The Bible Tribe Reading Plan: Recent Episodes

Denise Pass

Life gets busy and we might not know how to best approach the studying of God's word. But we can't let that keep us from God. Enter . . . the Bible Tribe! Join us as we read the Bible this year and do a daily check-in and summary of one key verse.

Hey Bible Tribe!

Over 71,000 downloads on the podcast tells me people have been getting into God's Word!

Happy New Year! How was this past year for you? I am just hopping on here to check in and see if you made it all the way through the Bible Reading Plan. Don't give up if you haven't! Just keep going!

I will not be making any more Bible Tribe podcasts this next year, but the 2022 video series is still up on YouTube and available on podcast, and I will be diving back in myself to begin again! I hope you will join me!

I want to invite you to the new Theology at Home broadcast and podcast this year, where we will dive into some difficult theological topics and figure out how to apply them to our lives, including a free downloadable devotional and other resources! Learn more at www.theologyathome.com! Or visit the Youtube link here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4k6lbZDsmEqLZDQnMmPYQQemn9SAR144&si=SiMVRgMXzFzO2TsR

I pray this new year will be a year of deeper discovery in your relationship with God and a blessed year for you and your family! Keep reading Scripture daily, whether it is the Bible Tribe or another Bible reading plan. God bless you guys!

Are you born again? I remember when I did not understand what that meant. Sometimes, we can grow up hearing different words that describe what it means to be a Christian and not really know what these words or phrases mean. God’s plan of salvation has unfolded over history. History is His story of His salvation rolled out in a progressive revelation over the course of history. So how does Jesus' death save us, and what are we saved from? Listen to this week's Bible Tribe episode as we discuss what Easter is all about. Happy Easter! Jesus is risen from the dead! #Bibletribe #Biblereadingplan #Bible #Bibleinayear

When we are afflicted, we can lose perspective, and suffering can seem meaningless. But God does not waste our suffering. This past week, in the Bible Tribe, we caught a glimpse of God's purposes in something we would rather do without.

This week's review of Genesis 41–44, Ruth, Isaiah 62–66, Psalms 25–27, Job 21–22, Mark 1–2, and 1 Corinthians 7–8 has a common theme of affliction in the lives of God's people and what God did in and through their suffering. If you are suffering now in some way, please know God's heart toward you is always good. Seek Him in your suffering and watch what God will do. #Bibletribe #Biblereadingplan #Bible #Bibleinayear

How much are our troubles intensified because we just don't understand the heart of God?

God's heart toward us is good. The heart of God is perfect, compassionate, kind, Holy, and good. God is the Lover of our souls, our friend, our Advocate, and our ever-present help in times of need.

God is not in a box of our own making, and His character is not subject to our perception. His heart is that we would have His heart. And He gives us His heart and understanding!

Listen to the Bible Tribe summary for week 8 as we unpack God's heart through the scenarios of God's people.

Relationships with others begin with our relationship with God. When we are not in a right relationship with God we cannot be in a right relationship with man. In Christ, our relationships with others can be defined by peace. Find out how in this week's summary episode of the Bible Tribe reading plan, where a common theme emerges of how to navigate broken relationships.

How do you do with tests? Do you resent them? Do you doubt God’s character when they arise? Life's tests can be hard, but they reveal our trust in God and prove that God's purpose in the tests is ultimately to bless us. This week in the Bible Tribe reading plan, we learn that God is trustworthy and our security is in Him, not the blessings given by God.

What are you expecting from this life? From God? Expectations can really let us down. Much of our life is spent longing for something we really hope for or believe in, and it still seems so out of reach. In all our readings this week, there is a stumbling block one must choose to step over as one waits on God. We forsake the peace that could be ours when we fix our thoughts on our failed expectations rather than on what God has said. A scripture-shaped mind will focus more on how we can fit into God’s larger plan than how His plans might fit into ours.

Have you ever questioned God? Wondered why things are happening? Or felt like things were unfair or unjust? This week, the readings in the Bible Tribe reading plan have a common theme of God’s justice and sometimes a perceived lack of justice. God invites us to ask questions, come and see the big picture with Him, and delight in His justice. Listen in if you have questions for God. God is big enough for your questions and my questions.

When we question him from a place of belief, our questions become a place of faith and praise.

How do you focus on Christ when chaos abounds all around you?

Thinking higher than our own thoughts when the sky is falling feels impossible. But in our reading in Romans this week, Paul invites us to set our minds on the things of the Spirit rather than the things of the flesh through a word he uniquely uses.

Listen in to hear the Scriptural background behind mindsets, why they matter and five keys for how to set our mindset to be like Christ's.

Do we recognize how blessed we are? We are so blessed but often miss it because we are distracted by problems. But are problems the problem? When we see what God sees, our eyes are opened, and we understand how blessed we really are.

Listen in as Denise discusses the Scriptures from the Bible reading plan in week 2: Genesis 5–8, Joshua 5–8, Isaiah 7–12, Psalms 3–4, Job 3–4, Matt 3–5, Romans 3–5.

Well, friends, how has your time been in the word of God this week? In the Bible Tribe FB group, I shared from our first reading in Genesis 1–4 what God saw (The Hebrew word, “Ra’ah”) and how that differed from what Eve or any of us see. Through the first five days of reading this week, this factor of what we see shapes our drive and our “why” for life and, ultimately, how we live this life.

Listen in and discover what is driving your "why" for this life and where your significance comes from.

Good morning, friends! Welcome to 2024!

What new things can you discover in reading God’s word this year? Today’s first reading from Genesis 1–4 was such a reminder to me that what we see shapes our mindset.

Do you see things the way God does? Listen in and find out! God bless you guys as you begin reading God's word again this year! He is faithful to meet you in this space as you seek HIm!

Live loved. The first time I heard this phrase it felt like a hug from God. We will never be more loved than we already are. We are His beloved. But whether we live in that reality is up to us.

