah, God expressed the same frustrated feelings with his children too.

"... 'Keep on hearing, but do not understand; keep on seeing, but do not perceive.' Make the heart of this people dull, and their ears heavy, and blind their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed" (Isa. 6:9-10).

Since God speaks to us today through his word, how can we develop the listening that changes us, even when we might be tempted to ignore it?

Love the Truth

Evaluating the evidence and coming to the correct conclusion takes effort. During Jesus' ministry, he spoke in parables to present truth in a way that required work to understand (Matt. 13:10-17). He wants us to dig for it, not stopping until we find it. After all, it's the truth that sets us free (John 8:31-32)! We're always in the word, checking what we hear, and holding on to those things which we confirm to be true (Acts 17:11).

So, do you love the truth enough to search for it? Will you refuse to be satisfied with misinformation and rumor?

Get Comfortable With Discomfort

Our natural tendency is to gravitate towards comfortable teaching. To heap up for ourselves words that tickle our ears and make us feel good (2 Tim. 4:3-4), since change can be uncomfortable. But let's get comfortable with being uncomfortable! Like Apollos, who needed correction about his teachings on baptism (Acts 18:25-26), we should welcome the help and wisdom of those courageous enough to teach us as Priscilla and Aquila did.

How do you feel when someone questions your beliefs? Do you put up a wall, refusing to listen, or do you accept instruction as valuable and helpful?

Realize We're Often Wrong

We can convince ourselves of almost anything, it seems. But just because we tell ourselves that we're "right" doesn't make it accurate. If we're honest with ourselves, we realize that we're incapable of directing our steps (Jer. 10:23). We've all sinned (Rom. 3:23). Not one of us is worthy to "cast the first stone" (John 8:1-11). And based on our terrible track record of being wrong, it shouldn't surprise us that there's more for us to learn!

Think back to a time where you were wrong about something. Could you still have more to learn today?

May God soften our hearts to be receptive to his word, challenging as it may be, with humility and a sincere love of the truth.

Overcome Ingratitude Read or Watch

I once heard someone say, "No one wakes up in the morning saying, 'I want to be as miserable as I can today!'" That's probably true, but some people seem to have achieved that goal nonetheless! You, too, can discover new lows in your disposition! You have the power to be dour! The key is to avoid giving thanks. Just follow these three simple steps and discover a lifetime of ingratitude!

Step 1: Comparison

This strategy requires us to shift our focus away from what we have to what we don't have — and we can accomplish this in several ways.

First, we can compare our lives with how things used to be. You might remember your life fondly before kids when you could do things like go into a restroom without someone banging on a door. Or how things used to be in America in what seems like a simpler time. It's easy to become ungrateful when you focus on how things were better before.

The Israelites frustrated the Lord to no end with this. After God delivered them from slavery, they remembered the fish they ate in Egypt at no cost — also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic (Num. 11:5). They were beaten and treated like property, but the Egyptians grew tasty cucumbers. The opposite of comparison is noticing what is good right now.

We can also compare ourselves with other people. The Israelites were often more interested in what the other nations had than God's good will for them. When we get caught up in other people's stuff: homes, cars, clothes, jobs, degrees, looks, kids — we start to ignore what God has given us, to focus on the things he has NOT GIVEN US. It's a fine way to become UNgrateful.

Step 2: Self-Absorption

If you can become so oblivious that you "forget the Lord" (Deut. 8:11-19) — so caught up in yourself, you don't even recognize why you should be grateful — you have taken bold steps toward the ungrateful life. Go from blessing to blessing like spoiled children, never pausing to notice God's gifts. Paul describes these individuals as "lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable …" (2 Tim. 3:2-5).

Step 3: Self-Sufficiency

Though we depend on God for everything, you can master the illusion of self-sufficiency! Remind yourself how hard you work for things, without acknowledging that others work hard for half as much. Tell yourself that you are the only reason you have what others don't, and you'll eliminate your awareness of grace in your life. "Beware lest you say 'my hand has gotten me this wealth' ... It is he who gives you power to get wealth" (Deut. 8:17-18). Do you see the good things in your life as gotten or given?

Have you achieved — perhaps without even trying — a life of ingratitude? The alternative is awareness, appreciation, and acknowledgment of our blessings — giving thanks daily to the Giver of all good things (James 1:17)!*

Remember the Source of Your Blessings Read or Watch

On October 3, 1863, Abraham Lincoln made a Proclamation of Thanksgiving.

"The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties … others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God … It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People …"

These words remind me of another great speech given on the plains of Moab — a passage worth reading at our Thanksgiving tables — where Moses explains gratitude to Israel.

Bless the Lord

"For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land … a land in which you will eat bread without scarcity, in which you will lack nothing. And you shall eat and be full, and you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land he has given you" (Deut. 8:7-10).

We tend to handle prosperity poorly. We get so comfortable we can lose perspective and forget the source of our blessed lives (cf. Amos 6:1-7). Moses knew the wealth awaiting those wandering ex-slaves. He tried to prepare them. He calls the promised land "good" — a word God used seven times for the creation we all enjoy (Gen. 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31). Rich or poor, we all have reasons to rejoice.

Ever heard someone call giving thanks "saying grace"? The word "grace" refers to the favor God shows us, but also to our expression of gratitude for his favor. And like two sides of a coin, the word "bless" speaks of both the favor God offers us and the adoration we offer him.

In middle school, our algebra teachers insisted that both sides of an equation have the same value. Neglecting to "bless the Lord for the good land he has given" (Deut. 8:10) is like forgetting to complete the equation of grace. To receive without honoring God leads to darkened hearts and futile thinking (Rom. 1:21).

Obey the Lord

Recognizing the source of our blessings leads to honoring God's will for our lives.

"Take care lest you forget the Lord your God by not keeping his commandments … lest, when you have eaten and are full … then your heart be lifted up, and you forget the Lord your God ..." (Deut.‬ ‭8:7,14).

Remember the Lord

You've probably worked hard for what you have, but when we get carried away with patting ourselves on the back, we fail to see that our ability to achieve anything comes from God.

"Beware lest you say in your heart, 'My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.' You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth …" (Deut.‬ ‭8:17-18‬)

Thanks be to God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, for all of his marvelous gifts!

Roadblocks Remove the Obstacles to Life Read or Watch

Throughout the years, countless movies and TV shows have featured lost people. Children go missing; people are cast away on a remote island, stranded in the middle of the ocean, or abandoned in the middle of the wilderness. Their situation seems hopeless until eventually they’re discovered and saved from certain death.

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

Destination: Salvation

The Bible continually speaks of God’s salvation as a rescue mission. That’s because we’re lost without God. And he desperately wants to bring us out of danger and back to safety. At the end of time, we want to hear those comforting words, “… Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matt. 25:34).

So, if we say we want to be saved from our sins, what roadblock prevents that possibility of rescue from becoming a reality?

Roadblock: Lacking Faith

When we lack faith, we make it impossible for God to save us! As the Hebrew writer said, “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” (Heb. 11:6). Do you trust God? And do you trust him enough to make the changes needed to leave your lost condition?

God extends his saving hand freely through his grace (Rom. 6:23). Eternal life is available to everyone, but only if we are “in Christ.” That means we trust him enough to follow him and do what he’s commanded. As James points out, “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:17).

Our trust, our confident assurance in Christ, removes the obstacle between us and God and leads us back to a peaceful relationship with our Creator. As Paul explained, “… since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Rom. 5:1–2).

So, are you ready to be rescued from your hopeless condition? Will you trust the Lord to bring you back to safety? May God help us develop the confidence in him to commit our lives to Christ, following him out of darkness into his marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9)!

Roadblocks Remove the Obstacles to Godly Living Read or Watch

Our dogs have been using a doggy door for years to get into the backyard. A few weeks ago, I replaced the old worn out door flaps with brand new ones, then something funny happened. While two of our dogs seemed unphased by the change, our youngest now refuses to go outside. Like us sometimes, she wants to go somewhere, but she’s deathly afraid of change.

“_ ... All things are possible for one who believes_” (Mark 9:23).

Jesus shows us how God opens the door of possibility to those who trust him. So, where are we trying to go in our walk with the Lord?

Destination: Righteousness

Coming to Christ means following in his steps. We want to allow him to lead us in what’s good and right. We’re looking for a better way of living, showing our good works to the world as lights in the darkness. Righteousness is our aim in life, as Peter said, “... Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him” (Acts 10:34–35).

So, if we say that godly living and practicing righteousness is our goal, what roadblock prevents that possibility from becoming a reality?

Roadblock: Lacking Repentance

Change is hard and often frightening. But we can’t hang on to our old way of life and still expect the blessings of a new way of living. If our goal is to do what is right, following God’s requirements, we have to let go of our past life of sin. Like Paul said, “… put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Eph. 4:22–24).

God opens the door to our salvation through Christ’s death, but so often, we stubbornly block the way. We can refuse to enter by our unwillingness to let go of sinful practices. And when we demand our way, our access to the Father is cut off. As Isaiah said, “Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear” (Isa. 59:1–2).

So, are you afraid of change? Is a total transformation too much to ask (Rom. 12:2)? Or are you ready to abandon your old life through repentance, committing yourself to do what’s right and acceptable to him?

Roadblocks Remove the Obstacles to Growth Read or Watch

When our daughter was little, we used to make our baby food. We'd blend up all kinds of foods like sweet potatoes, carrots, and avocados, storing them away until dinner time. As she got older and could handle more "substantial" meals, she refused to eat some of those same foods she enjoyed as a baby. She put up a roadblock and wouldn't even try them.

"For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child" (Heb. 5:12–13).

Destination: Maturity

It's incredible how quickly time flies, how our little ones grow into mature adults, almost overnight. Before you realize it, they're leaving the nest and heading off to college. While we (sometimes reluctantly) want them to grow up physically, it's spiritual growth that should be a goal for all of us.

We follow Paul's encouragement to Timothy to "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15). But physical age has very little to do with being spiritually mature. And being a Christian for a long time doesn't necessarily make you a grown-up in the faith.

So, if we say we want to become skillful in handling God's word, what roadblock prevents that possibility from becoming a reality?

Roadblock: Lacking Knowledge

Without knowledge, we'll never become mature. And God rejects those who lack knowledge but call themselves his children (Hosea 4:6). When we invest our time in other activities, distracted from the study of God's Word, we'll never develop a deep relationship with our Creator. Growing up into maturity can only happen if we're feeding ourselves spiritually nutritious foods. What kinds of food are you feeding yourself? "Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good" (1 Peter 2:2–3).

Unless we're in the word, studying it, pushing ourselves with it, and exercising our powers of discernment, we'll remain spiritual babies. Are we scratching the surface or exploring the depths? When we dig into the more "meaty" meals in our study, we'll develop the skills to handle life's confounding challenges. As the Hebrew writer went on to say, "... solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil" (Heb. 5:14).

God presents us with the "meat" of his word. It's always available. So are you hungry for it and ready to eat?

Programming Note: This week, we're replaying some of our favorite episodes from the past. We'll be back Monday, November 25th with brand new episodes.

Complete Your Journey of Faith Read or Watch

Have you ever started a project, only to lose interest in it before it's finished? I have! My wife can attest to the countless home improvement projects I started but never finished. It drives her crazy sometimes. But what happens if we fail to finish spiritually?

"For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.'... So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:28-33).

Littering the landscape of humanity are partially built towers — projects which were started but never finished. They laid the foundation of faith, built the support structure of good works, and then the work stopped. What a waste! And what an embarrassment! Let's look at two questions to ask before committing to the Lord, which would avoid this sad situation.

What Will It Cost?

Discipleship costs our relationships. Jesus tells us to hate our "father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters" (Luke 14:26). That's some strong language! But let's keep his words in context. Jesus isn't contradicting his command to love our neighbor (Matt. 22:39). Instead, he's ordering our priorities. It's about who we love more (Matt. 10:36).

And discipleship costs our possessions. He closes this conversation by saying, "So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:33). Riches and earthly treasures can cloud our view of eternity. Are your possessions a distraction or a tool for God's glory? It's not to say that worldly possessions are evil, but they can be problematic when we love them more than God (1 Tim. 6:10).

Ultimately, Jesus demands our life. We bear our cross and follow him (Luke 14:27). We hate our own life (Luke 14:26). We follow Jesus' call to commit ourselves wholly and be willing to die for him. There are no discounts or coupons. Discipleship is about being all-in, which leads to another critical question.

Am I Willing To Pay?

Let the cost of following Christ sink in. Is the price too high? Are you able to pay? Will you choose to "... present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God ..." (Rom. 12:1)? Abandoning some small home improvement project is trivial compared to the tragedy of beginning a walk with God and then giving up.

Know that the reward for a life well-lived is worth your total commitment and sacrifice. So will you finish what you started?

Programming Note: This week, we're replaying some of our favorite episodes from the past. We'll be back Monday, November 25th with brand new episodes.

Respond Like a Disciple Read or Watch

In 2004, husbands everywhere were dragged to the movie The Notebook. In one scene that I suspect most husbands (and wives!) can relate to, Ryan Gosling's character asks in exasperation, "What do you want?!?" He asks the question four times, begging for a clear answer. It's a question I have, at times, wanted to shout at people who seem lost in their own lives. No doubt, someone should scream these four words at me some days. And considering its universal value, it's no wonder this is Jesus' opening question in the gospel of John.

"Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, 'What are you seeking?' And they said to him, "Rabbi" (which means Teacher), 'where are you staying?'" (‭‭John‬ ‭1:38)

This little conversation sets the tone for the way Jesus confronts us throughout the book and illustrates two essential characteristics of a disciple: Christ's followers want to learn from him and stay close to him.

What Do You Want?

It's a common question, what any of us might ask two people following us, but that's why it matters. If they followed Jesus for an ordinary reason as an ordinary man, the question might remain (sadly) ordinary. But what if they trailed behind this stranger with the unreasonable hope that maybe he could satisfy a nameless hunger (John 6), reveal a freeing truth (John 8), and offer an eternal life (John 4)? They wanted something. Jesus asked what it was.

And you, you want something too. As you follow behind the Lord today, what honest answer would you give if he turned around and asked, "What are you seeking?" If you don't like the way things are going in your walk with Christ, the best way to change that is to change what you want (Matt. 7:7).

What Do You Call Him?

Their answer was as straightforward as the question, but it set them on a path to knowing Jesus. "'Rabbi' (which means Teacher), 'where are you staying?'" (John 1:38b). First, they recognized Jesus as the extraordinary Teacher. Jesus spoke with authority, humility, and sincerity, which stood in stark contrast to the other teachers of his day. Does he instruct you, direct your heart, and provide you with answers to the mysteries of life in ways no one else can? If you've ever wrestled to understand your role in this world and God's plan for your life, the Rabbi has the answers!

Where Are You Staying?

They didn't stop at acknowledging his authority, they wanted to spend more time with him. And Jesus wasn't too busy for them — he invited them along! "He said to them, 'Come and you will see.' So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour" (John 1:38). Wherever Jesus stays, that's the place to be. He wants you with him too, because he cares about you. So what do you want?

Programming Note: This week, we're replaying some of our favorite episodes from the past. We'll be back Monday, November 25th with brand new episodes.

Set an Example for Your Kids Read or Watch

"I'm looking through you, where did you go

I thought I knew you, what did I know."

The Beatles

Paul McCartney's piercing lyrics in "I'm Looking Through You" cut right to a crushing, familiar experience: Seeing through someone's words and sadly realizing they're not who you thought they were. "Your lips are moving, I cannot hear," quips the second verse, "Your voice is soothing, but the words aren't clear." I hear this song and ask myself, "what do my kids see when they look through me?"

"Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity" (Titus 2:7).

The Thunder Blunder

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Don't say things. What you are stands over you the while, and thunders so that I cannot hear what you say to the contrary." Your words are like the sound of rain on the roof, pleasant and constant, but your actions are the thunder in your child's life: sometimes sudden and frightening, but always unmistakably clear and impossible to overlook. Most "parenting" happens on the fly during the everyday storms of living. I'm learning that some essential parenting activities happen when my kids are nowhere near. As I pray and soak myself in the Lord's words, I prepare to live the way I want my kids to live.

Moses gives the formula in Deuteronomy 6. First, the words get etched on your heart (Deut. 6:6). Then and only then can you effectively "teach them diligently to your children" and "talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way…" (Deut. 6:7).

Looking Through You

Your kids see right through false piety to the real priority. They hear the prayer before dinner, but they also know where we turn when a crisis hits. They see when we "go to worship" without offering worship. The command to stop whining and fighting grows faint as our complaints and arguments roar in their ears. Our comments about brethren on the way home, our favorite shows that "aren't for kids," and our bursts of unchecked rage — they reveal us to little eyes who revere us.

The Perfect Parent

Parenting sometimes feels like a walk through a dark room, bumping your shins into coffee tables while trying to protect the little one holding your hand. The best of us vacillate between bumbling and brilliant. God is the one shining example, the ideal parent. His words are faithful, but we only learn to trust them as we come to trust him. He has proven his love and integrity.

"You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matt. 5:48).

Although we'll never get there, we strive to parent like our Father. As he abides in us, our kids will look through us and our flaws and see him. "My father didn't tell me how to live;" said Clarence Budington Kelland, "he lived, and let me watch him do it."

Programming Note: This week, we're replaying some of our favorite episodes from the past. We'll be back Monday, November 25th with brand new episodes.

Find the Mercy to Forgive Read or Watch

Have you ever heard the tale of Prometheus the Titan? While the gods lived in luxury on Olympus, Prometheus visited the humans. He saw their joyless lives, as they huddled in cold, dark caves on the edge of starvation.

"If only they had fire," he thought, "they could rise above this sad desperation. They could cook food, light their way at night, and keep warm." He asked Zeus to grant the humans this gift, but Zeus wouldn't have it.

"They're too ignorant, they'll burn themselves down," Zeus said.

So Prometheus took matters into his own hands. He stole some fire and brought it down in a stalk of fennel. As the myth goes, his compassion changed the world.

Looking around at the way most of us live, it seems the masses still live cold, dark lives, unaware of the warm light available. When we get exasperated with people, maybe we should acknowledge that most people don't realize what they're doing. It's not an excuse, but it is a tragedy. When Jesus saw people's ignorance, he found compassion.

"And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him … And Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.'" (Luke 23:33-34).

Like fire from above, he brings this gift down to us — warmth for the undeserving, light for us fools. But what if instead of "forgive them...they know not what they do," he said what most of us say?

"I've Got My Own Problems"

If anyone should get a pass for absorbing themselves in their trauma, it's Jesus. He could've said, "Am I my brother's keeper?" (Gen. 4:9). But as his body throbbed and his heart broke, Christ's concern for people never waned. We all have our own load to bear (Gal. 6:4), but we also "bear one another's burdens" (Gal. 6:2).

"They'll Get Theirs"

Jesus could've said, "may the LORD avenge me against you" (1 Sam. 24:12), but he interceded for his tormentors. Someday God will avenge evil (Rom. 12:18-21), but how much better for our enemies to know the pain of godly sorrow (2 Cor. 7:10) that leads to grace. Do you pray for mercy for those who hurt you?

"For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment" (Jam. 2:13).

"They Should Know Better"

Jesus could've said, "you have no excuse" (Rom. 2:1), but he asked God to remember that they didn't know better. Ignorance is a prison most people don't even realize they have locked themselves into.

What do you say when people hurt you? If we can find the grace to pray Jesus' words, again and again, it can change our attitude toward other people's offenses and our commitment to their salvation. May we find compassion for folks in darkness, praying for them even as they turn on us. Like stolen fire, may Christ's words leave our "hearts burning within" (Luke 24:32).

Programming Note: This week, we're replaying some of our favorite episodes from the past. We'll be back Monday, November 25th with brand new episodes.

Unite in Purpose as His Church Read or Watch

Some folks just love to complain! From "one star" reviews on Yelp, to people's sprawling social media tirades, it's not hard to find someone with a bone to pick.

The church in Philippi was a shining example of a group of Christians working together in unity. Unlike many of Paul's other letters, he has no complaints about them. So let's look at four aspects of their faith that made them such a thriving congregation.

They Were Grounded

"Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel" (Phil. 1:27).

The gospel is our focus. It's tempting to get distracted by the color of the carpet or the temperature of the building. But our focus as believers is on defending and spreading the gospel of Christ. Stay focused on your real purpose as Jesus' disciple.

They Were Glad

"Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise, you also should be glad and rejoice with me" (Phil. 2:17-18).

We have a joy for each other and in the Lord. Joy is an attractive quality. When others see your enthusiasm, they want to join in with you. And our joy isn't a show or an act, but it flows out of a pure and loving heart.

They Were Generous

"Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. ... I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God" (Phil. 4:14, 18).

We find ways to help others. And we don't have to look too hard to see people in need around us. We're continually looking for more opportunities to be generous and helpful towards those in need. So how can we use our time, money, and energy to support the spread of the gospel?

They Were Growing

"And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment ... filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God" (Phil. 1:9-11).