Bible Reading: Jude

Verse of the day: Jude 1:20, "But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life."

Word of the day: Beloved. It is the Greek word: ἀγαπητός (ag-ap-ay-tos').

Being persuasive is helpful when it comes to winning an argument but being persuasive for the sake of the Gospel is more than mere words.

Bible Reading: Acts 27-28

Verse of the day: Acts 28:24, “Some were persuaded by the things he said, but others did not believe.”

Word of the day: Persuaded. It is the Greek word: πείθω (pi'-tho).

We all desire to belong but belonging can be difficult in a world where relationships are fraught with sin. But there is one relationship where our desire to be loved will never fall short.

Bible Reading: Songs 7-8

Verse of the day: Songs 7:10, "I belong to my beloved, and his desire is for me.""

Word of the day: Desire. It is the Hebrew word: תְּשׁוּקָה (tesh-oo-kaw').

We were made to praise God. True praise cannot come from those who do not have the Holy Spirit, and praise does not come from hearts that do not recognize all that their God has done for them.

Bible Reading: Psalms 148-150

Verse of the day: Psalm 148:5, "Let them praise the name of the LORD, For He commanded, and they were created."

Word of the day: Praise. It is the Hebrew word: הָלַל (haw-lal').

God with us has been a reality that has held me together when life just seems so hard to navigate. But we look to the day when God will be with us as it was in the beginning.

Bible Reading: Rev. 21-22

Verse of the day: Revelation 21:3, “And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.”

Word of the day: Dwell. It is the Greek word: σκηνόω (skay-no'-o).

When we celebrate Christmas or Easter, it can be easy to have these holidays just be religious observances. But when we remember what Christ has done on our behalf, these holidays are not just days off work, but moments of worship and gratitude.

Bible Reading: Esther 6-10

Verse of the day: Esther 9:27, “The Jews took it on themselves to establish the custom that they and their descendants and all who join them should without fail observe these two days every year, in the way prescribed and at the time appointed.”

Word of the day: Custom. It is the Hebrew word: קָבַל (kaw-bal').

Those who are loved by God will follow Him. We cannot follow if we do not first know what or Who we are following.

Bible Reading: Deut. 33-34

Verse of the day: Deuteronomy 33:3, “Indeed, He loves the people; All Your holy ones are in Your hand, And they followed in Your steps; Everyone receives of Your words.”

Word of the day: Followed. It is the Hebrew word: תָּכָה (taw-kaw').

Sometimes we can try to imitate others so we can fit in, but as we imitate Christ, we might not fit in with the world.

Bible Reading: 3 John

Verse of the day: 3 John 1:11, “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.”

Word of the day: Imitate. It is the Greek word: μιμέομαι (mim-eh'-om-ahee).

How we live out the message we carry can be a stumbling block or a compelling witness to others. Are we credible as we share the incredible story of Christ?

Bible Reading: Acts 25-26

Verse of the day: Acts 26:8, "Why is it considered incredible among you people if God does raise the dead?"

Word of the day: Incredible. It is the Greek word: ἄπιστος (ap'-is-tos).

Have you believed and been baptized? Baptism is not our salvation, but a mark of repentance and faith.

Bible Reading: Acts 19-20

Verse of the day: Acts 19:4, "Paul said, “John’s baptism called for repentance from sin. But John himself told the people to believe in the one who would come later, meaning Jesus.”

Word of the day: Baptized. It is the Greek word: βαπτίζω (bap-tid'-zo).

Sometimes life hits us so hard we don’t think we can get back up, but those whom the LORD sustains will be raised up when they cry out to Him.

Bible Reading: Psalms 145-147

Verse of the day: Psalm 145:14, “The LORD sustains all who fall, and raises up all who are bowed down.”

Word of the day: Sustains. It is the Hebrew word: סָמַךְ (saw-mak').

Prophecy has always been about the progressive revelation of Jesus Christ which brings us to hope while we wait and wade through life’s seeming hopelessness.

Bible Reading: Rev. 16-20

Verse of the day: Revelation 19:10 (b), "Worship only God. For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus.”

Word of the day: Prophecy. It is the Greek word: προφητεία (prof-ay-ti'-ah).

Our culture tells us to be silent about our faith while they boast about their own beliefs but for such a time as this God’s people must not be silent but be wise in how they communicate God’s word to an increasingly pagan people.

Bible Reading: Esther 1-5

Verse of the day: Esther 4:14, "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?"

Word of the day: Silent. It is the Hebrew word: חָרַשׁ (khaw-rash').

Our courage will be tested in this life, but knowing God with us is the source of our courage.

Bible Reading: Deut. 31-32

Verse of the day: Deuteronomy 31:6, "Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you."

Word of the day: Courageous. It is the Hebrew word: אָמֵץ (aw-mats').

It means to be strong, be victorious, be brave.

What motivates you to live this Chrsitian life? To do all you do in this life? When our motivation is fixed on God’s glory, all we do has new purpose and meaning.

Bible Reading: 2 John

Verse of the day: 2 John 1:2, "Because the truth lives in us and will be with us forever."

Word of the day: Sake. It is the Greek word: διά (dee-ah').

This is a preposition, and the BDB lexicon says it means marker of instrumentality or circumstance whereby something is accomplished or effected, by, via, through; of efficient cause.

Do you cherish the hope we have in Christ? Hope is not hope if we do not actively choose to renew our hope.

Bible Reading: Acts 23-24

Verse of the day: Acts 24:15, "And I have the same hope in God that they themselves cherish, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked."

Word of the day: Cherish. It is the Greek word: προσδέχομαι (pros-dekh'-om-ahee).

Beauty is an abstract term with many different definitions. Discovering beauty in those we love is a part of loving them.

Bible Reading: Songs 3-4

Verse of the day: Songs 4:7, "You are altogether beautiful, my darling,

And there is no blemish in you."

Word of the day: Beautiful. It is the Hebrew word: יָפֶה (yaw-feh').

Life is overwhelming. Can I get an amen? But we don’t have to stay there. When we are overwhelmed we do not have to be overcome but we can overcome through Christ.

Bible Reading: Psalms 142-144

Verse of the day: Psalm 142:3(a), "When my spirit was overwhelmed within me,

You knew my path . . ."

Word of the day: Overwhelmed. It is the Hebrew word: עָטַף (aw-taf').

God’s Kingdom is already but not yet fully realized. Oh, what a moment it will be when the Kingdom of God is established on earth.

Bible Reading: Rev. 11-15

Verse of the day: Revelation 11:15, "The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.”

Word of the day: Kingdom. It is the Greek word: βασιλεία (bas-il-i'-ah).

It means kingdom of God, dominion, rule, realm, royalty.

Neglecting time with God and His word reveals a heart condition in need of renewal. Knowing God is not about following rules. It is about walking in His will and way because we love Him.

Bible Reading: Neh. 10-13

Verse of the day: Nehemiah 10:39(b), "We will not neglect the house of our God.”

Word of the day: Neglect. It is the Hebrew word: עָזַב (aw-zab').

Knowing God’s word is one thing but keeping God’s word is another. Keep on keepin’ on with the word of God. Don’t grow comfortable or complacent.

Bible Reading: Deut. 29-30

Verse of the day: Deuteronomy 29:9, “Therefore keep the words of this covenant and do them, that you may prosper in all that you do.”

Word of the day: Keep. It is the Hebrew word: שָׁמַר (shaw-mar').

It means to guard, observe, to remain

Being in the world but not of it is challenging but not impossible. Remembering our purpose and calling and immersing our mind in His word helps us to influence the world more than it influences us.

Bible Reading: 1 John 4-5

Verse of the day: 1 John 4:5, “They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them.”

Word of the day: World. It is the Greek word: κόσμος (kos'-mos).

It means the universe

Where there is a will there is a way but following God’s will is the best way!

Bible Reading: Acts 21-22

Verse of the day: Acts 21:14, “When it was clear that we couldn’t persuade him, we gave up and said, ‘The Lord’s will be done.’”

Word of the day: Will. It is the Greek word: θέλημα (thel'-ay-mah).

It means what one wishes to happen

In a world that does not uphold marital values or fidelity, Christian marriage is a witness of God’s faithfulness.

Bible Reading: Songs 1-2

Verse of the day: Songs 2:16(a), "My beloved is mine, and I am his."

Word of the day: My beloved. It is the Hebrew word: דּוֹד (dode).

It means lover,

Our thoughts are vast, but only the thoughts focused on God’s purposes will last.

Bible Reading: Psalms 139-141

Verse of the day: Psalm 139:2, "You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar."

Word of the day: Thoughts. It is the Hebrew word: רֵעַ (ray'-ah).

It is hard to stand firm when the ground beneath us seems uncertain. But Christ is able to make us stand. And when Christ returns, only God and His people will be able to stand.

Bible Reading: Rev. 6-10

Verse of the day: Revelation 6:17, "For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?"

Word of the day: Stand. It is the Greek word: ἵστημι (his'-tay-mee)

We cannot be faithful to God’s word if we are not careful to apply it to our lives. Being careful with God’s word requires first being attentive to it so we can rightly apply it.

Bible Reading: Neh. 7-9

Verse of the day: Nehemiah 8:3, "From early morning till noon, he read the Law of Moses to them, and they listened carefully."

Word of the day: Carefully. It is the Hebrew word: אֹזֶן (o'-zen).

There is no getting around a word like “commandments”. God’s commands are a demand, not a suggestion.

Bible Reading: Deut. 27-28

Verse of the day: Deuteronomy 27:1, "Then Moses and the elders of Israel charged the people, saying, “Keep all the commandments which I command you today."

Word of the day: Commandments. It is the Hebrew word: מִצְוָה (mits-vaw').

A good relationship is not in word only but in deed. Practicing what we preach helps others to relate to us better and might even help them to begin a relationship with God.

Bible Reading: 1 John 1-3

Verse of the day: 1 John 2:29, "If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone also who practices righteousness is born of Him."

Word of the day: Practices. It is the Greek word: ποιέω (poy-eh'-o).

Have you believed and been baptized? Baptism is not our salvation, but a mark of repentance and faith.

Bible Reading: Acts 19-20

Verse of the day: Acts 19:4, "Paul said, “John’s baptism called for repentance from sin. But John himself told the people to believe in the one who would come later, meaning Jesus.”

Word of the day: Baptized. It is the Greek word: βαπτίζω (bap-tid'-zo).

We cannot reap if we first do not sow, and if we do not sow, we will not grow.

Bible Reading: Eccl. 11-12

Verse of the day: Ecclesiastes 11:6, "Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well."

Word of the day: Sow. It is the Hebrew word: זָרַע (zaw-rah').

This world tells us to do what we please, but that only leads us to enslavement to the flesh. God is the only One Who can truly do what He pleases.

Bible Reading: Psalms 135-138

Verse of the day: Psalm 135:6, "The LORD does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths."

Word of the day: Pleases. It is the Hebrew word: חָפֵץ (khaw-fates').

Reading God’s word impacts us the most when we heed what we read.

Bible Reading: Rev. 1-5

Verse of the day: Revelation 1:3, "Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near."

Word of the day: Heed. It is the Greek word: τηρέω (tay-reh'-o).

When we serve God we will come under attack. But staying on guard helps us to press on and not give up.

Bible Reading: Neh. 4-6

Verse of the day: Nehemiah 4:9, "But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat."

Word of the day: Guard. It is the Hebrew word: מִשְׁמָר (mish-mawr').

Our culture shames those who show emotions. But crying out can become our greatest strength.