When we're busy with his work, we'll grow in joy and faith. A byproduct of action is an increasing desire for more action. It's inertia. It's momentum. And so we need to start the ball rolling if it's not already, and continue to increase our joy and faith in Christ.

May God help us become a unified church like the Philippians today, grounded, glad, generous, and growing.

Praise the Eternal King Read or Watch

Canoeing on a lake this summer, I heard a little girl point out some bugs, "Look, Mom, Jesus Bugs!" I had never heard the term, but I understood what she meant. These insects — Water Striders — distribute their weight over their long legs while thousands of hairs cover their bodies to keep the water from sinking them. So they "walk" on water!

Later that day, I watched my canoe leeean to my right as if in slow motion, and I could … not … tilt it right! Kerplunk! Into the water I went. I sunk because that's what humans do.

Jesus Is No Ordinary Human

"When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. But he said to them, "It is I; do not be afraid "" (John 6:19–20).

Even if this were his only miracle, it would distinguish Jesus from every other human. He's the Man Who Walks on Water!

Jesus Is the Great "I Am"

No surprise, seeing a man walking on the sea terrified the disciples. Throughout Scripture, when people begin to realize God has come near them, they tend to panic (Ex. 20:19; Isa. 6:5; Rev. 1:17). When God appeared to Moses in the bush, Moses "hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God" (Exod. 3:6). When Moses asked God's name, he identified himself as "I AM" (Ex. 3:14) — Yahweh, the self-existent, eternal God.

When Jesus appeared on the water and saw the disciples' fear, he said, "It is I" (John 6:20). Jesus uses these same words (ego eimi) in his seven "I am" statements in John (John 6:35; 8:12; 10:9; 10:11; 11:25-26; 14:6; 15:5). The Jews later considered these words — "I am" — blasphemy when Jesus spoke them.

"Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am'" So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple" (‭‭John‬ ‭8:58-59‬).

To the disciples in the boat, Jesus' words probably had no deep meaning. They heard their master and friend identifying himself, "It is I, do not be afraid" (John 6:20). But in the context of the rest of John's gospel, it's hard not to hear the full force of those words — "I Am."

Yahweh, the "I Am" is the one who always has been and always will be. Years later, John had another frightening encounter with the Lord in a vision, and "fell at his feet as though dead" (Rev. 1:17).

"… But he laid his right hand on me, saying, 'Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades'" (‭‭Rev. ‭1:17-18‬).

Jesus' words leave no doubt about his identity. Glory to the living, eternal King.

Revisit the Old Testament Read or Watch

Every Thursday, folks flood social media with old photos from their childhood. It's Throwback Thursday! But Jesus and his apostles continually referenced the past in their teaching.

"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope" (Rom. 15:4).

How do you view the Old Testament? Is it something you find useful and worth your consideration? Or do you think of it as old-fashioned, outdated, or unimportant in your walk with Christ? Though we're no longer under the regulations and requirements of Moses' Law (Col. 2:13-14), there's still great value in studying "whatever was written in former days!"

Points Us to Christ

"And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself" (Luke 24:27).

Like you can sometimes learn about a friend by looking at old photographs from their childhood, we can learn about our Savior from the early pictures of Christ in the Old Testament. So when Jesus needed to explain his identity to two baffled disciples after his death, he led them on a journey through those beautiful old books.

Personality of God

"Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?"" (Heb. 13:5-6).

Old photos might showcase embarrassing hairdos, old flames, or even a lifestyle we left behind years ago. People change. But God never changes. We see the same mercy, holiness, and faithfulness in the stories and laws of Israel and the ancient world.

Throughout the history of Christianity, some have preferred to focus on the revelation of God in the New Testament. One influential second-century teacher named Marcion even denied that the God of the Old Testament was the true God. But Jesus saw the story of the ages — his story — in the Hebrew Scriptures. The same God who brings forgiveness through the cross brought judgment through the flood. Until we see the whole story of the Bible, we will misunderstand the Father, Son, and Spirit we serve.

Profitable for Our Lives

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

Every word "breathed out by God" is profitable, offered by a loving God that we "may be complete." The genealogies of Genesis, the ceremonial laws of Leviticus, the violent stories of Judges — every word has a purpose. The Bible's first 66 books begin humanity's instruction in the principles that bless a life, now and into eternity. More than a throwback for old time's sake — we return to these words again and again, because in them, we live (Deut. 8:3).

Stranger Things Deal Carefully With Strangers Read or Watch

If you could have any superpower, what would you choose? For me, I think the most useful ability might be the power to read minds. Peering into someone’s thoughts could come in handy — especially when trying to communicate with my wife!

“And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts?”” (Mark 2:8).

Unlike Jesus, we can't see into another person’s heart. When we meet a stranger, there are particular challenges in getting to know them. So, let’s look at a few dangers we face when trying to talk to strangers.

Trust But Verify

“Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (Acts 17:11).

When was the last time you checked that the barista calculated the tax correctly when ordering your morning coffee? For even the most skeptical, trust is a part of our interactions with strangers. But despite our tendency to believe what we hear, we do need to verify if those things are correct. Ultimately, it’s the Shepherd’s voice that we listen to, not the voice of strangers (John 10:5).

Looks Can Be Deceiving

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits ...” (Matt. 7:15-16).

So, how will we know who’s telling us the truth? Jesus tells us to look beyond their words and appearance, to their deeds. The art of disguise is one of Satan’s most powerful tactics against us. As Paul warns, “So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds” (2 Cor. 11:13-15). But let’s also be careful not to write off a true believer as a sinner, as they invariably did with Jesus. May God give us the ability to discern the righteous man from the unrighteousness man.

Consider the Context

“Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you” (Acts 17:22–23).

Paul could have blasted these strangers for their idolatry and paganism. But instead, he saw an opening to introduce them to God. Jesus could have treated the woman caught in adultery with contempt (John 8:1-11), but instead, he showed her compassion and mercy. We also need to consider the context of people’s lives and look beyond their sin towards the possibility of their salvation.

So let’s be careful with how we deal with strangers, treating them with love and mercy, while also being aware of the possibility of danger.

Stranger Things Be of Service to Strangers Read or Watch

One of my favorite movies growing up was about a strange little alien stranded on earth. After meeting some young kids, the extra-terrestrial plays dress-up, eats candy, rides bikes, and eventually phones his parents to pick him up. But he never could have returned home without his newfound friends.

As believers, we’re also called to help the strangers among us. So, what can we do to offer our assistance to those we don’t know?

Warm and Welcoming

“But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him” (Luke 10:33–34).

The Samaritan showed mercy, even though he knew nothing about the beaten-down man. We’re the peacemakers — the meek, merciful, and poor in spirit (Matt. 5:2-12). And Jesus promises to bless us when we show our concern for each other. Even in the smallest of interactions with strangers, do they see a glimpse of the fruit of God’s Spirit within you (Gal. 5:22-23), or is the encounter cold, callous, and uncaring?

Liberal Lending

“_ But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful_” (Luke 6:35-36).

We’re called to go the “extra mile” (Matt. 5:41) — above and beyond what’s expected of us. We follow Jesus’ call to “give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back” (Luke 6:30). We share our possessions with strangers and those who hate us — not just with friends and family. Like the children of Israel, we reserve the corners of our fields “_ ... for the poor and for the sojourner_” (Lev. 19:9-10).

Listening and Leading

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matt. 9:36).

Our compassion towards the stranger leads us to empathy and action. Like Jesus, we see their most significant need for salvation, and we “pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Matt. 9:38). We see their helpless condition and connect with them, leading them to the light of Christ’s love. And while we do what we can to help them physically, the bulk of our efforts are spent on supplying them spiritually.

So may God open our eyes to the needs of the stranger — to step in and help by showing mercy, supplying their needs, and leading them to the Lord!

Stranger Things Open Your Heart to Strangers Read or Watch

There are over 7.7 Billion people on the planet. How many of them do you know personally? Probably not very many! Have you ever stopped to consider how much the Bible has to say about how we interact with folks we don’t (yet) know?

“_ Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares_” (Heb. 13:2).

There’s a special place in our hearts for showing hospitality towards those we don’t know. And it’s nothing new since God has always wanted his people to love strangers as themselves (Lev. 19:33-34). So, what motivates us to reach beyond our friends and family when showing hospitality?

Separate But Not Secluded

“_ For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?_” (Matt. 5:46-47).

You have been called out of the world (2 Cor. 6:14-17), but be careful not to take that too far! How can a doctor heal the sick unless they’re in the room with them? Jesus doesn’t want us to be isolated from the world — secluded and distant. Instead, he wants us to be in the world, but not of the world (John 17:15).

We Seek the Seekers

“So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.” (Acts 8:30–31).

These two men had never met before this moment. But the Ethiopian was seeking answers, and Philip was willing to guide him. If faith comes as a result of hearing the words of Christ, “... how are they to hear without someone preaching?” (Rom. 10:14). We’re seeking the seekers, strangers though they may be — whose hearts are open and ready to receive the truth.

Serving Strangers Serves the Savior

“’... And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? ...’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” (Matt. 25:35-40).

One of the most important reasons for welcoming strangers is that Jesus takes those acts of kindness personally. Think about how much warmth and love you feel towards a stranger when they treat your children well. Jesus sees our love for others, and those acts of service draw us even closer to him.

And remember, there was a time when you were once a stranger to God, separated from Christ without hope (Eph. 2:12). If he transformed you from a stranger into a friend, then he can do the same for everyone you don’t yet know as well.

Rejoice When the Lost Are Found Read or Watch

Have you ever been so excited that you got sick to your stomach? When I was a kid, knowing my birthday was coming up, I'd work myself up to the point of illness. It got so bad that one year my parents had to plan a surprise party a few weeks before my actual birthday. They invited all my friends, and I never saw it coming. Finally, a great party!

Jesus also spoke of unexpected parties in Luke 15. The Pharisees grumbled that Jesus was associating with sinful people (Luke 15:1-2). Addressing their terrible attitudes, he used three parables about finding lost things — a sheep (Luke 15:3-7), a coin (Luke 15:8-10), and a son (Luke 15:11-32). And in each story, after finding what was missing, they had an impromptu celebration.

Let's look at a few things we learn about finding the lost that should motivate us to rejoice as Jesus did.

Risk in Restoration

"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?" (Luke 15:4).

To go after that single lost sheep means leaving the rest behind — venturing out from the open country into the unknown wilderness. But the risk is worth it! Pulling a brother out of sin is going to take time. Often it won't be easy or comfortable. But know that your efforts are worth the investment, especially if they listen and return to the Lord!

Diligence in Discovery

"Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it?" (Luke 15:8).

If you've ever lost something around the house, you know this woman's struggle. But you'll never find what you're looking for by sitting on the couch. It takes effort. You leave no "stone" unturned. Are you actively seeking the lost? Or are you content to sit idly by and let them remain in that condition?

Rejoicing in Return

In each of these stories, a tremendous unplanned celebration took place when the lost was restored. In the last story of the lost son, Jesus addresses the Pharisees' hatred of those sinners he was eating with. The older brother in the parable becomes jealous of the celebration and resents his father's joy (Luke 15:25-30). The father answers:

"It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found" (Luke 15:32).

So, will you rejoice when your brother returns? May God give us all a heart of compassion and empathy towards each other to invest ourselves in diligently seeking the lost, celebrating together when they finally return home.

Hear the Voice of His Miracles Read or Watch

Before our daughter could talk, we taught her some basic sign language to help her communicate. Words like "please," "more," "all done," and "thank you." It's incredible how quickly she caught on and especially convenient around dinner time.

"Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name" (John 20:31-32).

Throughout Jesus' ministry, he performed many signs (or miracles) to solidify our belief in him. He spoke to us in those moments, often without speaking. So, what do his signs tell us about his power and authority?

He Supplies Our Needs

When a wedding party ran out of wine, Jesus made more from some jars of water (John 2:1-12). When a large crowd needed food, Jesus multiplied a few loaves and fish to feed them (John 6:1-14).

If he has the power to take care of physical needs, he can also take care of the greatest spiritual needs. As he said, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst" (John 6:35). So, let these signs speak to you, and trust him to provide for you eternally.

He Has Power Over This World

When Jesus wanted to see his friends in the middle of the sea, he walked there — on the water (John 6:15-21)! When a violent storm raged, he silenced it with just a word (Mark 4:39).

But despite our modern scientific advances and technology, we're still incapable of setting aside the laws of nature as he did. Who else could have such authority, then the Creator of all things? Let these signs speak to you, and trust him with the power over your life.

He Controls Sickness and Death

When Jesus met a blind man, he restored his sight after rubbing clay on his eyes (John 9:1-41). When his close friend died, he called him out of the tomb and brought him back to life (John 11:1-46).

When we're sick, we go to the doctor. But the most excellent physician is Jesus! He showed his power over physical illness and death, and he also has control over spiritual disease and the ability to raise us up on the last day (John 6:40). So, let these signs speak to you and trust him to heal and to raise you.

Jesus said, "... the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the Father has sent me" (John 5:36). What do his signs say to you? And are they enough to convince you of his love for you and his authority over your life?

Remain Firm Yet Moldable Read or Watch

Over the summer, our daughter went to Science Camp. The focus of their weeklong study was — wait for it — SLIME! That's right. She spent an entire week learning about, making, and playing with a variety of ooey-gooey substances. For their final project, they made a non-Newtonian substance out of cornstarch and water. It was fascinating!

Non-Newtonian slime feels like any other liquid, but only if you move through it slowly. As soon as you speed up, or apply any amount of force, the fluid becomes as hard as a rock. While watching the kids dance on top of this otherworldly concoction, oddly enough, it got me thinking about our faith.

Dealing With Others

The same Jesus who calmly sat with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1-42), also flipped over the tables of the moneychangers in the temple (John 2:14-17). He showed mercy and kindness to the lost sheep of Israel, but was tough on the religious leaders, since they should have known better. Some situations call for softness, and some require more forceful action. As Jude said, "... have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh" (Jude 22-23).

So, how do you approach those lost souls around you? May God give us the wisdom needed to be gentle with some, and stronger with others.

Firm Under Pressure

"As he went away from there, the scribes and the Pharisees began to press him hard and to provoke him to speak about many things, lying in wait for him, to catch him in something he might say" (Luke 11:45).

Jesus was under constant threat from the religious leaders. But he never backed down or gave up! Few things prove our character more than testing and trial (Rom. 5:3-5). When force is applied, will we cave to the pressure, or will we resist the schemes of the devil (1 Peter 5:8-9)?

We must fight firmly against sin while remaining pliable to God's will. As James encouraged, "... "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:6-7).

Power in Weakness

Like that tub of non-Newtonian slime, looks can be deceiving! We don't find lasting strength when things are easy. True power comes when times get tough. As Paul said, "For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Cor. 12:10).

Next time you find yourself frustrated by the suffering you're facing, remember that things aren't how they appear! Christ's power is made perfect through your difficulties (2 Cor. 12:9).

So, may God help us to be the kinds of non-Newtonian disciples who remain strong yet moldable throughout our walk with him!

Offer Your Thankfulness to God Read or Watch

Have you ever kept a "gratitude journal"? For years now, I've written down one thing I was thankful for every day in November. Often they're small acts of kindness from a friend or stranger that help me maintain a positive outlook. And while it has been a helpful practice, I'm reminded that God wants his people to be thankful at all times, not just around this time of year.

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thess. 5:12).

While gratitude is something we should show toward each other, the ultimate recipient of our thankfulness is God. So, how does a heart of gratefulness help us in our daily lives?

Hones Humility

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him" (Psalm 28:7).

God is the source of all our blessings. He's where we find real strength, security, and support. Keeping that in mind, there's no room in our hearts for feelings of self-sufficiency or pridefulness. We're not in control. We're not the main focus. So, take your eyes off yourself and put your focus back on the Lord in whom you depend.

Attacks Anxiety

"... do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God" (Phil. 4:6).

Worry, worry, worry! We so quickly spiral out of control, thinking about the cares of life. It eats us up and shuts us down. But our God is near to us and ready to help (Isa. 59:1). He loves us and wants us to cast our cares on Him (1 Peter 5:7), rather than being burdened by what we can't control. So, experience his peace by thankfully approaching him in prayer.

Counteracts Complaining

"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" (Col. 3:17).

There's no room for grumbling when we have a heart full of gratitude. But some people love to complain. Like the children of Israel on their way to Canaan, sometimes we see only the challenges of life instead of the blessings. But God is still leading us, feeding us, and bringing us to an eternal home where righteousness dwells. So let's be thankful, rather than moaning about our "momentary light afflictions" here on earth (2 Cor. 4:17).

What an amazing God we serve, deserving of all our praise! At all times, let's shout along with David, "I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving" (Psalm 69:30).

Complete Your Journey of Faith Read or Watch

Have you ever started a project, only to lose interest in it before it's finished? I have! My wife can attest to the countless home improvement projects I started but never finished. It drives her crazy sometimes. But what happens if we fail to finish spiritually?

"For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.'... So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:28-33).

Littering the landscape of humanity are partially built towers — projects which were started but never finished. They laid the foundation of faith, built the support structure of good works, and then the work stopped. What a waste! And what an embarrassment! Let's look at two questions to ask before committing to the Lord, which would avoid this sad situation.

What Will It Cost?

Discipleship costs our relationships. Jesus tells us to hate our "father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters" (Luke 14:26). That's some strong language! But let's keep his words in context. Jesus isn't contradicting his command to love our neighbor (Matt. 22:39). Instead, he's ordering our priorities. It's about who we love more (Matt. 10:36).

And discipleship costs our possessions. He closes this conversation by saying, "So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:33). Riches and earthly treasures can cloud our view of eternity. Are your possessions a distraction or a tool for God's glory? It's not to say that worldly possessions are evil, but they can be problematic when we love them more than God (1 Tim. 6:10).

Ultimately, Jesus demands our life. We bear our cross and follow him (Luke 14:27). We hate our own life (Luke 14:26). We follow Jesus' call to commit ourselves wholly and be willing to die for him. There are no discounts or coupons. Discipleship is about being all-in, which leads to another critical question.

Am I Willing To Pay?

Let the cost of following Christ sink in. Is the price too high? Are you able to pay? Will you choose to "... present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God ..." (Rom. 12:1)? Abandoning some small home improvement project is trivial compared to the tragedy of beginning a walk with God and then giving up.

Know that the reward for a life well-lived is worth your total commitment and sacrifice. So will you finish what you started?

Confess Christ With Courage Read or Watch

"So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven" (Matt. 10:32-33).

Jesus teaches that if we follow him, we must follow him publicly. The church isn't some secret society with a mysterious membership. When he calls us, it's our responsibility to "confess with our mouth" (Rom. 10:9-10) — not sit silently in the shadows. But if we choose to hide our light from the world (Matt. 5:14-16), or (even worse) deny him, he will not defend us in the last day of judgment.

So, what leads us to hide our faith from others, and what can we do about it?

Ashamed of the Savior?

"Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, "You also are not one of his disciples, are you?" He denied it and said, "I am not."" (John 18:25).

Soon after Peter pledged his full allegiance to Jesus (John 13:37) he acted too ashamed to speak up. Are we also ashamed of Christ? Shame will lead us to hide our faith. Do we have the boldness to answer loudly to the world, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes ..." (Rom. 1:16)?

Afraid of the Backlash?

"His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess Jesus to be Christ, he was to be put out of the synagogue" (John 9:22).

Like the parents of the (formerly) blind man, we also may be gripped with fear. How will people react when they find out you're a Christian? Will they treat us differently? But no matter what backlash we experience, speaking up for Christ is always the right choice. And backlash may come. The world hated Jesus, and as his disciples, we should expect the same reaction (John 15:18).

A Desire to Please Men?

The root of this fear is a desire to please men — and not to rock the boat. Like those religious leaders who believed in Jesus, they didn't openly confess him, since "... they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God" (John 12:42-43). So, whose approval are we looking for, man's or God's?

When we hide under a veil of secrecy, no one will know what we stand for. Step out of the darkness of fear and into the light of confidence in Christ. May God give us the courage to openly and proudly proclaim Jesus as our Lord and King today.

Hold On! Read or Watch

One of life's transcendent joys is watching someone you love rise from the waters of baptism. What a pleasure to see a friend become family in Christ! But with it comes the knowledge that at some point, the road will get rough. If you wrote a letter to a new disciple, what counsel would you give?

I find myself wanting to impress two words upon new Christians: "Hold on!" Anyone who has followed Christ for any length of time has watched brothers drift away (Heb. 2:1) like unanchored ships (Heb. 6:19). The same Savior who said, "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved" (Mark 16:16), also said, "the one who endures to the end will be saved" (Matt. 24:13). So, don't let anything pull you away!

If we're going to make it, we have to "test everything" and "hold fast to what is good" (1 Thess. 5:21-22). The word for "hold fast" means "to glue together," "to join together," "to bind."1 Gorilla Glue the good stuff to yourself and hate everything that doesn't pass the test (Rom. 12:9). What should every Christian hang onto?