Bible Reading: Deut. 25-26

Verse of the day: Deuteronomy 26:7, “Then we cried out to the LORD, the God of our ancestors, and the LORD heard our voice and saw our misery, toil and oppression.”

Word of the day: Cried. It is the Hebrew word: צָעַק (tsaw-ak').

The world never has enough of anything but we who are in Christ have more than enough because our God has given us everything.

Bible Reading: 2 Peter

Verse of the day: 2 Peter 1:3, “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”

Word of the day: Everything. It is the Greek word: πᾶς (pas).

Ignorance is not bliss at all. What we don’t know can hurt us. We are still culpable for what we don’t know in a fallen world.

Bible Reading: Acts 17-18

Verse of the day: Acts 17:30, "In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent."

Word of the day: Ignorance. It is the Greek word: ἄγνοια (ag'-noy-ah).

We can become jaded by life’s twists and turns and believe the lie that our troubles are destined to fate or karma, or that God does not see or care. But the human condition is in the hands of God, and He is always faithful.

Bible Reading: Eccl. 9-10

Verse of the day: Ecclesiastes 9:2, “It is the same for all. There is one fate for the righteous and for the wicked; for the good, for the clean and for the unclean; for the man who offers a sacrifice and for the one who does not sacrifice. As the good man is, so is the sinner; as the swearer is, so is the one who is afraid to swear.”

Word of the day: Fate. It is the Hebrew word: מִקְרֶה (mik-reh').

Worship is not a song. It is not a portion of a service. Worship is living our lives in awe of God, acknowledging Him in all of life.

Bible Reading: Psalms 132-134

Verse of the day: Psalm 132:7, "Then we said, "Let's go to the throne of the LORD and worship at his feet."

Word of the day: Worship. It is the Hebrew word: שָׁחָה (shaw-khaw').

God will be magnified whether or not we choose to magnify Him. When we minimize God or choose to live in sin, he will still be magnified.

Bible Reading: Malachi

Verse of the day: Malachi 1:5, “Your eyes will see this and you will say, ‘The LORD be magnified beyond the border of Israel!’”

Word of the day: Magnified. It is the Hebrew word: גָּדַל (gaw-dal').

Have you ever fasted? Sometimes we can miss a mighty movement of God in our lives is we forsake fasting and praying. When we find ourselves in desperate times, fasting and praying is about humbling ourselves before God so we can seek Him more fervently.

Bible Reading: Neh. 1-3

Verse of the day: Nehemiah 1:4, "As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven."

Word of the day: Fasting. It is the Hebrew word: צוּם (tsoom).

In a world that does not have God’s word as its authority, God’s word can be perverted. But twisting God’s word for our own purposes only leaves us twisted ourselves.

Bible Reading: Deut. 22-24

Verse of the day: Deuteronomy 24:17, "You shall not pervert the justice due an alien or an orphan, nor take a widow’s garment in pledge."

Word of the day: Pervert. It is the Hebrew word: נָטָה (naw-taw').

What purpose gets you out of bed in the morning? When we aim at nothing, we get what we aim for. There is a purpose for everything in this life, even suffering. How do you use suffering in your life?

Bible Reading: 1 Peter 4-5

Verse of the day: 1 Peter 4:1, "Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because the one who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin."

Word of the day: Purpose. It is the Greek word: ἔννοια (en'-noy-ah).

Legalism and liberalism can hinder evangelistic efforts. But when the church is biblical and avoids these extremes, the church will be strengthened as it walks in truth.

Bible Reading: Acts 15-16

Verse of the day: Acts 16:5, "So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers."

Word of the day: Strengthened. It is the Greek word: στερεόω (ster-eh-o'-o).

“Don’t pray for patience,” people advise. Yet patience is part of what we are called to in Christ. When we wait on God, we will never be disappointed.

Bible Reading: Eccl. 7-8

Verse of the day: Ecclesiastes 7:8, "The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride."

Word of the day: Patience. It is the Hebrew word: אָרֵךְ (aw-rake').

When we are attacked and feel unseen, God always sees, and He is always for us. We prevail over our enemies and our circumstances by placing our hope in Christ’s rescue, strength, and grace.

Bible Reading: Psalms 129-131

Verse of the day: Psalm 129:2, "Many times they have persecuted me from my youth up; Yet they have not prevailed against me."

Word of the day: Prevailed. It is the Hebrew word: יָכֹל (yaw-kole').

Sometimes we can live this life as if it will never end, but how we live our days will be apparent on the Day of the LORD. Live for that day.

Bible Reading: Zech. 11-14

Verse of the day: Zechariah 14:9, "The LORD will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one LORD, and his name the only name."

Word of the day: Day. It is the Hebrew word: יוֹם (yome).

When we serve God, people will come against us. But when God’s people are separated for the work of God yet united in that work, greater is He that is in them than any obstacle in this world.

Bible Reading: Ezra 6-10

Verse of the day: Ezra 6:21, "The sons of Israel who returned from exile and all those who had separated themselves from the impurity of the nations of the land to join them, to seek the LORD God of Israel, ate the Passover."

Word of the day: Separated. It is the Hebrew word: בָּדַל (baw-dal').

Warfare abounds all around us, but we don’t have to fear. In the battles we fight in this life God wants to fight on our behalf and save us.

Bible Reading: Deut. 19-21

Verse of the day: Deuteronomy 20:4, "For the LORD your God is the One who is going with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you."

Word of the day: Save. It is the Hebrew word: יָשַׁע (yaw-shah').

The foreknowledge of God chose us before we even were. Our finite minds struggle to grasp this reality, but as Augustine stated, “If you understood Him, He would not be God.”

Bible Reading: 1 Peter 1-3

Verse of the day: 1 Peter 1:2, "According to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you."

Word of the day: Foreknowledge. It is the Greek word: πρόγνωσις (prog'-no-sis).

Every parent knows what it is like to call their kids and they don’t respond. But the calling of God on our lives is too great to dismiss.

Bible Reading: Acts 13-14

Verse of the day: Acts 13:2, "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”"

Word of the day: Called. It is the Greek word: προσκαλέω (pros-kal-eh'-om-ahee).

Being impulsive can get us into a lot of trouble. Especially in the presence of God.

Bible Reading: Eccl. 5-6

Verse of the day: Ecclesiastes 5:2, "Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few."

Word of the day: Impulsive. It is the Hebrew word: מָהַר (maw-har').

We all want joy, but the path to get there might not be so coveted. We would not experience joy if we had not first experienced joyless times.

Bible Reading: Psalms 126-128

Verse of the day: Psalm 126:5, "Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting."

Word of the day: Joyful. It is the Hebrew word: רִנָּה (rin-naw').

A branch on its own cannot survive and begins to die. But a branch connected to the vine is alive. So it is with us. Jesus is the BRANCH, the root of Jesse, and He is also the vine we are connected to.

Bible Reading: Zech. 6-10

Verse of the day: Zechariah 6:12, "Tell him this is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Here is the man whose name is the Branch, and he will branch out from his place and build the temple of the LORD."

Word of the day: Branch. It is the Hebrew word: צֶמַח (tseh'-makh).

Love in this world does not last forever, but God’s love does. Think about that. He will never stop loving you.

Bible Reading: Ezra 1–5

Verse of the day: Ezra 3:11, "They sang with praise and thanksgiving to the LORD: “For he is good; his faithful love to Israel endures forever.” Then all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD because the foundation of the LORD’s house had been laid."

Word of the day: Forever. It is the Hebrew word: עוֹלָם (o-lawm').

Our hands are vessels for serving God and others. Our hands give from what they have been given.

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 16–18

Verse of the day: Deuteronomy 16:10, “Then you shall keep the Feast of Weeks to the LORD your God with the tribute of a freewill offering from your hand, which you shall give as the LORD your God blesses you.”

Word of the day: Hand. It is the Hebrew word: יָד (yawd).

We cannot avoid conflict for long. But when it is in our power to do so, healthy conflict avoidance is not a bad thing when the goal is God’s glory.

Bible Reading: James 4–5

Verse of the day: James 4:1, “What is the source of wars and fights among you? Don’t they come from your passions that wage war within you?”

Word of the day: Conflicts. It is the Hebrew word: μάχη (makh'-ay).

Have you received the good news? The best news of all? Hearing the good news is one thing, but receiving it is quite another and it transforms our lives.

Bible Reading: Acts 11–12

Verse of the day: Acts 11:1, “Soon the news reached the apostles and other believers in Judea that the Gentiles had received the word of God.”

Word of the day: Received. It is the Hebrew word: δέχομαι (dekh'-om-ahee).

Time is a commodity that evaporates the moment we are given it. Make the most of the time you are given.

Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 3–4

Verse of the day: Ecclesiastes 3:1, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”

Word of the day: Time. It is the Hebrew word: נָתַן (zem-awn').

When others seek to humble you in their pride, don’t let your own pride keep you from crying out to God.

Today is my oldest son’s birthday and this past weekend he surprised my husband and me by sharing a video about how much he loves his Dad and posting a Go Fund Me for my husband’s cancer treatment that Insurance is not paying for. So my husband is my kinsman redeemer who stepped into my life as a single mom in the wake of utterly devastating circumstances. And he stepped in as a Dad of 5 kids. It is not lost on me that the word of the day is “proud”. We should not be too proud to receive help. We have been overwhelmed by the kindness, prayers and support, so I just wanted to take a couple of seconds to share that. Thank you! The link to his video is on this post online.

Bible Reading: Psalms 123–125

Verse of the day: Psalm 123:4, “Our soul has had more than enough of the scorn of those who are at ease, of the contempt of the proud.”

Word of the day: Proud. It is the Hebrew word: גַּאֲיוֹן (gah-ah-yone').

Being angry is often associated with sin. But God’s anger with His people was about their waywardness that caused them to sin and turn from Him.

Bible Reading: Zech. 1-5

Verse of the day: Zech 1:2, “The LORD was very angry with your ancestors."

Word of the day: Angry. It is the Hebrew word: קָצַף (kaw-tsaf').

When we face battles, our strength does not lie in our power our ability, but in God’s strength. Our battles belong to the LORD.

Bible Reading: 2 Chr. 31-36

Verse of the day: 2 Chr. 32:8, "He may have a great army, but they are merely men. We have the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!” Hezekiah’s words greatly encouraged the people."

Word of the day: Battles. It is the Hebrew word: מִלְחָמָה (mil-khaw-maw').

What we cling to will cling to us. When we cling to this world and its false beliefs, we will be lost. But when we cling to Jesus, He will guide us through all the distractions of this world and keep us centered in Him.

Bible Reading: Deut. 13-15

Verse of the day: Deut. 13:4, "You shall follow the LORD your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him."

Word of the day: Cling. It is the Hebrew word: דָּבַק (daw-bak').

Perspective is everything. What we consider to be a trial can instead turn into a mission that ends up blessing us.

Bible Reading: James 1-3

Verse of the day: James 1:2, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.”

Word of the day: Consider. It is the Greek word: ἡγέομαι (hayg-eh'-om-ahee).

From the moment we first accepted Christ as our Savior, we became living signposts called to proclaim His name. No longer living to make ourselves known, but to make God known.

Bible Reading: Acts 9-10

Verse of the day: Acts 9:20, "And immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God."

Word of the day: Proclaim. It is the Greek word: κηρύσσω (kay-roos'-so).

Humans are unique in all of creation. They are made in God’s image, yet they are constantly worried about measuring up. Vanity is a vain attempt to discover our worth and meaning in this life.