Hang on to These Words

The gospel has the power to save you, if and only "if you hold fast to the word I preached to you" (1 Cor. 15:1-2). "Let your heart hold fast my words" (Prov. 4:4). The more time you spend with Scripture, the more you'll understand your life.

Hang on to Your Family

After Paul told the Romans to "hold fast to that which is good" (Rom. 12:9), he said, "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor" (Rom. 12:10). Christians are the best thing in the world. They are a work in progress (like you), but the relationship between you will grow more meaningful, and they will — at times — astonish you with their goodness, courage, and love. Treasure your newfound "brothers and sisters and mothers and children" (Mark 10:28-29).

Hang on to Hope

One of your life's most significant changes is now you have hope. More and more, you'll discover the power of living for a bright future. When a group of Hebrew Christians teetered on the brink of falling away, a prophet repeated the call to hold fast our confidence (Heb. 3:6), and the hope set before us (Heb. 6:18) "without wavering, for he who promised is faithful_" (Heb. 10:23).

I remember water skiing for the first time, the wake and wind fighting against me. It got harder and harder to hold onto the handle as I bounced over the water. But I knew I had to hold on and stay connected to the boat. Jesus once told a church, "I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown" (Rev. 3:11). Never loosen your grip on him, but "serve him and hold fast to him" (Deut. 13:4) and he'll see you through.

1: Schmidt, K. L. (1964–). κολλάω, προσκολλάω . G. Kittel, G. W. Bromiley, & G. Friedrich (Eds.), Theological dictionary of the New Testament (electronic ed., Vol. 3, p. 822). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.

Put Your Heart Back to Work Read or Watch

"You people with hearts, have something to guide you, and need never do wrong; but I have no heart, and so I must be very careful" – The Tin Man, The Wizard of Oz

"Love" is probably the most important word in all the Bible. Love drives our relationship with God. It fuels our relationship with others (Matt. 22:37-40). But what happens when our heart goes missing? Like the Tin Man, will we travel great distances, braving insurmountable obstacles, to put the heart back into our otherwise empty lives?

Heart in Our Worship

Are we "going to church" or are we "assembling for worship?" Do we merely mouth the words to songs, or are they moving us to deeper discipleship and fellowship? Is a sermon only appreciated if it's short, or do we use the time to search our lives and motivations?

Without love for God, worship is a "weariness" (Mal. 1:13). But when we love him, worship is a joy and blessing — our honorable sacrifice to a loving and gracious God. And with hearts fully invested, we'll shout, "I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord!"" (Psalm 122:1).

Heart in Our Service

Are we Christians only on Sunday, or is every area of our life continually directed by Christ? Are we idly complaining about what others don't do, or are we keeping focused on new ways we can serve today? Do we pass by when we see someone in need or take the time to help?

Without love for others, we're left only with selfishness. But when we love our neighbor as ourselves, we'll spend and be spent for them (2 Cor. 12:15). And seeing the needs of those around us, like orphans and widows (James 1:27), we'll do our part to step in and make a difference in their lives.

Heart in Our Teaching

Do we think that teaching the gospel is the preacher's job, or are we actively taking the truth to others? Are we too busy with our selfish pursuits, or do we make time to lead our children to the Lord? Are we still immature believers, or are we meat-eating disciples who share God's wisdom with the world?

The lost world around us is desperately in need of Jesus. Without love for the lost, they will remain in that condition. But when we love the world, we'll persuade them to come to their senses before it's too late (2 Cor. 5:11). And with "our hearts wide open" (2 Cor. 5:11), we'll speak the message freely to everyone we meet.

A lack of love may be the greatest threat to the eternal wellbeing of humanity. But regaining love is still possible. As Jesus said, "... you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first" (Rev. 2:4-5).

Find Peace Through Life’s Chaos Read or Watch

When our daughter was a baby, few things were as sweet as that moment she slipped off to sleep in our arms. Then we'd put her gently into her crib and try to keep the house as quiet as possible to avoid waking her up.

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matt. 11:28-30).

We can hardly call our modern lives, "restful." Instead, we're active, busy, driven, overloaded, overworked, and frazzled. So the call of Jesus to find rest in him seems ever more appealing in light of our current situation. Let's look at a few enemies of rest — the noise of life that disturbs our sense of peace.

Distractions of Success

"For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?" (Matt. 16:25).

The push for success drives the American dream. But where are you headed as you climb that corporate ladder? What will you achieve that will transfer into eternity? The pursuit of earthly prosperity should never be more important than the pursuit of eternal wealth and rest (Matt. 6:24).

Pride and Covetousness

"If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you" (John 13:14-15).

There's always someone better — always someone who has more. Yet sometimes we push ourselves to the front of the line and chase after the things we don't have. It's a never-ending cycle. But Jesus shows us the peace that meekness, humility, and simple living bring to the believer (Matt. 6:25-34; 1 Tim. 6:6-10).

Troubled Relationships

"Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all" (Rom. 12:17-18).

There may be no single more significant threat to rest than ongoing discord with those closest to us. It's hard to focus on anything else. We may not be able to change the heart of a friend or family member who's angry with us, but we can choose to forgive and make peace with them (Matt. 5:23-24).

"Softly and tenderly, Jesus is calling," — but the world is frantically waving its hands. Look forward to that eternal rest with God, and find comfort through your present chaos. "... Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest" (Psalm 55:6).

Run from the Burning Building of Sin Read or Watch

What would you do if your house was on fire? We'd probably grab our kids and get out of the house! Spiritually speaking, many find themselves in the blazing inferno of their sin-filled lives. Though, instead of running to safety, they quietly sit at the kitchen table and enjoy a cup of coffee. "This is fine," they say.

Satan's always trying to minimize the results of sin, making it look better than it is. He disguises it and wraps it up in a cute little bow for us. He's been hiding the terrible effects of sin from us since the beginning, as he told Eve, "... You will not surely die ..." (Gen. 3:4-5).

Let's look at three ways we convince ourselves that things are "fine," when they aren't at all.

I Didn't Know

Many who followed Jesus to his crucifixion didn't fully understand why they were there or what they were supporting. Later on, Peter says, "And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. ... Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out" (Acts 3:17-19). While they "acted in ignorance," Peter still labeled these actions as "sins," which they needed to repent of.

We may ignore our failures and shortcomings, but God won't ignore them. So let's prayerfully take stock of our lives, and see ourselves as clearly as God sees us.

It Didn't Hurt Anyone

Sometimes we justify our sins by looking at their impact on others. Even if they hurt no one, there's always a cost when we choose evil — a price that you are paying! As Isaiah said, "... your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear" (Isa. 59:2).

Some sins damage other people, but all sin destroys our relationship with God. Let's treat our bodies like God's temple, driving out evil to focus on his righteousness (1 Cor. 6:18-20).

I Didn't Get Caught

When the cop pulls you over for speeding, are you sorry that you violated the law, or sorry you got caught? Often in our walk with God, we forget that he's always watching (Heb. 4:13). He will bring to light all the things we think are hidden. As David said, "For we are brought to an end by your anger; by your wrath we are dismayed. You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence" (Psalm 90:7-8).

So let's look around and see the dangerous situation we're in when we practice sin. And let's get out of that burning building before it's eternally too late!

Remember God's Love for You Read or Watch

"Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens. Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens. Brown paper packages tied up with strings. These are a few of my favorite things" — Julie Andrews, The Sound of Music

I love quiet mornings, that first cup of coffee, and good conversations with a friend. What are your favorite things? I'm sure everyone's list is a little different, but some things have a way of bringing us a special kind of joy.

Would it surprise you to know that God has a list of his favorite things too? Let's look at a few things God loves, and what they mean for us today.

A Cheerful Giver

"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Cor. 9:7).

We're commanded to give — but it's not the amount of the gift that matters. It's about our motivation and attitude. And when we sacrifice with the right heart, thoughtfully, willingly, and cheerfully, God is pleased with the gift. So, do we "drag our feet" in giving, or are we jumping at the chance to sacrifice for him?

Those He Disciplines

"My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights" (Prov. 3:11-12).

I used to think my parents hated me whenever they would discipline me. Now, as a parent, I know the truth. We correct our children because we love them. It's love that motivates us to address it. And it's the same with God. He takes time with us, molding and shaping us, so we can grow up to be productive and fruitful servants (John 15:1-5). If life seems harder than usual, maybe God is lovingly teaching us a lesson and honing us to become better.

The World

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

God's love for the world may be the most important of all. More personally, God loves you, and he loves me. His compassion and mercy caused Jesus to come to this earth and die for us all. How amazing that God was pleased to "crush him" (Isa. 53:10), knowing the result would be our salvation! What a gift from our God who cares about us all so profoundly!

There are many more things that God loves, but these are just a few. May we take comfort in knowing that God loves us and seeks our good as we strive to serve him every day.

Keep Your Tongue Under Control Read or Watch

I seem to have a rather unfortunate superpower. Any time my family convinces me to see a movie in the theater, I have an uncanny ability to sit right next to the one person in the audience who decides to talk or use their cell phone during the film. It's inevitable and inescapable! And every time I'm reminded just how "golden" silence is.

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: ... a time to keep silence, and a time to speak" (Eccl. 3:1, 7).

The Bible talks a lot about the unwieldy power and impact of our tongues (James 3:5-8). Controlling our words can be like trying to tame a wild animal. In so many situations, the best choice is to stay quiet. Let's consider three times when it's better to "zip it."

When You're Angry

"A man of quick temper acts foolishly ..." (Prov. 14:17).

Maybe you want to "straighten someone out," "give someone a piece of your mind," or even "tell someone off." But these are the moments where it's best to stay silent. Cool off, listen carefully, and speak cautiously, especially when tempers begin to flair (James 1:19-20).

When You're Uninformed

"If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. ... The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him" (Prov. 18:13, 17).

Our legal system stands on the belief that someone is innocent until proven guilty. But too often we speak without knowing the facts. Then gossip, backbiting, and whispering spread like wildfire, destroying people's lives. But we can stop it at the source, by keeping quiet until we're properly informed.

When it Hurts Others

"A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends" (Prov. 16:28).

Sure, sometimes, we have challenging things that need to be said. But when hurtful words aren't necessary, let's be careful to keep it to ourselves. And on the receiving end, try not to take it too seriously, since you've probably been guilty of inflicting similar wounds on others (Eccl. 7:21-22).

Silence is golden, but there could be a deeper issue. The root of the problem may be in your heart, as Jesus warned, "... For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matt. 12:34).

Let's choose our words thoughtfully. And remember that we will all "give account for every careless word" (Matt. 12:36) before God on the day of judgment.

Fight the Feelings of Failure Read or Watch

On the road toward heaven, we all face times of discouragement. We might "feel down," "burned out," or like "a failure" from time to time. But what causes these feelings, and how can we overcome it? Let's look to Hebrews 12:1-8, for some helpful ways to move beyond our times of discouragement.

Feeling Alone

It's easy to think that no one cares about or understands what we're going through. But we're not alone when we face problems in the church, in our families, or at our jobs. The Hebrew writer reminds us of the great "cloud of witnesses" (Heb 12:1) from the previous chapter. Those amazing heroes of faith who didn't have an easy time, but who worked for God under dire conditions. They kept the faith, and so can we!

Burdened by Sin

Sin acts like a weight around our legs and a snare, which easily traps us (Heb. 12:1). And sometimes the ugliness we see in the world is because of the dirt on our glasses. If we're discouraged by the sins of others, maybe it's a sign that we need to address those same sins in ourselves. Lay them aside and trust in the forgiveness of God.

Losing Focus

Are you focused on the wrong things? As Christians, we fix our eyes on Jesus, "the founder and perfecter of our faith" (Heb 12:2). Looking at Jesus, we see the One raised from the dead and seated in supreme authority at God's right hand. Taking our eyes off him, like Peter, we start to sink into discouragement. He's willing to help us if we keep our eyes on him!

Losing Perspective

Not to dismiss our troubles, sometimes things aren't as bad as we think. God reminds the Hebrews, "In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood" (Heb. 12:4). Sure, they'd been through some tough times, but God said ... it could be worse! It helps to keep things in perspective and to remember that we're still here today to serve God with all our strength.

And God is always working in our lives. He disciplines us as sons when practice evil, but also to prepare us for greater things in the future (Heb. 12:5-8). Like a fruitful branch that the vineyard owner prunes, God wants us to produce more through difficulty (John 15:1-5). So maybe the problems you're having are preparing you for more excellent works that lie ahead!

So, the next time you feel discouraged, read Hebrews 12, pray to God, and ask him to help you endure. "... let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up" (Gal. 6:9).

Work and Worship in Harmony Read or Watch

"Behind me stands a wall that encircles the free sectors of this city, part of a vast system of barriers that divides the entire continent of Europe. ... As long as this gate is closed, as long as this scar of a wall is permitted to stand, it is not the German question alone that remains open, but the question of freedom for all mankind. ... Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" — Ronald Reagan, June 12, 1987

Believers today are charged to "maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3). God doesn't want us building walls between ourselves. Instead, he wants peace. He hates those who sow discord among brothers (Prov. 6:19). And because of our troublesome tendency to divide, Paul was continually calling for unity throughout his letters (1 Cor. 1:10; Gal. 5:19-21; Rom. 16:17-18).

So, considering the great diversity in the church today, how do we work and worship together in harmony?

United in Attitude

Paul shows us the way to unity, which starts by changing our heart:

"... walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:1-3).

We lower ourselves and lift our brothers and sisters. We're concerned about them and care enough to step in and help. We refuse to retaliate or become angry over someone's actions. When frustration is high, we still seek the best for each other. It's hard work, but we're willing to put in the extra effort!

United in Teaching

"Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works" (2 John 9-11).

We can't go beyond the teaching of Christ. Many sincere and religious people are united with each other but are no longer united with Christ. And so we oppose error, speaking the truth with "complete patience" (2 Tim. 4:2) and love (Eph. 4:15).

Because of his grace, our faith in Jesus brings us back into a peaceful relationship with God (Rom. 5:1-2). And since we have peace through him, we seek a countercultural peace with our brothers. What a thrill to consider the unity of God's people, as David said, "Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!" (Psalm 133:1).

"So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding" (Rom. 14:19).

Trust in God’s Plan for Tomorrow Read or Watch

My wife and I both share a family calendar on our phones. If one of us forgets to add an important event or appointment to the schedule, the other usually says, "If it's not on the calendar, it doesn't exist!"

We live in a "time conscious" society. If we're honest with ourselves, we all realize how little control we have over our time. So James tackles this topic in James 4:13-17, explaining the foolishness of filling up our schedules while forgetting to make God a part of our plans.

Tomorrow is a Mystery

"Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit" — yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes" (James 4:13).

Do you feel like time is under your control? Solomon said, "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring" (Prov. 27:1). Tomorrow is a day that never comes — a day full of mystery and uncertainty.

There's nothing wrong with planning for the future, as long as we remember that our "life is like a breath" (Job 7:7). We're just a blip on the radar (1 Peter 1:24), while God remains in control of everything.

Trust God's Plan

"Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that." As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil" (James 4:15-16).

God has a plan for our lives, and it's up to us to trust him. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths" (Prov. 3:5-6).

What's God's plan for you? When we trust in ourselves over God, we're guilty of arrogance and sin.

Do What's Right

"So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin" (James 4:17).

What better use of our time than doing what's right? If you could sum up our jobs as Christians today, it's to do the right thing. "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" (Eph. 2:10).

Life is short, and tomorrow is uncertain. Stay mindful of God in all you do, and humble yourself to trust in his plan for the future.

Remove Troublesome Obstacles Read or Watch

I always had a tough time getting out of bed growing up. No matter how much I wanted to become a morning person, my body never seemed to comply.

We all have internal battles where our minds and bodies are at odds. Like Paul, we might say, "For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate" (Rom. 7:12). And so often, when we give in and allow our bodies to win, we're worse off than we were before (2 Peter 2:20).

And we don't do ourselves any favors when we make the journey of life harder by cluttering up our paths with roadblocks and potholes. So how can we shape our way and give ourselves the best possible chance at success?

Alter Your Surroundings

If you're on a diet, you don't put a giant Costco-sized bag of M&Ms next to your multivitamins. Solomon offered a similar warning about the "forbidden woman":

"Keep your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house ... Do not desire her beauty in your heart, and do not let her capture you with her eyelashes" (Prov. 5:8; 6:25).

Honestly, identify friction in your life. What are your stumbling blocks? And how can you get rid of them? Whether it's certain friends, websites, TV shows, or anything else that trips you up, point them out and remove them before they cause you to fall.

Replace those temptations with small helpful habits. Habits tend to build on each other. And the small steps you take in study, prayer, and kindness will compound, the longer you practice them.

Build Support Systems

I recently got an Apple Watch to track my fitness. One of my favorite features is being able to share my progress with others. Throughout the day, I'm always getting messages from friends to "Keep it up!" when I hit my daily goals.

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, ... but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near" (Heb. 10:24-25).

Open up and be honest with someone close to you. As Christians, our job is to help, so let us! Shutting others out will only lead to isolation and frustration.

Look for real opportunities to encourage. Support your brothers and sisters by genuinely being interested in their lives. Listen to them and stir them up on their journey towards the finish line.

Change is hard! And lasting change is even harder! But if you're willing to work for it, change is always possible. May God help us shape our paths to avoid temptation and lean on each other for support.

Unite in Purpose as His Church Read or Watch

Some folks just love to complain! From "one star" reviews on Yelp, to people's sprawling social media tirades, it's not hard to find someone with a bone to pick.

The church in Philippi was a shining example of a group of Christians working together in unity. Unlike many of Paul's other letters, he has no complaints about them. So let's look at four aspects of their faith that made them such a thriving congregation.

They Were Grounded

"Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel" (Phil. 1:27).

The gospel is our focus. It's tempting to get distracted by the color of the carpet or the temperature of the building. But our focus as believers is on defending and spreading the gospel of Christ. Stay focused on your real purpose as Jesus' disciple.

They Were Glad

"Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise, you also should be glad and rejoice with me" (Phil. 2:17-18).

We have a joy for each other and in the Lord. Joy is an attractive quality. When others see your enthusiasm, they want to join in with you. And our joy isn't a show or an act, but it flows out of a pure and loving heart.

They Were Generous

"Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. ... I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God" (Phil. 4:14, 18).

We find ways to help others. And we don't have to look too hard to see people in need around us. We're continually looking for more opportunities to be generous and helpful towards those in need. So how can we use our time, money, and energy to support the spread of the gospel?

They Were Growing

"And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment ... filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God" (Phil. 1:9-11).

When we're busy with his work, we'll grow in joy and faith. A byproduct of action is an increasing desire for more action. It's inertia. It's momentum. And so we need to start the ball rolling if it's not already, and continue to increase our joy and faith in Christ.

May God help us become a unified church like the Philippians today, grounded, glad, generous, and growing.

Background Check Use the Blessings of Your Past Read or Watch

If you've ever watched MacGyver, you've probably seen him use ordinary, every-day objects like scotch tape or paperclips to accomplish incredible tasks. Where most people would ignore these simple tools for such critical jobs, MacGyver has a way of seeing their usefulness!

We all have a story. And those stories can be a great blessing to us, even if they're blessings in disguise. So let's look at a few ways our backgrounds can be useful to us, no matter where we came from, in our walk with Christ today.

Blessings of a Worldly Background

Leaving a worldly upbringing can showcase God's transformative power in your life. What better way to show the world what true repentance looks like than for them to see a change in you? As Paul told the Corinthians, "... Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God" (1 Cor. 6:9–11).

You also become relatable to the world. Now you're able to use your background as a doorway for the gospel. Sharing your story helps you connect with the lost and make the most of each opportunity. Like Paul, who became "all things to all people" (1 Cor. 9:22), you can use your experiences to connect with others and hopefully save them.

Blessings of a Godly Background

Having come from a godly background, you're rooted firmly in faith. You have a support system able to keep you grounded in the truth. Like Timothy's mother and grandmother helped make him the man he was (2 Tim. 1:5-6), you're able to lean on your believing family and friends for support.

You're also equipped for the fight. Having witnessed the hard-fought battles for the faith throughout the years, you're armed to stand up for the truth in a variety of battlefronts as Paul told Timothy, "Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses" (1 Tim. 6:12).

So what's your story? How can you use your past to serve him today? May we acknowledge the blessings of our backgrounds and look for new opportunities to strengthen his kingdom through our own unique experiences.

Background Check Check Your Spiritual Baggage Read or Watch

I've never been what you'd call an "over-packer." Even on longer trips, it's a game to see how little I can bring with me. But my mom is the polar opposite. On our family vacations, she was always pushing the limits of how many bags she took, and how heavy the suitcases were.

We all have a story. And those stories can be a source of baggage for us. How much baggage are you carrying with you? Whether you grew up in a godly home or not, you still have challenges to overcome in your walk with Christ. So let's look at a few ways our backgrounds might weigh us down.

Baggage of a Worldly Background

Maybe you struggle with being drawn back into sin. The possibility that sin could wrap us up again is always there. And even more for those who've spent a lot of time with the world. As Peter warned, "For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first" (2 Peter 2:20).