Bible Reading: Eccl. 1-2

Verse of the day: Eccl. 1:2, "Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity."

Word of the day: Vanity. It is the Hebrew word: הֶבֶל (heh'bel).

We can’t find help if we don’t express our need of it. God stands ready to help and there is no stronger support than Him.

Bible Reading: Psalms 120-122

Verse of the day: Psalm 121:2, "My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth."

Word of the day: Help. It is the Hebrew word: עֵזֶר (ay'-zer).

Rebuilding is hard when all we see are ruins around us. But it is harder not to rebuild.

Bible Reading: Haggai

Verse of the day: Haggai 1:2, "The LORD of Armies says this: These people say: The time has not come for the house of the LORD to be rebuilt.”

Word of the day: Rebuilt. It is the Hebrew word: בָּנָה (baw-naw').

God wants to prosper us but not in the way the world views prosperity. Those who are in Christ are the most blessed of all.

Bible Reading: 2 Chr. 26-30

Verse of the day: 2 Chr. 26:5, “He continued to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding through the vision of God; and as long as he sought the LORD, God prospered him.”

Word of the day: Prospered. It is the Hebrew word: צָלֵחַ (tsaw-lakh').

Every day we serve somebody whether we realize it or not. We were saved to serve.

Bible Reading: Deut. 10-12

Verse of the day: Deut. 10:12, "Now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require from you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul."

Word of the day: Serve. It is the Hebrew word: עָבַד (aw-bad').

God does not need or require our sacrifices. There is nothing we can offer to God that could ever satisfy except for a broken and contrite heart.

Bible Reading: Hebrews 10-13

Verse of the day: Hebrews 10:1, “For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near.”

Word of the day: Sacrifices. It is the Greek word: θυσία (thoo-see'-ah).

Bible Reading: Acts 7-8

Verse of the day: Acts 7:55, "But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God;"

Word of the day: Full. It is the Greek word: πλήρης (play'-race).

Bible Reading: Proverbs 31

Verse of the day: Proverbs 31:10, "An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels."

Word of the day: Worth. It is the Hebrew word: מֶכֶר (meh'-ker).

Bible Reading: Psalm 119

Verse of the day: Psalm 119:2, "How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, Who seek Him with all their heart."

Word of the day: Observe. It is the Hebrew word: נָצַר (naw-tsar').

We were made to worship and all the world around us is worshiping someone or something. But when we bow to all, we bow to none. We were made to worship One.

Bible Reading: Zephaniah

Verse of the day: Zeph 1:5, "For they go up to their roofs and bow down to the sun, moon, and stars. They claim to follow the LORD, but then they worship Molech, too."

Word of the day: Bow. It is the Hebrew word: שָׁחָה (shaw-khaw').

Progress does not just happen in a moment. Progress happens in a process that happens one step at a time.

Bible Reading: 2 Chr. 21-25

Verse of the day: 2 Chr 24:13, “The men in charge of the work were diligent, and the repairs progressed under them. They rebuilt the temple of God according to its original design and reinforced it.”

Word of the day: Progressed. It is the Hebrew word: עָלָה (aw-law').

Everyone wants to feel like they have worth and ultimately that they are known and loved. But no one else can give us a greater worth than we already have as God’s treasured possession.

Bible Reading: Deut. 7-9

Verse of the day: Deut 7:6, "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession."

Word of the day: Possession. It is the Hebrew word: סְגֻלָּה (seg-ool-law').

Trying to be perfect is overrated and never possible. But for those who are in Christ, God sees us as righteous and perfect.

Bible Reading: Hebrews 7-9

Verse of the day: Hebrews 7:2, “To him also Abraham apportioned a tithe of everything. His name first means king of righteousness, then king of Salem, that is, king of peace.”

Word of the day: Righteousness. It is the Greek word: δικαιοσύνη (dik-ah-yos-oo'-nay).

We all serve and obey somebody whether we know it or not. We either obey our own flesh, seek to please man, or obey God, but we cannot successfully do all three. Choose this day whom you will obey.

Bible Reading: Acts 5-6

Verse of the day: Acts 5:29, "Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!"

Word of the day: Obey. It is the Greek word: πειθαρχέω (pi-tharkh-eh'-o).

Link referenced in podcast: Biblical View of LGBTQ link: bit.ly/biblical-view-LGBTQ.

Do you apply God’s tested word during your times of testing? There is no other word that is as faithful as God’s word. People can counsel us, we can even think our own thoughts, but only God’s word stands forever.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 30

Verse of the day: Proverbs 30:5, "Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him."

Word of the day: Tested. It is the Hebrew word: צָרַף (tsaw-raf').

When we feel like we are stuck in a box, confined by our problems that loom large over us, God sets us in a large place.

Bible Reading: Psalms 117-118

Verse of the day: Psalm 118:5, "From my distress I called upon the LORD; The LORD answered me and set me in a large place."

Word of the day: Large place. It is the Hebrew word: מֶרְחָב (mer-khawb').

The greatest strength we have is often found at the end of ourselves when we admit our own weakness to the only One strong enough to carry us.

Bible Reading: Habakkuk

Verse of the day: Habakkuk 3:19, "The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. For the director of music. On my stringed instruments."

Word of the day: Strength. It is the Hebrew word: חַיִל (khah'-yil).

What are you relying on? Sometimes we can rely on self until we realize we aren’t all that and a bag of chips. Relying on God means we are aligning ourselves with His will, not ours. Father knows best.

Bible Reading: 2 Chr. 16-20

Verse of the day: 2 Chron. 16:8, "Were not the Ethiopians and the Libyans a huge army with very many chariots and horsemen? Yet because you relied on the LORD, he gave them into your hand."

Word of the day: Relied. It is the Hebrew word: שָׁעַן (shaw-an').

The heart of man does what is right in his own eyes but wrong in God’s. Adding or subtracting from God’s word won’t add up to being right in God’s eyes and can lead us astray.

Bible Reading: Deut. 4-6

Verse of the day: Deut. 4:2, "Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the LORD your God that I give you."

Word of the day: Add. It is the Hebrew word: יָסַף (yaw-saf').

True rest is for those who believe. This weary world could never offer the rest we have in Christ.

Bible Reading: Hebrews 4-6

Verse of the day: Hebrews 4:3, "For we who have believed enter that rest, as he has said, “As I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not enter my rest,’” although his works were finished from the foundation of the world."

Word of the day: Rest. It is the Greek word: κατάπαυσις (kat-ap'-ow-sis).

When we faithfully share the gospel, people can become disturbed and begin to attack us or persecute us. Don’t shrink back from what Jesus has called you to do. When we create a good disturbance by speaking of Jesus and His powerful living word, the Holy Spirit works in those around us.

Bible Reading: Acts 3-4

Verse of the day: Acts 4:2, "They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead."

Word of the day: Disturbed. It is the Greek word: διαπονέομαι (dee-ap-on-eh'-o).

Brokenness does not have to be a life sentence. We are all broken in one way or another, but God is our Healer, and He restores what was broken.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 29

Verse of the day: Proverbs 29:1, "A person often rebuked who becomes obstinate will suddenly be broken beyond remedy."

Word of the day: Broken. It is the Hebrew word: שָׁבַר (shaw-bar').

When we think of a sanctuary we can be tempted to think of a building. But we are God’s living sanctuary.

Bible Reading: Psalms 114-116

Verse of the day: Psalm 114:2, "The land of Judah became God’s sanctuary, and Israel became his kingdom."

Word of the day: Sanctuary. It is the Hebrew word: קֹדֶשׁ (ko'-desh).

The struggle is real in this life, but then the stronghold of God is our refuge when life becomes too much.

Bible Reading: Nahum

Verse of the day: Nahum 1:7, "The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble, And He knows those who take refuge in Him."

Word of the day: Stronghold. It is the Hebrew word: מָעוֹז (maw-oze').

Seeking God is not a casual endeavor. We need to set our minds and hearts toward the purpose of seeking God or we fall away.

Bible Reading: 2 Chr. 11-15

Verse of the day: 2 Chronicles 11:16, "Those from all the tribes of Israel who set their hearts on seeking the LORD God of Israel followed them to Jerusalem, to sacrifice to the LORD God of their fathers."

Word of the day: Set. It is the Hebrew word: נָתַן (naw-than').

Ever feel overwhelmed to carry out the task God has given you? When God appoints, He also anoints us to accomplish His purposes.

Bible Reading: Deut. 1-3

Verse of the day: Deut 1:13, "Choose wise and discerning and experienced men from your tribes, and I will appoint them as your heads."

Word of the day: Appoint. It is the Hebrew word: שׂוּם (soom).

We represent God on this earth and Christ showed us how to represent. Christ came as a representation of God to represent God’s people. In the likeness of God to bear the sins of man in the likeness of man.

Bible Reading: Hebrews 1-3

Verse of the day: Hebrews 1:3, "The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven."

Word of the day: Representation. It is the Greek word: χαρακτήρ (khar-ak-tare').

Suffering is a part of life in a fallen world. But suffering is never in vain. The purpose of suffering is seen in the fruit it bears.

Bible Reading: Acts 1-2

Verse of the day: Acts 1:3, After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.

Word of the day: Suffering. It is the Greek word: πάσχω (pas'-kho).

Boasting is commonplace in a world of comparison. People want to make more of themselves, but frankly, we are not all that and a bag of chips. Our worth comes from the One Who alone is worthy of all praise. Boasting leads to roasting if we are not careful. We have no right to boast for all we have has been given to us.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 27-28

Verse of the day: Proverbs 27:1, "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring."

Word of the day: Boast. It is the Hebrew word: הָלַל (haw-lal').

It means to praise, glory, to brag on.

No one likes to be humbled, yet the truly humble have favor with God. And God Himself, the greatest of all, chose to humble Himself to win our souls.

Bible Reading: Psalms 111-113

Verse of the day: Psalm 113:6, "Who humbles Himself to behold the things that are in heaven and in the earth?"

Word of the day: Humbles. It is the Hebrew word: שָׁפֵל (shaw-fale').

Scheming is futile in this life. While we scheme or others scheme against us, in the grand scheme of things, God’s purposes prevail. Those who strive for their own glory and purposes wind up reaping what they sow.

Bible Reading: Micah

Verse of the day: Micah 2:1, "Woe to those who scheme iniquity, Who work out evil on their beds! When morning comes, they do it, For it is in the power of their hands."

Word of the day: Scheme. It is the Hebrew word: חָשַׁב (khaw-shab').

We often say the phrase “praying for you”, but perhaps we pray amiss. Prayer is not just about getting what we want. It is about doing life with Jesus and crying out to Him with all that we encounter in this life.

Bible Reading: 2 Chr. 6-10

Verse of the day: 2 Chronicles 6:19, "Yet have regard to the prayer of Your servant and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to listen to the cry and to the prayer which Your servant prays before You."

Word of the day: Supplication. It is the Hebrew word: תְּחִנָּה (tekh-in-naw').

It means to request favor or grace, plea for mercy.

None of us wants to volunteer to experience troubles, but perhaps we do without realizing it.

Bible Reading: Num. 33-36

Verse of the day: Numbers 33:55, "But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land, those you allow to remain will become barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides. They will give you trouble in the land where you will live."

Word of the day: Trouble. It is the Hebrew word: צָרַר (tsaw-rar').

People can proclaim peace all day long, but if they do not know Jesus, they will not find peace in this broken world, just shattered pieces of our hope. As the saying goes, Know God, know peace. No God, no peace.

Bible Reading: Philemon

Verse of the day: Philemon 1:3, "May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace."