Are you weighed down by the lasting effects of sin? Leaving a sinful lifestyle may not automatically remove the impact of those choices on your life. There might still be a physical price to pay, like disease, debt, addiction, broken relationships, or even imprisonment (1 Cor. 6:9-11). Lean on the Lord, who washed you from your sins, to lift that burden of your old way of life.

Baggage of a Godly Background

Even for those who were raised to know the truth, it can be easy to slip into stagnation and traditionalism. Going through the motions is a challenge for those who have been serving God most of their lives. But Jesus offers the solution: "... you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first" (Rev. 2:4–5).

Finally, maybe you've developed a lack of empathy. Not having lived a life of worldliness, we might be left unable to relate to the world. Would you step in and help someone beaten down on the side of the road like the Samaritan (Luke 10:31-33)? Or, like those religious men, would you pass by on the other side and avoid helping?

So what's your story? What baggage did you bring with you when you started walking that narrow road toward life? May God enable us to lay aside every weight and sin so we can run the race of life with endurance (Heb. 12:1-2)!

Background Check God Can Use Your Background Read or Watch

I grew up surrounded by faithful Christians. Though I'm grateful for the influence they all had in my life, sometimes, I wonder if my faith would seem more credible to the world if my story were different. Would people view my stand for the truth with more "weight" if I had walked the road of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), having come home from a faraway land after living in sin?

But friends have shared similar feelings with me, from the other side. Believers who wonder how much further along they'd be in their spiritual growth if they'd come from more godly upbringings, or obeyed Christ earlier in life. So, it would seem that the grass does tend to be greener on the other side of the fence.

As Paul considered his past, he kept it all in perspective.

"... If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more ... But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ" (Phil 3:4-8).

Your Past Doesn't Define You

It's tempting to look back on the successes we've had, the mistakes we've made, and the opportunities we've either seized or missed. But spending too much time dwelling on "what could have been" can be extraordinarily distracting and discouraging. Fortunately, God doesn't care about your background. He only cares about who you are today! As he looked beyond Paul's attempts to destroy the church, towards a man he could use to build it up, he can look beyond your past too. But our backgrounds can still be a valuable tool in his service.

God Can Use Your Story

The church is socially, economically, and nationally diverse by design. And with our diversity, we're all uniquely useful. As Paul said, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Gal. 3:27). God can use your story in his service. It's not something to hide or be ashamed of, rather a tool to be used and shared with others. God has put you exactly where he needs you, to be a functional member of Christ's body (1 Cor. 12:18). And you can be a source of great encouragement to others when you share your past successes or failures with them.

May God strengthen us in Christ, to move beyond our background and grab hold of the work we can do for him today.

Look Positively at Trials Read or Watch

Are you a "glass half full" kind of person? Or do you gravitate toward a "glass half empty" approach?

The apostle Paul wrote one of the great "glass half full" letters to the Christians in Philippi. But if you stop and think about the circumstances surrounding it, you might wonder why he's so optimistic. He's in prison, and the Phillippians are facing persecution because of their faith. So, why does he write with such a positive outlook?

"I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear" (Phil. 1:12-14).

The Opposition

After a series of mock trials and death threats from the Jews, Paul becomes a Roman prisoner. Is his work over? Not at all — he saw a great opportunity in opposition. And when we're faced with trials today, God can still make our work a success. As the Jewish teacher Gamaliel said, "... if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them." (Acts 5:38-39). Don't be discouraged when you face difficulty. God is still at work in you, even when the glass seems almost empty.

The Advancement

Sure, Paul couldn’t visit those churches he helped establish. But he found a new audience to present the gospel. He looked for new ways to teach, and the good news of Christ spread as a result. Wherever you are in life, there's always more work to do. While you may not be able to serve Christ in the same ways you used to, there are ways you can work for him today. Don't get too attached to the past. Consider how to serve the Lord today!

The Boldness

It would be natural to view Paul's imprisonment as a negative situation. But Paul says it wasn't negative at all. Rather than causing fear among the brotherhood, it created confidence and boldness! It's never a bad thing to suffer for Christ's sake. And as his ambassadors in this world, we should expect to be rejected like our King (John 15:18-21; Eph. 6:18-20). But we can confidently bear up in trial, knowing that if we endure, there's a reward waiting for us in the end (Heb. 10:32-36).

May we all develop an outlook like Paul to remain positive during our struggles today!

Bring God Into Your Whole Life Read or Watch

If you've ever been on a long road trip with young kids, you've probably passed the time with an old fashioned fill-in-the-blank game of Mad Libs. These sometimes silly starter stories are given new meaning when you add your nouns, pronouns, verbs, and adjectives to the mix. And with all your additions filled in, the template story becomes your story!

"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Gal. 2:20).

Christ's death on the cross transformed Paul. His old man of sin has been killed. Paul speaks as if he hung with Jesus on that hill of Calvary. Now he's living a new life with the Messiah as his master. He's a vessel for Christ, entirely under his control. In a sense, Jesus provides the template, Paul adds his life to it, and his story develops a whole new meaning!

His Template

Jesus is our model. He's our starting place, our daily teacher. He trains us and molds us into what we could never become on our own. As he loved the unlovable, we reach out even to our enemies. As he served with humility, we kneel and wash each other's feet. And as he gave up his life on the cross for us, we put our sinful selves to death alongside him. When he says, "... If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" (Matt. 16:24), we obey!

Your Additions

Now add your new life to his. Make him part of your daily walk. Ask yourself, "How can I honor him in ?" The blank is yours to complete. So, how can I serve him in: doing the laundry, putting my child to bed, shopping for groceries, or my morning meeting? Even in all the ordinary, mundane areas of your life. How does he give these activities new meaning? How can you glorify God in them? As Paul said, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus ..." (Col. 3:17). Nothing is off the table. Nothing is too small to use in his service.

Your New Story

Real faith which fills in the blanks with action! As James said, "... faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. " (James 2:17). Move beyond knowing, toward doing. Submit all your earthly actions to his control and discover the deeper meaning of your life. He loves you and died for you — so will you empty yourself and let Christ fill in the blanks?

Let Jesus Multiply Your Abilities Read or Watch

Have you ever been so hungry you could eat a horse? How would you react to finding your kitchen stocked with nothing but condiments and a few goldfish crackers? Most of us have had times when the pickings were slim for our next meal — and so did Jesus before one of his most famous miracles.

"'There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?' ... Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted" (John 6:9-11).

So what can we learn about Jesus and his power to stock our spiritual pantries today?

The Messiah of Multiplication

Jesus provides in abundance from seemingly nothing. Those who ate had "as much as they wanted" (John 6:11) and "had eaten their fill" (John 6:12). He provided an all-you-can-eat meal. No fancy restaurant tiny dishes here! Jesus lavished them with enough to satisfy them. Notably, the description of their leftovers drives home the point that Jesus doesn't do anything in half-measures. Like "the best wine" he made in his first miracle (John 2:1-12), he didn't leave anyone wishing for something more. But it all started with a deficit. There wasn't enough to go around, yet Jesus sent them home with doggie bags!

Meager Beginnings

Sometimes we might look at our meager beginnings — like the five barley loaves and two fish — and find ourselves lacking or unworthy. "What could Jesus possibly do with me?" It seems impossible that we could be a valuable contributor in his extraordinary work. But Jesus can bypass our human merits and do something abundantly through us, as God said, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts" (Zech. 4:6). It's not because we are anything, but because he is everything!

Be the Basket

We all can probably relate to Paul's self-assessment, when he said, "The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost" (1 Tim. 1:15). But only when we move beyond who we are, can we realize what Jesus can do with us, as Paul continued, "But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life" (1 Tim. 1:16). Jesus can use us, even in our weakness, to show the full extent of his perfection through us.

You don't start out as a full basket. You're not equipped to the task by yourself. But Jesus can multiply your abilities (Matt. 25:14-30) and mold you into a fully-functional member of his kingdom (2 Tim. 3:17).

The End Live in Light of the Day of Christ Read or Watch

I have a friend who asks me just about every week, shaking his head, "When is it gonna get better?"

My answer is always something like this: "One day."

These two words summarize a hope that some future day Jesus will change all that isn't working here. One day.

One Final, Future Day

Some claim the end has already come,1 or that it will happen on several days, separated by a thousand years.2 But the Bible speaks of "the day" of Christ's return (2 Thess. 1:9-10) as "the end" (1 Cor. 15:22-26), the "last day" (John 6:39-54), "an hour" when all the dead will rise, and judgment will come (John 5:29-30). Not a millennium, a day. God "has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed" (Acts 17:30-31).

We may wonder why God would let sickness, death, sadness, and evil surround us, but that’s because we confuse One Day with Today. Are people still dying? Then "the end" hasn't come yet (1 Cor. 15:24-26). Is Jesus still reigning as King (1 Cor. 15:24, 28)? Has the Lord "changed" us and given us glorious, immortal bodies (1 Cor. 15:51-53)? If not, then the end hasn’t come.

One Unknown Day

We can't predict that day by watching the news for signs.

"But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only … Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect" (Matt. 24:36, 44).

Paul says "the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night" and compares it to the way "labor pains come upon a pregnant woman" (1 Thess. 5:2-3). We don't know the date, but it shouldn't catch us off guard since we live with that day in mind (1 Thess. 5:4-6).

Living in Light of the One Day

Most people sleepwalk through life, barely aware of the most important realities. We can go on autopilot too, reacting unwisely to the events around us and the impulses within us.

"… the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime …" (Rom. 13:11-14).

Understanding the end should wake us up to walk in daylight. And if we do that, it shouldn't keep us up to worry at night.

So keep your eyes open and live in the light of that day. It's "nearer to us now" (Rom. 13:11) than ever before, and each day brings us closer to that glorious Someday.

1: The "A.D. 70 Doctrine," also known as "Full Preterism."

2: Dispensational Premillennialism, a widespread view among evangelicals that includes the rapture, seven years of tribulation, and thousand-year-reign of Christ on Earth. Most versions of this doctrine anticipate three separate resurrection days (saints, tribulation saints, and wicked) and two judgment days separated by a thousand years.

The End Find Comfort in the Final Judgment Read or Watch

"That's not fair!"

— My Kids

It's incredible how a  five-year-old who doesn't know what day it is can track every reward and punishment in a family. And kids aren't the only ones measuring fairness. We look around and wonder if doing the right thing matters. Even in an unjust world, we never stop expecting justice. That's why Christians look forward to the judgment day.

The word rule "comes from the Latin word regula, a word associated with a bar or trellis, the woodwork on which a plant grows."1 Like a trellis supports a vine's growth, God's righteous rule lets goodness thrive. God's laws are a lattice held up by two posts, establishing the importance of doing good. On one side stands the cross; on the other, the final judgment. At the cross, God declared that righteousness matters by dying for sins. At the judgment, God will declare that righteousness matters by giving every deed its just reward. So we hang onto what is right, living between these fixed points.

A Merciful Judgment

We'll never understand God's judgment without understanding his mercy. Judgment without mercy would leave us all condemned. All have sinned (Rom. 3:23), but God's kindness leads some to repent (Rom. 2:4), while the unrepentant "are storing up wrath for … the day … when God's righteous judgment will be revealed" (Rom. 2:5).

A Personal Judgment

How can we find favor instead of wrath that day?

"He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury" (Rom. 2:6-8).

What you do matters! We'll never deserve God's grace, but our works determine our destiny (Rom. 2:6; cf. Mt 16:27; 2 Cor 5:10)! Those who keep doing good and "seek for glory" will receive eternal life (Rom. 2:7), but not "those who are self-seeking" (Rom. 2:8).

A Fair Judgment

No one has an advantage. No one will game the system. You can count on an evenhanded judgment, with "peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek" (Rom. 2:10) but "distress for every human being who does evil" (Rom. 2:9). Why? Because "God shows no partiality" (Rom. 2:11). God will judge you justly, by a standard you can know and obey (cf. Rom. 2:12-15; Matt. 11:21-24; Luke 12:48). He sees every thought, every intention, every hidden moment, and he "judges the secrets of men" (Rom. 2:16).

I remember lying in bed as a kid, afraid of the Judgment Day. But as sobering as it is, God's judgment is part of the gospel (Rom. 2:16), the good news that can soothe a frustrated heart. If you've ever longed for justice, know this: on the last day, goodness will win at last.

1: Earley, Justin Whitmel. The Common Rule (p. 14). InterVarsity Press. Kindle Edition.

The End Look Forward to Your Resurrection Read or Watch

"To die will be an awfully big adventure."

― J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan and Wendy

From the tales of the Fountain of Youth to the modern obsession with vampire mythology, people love to dream about living beyond the limits of our aging bodies. God put "eternity in our hearts" (Eccl. 3:11), but our flesh betrays those aspirations. No wonder Paul thought of rising to live forever when he considered his hope (Phil. 3:11, 21; Rom. 8:23-25).

The Big Sleep

When Jesus miraculously raised dead people, he said they had only "fallen asleep" (John 11:11-13; Mark 5:39). Paul says the dead in Christ, too, have "fallen asleep" (1 Thess. 4:14), not because they're unconscious, but because when you lay down, you know you'll "rise and shine" in the morning. For Christians, death is not an end, so we don't grieve like people without hope (1 Thess. 4:13-18).

A Resurrection For All

Jesus describes one great resurrection event for all people.

"… all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment" (John 5:28-29).

Some will receive eternal life (1 Thess. 4:13-16; 1 Cor. 15:52), but the evil will rise for judgment and the "second death" (Rev. 20:12-15; John 5:29).

A Resurrection of Our Bodies

When we die, we'll leave our bodies (2 Cor. 5:8), but we will not remain "unclothed … we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life" (2 Cor. 5:4). Jesus describes bodies coming forth from "tombs" (John 5:28; used in Matt. 23:29; 27:52-53), not just spirits coming forth from Hades (Rev. 20:13; Luke 16:23; Acts 2:27, 31). But "someone will ask, 'How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?'" (1 Cor. 15:35). Paul answers, "You foolish person!" (1 Cor. 15:36). Don't underestimate God's creative power to make all kinds of bodies, just like he makes seeds that "die" and change into plants (1 Cor. 15:36-42).

A Resurrection Like Christ's

During the Feast of Firstfruits, the Israelites offered their first product of the harvest season, showing their confidence in the abundance that would follow (Lev. 23:10). So Christ's resurrection is "the firstfruits," assuring us of the bountiful resurrection harvest to come (1 Cor. 15:19, 23). On that day, Christ "will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body" (Phil. 3:21; cf. 1 Cor. 15:49). Our risen bodies will be imperishable, powerful, and spiritual (1 Cor. 15:42-54). Our current bodies aren't fit for the world to come, so even those who don't die will "be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye" (1 Cor. 15:51-54). Clasping this confidence, we remain "steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work" (1 Cor. 15:58) — because we know we will live forever. What an adventure that will be!

The End Anticipate the Coming of Christ Read or Watch

"Prince Harry! William! Kate and Meghan!"

— Every tabloid, or so it seems

People can't get enough of the Brittish royal family. Surrounded by pomp and paparazzi, every appearance is a spectacle. The Queen recently celebrated her 93rd birthday with a parade called Trooping the Colour. With over 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, 400 musicians, and streets lined with flag-waving crowds, the royal family travels through London by carriage. Returning to Buckingham Palace, the Queen receives a 41-gun salute and Air Force flyover. It's a cavalcade fit for a queen, but what kind of welcome befits the King of Kings when he comes in glory?

The Bible vividly describes Christ's return, allowing us to envision the sights and sounds of that day.

"For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord" (1 Thess. 4:16-17).

What a Sight

Some people are desperate to see "the Queen herself!" But imagine seeing Jesus, live and in-person! Jesus will not send a representative on his behalf. And he will not come figuratively in judgment (as in Matt. 24:15-28). No, "the Lord himself will descend" (1 Thes. 4:16). Once, long ago, disciples watched Jesus ascend, disappearing behind a cloud. While they gazed skyward, angels said, "This Jesus … will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven" (Acts 1:9-11). The heavenly realm where Christ sits today (Eph. 1:20; cf. 3:10; 6:12) exists beyond this universe, but his ascension helped the disciples understand his departure and return. Christ will "appear" from that hidden plane above (Col. 3:1-4) when he "is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire" (2 Thess. 1:7-8). As men watched him go, men will see him come — in might and majesty.

What a Sound

Trumpets celebrate the Queen of England, and the Major General's voice announces her presence. But when Christ comes, "the trumpet of God" will announce him, along with an archangel's voice and a shouted command (1 Thess. 4:16) heard by "all who are in the tombs" (John 5:28–29).

What a Day

We will abruptly find ourselves "caught up" in the clouds with the risen "dead in Christ" (1 Thess. 4:16-17). Paul's word "meet" (1 Thess. 4:17) is "a technical term to describe how the citizens of a city go out to meet and welcome a visiting dignitary and escort him back to the city"1. Like a royal greeting party joining the King's procession outside of town, "when Christians leave the gates of the world, they will welcome Christ."2

The Trooping of the Colour is an annual event, and soldiers spend months preparing to perform their duties correctly. We don't know when our King will arrive, but in excited anticipation, we spend our lives preparing to greet him.

1: Blight, R. C. (2008). An Exegetical Summary of 1 & 2 Thessalonians (2nd ed., p. 136). Dallas, TX: SIL International.

2: Peterson, E. (1964–). ἀπάντησις. G. Kittel, G. W. Bromiley, & G. Friedrich (Eds.), Theological dictionary of the New Testament (electronic ed., Vol. 1, pp. 380–381). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.

The End What Will Happen at the End? Read or Watch

"Aragorn looked at the pale stars, and at the moon, now sloping behind the western hills that enclosed the valley. 'This is a night as long as years', he said. 'How long will the day tarry?' 'Dawn is not far off', said Gamling, who had now climbed up beside him. 'But dawn will not help us, I fear.' 'Yet dawn is ever the hope of men', said Aragorn."

— J.R.R. Tolkien, The Two Towers

Have you ever noticed that most great stories follow similar patterns? From the classic tales of princesses and knights to modern-day blockbusters about superhumans and Jedi, the narratives begin with an origin story before introducing a conflict. Something has gone horribly wrong. Then there's Act II, the hero's journey into the depths, which requires sacrifice and transformation as the hero does "whatever it takes." But a perfect story needs a perfect ending.

First, the hero usually returns victorious. Second, justice finally comes, as the bad guys face the consequences of their awful deeds. Then the good guys live happily ever after. The end.

It's not surprising then that the most excellent story — the story of Everything — follows that pattern.

The Return of the King

First, the hero of history, Jesus Christ, will return.

"For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command …" (1 Thess. 4:16)

Justice For All

Then, God will execute final judgment — bringing perfect mercy, equity, and rightness.

"He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath … For God shows no partiality" (Rom. 2:6-11).

Ever After

With our resurrection and entry into the "new heavens and new earth" (Rev. 21:1-5), the faithful will live forever with God.

"For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality … then shall come to pass the saying that is written: 'Death is swallowed up in victory.' 'O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?' The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 15:53-57).

As Christians, we naturally see all beautiful stories as pale reflections, echoing the great story written on our hearts. Even in this world full of strange, cryptic, often terrifying false ideas about what the end will be, the simple, joyful message of Christian hope shines through the pages of Scripture when we take the time to read it.

As you embrace the Bible's teaching on final things, settle into your role here in the middle of the story, never doubting the end that God has promised. Hold onto your hope — your confident expectation — and it will change how you live.

The End Knowledge and Hope Read or Watch

My favorite line in my favorite movie — the 1942 classic Casablanca — comes when Captain Renault asks Humphrey Bogart's character, Rick, why he came to Casablanca.

"I came to Casablanca for the waters," says Rick.

"Waters?! We're in a DESERT!" replies Captain Renault.

And in a classic Bogey deadpan, Rick says, "I was misinformed."

Imagine making that move only to find out that you put your trust in false information. Can you relate? Ever followed bad data or made a decision with no data at all?

"But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope … we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words" (1 Thess. 4:13-18).

If we're uninformed, we'll grieve like people "who have no hope." Folks have obscured, complicated, and twisted the Bible's teaching about the end, leaving people uninformed. The message gets changed so much that we don't see why it matters. Paul wanted to strengthen Christians with the truth that Christ has altered the nature of death and will someday split the sky in glory. Many don't seem to know what our hope is — maybe no one has informed them. Others have built their expectations on something other than the Scripture's explanation of the end.

We have to be informed — with accurate INFORMation — to think, feel, and act like a hope-filled disciple.

"There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call" (Eph. 4:4).

One of the church's distinctive, uniting characteristics is that we have hope, and hope for the same thing! We look forward to God's completion of all things. But rather than "one hope," when we look closely at the mass of people professing Christianity, we find lots of different hopes. Like Rick, they're misinformed.

Lastly, some know the facts but have lost touch with their power. They "live in the now," without much thought about the future. It's a pleasant daydream rather than fixed confidence that makes sense of their lives.

Rick came for waters and found a desert. But we come from "... a dry and weary land where there is no water" thirsting for the Lord (Psalm 63:1). The stakes could not be higher, and we do not want anyone to be uninformed, as we seek "a well of water springing up to eternal life" (John 4:14).

To The Conquerors Find Your Seat in Heaven Read or Watch

You're in a line of people at a party, walking around in a circle while music plays. The music suddenly stops, and you scramble to find a chair. It's Musical Chairs! Will you find an empty seat, or be the one left standing?

As Jesus closes his words to the seven churches, he turns to Laodicea with a final promise to the victorious. His offer: a guaranteed seat when the music of life stops.

"The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne" (Rev. 3:21).

Sitting With Christ

Jesus invites us to sit with him on his throne. He welcomes us to the best seat in the house, not because we've earned it, but because of his love and graciousness. Jesus once told people at a party not to sit in the seat of honor, "But … go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, 'Friend, move up higher.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 14:10-11). Will you hear those comforting words, "Friend, move up higher"?

Reigning With Christ

Sitting with Christ means sitting on the royal throne of heaven. Can you imagine a better place to sit for all eternity? Those closest to Jesus were often promised a more significant role in heaven, as "Jesus said to them, 'Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel'" (Matt. 19:28). What a fantastic thought that someday we'll be given such honor and responsibility by God!

Serving Like Christ

But remember when the mother of James and John asked Jesus, "Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom." (Matt. 20:21)? Jesus answered her, "… to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father" (Matt. 20:23). Then he warned against self-exaltation, "… whoever would be great among you must be your servant … even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matt. 20:26-28).

Someday we'll sit with Christ on his throne, but that doesn't mean we should become puffed up about it. Our job here is to humbly serve and give ourselves entirely to his will. Let us stand and serve today that we may sit and reign tomorrow.

Programming Note: This week, we're replaying some of our favorite episodes from the past on the topic of spiritual growth. We'll be back Monday, September 30th with brand new episodes.

Nightmares Defend Yourself Against the Devil Read or Watch

The street is quiet, but the hair stands upright on the back of your neck. Is something watching from the shadows? There's nothing there, so you continue. You hear the sound of footsteps approaching. Something is there! Adrenaline kicks in and you start running. No matter how fast you are, the steps grow louder. You're out of breath and afraid. You can't outrun them, and they're about to catch you. Then, suddenly, you wake up. It was only a nightmare!

"... Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8).

Few things fill us with more fear than being chased. Satan roams the earth like an angry animal, looking for his next kill (Job 2:2). He's devoured countless souls, but will you be his next victim? God isn't trying to fuel our nightmares here. He's posting warning signs on our journey, so we understand the dangerous road we travel. So what can we do to protect ourselves today?

Rely On God

You're not alone in the fight against Satan. When we all realize our weakness, we can come to God for help. "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:6–7). When you're worried or afraid, your strongest offensive position is on your knees in prayer! He's stronger than our Adversary and has already defeated him through Jesus' death.

Be Alert

My family lives on a corner lot at the entrance to our neighborhood. Our three beagles have taken up the charge of monitoring everyone's activities as they continuously look out the front window. Sometimes the house will be utterly silent, and then in an instant filled with the battle cries of danger as our neighbor walks to their mailbox. "Be sober-minded; be watchful" (1 Peter 5:8a). Aware of the devil's schemes, we're always on guard and ready for his attack. And we won't be caught by surprise when he tries to pull us back into the darkness.

Fight Back

Often, surfers who survive shark attacks escape by punching them in the eyes and gills. "You're not taking me without a fight!" But too often, people join hands with the enemy to be led away to their spiritual death. "Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world" (1 Peter 5:9). Not only can we call on God for help, but we can lean on each other for support. How did they break free of Satan's grip? Can I do the same?

May we all find strength and courage in our battle against the spiritual forces of evil!

Programming Note: This week, we're replaying some of our favorite episodes from the past on the topic of spiritual growth. We'll be back Monday, September 30th with brand new episodes.

Lifelines Listen to Wise Counsel Read or Watch

There's only one lifeline left in your quest to win Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. A real head-scratcher comes next, so you decide to ask the audience for help. A poll is taken, and the results are displayed. Will you trust the majority or go with your gut?

"Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few" (Matt. 7:13–14).

This last lifeline is extremely useful, but also very dangerous. Seeking advice from others is a great way to avoid your pitfalls, but be careful who you listen to! As Jesus describes, the path toward eternity is wide and easy for the majority, while only a few are walking carefully through this life.

Beware Of The Majority

Recently an accident on a Colorado road caused hundreds of drivers to look for a detour. Turning to Google Maps, they were directed down a dirt road to avoid the traffic jam. It turns out, it had rained earlier in the week, and soon over a hundred vehicles were stuck in the mud! Drivers later said they continued to follow the route since everyone else was too. When everyone seems to agree on what's right; exercising a healthy amount of skepticism and caution is a good idea. As the popular parently adage goes, if everyone else jumped off a bridge, would you jump off too?

Consider The Source

Where are you getting your advice? Rehoboam, the new king of Israel, took counsel from some older men about how he should treat the people (1 Kings 12:6-11). Their advice — be kind to them. Then he went and asked the younger men who recommended he oppress and discipline them more than ever before. When the king chose to listen to the young men, it resulted in rebellion — fracturing the kingdom forever. Usually, with age comes maturity and experience, which is why Paul encourages the older to instruct the younger toward sound doctrine (Titus 2:1-7). Do you lean on the wisdom of those who've been through it before? Or are you looking for counsel from immature advisors?

A Second Opinion

As we walk together down that narrow road toward life, we benefit from the wisdom of all our collective experiences. You don't have just one or two people to help — you have the entire body of Christ at your disposal. And that will surely set us up for success, as Solomon said, "Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers, they succeed" (Prov. 15:22). Remember this isn't a one-way street either. Reach out your hand to help someone as others have helped you.

While we journey to our heavenly home, may we bind together in unity and wisdom to guard ourselves against falling!

Programming Note: This week, we're replaying some of our favorite episodes from the past on the topic of spiritual growth. We'll be back Monday, September 30th with brand new episodes.

Replace Bad Habits with Good Ones Read or Watch

Have you ever noticed that when you tell yourself not to do something, it tends to backfire? The bug bite you try not to scratch, the blemish you try not to look at, the thought you try not to think. The more you fight it, the stronger the pull! Why is that?

Jesus tells a strange parable about an evicted demon that offers a solution. This unclean spirit had a home in some demon-possessed person, and then he left and wandered wearily through the desert (Matt. 12:43).

"Then it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order" (Matt. 12:44).

This demon, like the evil opposite of the prodigal son, decided things weren't so bad where he came from, and maybe he should go back (cf. Luke 15:11-32). Demons like a clean house. It was so lovely, he invited seven of his closest demon friends to move in with him, and as Jesus says, "the last state of that person is worse than the first" (Matt. 12:45).

When you want to sell your house, you clean up the place and make it attractive for a prospective new resident. Jesus describes a person who straightened up his space and made it inviting but never chose a new resident. He kept it orderly, but empty, never moving Jesus and his teachings in!

Removing & Replacing

Don't just cut out the bad. Replace the bad! When you go on a diet, if you repeat to yourself, "I'm not going to eat candy" with no plan for what you will eat, you set yourself up for failure. In the same way, aiming to surgically remove evil is not enough. We need to overcome evil with good (Rom. 12:9, 21). Paul specifies a replacement habit for the ones he wants the Ephesians to give up: Stop lying, and start truth-telling; stop stealing, and start working hard to share with others; stop talking garbage, and start speaking grace (Eph. 4:25-32).

Spare time gets filled with something. Rather than just freeing up time by eliminating unfruitful activities, replace the activities. Rather than just scolding yourself for thinking a lousy thought, actively pursue good ones (Phil. 4:8).

Cleansing & Creating

After David's sin with Bathsheba, he made two requests of God. First, he asked God to cleanse, washing away his sins (Psalm 51:1-9). When I have sinned, at times, I have stopped with this request for forgiveness, but David knows he needs to go further. He asks God to create something new in him (Psalm 51:10). Using the same word that describes God's acts of creation in Genesis, David says, "Create in me a clean heart." Washing the guilt of sin from your heart isn't enough. You need to replace it with a new kind of spirit.

May our God forgive us and fill us with himself.

Programming Note: This week, we're replaying some of our favorite episodes from the past on the topic of spiritual growth. We'll be back Monday, September 30th with brand new episodes.

Series: How to Talk to Yourself Direct Your Thoughts Read or Watch

As the old story goes, a grandfather tells his grandson, “Two wolves live inside each of us, one that wants to bless us and one that wants to destroy us. They fight for control of our lives.”

“Which one wins?” asks the grandson.

“The one you feed.”

Our Divided Selves

Sometimes inner conflict comes from our divided selves, like when Paul says “I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate” (Rom. 7:15). No one has taken over his body. He still has control. But he has so many forces pulling him in different directions that he ends up doing something he — the self underneath all those voices — doesn’t want to do. Ever feel that way?

Our heads fill up with a cacophony of voices, but none of those voices define us. We get to choose which voice we obey. And we decide which voice is loudest. The one we feed will win.

Telling Yourself Truth

Jesus tells a famous story about a son who has wandered far away from home and estranged himself from his father. Most of us can relate to the prodigal son, as he sat in a pigsty and pined for better days. We all get lost and need to come home, and Jesus teaches that coming home is a two-step process: Before the son “came to his Father” (Luke 15:20) he “came to himself” (Luke 15:17).

Why does he need to come to himself? Because he has left himself, or we might say, “he’s not acting like himself.”

“‘But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger!’’” (Luke 15:17).

He reasons with himself, considering his options. What a valuable strategy!

Then he tells himself what he needs to do.

““I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants’”” (Luke 15:18-19).

Swallowing your pride, owning your failures, and begging for mercy? Most people would rationalize an easier — though less promising — course of action to avoid doing the hard, right thing. But he got up and went.

“And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him” (Luke 15:20).

The prodigal could have told himself he was in the right or had a pity party at his “bad luck.” But then he never would have made it home. We can all invent stories about our lives to make us feel better, but maybe we should stop listening to our own stories and start telling ourselves the truth. So what is the hard, right thing you need to do?

Programming Note: This week, we're replaying some of our favorite episodes from the past on the topic of spiritual growth. We'll be back Monday, September 30th with brand new episodes.

Press On to Maturity Read or Watch

Have you ever lived in a house during a remodel? What if the remodel never ended?

We lived in our first house for over a decade, and nearly every month of that period some project was underway, right up until the time we sold it. We often had concrete floors and sheet rock with visible drywall screws. We couldn’t use our bathroom while we reworked our shower. Then it was time to move, so we rushed to finish all our projects. It was finally our perfect house. We lived in it for a few days, and then we moved.

"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ" (Php 1:6).

Like our house, you — and everyone around you — will always be under construction, right up until it's time to leave your "earthly house" (2 Cor. 5:1-10) when God completes the work he started in you.

Duct-Taped Souls

This construction project is a collaboration, but not an equal one (Phil. 2:12-13). It requires our efforts, but only his grace will bring this work to completion. I sometimes try to use make-shift solutions of my own making, "fixing" myself with the duct tape of self-help rather than using God's grade A building materials for a proper repair. I tape up my ego rather than humbling myself before God. I distract rather than reflect. I numb rather than heal. I find a workaround to keep me going the same old way rather than turning to his way, the Way. But when I decide to hear, understand, and turn, he heals me (Matt. 13:15). Doing what Jesus says is the foundation of a well-built life (Matt. 7:24).

Pardon Our Dust

Have you ever gone to the supermarket while they remodeled? It's a hassle looking for your favorite cereal behind pallets of building materials, so they usually have signs like, "Pardon Our Dust While We Renovate." We need that same patience with others … and ourselves! We all need compassion (Col. 2:12-14). Your elders, preacher, parents, and heroes — whoever they are — are all currently under construction, even if you can’t see their “Pardon Our Dust” sign. Perhaps they're "not yet" what they ought to be (1 Cor. 3:2; 8:2), but "not yet" implies that someday, by grace, they could be. Don’t forget that you're a "Work In Progress" too.

Work Stoppage

The time to get concerned is when we aren’t under construction. If the project gets abandoned and the work stops, we need to "stir one another" to get back to it (Heb. 10:24). May we all appreciate the daily perseverance required to live in imperfect houses, slowly but steadily renovating into the perfect image of Christ (2 Cor. 3:18).

To The Conquerors Be an Integral Part of God's House Read or Watch

We recently renovated our home. Early in the project, we had an idea to tear down one of the walls separating our kitchen and family room, but there was a problem. It turns out that particular wall was “load-bearing,” which meant it supported the weight of the roof above it. That wall was essential to the structural integrity of the house, so we ended up leaving it alone.

In his closing words to the church at Philadelphia, Jesus promises that anyone who conquers in this life will become an essential part of God’s temple.

“The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name” (Rev. 3:12).

Load Bearing

Like that wall in our kitchen, someday we’ll become integral to the eternal temple of God — permanent and immovable. So why would God trust us with such an important role in his building project? We’ve been training for this since coming to Christ! We’re continually developing a life that’s “… steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord …” (1 Cor. 15:58).

Not only are we rock-solid in our faith, but we’re support structures for others as well. “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2). If we’ve proven ourselves trustworthy in upholding God’s will in this world, he considers us worthy building material for his temple.

City-Owned Property

Remember what was on the bottom of Woody and Buzz Lightyear’s feet from the Toy Story movies? It was their owner Andy’s name. Anytime we want to mark something as “ours,” we pull out a Sharpie and stick our name on it. Similarly, Jesus promises to put a few notable names on us.

First, he’ll write God’s name. What a fantastic thought to be God’s exclusive possession! He’ll also write the name of God’s city on us. Ezekiel says, “… the name of the city from that time on shall be, The LORD Is There” (Ezek. 48:35). Our God will be present and close to us. And finally, Jesus promises to write his name on us. We wear his name on this earth, and we’ll wear his name in heaven too.

So are you living a life that’s grounded on the bedrock of Jesus and his words? As he said, “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock” (Matt. 7:24-25).

To The Conquerors Live Lives of Purity Read or Watch

"Nature's first green is gold,

Her hardest hue to hold.

Her early leaf's a flower;

But only so an hour.

Then leaf subsides to leaf.

So Eden sank to grief,

So dawn goes down to day.

Nothing gold can stay."

— Robert Frost

We're so used to things getting ruined in our lives. Your new car gets dented in the parking lot. Your new phone with a shattered screen. Time and decay happens all around us. What if you had something which could never degrade, become dirty, or get destroyed?

Jesus' closing words to the church in Sardis is a promise of purity and permanence to those victorious over sin.

"The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. ..." (Rev. 3:5).

Pure White Clothes

Sin stains our lives. While we can't get that stain out by ourselves, Jesus can make us like new again. Paul describes Jesus' cleansing work for his church, saying that he "gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish" (Eph. 5:25-27).

Truthfully we can all echo Isaiah's words, "Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips ..." (Isa. 6:5). Fortunately, because of Jesus' love for us, he can make us pure again! We choose to hate the stained clothes of sin (Jude 23), and carefully navigate around our sinful desires using his words as a guide.

And when we overcome sin and keep ourselves pure in this life, God promises to make us permanently pure for all eternity.

Permanent Ink

Jesus also mentions a fantastic book — the book of life! John writes more about this book, when he "... saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done." (Rev. 20:12). “The books” record our works, which will determine whether or not our names are in “the book of life.”.

If we overcome in this life, our names will remain in the book for all eternity. If we fail to stay obedient in this life, our names will not be found in that book, and we'll face the full extent of punishment. "And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire" (Rev. 20:15).

So what clothes will you wear and will your name be found in the book?

To The Conquerors Move Up the Ladder Read or Watch

Starting your first job straight out of college, it's unlikely you'll begin as the CEO of a big company. Most of us will start at the bottom of the totem pole, slowly working our way up the corporate ladder. But as Jesus closes his words to the saints in Thyatira in Revelation 2, he offers to fast-track them into upper management.

"The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father" (Rev. 2:26-27).

New Authority

Living for Christ means being "poor in spirit," "meek," and "persecuted." But as Jesus promised, the rewards for those lowly qualities on earth lead to a considerable advancement in eternity (Matt. 5:3-10). For victorious and faithful servants, Jesus promises a massive change of status in eternity!

We'll hear what those faithful stewards in Jesus' parable heard from their master: "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master" (Matt. 25:21). Are you ready to rule?

Strong Shepherding

Jesus' words echo those of the second Psalm: "Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel" (Psalm 2:8-9). We will have authority over the nations, and our rule will come with the strength of a rod of iron.

This word for "rule" means to shepherd. While we typically think of a shepherd’s loving care, they were also strong— the authority over the sheep. We wield the message of Jesus in this world, which has the power to "convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment" (John 16:8-11).

But make no mistake, in this life, we're only doing our duty as unworthy servants (Luke 17:10). It's Jesus who promises to promote us someday if we keep his works until the end.

Authority Just Like Jesus

Doesn't it seem hard to imagine that God would grant us authority like he gave to Jesus? It's not the first time Jesus extended his power to others. As he told the disciples, "... As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you. ... If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld" (John 20:21, 23).

May we all look forward to that day of promotion when we share in Christ’s victory and receive authority over the nations!

To The Conquerors Receive God's Special Gifts Read or Watch

Our daughter has always been a great gift giver. She’s always making small handmade items like clay sculptures or books she’s written and illustrated to express how much she loves someone. Though none of her gifts are ever “valuable” monetarily speaking, to us they’re priceless! The old adage is true - it’s the thought that counts.

As Jesus concludes his words to the church in Pergamum, he offers two extraordinary gifts to those who conquer the challenges of this life.

Hidden Manna

"To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna ..." (Rev. 2:17).

God sustained the children of Israel for forty years in the wilderness with Manna (Exo. 16:35). God showered down bread from heaven to feed the people in the desert on their journey toward Canaan. Sweet and sustaining, it "was like coriander seed, white, and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey" (Exo. 16:31). The "hidden manna" Jesus offers is sweet and sustaining in a different way.

Jesus made the connection between the manna of Moses' day with his offer of salvation: "I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh" (John 6:48-51). Those who are victorious through faith will receive the life-giving sweetness of salvation through Christ! And it's "hidden" because it's only for those who believe and overcome.

A Stone With A New Name

"and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it" (Rev. 2:17).

What's so special about a rock with writing on it? It's all about the thought behind it! The stone has a new name which only the recipient knows. Throughout the Bible, we see God naming people as a way of summarizing their character or their close relationship to him — men like Abraham, Israel, and even Jesus.

Like a friend might give you an endearing nickname, God will give you a new name which symbolizes your special relationship.

These two gifts, given by a loving God, will be such a touching reward at the end of a life well-lived in faith.

To The Conquerors Escape the Second Death Read or Watch

Have you ever experienced déjà vu? That sinking feeling like you've already seen or experienced something before? If so, Jesus' words about what happens after we die should resonate even more loudly for you.

As he concludes his words to the church in Smyrna, Jesus encourages them to "be faithful unto death" (Rev. 2:10), despite their current sufferings and persecutions. Death can seem so final, like the finish line at the end of the race, but he goes on to say that death isn't actually the end.

"The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death" (Rev. 2:11b).

So, wait a minute, there are two deaths? According to Jesus, that's what we should expect. Let's break it down.

The First Death

Chances are we've all experienced the death of someone close to us. We've mourned their loss and remembered their lives. But their passing also helps us focus on our mortality, as Solomon famously said, "It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart" (Eccl. 7:2). Death is coming. It's an appointment on all of our calendars — an inescapable event we're each going to face unless the Lord comes again first (Heb. 9:27). But the end of our earthly life isn't really the end, for better or for worse.

The Second Death

We only find this term "second death" used in Revelation, but this isn't the first time Jesus brought up the idea. He once told the Pharisees, "an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment" (John 5:28-29). So those evildoers who died will be raised to face judgment and, rather than experiencing life, they'll experience death again! As scary as the first death might seem, we ought to be even more frightened by the possibility of dying again. So what can we do to avoid a death déjà vu?

Avoiding a Death Déjà Vu

The short answer: don't practice evil! God spells out some of the sinful behaviors that lead to the second death, "But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death" (Rev. 21:8). If you want to know whether or not you're destined for the resurrection of life or of judgment, look no further than your own life.

May we all think seriously about our final destination today, and find the strength to overcome through Jesus' promise to keep us from being hurt again by death!

To The Conquerors Return to the Paradise of God Read or Watch

When we moved into our house, there was a strange tree in the backyard. It had the oddest looking yellow citrus fruit with the skin of a grapefruit and the shape of an avocado. It turns out it was a pomelo tree, but the fruit from it was NOT good!

"... To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God" (Rev. 2:7b).

Jesus closes his words to the Ephesians in Revelation with a message of hope. His promise: access to eat from the tree of life for those who overcome the constant pull of sin. This is huge! And it goes back to God's intention from the very beginning when he lived with man and woman in the garden. There he provided for them the tree of life, where they could eat from it and never die (Gen. 2:9; Gen. 3:22). Not only was this fantastic tree there, but God was intimately present with them as well (Gen. 3:8).

Lost Access

But not long after God created them, they fell. They disobeyed the only command God had given and stood before him in their shame. Then God evicted man from paradise, "...lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever" (Gen. 3:22b)! Eternal life is now just out of reach for all humanity, and death stands in its place. But God takes his punishment one step further, guarding the way to the tree with a "cherubim and a flaming sword" (Gen. 3:24). That's right. He means business here!

Access Restored

Now, dying feels like a natural part of living. It's an inevitable event, an upcoming appointment on everyone's calendar (Heb. 9:27). But it was never God's intention for man to die. So, through his mercy, he provides a way back to the tree — back to eternal life. Access is now restored through Christ. As Paul said, "... by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive" (1 Cor. 15:21–22). And so through Jesus' death and resurrection, he welcomes us back to that life-giving tree where we can eat from it for eternity.

Back To The Eternal Paradise

It's hard to imagine the tranquility and peace that man must have experienced in the garden. And harder still to picture a heavenly paradise in the presence of God. What a gift Jesus offers us today if we will leave behind sin and conquer through him!

May we all remember John's visionary words today, "Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates" (Rev. 22:14).

Nightmares Know That God Sees You Read or Watch

You're at the grocery store. Pushing your cart down the cereal aisle, you're trying to decide which option to choose. An older woman casually rounds the corner and immediately gasps in astonishment upon seeing you. You think it's strange, but carry on with your shopping. Standing in the produce section trying to remember the rules for choosing the right avocado, a young mother shouts in disgust and shields their child's eyes. What is going on? You look down and realize to your horror that you're naked! How did this happen? Where can you hide? Then, suddenly, you wake up. It was only a nightmare!

"And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account" (Heb. 4:13).

God sees us in all our nakedness and exposure. There's nothing we can hide from him. No passing thought, no secret sin, no hidden desire escapes his notice. While we might be terrified of being naked in public, should we also be afraid that God sees us this way? It depends on what we're trying to hide!

Dealing With Shame

As Adam and Eve unsuccessfully hid their nakedness from God in the garden after they disobeyed him (Gen. 4:7-11), we too might try to hide our sinfulness. Maybe we convince ourselves that he's not looking, or that he can't see. He'll overlook it or won't notice, right? We try to fashion our solutions to deal with sin, but in the end, we're just left wearing fig leaves. Not only are we incapable of hiding from the Lord, but we're ill-equipped to wipe away our guilt and shame by ourselves.

Fully Clothed In Christ

Christ is the only solution to the guilt and shame of our sin! We "put him on" in baptism, like you'd cover yourself in the morning before leaving the house. As Paul said, "for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Gal. 3:26–27). He suffered shame and bore our guilt on this earth to cover us eternally (Heb. 12:1-2). In fellowship with him, we're able to stand in God's sight without reservation.

Walking With Confidence

Integral to clothing ourselves with Christ is walking with him in the light. We take away the filthy garments of darkness and put on the armor of light. Our desires for sin have been replaced by righteousness when we put on Christ, as Paul said, "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires" (Rom. 13:14). Only then can we stand before our all-seeing God with confidence — through Christ!

Nightmares Defend Yourself Against the Devil Read or Watch

The street is quiet, but the hair stands upright on the back of your neck. Is something watching from the shadows? There's nothing there, so you continue. You hear the sound of footsteps approaching. Something is there! Adrenaline kicks in and you start running. No matter how fast you are, the steps grow louder. You're out of breath and afraid. You can't outrun them, and they're about to catch you. Then, suddenly, you wake up. It was only a nightmare!

"... Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8).

Few things fill us with more fear than being chased. Satan roams the earth like an angry animal, looking for his next kill (Job 2:2). He's devoured countless souls, but will you be his next victim? God isn't trying to fuel our nightmares here. He's posting warning signs on our journey, so we understand the dangerous road we travel. So what can we do to protect ourselves today?

Rely On God

You're not alone in the fight against Satan. When we all realize our weakness, we can come to God for help. "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:6–7). When you're worried or afraid, your strongest offensive position is on your knees in prayer! He's stronger than our Adversary and has already defeated him through Jesus' death.

Be Alert

My family lives on a corner lot at the entrance to our neighborhood. Our three beagles have taken up the charge of monitoring everyone's activities as they continuously look out the front window. Sometimes the house will be utterly silent, and then in an instant filled with the battle cries of danger as our neighbor walks to their mailbox. "Be sober-minded; be watchful" (1 Peter 5:8a). Aware of the devil's schemes, we're always on guard and ready for his attack. And we won't be caught by surprise when he tries to pull us back into the darkness.

Fight Back

Often, surfers who survive shark attacks escape by punching them in the eyes and gills. "You're not taking me without a fight!" But too often, people join hands with the enemy to be led away to their spiritual death. "Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world" (1 Peter 5:9). Not only can we call on God for help, but we can lean on each other for support. How did they break free of Satan's grip? Can I do the same?

May we all find strength and courage in our battle against the spiritual forces of evil!

Nightmares Beware of Slipping Away Read or Watch

Precariously perched on the edge of the tallest building in town, you look down. Next thing you know, you're tumbling quickly toward the earth. Your heart races, fear rises, with every muscle rigid. It feels like you're falling forever as seconds pass like minutes. Then, suddenly, you wake up. It was only a nightmare!

"Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God" (Heb. 3:12).

Have you ever dreamed you were falling? It's one of the most common nightmares people experience. You wake up safe in your bed but can't seem to shake that uneasy feeling. It's no surprise that God uses the language of falling to tap into our deepest fears. There's nothing good about it! But it is possible for us to fall, which is why there are so many warnings against it in God's Word. So why do Christians slip away from God, and what can we do about it?

Unbelief and Stubbornness

Maybe the most significant falling hazard comes when we feel safe and stubbornly follow our sinful desires. It's not a new problem! Moses warned Israel in Deut. 29:18-19 about this same thing. Simply saying we believe isn't enough — we've got to take action! We might convince ourselves that things are okay, but remember what Paul said, "Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall" (1 Cor. 10:12).

Troubling Times

In Jesus's parable about the soils, he explained how some would fall because of tribulation and persecutions that come because of the Word (Matt. 13:20-21). Those moments when trouble tests your faith, will you stand firmly rooted or fall away? We're not promised lives of comfort and ease as disciples, but daily suffering alongside our Master (Phil. 1:29). Can you endure the challenge?

Material Wealth

It seems like our society is always searching for more. Never content, we're looking for something new, something better, something else. This lack of contentment and pursuit of materialism can cause us to fall to temptation (1 Tim. 6:9). We look toward the satisfaction God gives us in this life and turn our heads away like a parent trying to feed their toddler broccoli. Jesus had a lot to say about money, more than almost any other social issue. At the heart of his message was this warning — don't fall in love with it!

Fortunately, God offers us a safety harness to keep us from falling! As Peter lists virtuous qualities like faith, knowledge, self-control, patience, godliness, and love, he says if we practice these things we'll never fall (2 Peter 1:10). Is a life of godliness protecting you from tumbling to your destruction?

Find the Mercy to Forgive Read or Watch

Have you ever heard the tale of Prometheus the Titan? While the gods lived in luxury on Olympus, Prometheus visited the humans. He saw their joyless lives, as they huddled in cold, dark caves on the edge of starvation.

"If only they had fire," he thought, "they could rise above this sad desperation. They could cook food, light their way at night, and keep warm." He asked Zeus to grant the humans this gift, but Zeus wouldn't have it.

"They're too ignorant, they'll burn themselves down," Zeus said.

So Prometheus took matters into his own hands. He stole some fire and brought it down in a stalk of fennel. As the myth goes, his compassion changed the world.

Looking around at the way most of us live, it seems the masses still live cold, dark lives, unaware of the warm light available. When we get exasperated with people, maybe we should acknowledge that most people don't realize what they're doing. It's not an excuse, but it is a tragedy. When Jesus saw people's ignorance, he found compassion.

"And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him … And Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.'" (Luke 23:33-34).

Like fire from above, he brings this gift down to us — warmth for the undeserving, light for us fools. But what if instead of "forgive them...they know not what they do," he said what most of us say?

"I've Got My Own Problems"

If anyone should get a pass for absorbing themselves in their trauma, it's Jesus. He could've said, "Am I my brother's keeper?" (Gen. 4:9). But as his body throbbed and his heart broke, Christ's concern for people never waned. We all have our own load to bear (Gal. 6:4), but we also "bear one another's burdens" (Gal. 6:2).

"They'll Get Theirs"

Jesus could've said, "may the LORD avenge me against you" (1 Sam. 24:12), but he interceded for his tormentors. Someday God will avenge evil (Rom. 12:18-21), but how much better for our enemies to know the pain of godly sorrow (2 Cor. 7:10) that leads to grace. Do you pray for mercy for those who hurt you?

"For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment" (Jam. 2:13).

"They Should Know Better"

Jesus could've said, "you have no excuse" (Rom. 2:1), but he asked God to remember that they didn't know better. Ignorance is a prison most people don't even realize they have locked themselves into.

What do you say when people hurt you? If we can find the grace to pray Jesus' words, again and again, it can change our attitude toward other people's offenses and our commitment to their salvation. May we find compassion for folks in darkness, praying for them even as they turn on us. Like stolen fire, may Christ's words leave our "hearts burning within" (Luke 24:32).

On The Witness Stand Trust the Testimony of Scripture Read or Watch

One last witness. One final appeal to the jury to believe your claims. Will they be finally be convinced to render a "not guilty" verdict?

"You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me ..." (John 5:39).

Jesus has already presented John the Baptist, his miracles, and the powerful words of God himself to verify that he is God's Son. As a final appeal before his closing arguments, he points back to the Scriptures. The Old Law held significant importance for the Jews who accused Jesus. They studied it, taught it, and meticulously copied it. They believed in its power to offer everlasting life, but they were missing the point entirely — that they pointed to Jesus all along.

The focus of the entire Bible is to lead us directly to Jesus. Here are just a few areas the Jews had overlooked:

At The Garden

Following Adam and Eve's sin, God curses humanity with hard labor and pain in childbearing. But before he condemns them, he speaks to the serpent and says, "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel" (Gen. 3:15). God is describing the great battle between God's Son and the devil, where a fatal blow would eventually crush Satan (1 John 3:8). Only conquering slavery to death and sin, can we be delivered into eternal life. And it was Jesus who accomplished that great deliverance (Heb. 2:14-15)!

In Abraham's Promises

When Abraham proved himself faithful by moving from his country to a land where God directed him, the Lord made him three promises. These promises were to him and to "his offspring," which Paul says was referring singularly to Christ (Gal. 3:16). As a descendant of Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation, Jesus would come to bless "all the families of the earth" (Gen. 12:3). He would extend the good news of salvation beyond the national borders of Israel to the whole world, including us today (Gal. 3:8).

Hope After Israel's Fall

The nation of Judah was taken away into captivity after years of unfaithfulness. In their despair, God's prophets offer them a glimmer of hope to know that brighter days are coming. Zechariah reveals that a man named "Branch" will come to bring peace, sitting on the royal throne and also serving as our priest. No one could have performed these two functions under the Old Law, but Jesus came to hold both offices in his ministry of peace (Heb. 8:1-2)!

Jesus is the main point of the entire Bible. He's there in the beginning and pointed to the whole time as the only source of eternal life. Will you believe that he is the Son of God who came to save the world?

On The Witness Stand Trust the Testimony of God Read or Watch

The jury isn't convinced. You've presented two witnesses who can corroborate your story, but there are still questions in their minds about your innocence. Is there another witness to back up your claim?

"And the Father who sent Me, He has testified of Me" (John 5:37)

Jesus has already pointed to the testimony of John the Baptist and his extraordinary miracles. Now he calls on the witness of the Father. The voice of God thundered from heaven many times in Jesus' life to establish and validate the authority of his Son. Let's look at three of those instances.

Before Jesus' Birth

God sent an angel named Gabriel to Jesus' mother Mary, who was a virgin engaged to a carpenter named Joseph. He told her of the astounding events that would happen to her. Shocked by the news, she digs deeper. The angel tells her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God" (Luke 1:35). The testimony God offers through the angel confirms that Jesus was who He claimed to be.

At His Baptism

Later in his life, after being baptized by John, God speaks to Jesus and says from heaven, "You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased" (Luke 3:22). God gives his full and express approval of Jesus as His Son, and most likely others heard it too. God had told John the Baptist before meeting Jesus that whoever the Spirit descended on would be the Son of God (John 1:33-34). At the events of Jesus' baptism, there was no doubt who the Christ was.

On The Mountain

When Jesus was on a mountain with three of His disciples (Peter, James, and John), his face and clothes began to shine like the sun (Matt. 17:1-13). Soon he was joined by Moses and Elijah, two pillars of the Jewish heritage. Astonished, Peter asks Jesus if he can build three tabernacles for them, but was interrupted by the voice of God from heaven as he said, "This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!" (Matt. 17:5). Listen to Jesus over the words of Moses and Elijah — a message that would have been deeply meaningful for any Jewish person to hear. How much clearer could God be about His own Son?

So as Jesus stands before his accuser, he explains, "... You have neither heard His voice at any time nor seen His form. You do not have His word abiding in you, for you do not believe Him whom He sent" (John 5:37-38). If they couldn't open themselves to believe in Jesus as God's Son, then they knew nothing about God at all. How could they disregard the testimony of God? Most importantly, though, will you ignore his evidence as well?

On The Witness Stand Trust in the Witness of Signs Read or Watch

Your day in court is here. You've already called your first witness, and the plaintiffs are beginning to question their character. What do you do now? Do you have another, more credible, witness to defend you?

"But the testimony which I have is greater than the testimony of John; for the works which the Father has given Me to accomplish — the very works that I do — testify about Me, that the Father has sent Me" (John 5:36).

Jesus knew there was a greater witness than John — his works. Rather than basing his defense solely on the credibility of a mere man, he bolsters John's existing statements with the works he had already been doing and would continue to do in their presence.

What Are His Works?

So what's Jesus referring to when he uses the word "works" (ἔργον) here? After healing the lame man by the pool of Bethseda in John 5:1-9, Jesus says, "For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself is doing; and the Father will show Him greater works than these, so that you will marvel" (John 5:20). He says that these works will cause them to marvel. Later in John, he calls them, "the works which no one else did" (John 15:24).

Jesus is using the term "works" to refer to the miraculous deeds he was performing among them, extraordinary events which only he could do in the name of the Father. They're also called "signs" (σημεῖον) and "wonders" (τέρας) throughout the four gospels. John records seven of them to build our faith, including how he changed water to wine (John 2:1-11), walked on water (John 6:16-24), and raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-46).

The Greatest Work

The most impactful of all the miracles performed during Jesus' life was his incredible resurrection from the dead. This single event solidified Jesus' claims that he was the Son of God. Why else would God have raised him (Rom. 1:4)?

Why Should I Believe His Works

Many people believed in him when they saw his miracles. Earlier in John, a leader of the Jews named Nicodemus approached Jesus and said, "Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him" (John 3:2). After Jesus restored the sight of the blind man, he said, "If this man were not from God, he could do nothing" (John 9:33). After all, the apostle John's main reason for including the miracles of Jesus in his gospel was to convince us of his authority (John 20:30-31).

Now that you have seen the power which Jesus displayed throughout his life over disease, nature, and even death itself, do you believe that he is God's Son?

On The Witness Stand Trust in the Witness of John Read or Watch

Someone accuses you of a crime. Standing in the courtroom, you're asked to call a series of witnesses to back up your claims. Who do you call to the stand and what will they say?

"If I alone bear witness about myself, my testimony is not true. There is another who bears witness about me, and I know that the testimony that he bears about me is true" (John 5:31–32).

Like someone on trial in any modern courtroom, Jesus defends himself against the accusations of the Jews and calls to the stand four of the most credible witnesses. His first witness is John the Baptist (Matt. 3:1; 11:11-12), a man charged with preparing the way for the Messiah.

Who Was John

John the Baptist grew up living in the desert (Luke 1:80), fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy that said, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God" (Isa. 40:3). He was an outdoor type, wearing camel's hair and leather and eating wild honey and locusts (Matt. 3:4). John's demeanor stood in stark contrast to the polished appearance of the Jewish leaders of the day, yet he drew multitudes from all social classes to come hear his message.

What Was His Testimony?

John baptized lots of people in the region around the Jordan river (Luke 3:3), preaching about the transformation required of one who has genuinely repented (Luke 3:7-14). His message was simple and focussed on changing the hearts of all who heard him, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matt. 3:2). In all his years of teaching in the wilderness, John's testimony was never as compelling as the day he met Jesus and exclaimed, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29).

Why Should I Believe Him?

What makes John such a reliable witness to Jesus' true identity? God Himself sent John (John 1:6). He was a righteous man (Mark 6:20), willing to die for what was right (Matt. 14:1-12). Plus, many of the Jews had already believed him, as Jesus pointed out (John 5:35). And, most powerfully, John was an eyewitness when God the Father said to Jesus, "You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased" (Luke 3:22). Jesus clearly viewed John with great respect and even called him the greatest man who had ever been born (Matt. 11:11)!

So here’s the question, is John's testimony enough to convince you that Jesus is the Son of God?

Set an Example for Your Kids Read or Watch

"I'm looking through you, where did you go

I thought I knew you, what did I know."

The Beatles

Paul McCartney's piercing lyrics in "I'm Looking Through You" cut right to a crushing, familiar experience: Seeing through someone's words and sadly realizing they're not who you thought they were. "Your lips are moving, I cannot hear," quips the second verse, "Your voice is soothing, but the words aren't clear." I hear this song and ask myself, "what do my kids see when they look through me?"

"Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity" (Titus 2:7).

The Thunder Blunder

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Don't say things. What you are stands over you the while, and thunders so that I cannot hear what you say to the contrary." Your words are like the sound of rain on the roof, pleasant and constant, but your actions are the thunder in your child's life: sometimes sudden and frightening, but always unmistakably clear and impossible to overlook. Most "parenting" happens on the fly during the everyday storms of living. I'm learning that some essential parenting activities happen when my kids are nowhere near. As I pray and soak myself in the Lord's words, I prepare to live the way I want my kids to live.

Moses gives the formula in Deuteronomy 6. First, the words get etched on your heart (Deut. 6:6). Then and only then can you effectively "teach them diligently to your children" and "talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way…" (Deut. 6:7).

Looking Through You

Your kids see right through false piety to the real priority. They hear the prayer before dinner, but they also know where we turn when a crisis hits. They see when we "go to worship" without offering worship. The command to stop whining and fighting grows faint as our complaints and arguments roar in their ears. Our comments about brethren on the way home, our favorite shows that "aren't for kids," and our bursts of unchecked rage — they reveal us to little eyes who revere us.

The Perfect Parent

Parenting sometimes feels like a walk through a dark room, bumping your shins into coffee tables while trying to protect the little one holding your hand. The best of us vacillate between bumbling and brilliant. God is the one shining example, the ideal parent. His words are faithful, but we only learn to trust them as we come to trust him. He has proven his love and integrity.

"You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matt. 5:48).

Although we'll never get there, we strive to parent like our Father. As he abides in us, our kids will look through us and our flaws and see him. "My father didn't tell me how to live;" said Clarence Budington Kelland, "he lived, and let me watch him do it."

Stay Awake and Alert Read or Watch

One of my favorite parts of any day is the moment my head hits the pillow at night. There's just something about crawling into bed and getting comfortable after a long day of hard work which seems so satisfying. Maybe that's why Paul's warning to the Thessalonian church resonates with me so strongly.

"So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober ..." (1 Thess. 5:6–8a).

I love to sleep, but do I love to sleep spiritually? This verse shakes me out of bed, shouting, "Rise and shine, sleepy head!" Paul is talking about being ready for the day of the Lord here. Will I be awake and waiting when he returns or asleep and caught off guard? It's coming as a thief in the night. Like Kevin from Home Alone, are you alert and ready to defend your home from those who would try and break in?

Wake Up

A great way to stay awake is having someone with you to poke and prod you when you start to doze off. That's also Paul's advice here, "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing" (1 Thess. 5:11). It reminds me of a 20-hour drive my wife and I made from Montana to Arizona, where we spent the entire trip talking and singing together. As my co-pilot, her job was to keep me awake and alert. So find a friend and be their co-pilot by keeping them talking about faith, love, and our hope of salvation. Nudge them (with love) to consider more excellent things (Phil. 4:8) whenever you see them nodding off.

Let Your Light Shine

And since we're awake, don't forget we have a job to do. That job is to shine! As Jesus said, "You are the light of the world ... let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (Matt. 5:14–16). We walk in the light. We're children of the daytime. We reflect God's glory into the darkness of this world and expose evil. We share a relationship with God by staying awake and avoiding sin. And our mutual connection with him draws us into more meaningful relationships with each other (1 John 1:5-7).

The True Rest

As much as I love "hitting the sack" at the end of a long day, I'm looking forward even more to eternal rest at the end of a fruitful life of serving God! "So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God" (Heb. 4:9). Are you looking forward to that rest too?

Listen to Christ's Voice Read or Watch

This week my wife has been writing stories for our kids about their superpowers. She watercolor painted them as heroes that seem straight out of an anime show. They love it. My son’s character has a mysterious scroll that materializes whatever he writes on it. Need a pet dinosaur to help you defeat a bad guy? Write it down. Need a time-jumping Delorian to get back to yesterday? Put it in the scroll!

When I imagine that scroll, I can’t help but think of Jesus.

”In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:1-3).

The Word That Creates

Jesus is the mighty scroll, so to speak. Without Jesus, God the Father has never made “any thing made” (John 1:3). For those keeping track at home, the triune God is the only being in the history of everything that was not made. Jesus is the “arm of the Lord” at work (cf. Isa. 40:10; 52:10; 53:1; 59:16). He’s the Word spoken, the “Let there be light” that started it all. No wonder John’s next verse calls his life “the light of men” (John 1:4).

The Word That Commands

Jump forward in time, from the miracle of order entering chaos (Gen. 1:2-10) to the mystery of Light entering darkness. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). When the mountain sculptor climbed a mountain, what did he do? He spoke more life-giving words, pregnant with creation all over again (Matt. 5:1-2). He told people to light up the world (5:16), challenging them to think of themselves like the lamp that brightens a bedroom at night (5:15). When he finished his sermon that day, “the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority” (Matt. 7:28–29).

The Word That Cleanses

When some scribes questioned Jesus’ power to forgive sins (Mark 2:6-7), he did something less extraordinary, but more visible. He healed a lame man (Mark 2:10-12). As the healed (and forgiven!) man test-drove his new-and-improved legs, I wonder if he realized that Jesus’ first miracle surpassed the second. And do I remember that forgiveness surpasses all my other answered prayers? “And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name “(Acts 22:16). I called on Jesus for help, and by his power, my sins were washed away.

His voice commands the attention of demons (Luke 9:42), fig trees (Matt. 21:19), and storm patterns (Luke 8:24). He speaks, and his authority can change everything for you. Or nothing — of course, that choice remains yours. What Jesus did with his feet on the ground, he can still do while seated above.

Lifelines Listen to Wise Counsel Read or Watch

There's only one lifeline left in your quest to win Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. A real head-scratcher comes next, so you decide to ask the audience for help. A poll is taken, and the results are displayed. Will you trust the majority or go with your gut?

"Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few" (Matt. 7:13–14).

This last lifeline is extremely useful, but also very dangerous. Seeking advice from others is a great way to avoid your pitfalls, but be careful who you listen to! As Jesus describes, the path toward eternity is wide and easy for the majority, while only a few are walking carefully through this life.

Beware Of The Majority

Recently an accident on a Colorado road caused hundreds of drivers to look for a detour. Turning to Google Maps, they were directed down a dirt road to avoid the traffic jam. It turns out, it had rained earlier in the week, and soon over a hundred vehicles were stuck in the mud! Drivers later said they continued to follow the route since everyone else was too. When everyone seems to agree on what's right; exercising a healthy amount of skepticism and caution is a good idea. As the popular parently adage goes, if everyone else jumped off a bridge, would you jump off too?

Consider The Source

Where are you getting your advice? Rehoboam, the new king of Israel, took counsel from some older men about how he should treat the people (1 Kings 12:6-11). Their advice — be kind to them. Then he went and asked the younger men who recommended he oppress and discipline them more than ever before. When the king chose to listen to the young men, it resulted in rebellion — fracturing the kingdom forever. Usually, with age comes maturity and experience, which is why Paul encourages the older to instruct the younger toward sound doctrine (Titus 2:1-7). Do you lean on the wisdom of those who've been through it before? Or are you looking for counsel from immature advisors?

A Second Opinion

As we walk together down that narrow road toward life, we benefit from the wisdom of all our collective experiences. You don't have just one or two people to help — you have the entire body of Christ at your disposal. And that will surely set us up for success, as Solomon said, "Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers, they succeed" (Prov. 15:22). Remember this isn't a one-way street either. Reach out your hand to help someone as others have helped you.

While we journey to our heavenly home, may we bind together in unity and wisdom to guard ourselves against falling!

Lifelines Make Wise Decisions Read or Watch

It's game time again on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. Another question is on the screen with four possible answers. Only one is correct, but you can't be sure which. You've already used one of your lifelines, Phone A Friend, and now you look to your remaining lifelines to help. This time you choose to eliminate two of the possible answers — 50:50.

"But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil" (Heb. 5:14).

Do you ever have trouble making a decision, especially about something you feel is essential? I know I do! Even in small things, sometimes the list of possibilities can become overwhelming. Often the best way of narrowing in on a choice is to eliminate as many options as possible. It's like the menu at The Cheesecake Factory vs. In-N-Out Burger — a book full of dishes vs. three or four carefully curated menu items.

Spiritually speaking, we need to narrow the playing field. But this kind of thoughtful simplification isn't automatic. Only through constant training and practice are we able to tell the difference between good and evil, helpful and harmful, timely, and inappropriate. Let's look at a few useful exercises to grow our power of spiritual discernment.

Get In The Word

We didn't create the standard for deciding what's right — that was God! And he makes his way clear to us through his word, but we have to get into it! We'd do well to follow the Berean's example, who, "received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so" (Acts 17:11). It's a daily examination of all our beliefs and decisions, based on the perfect roadmap for life, that will help train us.

Identify Your Attachments

Our biases, addictions, and entanglements have a way of clouding our choices. We know it's not right, but we do it anyway because it's comfortable or makes us feel good. Let's get honest with ourselves to see what we're clinging to with white knuckles, and of what we're unwilling to let go. As Paul said, "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves" (2 Cor. 13:5).

Review Your Past Choices

Hindsight is 20/20. It's easy to know the right thing to do after something has happened, but it's hard to predict the future. When we can look back at our past successes or failures, that will help inform what we choose today. What worked? Do it again! What didn't? How can I choose better today? Not that we wallow in the guilt of our mistakes, but we should be learning from them to avoid stumbling again (Phil. 3:13).

May the Lord help us today in making wise choices that lead us to greater maturity in Christ!

Lifelines Practice Prayer Read or Watch

If you're a contestant on the hit TV show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, you're given a series of lifelines to help answer the more challenging questions. You can either phone a friend, eliminate two of the possible answers (50:50), or ask the audience. Phoning a friend would connect you with someone over video chat where you'd read them the question to get help. You only have 30 seconds, so you better talk quick!

"Then the king said to me, "What are you requesting?" So I prayed to the God of heaven" (Neh. 2:4).

Nehemiah desperately wants to go home to Jerusalem and rebuild the walls of the city. He’s filled with fear when confronted by the king over his evident despair (Neh. 2:2). Bravely, he explains to the king how the city sits in ruins and remains unprotected. Now the king asks him a simple question, "What do you want?" Faced with the uncertain possibilities of the future, Nehemiah does what any faithful follower of God would do — he prays. He calls on God for guidance on how to answer this difficult question, realizing that he doesn't know the correct answer. And God answers him, guiding him to the best course of action.

You probably experience similar moments of uncertainty today. "How should I answer this person?" "What should I do now?" Maybe you have an idea about how to respond, but you're just not sure. Remember your lifeline! God is available and ready to guide you through life in prayer. He's only a "phone call" away, and you'll never have to wonder if he has the right answer.

Even Jesus reaches out to God for guidance through prayer. Leading up to the troubling events of his crucifixion, he kneels in the garden to pray, saying, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done" (Luke 22:42). From his words, we see two lessons about our lifeline of prayer.

Not My Will

Our ideas about how future events will play out should leave room for, "If you are willing." What we want never has more priority than what God wants. We're not in control. We don't know the answers. When we trust in our understanding and jump into action without consulting the Lord, failure is close at hand.

Your Will Be Done

We are incapable of fighting against God and his plans. He's in control. He knows the answers. With his awesome power and mercy, he extends his helping hand to us. Does that mean he'll keep us from experiencing pain and suffering? Not always! Sometimes he needs to refine us through adversity to bring us to freedom.

May we continually kneel in prayer, casting our cares and anxieties on him.

Follow the Lord’s Instructions Read or Watch

Warning: the following story may contain graphic descriptions of a disturbing nature.

When I was in high school, the room where I took biology was the same room that the anatomy class met in the period before. Midway through the school year, they began studying the skeletal system by ... wait for it ... boiling the flesh off of deceased cats in slow cookers! One slow cooker and cat per student. You can imagine the intensely putrid smell filling the room (and the whole building)! While we all complained, "This is cruel and unusual punishment," that's when we learned a lesson about our olfactory systems.

Odor habituation, or "noseblindness," is your body's way of getting used to offensive odors. Your brain reprograms itself to ignore the smell! Amazingly, none of us were able to detect the foul feline funk in the room mere minutes after class began.

"They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity" (Eph. 4:19).

Paul describes a similar condition of the heart when speaking about those who walk in their sins. As offensive as their actions might seem at first, eventually they become callous and unfeeling towards that lifestyle. A similar term used in the verse before is "hardness of heart," or a reprogramming of the heart to ignore sin and its effects. While "noseblindness" might be a positive response in a high school biology classroom, it's not something we want happening in our daily walk with Christ. So, how do we avoid becoming desensitized to sin?

Put Off Your Old Self

First, we need to distance ourselves from evil practices. In his letter to the Colossians, Paul lists some of these problematic behaviors we must push aside, "But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth" (Col. 3:8). Constant exposure will eventually lead to acceptance and normalization. What evil have you grown callous to in your own heart?

Renew Your Mind

Renewal is about making something new and better. Our minds need to be rebooted like a computer that's been acting strangely — advice nerds have been giving to family and friends for years. When our minds are functioning correctly and trained by God's will, we'll know what's right from what's wrong (Rom. 12:2). Are you in the word, allowing it to reprogram your way of thinking to become better?

Put On The New Self

The Creator himself designs this new life to which he calls us. Paul says that this new way of living is characterized by "true righteousness and holiness" (Eph. 4:24) — implying that we don't get to define it for ourselves. And God has clearly shown us what is right and how to be holy by pointing us to the perfection of Jesus. Are you walking as he walked, speaking as he spoke, and thinking how he thought?

Follow the Lord’s Instructions Read or Watch

Why are guys so bad at following directions? The GPS is directing us to our destination, but we know a faster route. The Ikea manual shows us how to build that new Björksnäs, but we've got it under control. Eventually, we're off-course or watching our furniture crumble to pieces before our eyes. But for some reason, we always seem to know better!

"... You know nothing at all. Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish" (John 11:49-50).

People started to believe in this Jesus of Nazareth. They saw him call the dead from the grave and couldn't deny his claim to be the Son of God. Meanwhile, the religious leaders feared that the people's uprising would cause Rome to step in and rip away their position of power. How would they silence Jesus and win back the hearts of the people? Their answer — kill him! They plotted and schemed together to end Jesus' life, but little did they know they were actually accomplishing God's eternal plan.

You Know Nothing

How often we convince ourselves that our plans are right and true, without ever considering God's way. We become misguided and forgetful about our inability to direct our steps in this life (Jer. 10:23). We pridefully assert the correctness of our opinions, bowling over anyone who stands against us. But God's will cannot be thwarted or changed. His plans for us will not be defeated. And in hindsight, we will look back to those past theories and assumptions to see just how far off the mark we'd been. Years later it would seem at least one of the leaders — a teacher named Gamaliel — tried to make room for God's plans when he said, "... if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them" (Acts 5:38-39).

One Should Die To Save Many

The double meaning of their words seems chillingly evident in hindsight. One will die to save the rest. Isn't that the essence of the gospel? Looking back, it's clear they didn't understand the full implications of killing the Messiah. They plotted against him to gain back the people's support, but God used Jesus' death to gather all nations to Himself. If only Jesus were out of the picture, the religious leaders could finally regain power. What they forgot, like we often do, is they were never in control, to begin with (John 19:11).

Will you include the Lord in your plans for today? Are you willing to prayerfully and humbly follow his instructions? May the Lord guide our hearts and minds, and defeat us when we start to stray from the narrow path.

Walk by Faith Read or Watch

"Does that mean the moon isn't real?" - My daughter, Auna

The other day I pointed out a half-moon to our kids and explained why we only see half of the moon. "The moon doesn't give light," I said, "except what it reflects from the sun. The dark side of the moon is the part that doesn't face the sun. So tonight, we see a half-moon while the dark part of the moon disappears into the night sky."

"Does that mean the moon isn't real?" my daughter asked. Not sure how she landed on that question, but so much of childhood consists of separated fact and fiction, so I stuck with it.

"No, it's real! But it's only useful because of the sun."

"For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Cor. 5:7).

The Moon Is Real

Just because you can't see something, doesn't mean it's not real. When half of the moon seems to disappear into the night sky, we understand it hasn't ceased to exist. We believe in more than our senses can prove. We wouldn't be able to survive if we stopped operating by faith at some level. You accept most of what you've been told about science and history though you have no personal, empirical proof. You believe your doctor enough to submit to his treatment plan. You trust that the line order cook prepared a burger that's safe to eat. Your life is run on faith — your decision to put confidence in conclusions you consider reasonable and generally reliable. Why do we suddenly forget this when it comes to the most critical area of our lives, our relationship with God? God is no more imaginary than the dark side of the moon.

The Moon Never Left

Likewise, when something is reliably visible some of the time, we come to realize we will see it again. The moon follows a predictable pattern: wait a month, and you'll see the whole thing again. God brought you through his last apparent "disappearance," maybe you can trust him to show his face once more on the other side of your present darkness?

The Moon Offers Real Light

The moon's reflected light is no less real than the sun's daylight. If not for the moon, the sun's light wouldn't reach us at all during the night.

"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit" (2 Cor. 3:18).

Your light is not your own, but it's essential to the work of God in the world. We offer the sun's light in an otherwise dark night. We exist to behold the glory of the Lord. Turn to wholly look on him, and his transforming brightness will transform you. Be a full moon.

Avoid the Pursuit of Materialism Read or Watch

Goldilocks was a young girl who broke into the home of a family of bears while they were away and ate their porridge, sat in their chairs, and slept in their beds. She found the porridge either too hot or too cold. She found the chairs either too small or too big. She found the beds either too hard or too soft. Rejecting these extremes, she settled for the options that were “just right.” What a picky little home invader!

So now let’s talk about money. We might all agree that a homeless person on the street corner has money problems, but have you ever stopped to consider that the wealthiest person on earth has money problems too? We all struggle with money in different ways, from those living in poverty to those living in luxury. As a deathbed request to God, a man named Agur asked that he would experience neither extreme in the financial spectrum, but only receive what he needs to live.

“... give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God” (Prov. 30:8-9).

Not Poverty

God doesn’t want us to lack what we need. When the people of Israel were hungry in the wilderness, God didn’t turn a blind eye to them. Instead, he showered them with bread from heaven. After all, he was leading them to a land of riches, flowing with milk and honey, so wouldn’t it make sense that he’d provide for them along the way? Don’t worry when you’re going through times of lack since God has promised to provide for you if you’re willing to seek him first (Matt. 6:25-34)!

Not Riches

God doesn’t promise to make us wealthy beyond imagination. When God showered down manna on Israel, they weren’t allowed to gather more than they could eat that day. If they tried to collect more than that, they woke up the next day to find it spoiled and moldy. If you find yourself in a time of prosperity, remember that your wealth is not your own. Look around for opportunities to help those in need with the gifts you’ve been given (Luke 12:48; Matt. 19:21).

Only What Is Needed

God gives us what we need and provides for us daily. He was teaching his people humility and reliance on him in the wilderness, as Moses explained, “... he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, … that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord” (Deut. 8:3). What do you need that God hasn’t provided? More than all our material possessions, he has given us his Son, who has already taken care of our greatest need: the forgiveness of our sin!

Let us find true contentment in him and avoid the constant pursuit of material gain or the nagging worries of financial lack.

Invest in Your Faith Read or Watch

Wouldn't it be convenient if somehow you could order a box of righteousness from Amazon? You'd add it to your cart, give your credit card information, and choose same-day delivery. Then you'd find it delivered to your doorstep in frustration-free packaging. Without much effort at all, you'd finally have that shiny new righteousness you've always wanted!

"Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, saying, "Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit." But Peter said to him, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God" (Acts 8:18-21).

They didn't have Amazon Prime subscriptions, but that didn't stop Simon from asking the apostles to add the power of the Holy Spirit to his shopping cart. He was looking for a convenient option with same day shipping, and was even willing to pay money for it. God doesn't operate to satisfy our desire for convenience. For Simon, a more severe heart problem was lurking under the surface that he needed to address.

We do the same thing when we look for easy answers from God. Searching for solutions that make us feel comfortable and shore up our preconceptions, but don't challenge us to put in the real effort required for genuine transformation. Are you willing to put in the time and effort in your faith, or are you looking for the easy option that doesn't cost you as much?

So what do we do when we see ourselves looking for convenient solutions to life's problems? As Peter went on to tell Simon, "Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you" (Acts 8:22). We need to start by changing our mindset! God wants you to invest in becoming more spiritually mature, as he works in you for his pleasure (Phil. 2:13). It's going to be a slow process without shortcuts, but the final result will be eternally rewarding. As we identify and correct these attitudes, we also need to be on our knees in prayer to God. He already knows when we're looking for the easy solution, so we must be honest with him (and ourselves) about our intentions. Thankfully he's willing to forgive us when we lay our hearts bare before him.

May we all carefully examine our hearts today to reveal any desires to take shortcuts in our walk with him.

Master the Art of Discernment Read or Watch

If you've ever had to clean out a closet, an office, or a junk drawer, you’re familiar with the daunting task of sorting through everything one-by-one into piles. Some things you want to keep, like a gift you received from your child. Others you can let go, like that ugly sweater you ironically wore once to a holiday party. What stays, what goes? Sometimes the choice isn't so clear.

"'All things are lawful,' but not all things are helpful. 'All things are lawful,' but not all things build up" (1 Cor. 10:23).

When we reevaluate our lives — our possessions, our activities, our relationships — we make decisions about what to keep and what we'll abandon. Some of it we quickly sort through, but it's not always straightforward. Just because something seems good, doesn't mean that it is good, or even good for us right now.

Take Facebook, for example. It makes connecting with friends and relatives easier than ever, allowing us to share our lives and become a positive influence on the world. For all the good, is Facebook helpful for me right now? Maybe you find yourself scrolling around with feelings of envy or covetousness. Perhaps you're struggling with meddling and gossiping. So, is Facebook good for you? The answer: it's complicated!

So Many Choices!

”All things are lawful for me” was probably a favorite saying of some in the Corinthian church (1 Cor. 6:12; 10:23). They sound a little drunk with their newfound freedom, but Paul doesn’t squelch it altogether. Instead, in two passages (1 Cor. 6:12-20; 10:23-33) he encourages them to filter their choices through divine principles, considering how decisions affect others, themselves, and the Lord.

Will It Help Others?

Paul sounds a little like Star Trek’s Spock (the needs of the many!) when he explains how he lives: “not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved” (1 Cor.‬ ‭10:33‬). Asking if something will help you is fine, but it’s not enough ‭‭(1 Cor.‬ ‭10:24‬). In our Facebook example, factoring in others changes how we post and may lead us to pick up the phone and call a hurting friend rather than clicking “like.” When love for others leads us, our world of considerations grows.

Will It Master Me?

The next principle is “I will not become a slave to anything” (1 Cor. 6:12). This idea can change your life if you take it seriously. Give up anything that has an undue pull within you, whether it’s nagging curiosity about who commented on your post, or something darker, like inappropriate sexual lust. Let nothing overrun your will but Christ himself.

Will It Glorify God?

Finally, Paul reminds us of our ultimate purpose: “whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor.‬ ‭10:31‬). When you aim to shine forth his excellence in every corner of your life, sorting things out becomes a lot less complicated.

Replace Bad Habits with Good Ones Read or Watch

Have you ever noticed that when you tell yourself not to do something, it tends to backfire? The bug bite you try not to scratch, the blemish you try not to look at, the thought you try not to think. The more you fight it, the stronger the pull! Why is that?

Jesus tells a strange parable about an evicted demon that offers a solution. This unclean spirit had a home in some demon-possessed person, and then he left and wandered wearily through the desert (Matt. 12:43).

"Then it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order" (Matt. 12:44).

This demon, like the evil opposite of the prodigal son, decided things weren't so bad where he came from, and maybe he should go back (cf. Luke 15:11-32). Demons like a clean house. It was so lovely, he invited seven of his closest demon friends to move in with him, and as Jesus says, "the last state of that person is worse than the first" (Matt. 12:45).

When you want to sell your house, you clean up the place and make it attractive for a prospective new resident. Jesus describes a person who straightened up his space and made it inviting but never chose a new resident. He kept it orderly, but empty, never moving Jesus and his teachings in!

Removing & Replacing

Don't just cut out the bad. Replace the bad! When you go on a diet, if you repeat to yourself, "I'm not going to eat candy" with no plan for what you will eat, you set yourself up for failure. In the same way, aiming to surgically remove evil is not enough. We need to overcome evil with good (Rom. 12:9, 21). Paul specifies a replacement habit for the ones he wants the Ephesians to give up: Stop lying, and start truth-telling; stop stealing, and start working hard to share with others; stop talking garbage, and start speaking grace (Eph. 4:25-32).

Spare time gets filled with something. Rather than just freeing up time by eliminating unfruitful activities, replace the activities. Rather than just scolding yourself for thinking a lousy thought, actively pursue good ones (Phil. 4:8).

Cleansing & Creating

After David's sin with Bathsheba, he made two requests of God. First, he asked God to cleanse, washing away his sins (Psalm 51:1-9). When I have sinned, at times, I have stopped with this request for forgiveness, but David knows he needs to go further. He asks God to create something new in him (Psalm 51:10). Using the same word that describes God's acts of creation in Genesis, David says, "Create in me a clean heart." Washing the guilt of sin from your heart isn't enough. You need to replace it with a new kind of spirit.

May our God forgive us and fill us with himself.

Build a Life That's Secure Read or Watch

It's late morning on a Saturday and Dad has come over to "help" me do some renovations on my house. That is, he's come to do work on our home while I hand him tools and offer to fetch him coffee. His brown, leather tool belt hangs low around his waist, weighted down by his blue, 25 oz. framing hammer. These are the days I get to see Dad in his natural environment, doing his work. We don't talk while we move through a process etched in his muscle memory from 60 years of repetition. Run the tape measure, pencil-mark an arrow, slap the speed square down to draw your line, and you're ready to cut. I begin to hand him the circular saw, and he shakes his head, pointing to the Home Depot bag of replacement blades. If you're going to do a job, do it right.

I realize now that Dad lived the way he worked, building a life that was square and secure. Though I'll never remodel a house like him, I try to live as he did. So when my inner world starts falling apart, I return to the lasting principles of Scripture and let the Lord renovate my life.

Sharpen

You can't start a project until you get the right tools and prepare them for use.

"If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed" (Eccl. 10:10).

While preparing the blade, you can't get any work done on the house, so it seems unproductive — no direct project results. But when you skip these tasks, you make everything harder, and your effectiveness diminishes. In life, sharpening your edge means improving your skills and renewing your strength. So how's your prayer life and Bible reading? As these two "sharpening" habits go, so goes your fruitfulness. When's the last time you read a book to improve yourself? Are you replenishing your energy, preparing to serve?

Square

Levels, plumb bobs, and framing squares all exist to ensure proper alignment. The Hebrew word for that is yosher, which can refer to a "level" surface (Isa. 26:7), an "upright" frame (Ex. 36:20), or a "straight" road (Isa. 40:3). We also need to get ourselves morally square.

"I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules" (Psalm 119:7).

Christianity is not amorphous "spirituality," free of a governing standard. If you put a beam at an angle, it won't bear the load, because it can not defeat the laws of physics. If you refuse to line yourself up with "righteous rules," your life will not stand. Is there something off in your life, something you know you need to do but haven't? Resolve to do what's right, whatever it takes.

Secure

As you fasten your materials together with nails and screws, a solid structure begins to take shape.

"He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord" (Psalm 112:7).

Ever feel like your life's coming apart? Ever find yourself in the grip of fear? Fix your heart on God's character and promises. As we tighten the bolts holding us to him, fear loosens its grip, and we can look confidently ahead.

Open Your Eyes Read or Watch

Unfortunately, I was never blessed with the ability to see the hidden pictures in those popular Magic Eye books growing up. As hard as I tried, staring at a mishmash of squiggly lines and colors never produced the eye-popping 3-D results that my friends were quickly able to discern. They say the trick is to see beyond the image, to look through it as if you see something far away. But no matter how hard I tried, I was never able to make it work.

“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart”” (1 Sam. 16:7).

What Can You Hide?

The truth is, we as humans cannot see lots of things hiding in plain sight all around us. When we consider God’s response in Job 38-39 — a lengthy list of things that we are utterly incapable of perceiving — we realize just how limited our vision is. Though we may be blind to many of the deeper truths around us, God’s sight is perfect! Too often though, we convince ourselves that things are what they appear to be on the outside. Most of the time we’re easily misled by our own eyes. For example, we used to have a puppy who would hide her head under the bed whenever we were leaving the house. But though she couldn’t see us from under the bed, we were quickly able to see her. So what can we hide from a God who sees everything?

What Are You Not Seeing?

Have you ever caught yourself drawing conclusions about others based on race, gender, beauty, or any other outward characteristics? That was Samuel’s problem when searching for the next king. He came to one of Jesse’s sons and said, “Surely, this is the next king!” (1 Sam. 16:6). God, however, had another man in mind for the job, someone Samuel would have never expected on the surface. Our vision is limited to what’s on the surface, but God sees into the heart. What a comfort to know that he doesn’t show prejudice based on external attributes we cannot change anyway! So next time you see someone and begin to sum them up on appearances alone, ask yourself, “What am I not seeing?”

Press On to Maturity Read or Watch

Have you ever lived in a house during a remodel? What if the remodel never ended?

We lived in our first house for over a decade, and nearly every month of that period some project was underway, right up until the time we sold it. We often had concrete floors and sheet rock with visible drywall screws. We couldn’t use our bathroom while we reworked our shower. Then it was time to move, so we rushed to finish all our projects. It was finally our perfect house. We lived in it for a few days, and then we moved.

"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ" (Php 1:6).

Like our house, you — and everyone around you — will always be under construction, right up until it's time to leave your "earthly house" (2 Cor. 5:1-10) when God completes the work he started in you.

Duct-Taped Souls

This construction project is a collaboration, but not an equal one (Phil. 2:12-13). It requires our efforts, but only his grace will bring this work to completion. I sometimes try to use make-shift solutions of my own making, "fixing" myself with the duct tape of self-help rather than using God's grade A building materials for a proper repair. I tape up my ego rather than humbling myself before God. I distract rather than reflect. I numb rather than heal. I find a workaround to keep me going the same old way rather than turning to his way, the Way. But when I decide to hear, understand, and turn, he heals me (Matt. 13:15). Doing what Jesus says is the foundation of a well-built life (Matt. 7:24).

Pardon Our Dust

Have you ever gone to the supermarket while they remodeled? It's a hassle looking for your favorite cereal behind pallets of building materials, so they usually have signs like, "Pardon Our Dust While We Renovate." We need that same patience with others … and ourselves! We all need compassion (Col. 2:12-14). Your elders, preacher, parents, and heroes — whoever they are — are all currently under construction, even if you can’t see their “Pardon Our Dust” sign. Perhaps they're "not yet" what they ought to be (1 Cor. 3:2; 8:2), but "not yet" implies that someday, by grace, they could be. Don’t forget that you're a "Work In Progress" too.

Work Stoppage

The time to get concerned is when we aren’t under construction. If the project gets abandoned and the work stops, we need to "stir one another" to get back to it (Heb. 10:24). May we all appreciate the daily perseverance required to live in imperfect houses, slowly but steadily renovating into the perfect image of Christ (2 Cor. 3:18).

Respond Like a Disciple Read or Watch

In 2004, husbands everywhere were dragged to the movie The Notebook. In one scene that I suspect most husbands (and wives!) can relate to, Ryan Gosling's character asks in exasperation, "What do you want?!?" He asks the question four times, begging for a clear answer. It's a question I have, at times, wanted to shout at people who seem lost in their own lives. No doubt, someone should scream these four words at me some days. And considering its universal value, it's no wonder this is Jesus' opening question in the gospel of John.

"Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, 'What are you seeking?' And they said to him, "Rabbi" (which means Teacher), 'where are you staying?'" (‭‭John‬ ‭1:38)

This little conversation sets the tone for the way Jesus confronts us throughout the book and illustrates two essential characteristics of a disciple: Christ's followers want to learn from him and stay close to him.

What Do You Want?

It's a common question, what any of us might ask two people following us, but that's why it matters. If they followed Jesus for an ordinary reason as an ordinary man, the question might remain (sadly) ordinary. But what if they trailed behind this stranger with the unreasonable hope that maybe he could satisfy a nameless hunger (John 6), reveal a freeing truth (John 8), and offer an eternal life (John 4)? They wanted something. Jesus asked what it was.

And you, you want something too. As you follow behind the Lord today, what honest answer would you give if he turned around and asked, "What are you seeking?" If you don't like the way things are going in your walk with Christ, the best way to change that is to change what you want (Matt. 7:7).

What Do You Call Him?

Their answer was as straightforward as the question, but it set them on a path to knowing Jesus. "'Rabbi' (which means Teacher), 'where are you staying?'" (John 1:38b). First, they recognized Jesus as the extraordinary Teacher. Jesus spoke with authority, humility, and sincerity, which stood in stark contrast to the other teachers of his day. Does he instruct you, direct your heart, and provide you with answers to the mysteries of life in ways no one else can? If you've ever wrestled to understand your role in this world and God's plan for your life, the Rabbi has the answers!

Where Are You Staying?

They didn't stop at acknowledging his authority, they wanted to spend more time with him. And Jesus wasn't too busy for them — he invited them along! "He said to them, 'Come and you will see.' So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour" (John 1:38). Wherever Jesus stays, that's the place to be. He wants you with him too, because he cares about you. So what do you want?

Series: How to Talk to Yourself Don’t Drown in Your Thoughts Read or Watch

Imagine setting up a desk in the middle of a heavy metal concert and trying to do your work. "It's so loud in here," you might say, "I can't hear myself think!"

Sounds absurd, but sometimes our thoughts get so loud and loaded with dark ideas, it feels like we've cranked up the volume and set a Death Metal track to repeat in our heads. Scientists call our ongoing, inner dialogue "self-referential thought." Since it's constant, these typically negative and anxious patterns become ingrained. We get stuck in a conversation we can't seem to escape!

The Psalms often mirror our sense of drowning in a chaotic sea. Thankfully, they don't leave us there. Book Two of the Psalter begins with a pair of psalms (Psalm 42 and Psalm 43) that end with identical words, an intense interrogation of the author's soul.

"Why are you cast down, O my soul,

and why are you in turmoil within me?

Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,

my salvation and my God" (Psalm 42:11 and Psalm 43:5).

The Quicksand of Despair

"Why are you cast down, O my soul," he asks. He wants to understand his depression1. The word "cast down" can suggest sinking or melting away2. That sinking feeling. If you've known "despair" (NASB) or felt "troubled" (YLT) and "down in the dumps" (MSG), you get it.

Quicksand looks solid until you step into it. Suddenly, you find yourself stuck and sinking. To escape the quagmire, you have to avoid flailing, shed excess weight, and grab a helping hand. Desperation can lead to abrupt movements, but it makes you sink further! We react to despair the same way, busying ourselves, but our flailing digs us deeper until we turn to God. We have to "lay aside every burden" (Heb. 12:1) and grab someone on firm ground.

The Tempest of Turmoil

When the storm rages "in turmoil within" you (Psalm 42:11), remember what Peter did when he began to sink.

"But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, 'Lord, save me.' Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, 'O you of little faith, why did you doubt?' And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased" (Matt. 14:30-32).

The psalmist takes responsibility for himself. He says to himself, "Hey, you've forgotten the one fact that could get you through this. You've forgotten who God is." When we learn to have this kind of conversation with ourselves, we learn to lift our downcast chins and force our eyes upward. Wishing can't do much for us, but hoping in the one we know will bring about good (Rom. 8:28; Gen. 50:20)? That kind of confidence can finally change our tune.

1: This article addresses a depressed state of mind, not cases of Major Depression (Clinical Depression) which may require medical treatment.

2: Brown, F., Driver, S. R., & Briggs, C. A. (1977). [Enhanced Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon] (p. 1001). Oxford: Clarendon Press.

Series: How to Talk to Yourself Direct Your Thoughts Read or Watch

As the old story goes, a grandfather tells his grandson, “Two wolves live inside each of us, one that wants to bless us and one that wants to destroy us. They fight for control of our lives.”

“Which one wins?” asks the grandson.

“The one you feed.”

Our Divided Selves

Sometimes inner conflict comes from our divided selves, like when Paul says “I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate” (Rom. 7:15). No one has taken over his body. He still has control. But he has so many forces pulling him in different directions that he ends up doing something he — the self underneath all those voices — doesn’t want to do. Ever feel that way?

Our heads fill up with a cacophony of voices, but none of those voices define us. We get to choose which voice we obey. And we decide which voice is loudest. The one we feed will win.

Telling Yourself Truth

Jesus tells a famous story about a son who has wandered far away from home and estranged himself from his father. Most of us can relate to the prodigal son, as he sat in a pigsty and pined for better days. We all get lost and need to come home, and Jesus teaches that coming home is a two-step process: Before the son “came to his Father” (Luke 15:20) he “came to himself” (Luke 15:17).

Why does he need to come to himself? Because he has left himself, or we might say, “he’s not acting like himself.”

“‘But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger!’’” (Luke 15:17).

He reasons with himself, considering his options. What a valuable strategy!

Then he tells himself what he needs to do.

““I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants’”” (Luke 15:18-19).

Swallowing your pride, owning your failures, and begging for mercy? Most people would rationalize an easier — though less promising — course of action to avoid doing the hard, right thing. But he got up and went.

“And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him” (Luke 15:20).

The prodigal could have told himself he was in the right or had a pity party at his “bad luck.” But then he never would have made it home. We can all invent stories about our lives to make us feel better, but maybe we should stop listening to our own stories and start telling ourselves the truth. So what is the hard, right thing you need to do?

Series: How to Talk to Yourself Pay Attention to Your Thoughts Read or Watch

“We wants it, we needs it. Must have the precious.”

— Gollum

Reading J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, I fell in love with a strange little creature named Gollum. He was funny and relatable, but also seemed a bit crazy as he obsessed over a ring (his “precious”) and talked to himself.

What We Tell Ourselves

Talking to yourself can seem silly, if not insane. But in a way, we’re always in dialogue with ourselves (though we don’t usually do it aloud). Sometimes we call this “thinking to ourselves.” That’s how Jesus describes the internal dialogue of a guy we now call “The Rich Fool.” As the man saw the excellent yield his farm produced, he “thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’” (Luke 12:17). So he had a talk with himself, and together they worked out a plan! It was his retirement plan.

Every one of “him” in the conversation seems to share a single concern: his pleasure. How nice to have such a unity of thought! Let’s listen in on the conversation they have:

“And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry’” (Luke 12:19).

Like Gollum, this man wanted what he wanted, and when he spoke to himself, it was about his favorite subject: himself! If you’re bold enough to look under the hood and examine your self-talk, prepare to learn some hard truths about what you value. Eavesdropping on yourself is not for the faint of heart.

What God Tells Us

Sometimes the best thing that can happen to our inner dialogue is for God to insert himself into the conversation, and that is how Jesus’ story of the Rich Fool ends. “But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’“ (Luke 12:20).

We like to convince ourselves we won’t die, to tell ourselves not to think about dying, to distract ourselves from the reality of death all around us. God’s voice wants to break into your thoughts too. He would remind you of a hard truth: you are mortal (James 4:14-16). Pay attention to those private talks. What are you telling yourself about your life? Are you clutching your “precious” treasures or investing your life in the lasting words of God? Do you live with the fact that some unexpected night, your soul will be required of you? Pretending death isn’t around the corner for all of us, now that’s crazy.

May the Lord interrupt our thoughts with his Word today, and direct our meditations with his precepts more precious than gold (Ps. 19:10, 14).

Dress for Spiritual Success Read or Watch

Have you ever showed up to a party wearing shorts and flip flops, only to find out that it’s a black tie affair?

“And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen” (Matt. 22:12–14).

In Jesus’ parable of the wedding banquet, he highlights both the inclusive and exclusive nature of the kingdom of heaven. Here’s the story: a king hosted a wedding feast for his son and invited many guests. Some paid no attention to the invitation, going off to their farms and businesses. The rest abused the king’s messengers, even killing them. The rejection angered the king so much that he sent armies to destroy them and their cities. Then the king commanded his servants to invite anyone they could find in the streets, both the bad and the good.

On the day of the feast, the king sees a man inappropriately dressed, and asks him how he got in without a wedding garment. The man has no words to offer in response. The king commands him to be bound and cast out “into the outer darkness.” Why would the king first lower the standards by inviting anyone from the street to attend the party, but then raise the standards by demanding a certain kind of attire? What does Jesus want us to get from this?

Many Are Called

Jesus’ came first to the Jewish people, but Jews eventually rejected and killed him. The end of that story, though, is a broadening of his invitation to the rest of the world. Now, anyone who believes and faithfully obeys Him will be saved. Praise be to God that we are all recipients of Jesus’ invitation! So what’s expected of us as those called to the feast?

Few Are Chosen

We were all invited to the celebration, but there are expectations for our holiness and conduct. The language of clothing is often used to explain our walk with God, as Paul said in Romans, “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires” (Rom. 13:14). Are you wearing the wedding clothes of Christ or your self-satisfaction? There will come a day when God will inspect our garments and will either bless us with endless enjoyment or cast us out of his presence forever. So, what kinds of clothes are you wearing?

Glorify God in Your Body Read or Watch

What could you do with 200 Billion dollars?

"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body" (1 Cor. 6:19–20).

King Solomon, who built the temple of God in 1 Kings 6, used expensive materials and ornate artistry to construct an amazing house for God in Jerusalem. It was meant to reflect his glory in some small way, as his presence dwelt within the Most Holy Place. Those who approached it were to proceed with great caution and reverence, being careful with how they walked and what they said, knowing that the all-powerful God of the universe was inside (Eccl. 5:1-3). Scholars have tried to estimate the value of Solomon's temple, and believe that the silver and gold alone would be worth around 200 billion dollars today!

Fast forward to the new covenant where, as Paul reminds the Corinthians, we are now the temple of God's Holy Spirit! He no longer has a physical building to dwell in — besides our bodies! With that in mind, how do you view your role in housing the Most High God?

You Are Not Your Own

Just as Solomon created his temple for the singular purpose of worshipping God, we have been created with the very same purpose. When Jesus came to the temple in John 2:13-17 and found God's house used for selfish gain, he overturned their tables and drove them out. We also need to drive out any thought, attitude, desire, or practice that isn't in line with his goal for our lives. Are you willing to clear out any self-seeking motivation that might distract you from being his temple?

God Bought You With A Price

It's hard to imagine anything worth 200 Billion dollars, much less considering ourselves worth that kind of money, but God purchased us with something even more valuable, the blood of his Son Jesus. Will you honor his priceless sacrifice by submitting your whole life to his control?

Glorify God In Your Body

The temple stood as a symbol of God's presence with his people, and we too are called to stand out as his lights within our communities today. With God dwelling within us, we will exude the fruit of his Spirit in every aspect of our lives. We can either glorify him before others or hide our lights from them (Matt. 5:14-16). What will the world see when they look at our lives?

Try to remind yourself several times throughout the day today that you are God's temple on earth, constructing your life with the reverence and holiness God's temple deserves.

Drop Unhealthy Entanglements Read or Watch

As the parent of a young girl, I’ve probably seen the Disney movie Frozen more times than I’d care to admit. Even just mentioning the movie, maybe you’re like me and already singing Elsa’s iconic words, “Let it go!” in your head. It’s a catchy song, but a message we need to think about as disciples of Christ today.

“Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship’s boat and let it go … (and) they cast off the anchors and left them in the sea …” (Acts 27:32, 40).

During Paul’s perilous journey to Rome, the soldiers did the unthinkable and cut away the lifeboats and anchors — abandoning all thoughts of escape — at God’s instruction. What are you willing to let go of today to serve him better?

Let Go Of The Past

Sometimes we let our past successes define us. Sometimes it’s our past failures. Maybe you’ve even had a boss that’s asked you, “What have you done for me lately?” No matter what we’ve done before, what matters most is what we’re doing today! Even Paul put the past in the past, as he said, “… forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:13–14). If we cling too tightly to the stories we tell ourselves about who we are, we won’t clearly see how to make the right choices for God today.

Let Go Of Sin

The entanglements of our past lives of sin will weigh us down if we’re not willing to let them go. As the Hebrew writer said, “… let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us …” (Heb. 12:1). Imagine trying to run a race with bricks tied to your legs! Would you be able to win the race? Would you even stand a chance of finishing? With sin still clinging so tightly to your heart, how can you expect to endure to the end of this race called life? It’s time to examine your heart and see what needs to be cut away, with Christ’s help, to experience the true freedom he extends.

Let Go Of Unhealthy Relationships

We can also get tied down by unhealthy relationships. Paul warned against these kinds of friends, saying, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Cor. 6:14). Sadly, I’ve seen first-hand the impact that unbelieving friends can have on followers of Christ, and too often it has lead to disaster. Who do you call your friends? If they aren’t building you up and helping you grow in Christ, it’s time to let them go!

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