Word of the day: Peace. It is the Greek word: εἰρήνη (i-ray'-nay).

Death is a 100% proposition no one can avoid in a fallen world. But Jesus’ death removes death’s sting and shows us how to truly live.

Bible Reading: John 21

Verse of the day: John 21:14, “This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.”

Word of the day: Dead. It is the Greek word: νεκρός (nek-ros').

Foolishness is applauded in a culture that is void of character. But the one who is willing to give up what the culture prizes is no fool.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 26

Verse of the day: Proverbs 26:4, "Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him."

Word of the day: Fool. It is the Hebrew word: כְּסִיל (kes-eel').

Ugh. Being someone’s target is no fun at all. Especially when hatred or jealousy are at the root. But when we are surrounded by enemies, we are also surrounded by God, Who defends us.

Bible Reading: Psalms 108-110

Verse of the day: Psalm 109:3, "They have also surrounded me with words of hatred, And fought against me without a cause."

Word of the day: Surrounded. It is the Hebrew word: סָבַב (saw-bab').

“Be careful—You might get what you ask for.” Whenever I hear this phrase, I am grateful to realize that nothing happens to us apart from God’s sovereign, perfect will. God knows what we need before we do and He knows what we don’t need. Answered prayers might not always look like what we hoped for, but they are just what we need.

Bible Reading: Jonah

Verse of the day: Jonah 2:2, "...In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry."

Word of the day: Answered. It is the Hebrew word: עָנָה (aw-naw').

People are yearning for security in a world that cannot provide it. But when God establishes us, we don’t have to strive or fear.

Bible Reading: 2 Chr. 1-5

Verse of the day: 2 Chronicles 1:1, "Solomon son of David established himself firmly over his kingdom, for the LORD his God was with him and made him exceedingly great."

Word of the day: Established. It is the Hebrew word: חָזַק khaw-zak' אָמַן (aw-man'

Discouragement is a by-product of living in a world that cannot satisfy. But we who are in Christ must seek to encourage one another in what truly satisfies: knowing God and His word.

Bible Reading: Num. 29-32

Verse of the day: Numbers 32:7, "Why will you discourage the heart of the people of Israel from going over into the land that the LORD has given them?"

Word of the day: Discourage (ing). It is the Hebrew word: לֵב נוֹא (noo) – heart = labe).

Sound doctrine is more than just teaching a belief system. It is the core of our faith. Holding onto sound doctrine matters lest we become errant in what we believe.

Bible Reading: Titus

Verse of the day: Titus 1:9, "He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it."

Word of the day: Doctrine. It is the Greek word: διδασκαλία (did-as-kal-ee'-ah).

I used to recite a poem about diligence with my children when they were little. The end line was, “things done by halves are never done right.” Leaving a job half done is not complete at all. We are fulfilled when we seek to fulfill God’s purposes and will in our lives, living fully for Him.

Bible Reading: John 19-20

Verse of the day: John 19:28, "Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, ‘I am thirsty.’"

Word of the day: Fulfill. It is the Greek word: τελειόω (tel-i-o'-o).

Jealousy and comparison lead to a lot of unnecessary drama. God is the one who positions people for His glory. Being envious is a sure sign that we are not satisfied with God’s portion for us.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 24-25

Verse of the day: Proverbs 24:1, "Be not envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them."

Word of the day: Envious. It is the Hebrew word: קָנָא (kaw-naw').

What we crave might be our undoing. We were made to crave and worship our Creator, not the creation.

Bible Reading: Psalms 105-107

Verse of the day: Psalm 106:14, "They craved intensely in the wilderness and tested God in the desert."

Word of the day: Craved. It is the Hebrew word: אָוָה (aw-vaw').

Pride is esteemed by our culture, but not by God. God is able to humble all who are prideful.

Bible Reading: Obadiah

Verse of the day: Obadiah 1:3, “The arrogance of your heart has deceived you, You who live in the clefts of the rock, In the loftiness of your dwelling place, Who say in your heart, ‘Who will bring me down to earth?’

Word of the day: Arrogance. It is the Hebrew word: זָדוֹן (zaw-done').

What legacy are you leaving your children? The best legacy is to live a vibrant faith and to encourage our children to be Whole-hearted and Holy in their worship and service of God.

Bible Reading: 1 Chr. 26-29

Verse of the day: 1 Chronicles 28:9, "And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever."

Word of the day: Whole. It is the Hebrew word: שָׁלֵם (shaw-lame').

We don’t have to be in a literal wilderness to be in a wilderness in our own mind. When we feel dry and far away from God, sometimes doing the next best right thing can help to pull us out of the wilderness into God’s abundance for us.

Bible Reading: Num. 25-28

Verse of the day: Numbers 27:14, "For when the community rebelled at the waters in the Desert of Zin, both of you disobeyed my command to honor me as holy before their eyes . . ."

Word of the day: Wilderness. It is the Hebrew word: מִדְבָּר (mid-bawr').

I grew up hearing that “cleanliness was next to godliness”, as if that phrase was a Scripture. And while being clean is certainly a great goal, it does not represent godliness as much as exhibiting grace under pressure does.

Bible Reading: 2 Tim. 3-4

Verse of the day: 2 Timothy 3:5, "Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people."

Word of the day: Godliness. It is the Greek word: εὐσέβεια (yoo-seb'-i-ah).

Our flesh can make it difficult to walk faithfully with Christ, yet Christ chose to set His love on us, and He prays for us.

Bible Reading: John 17-18

Verse of the day: John 17:2, "Since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him."

Word of the day: Flesh. It is the Greek word: σάρξ (sarx).

What we do with what we have been given is the proof of our character. Skills do not just happen. They are developed.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 22-23

Verse of the day: Proverbs 22:29, "Do you see a person skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before obscure people."

Word of the day: Skilled. It is the Hebrew word: מָהִיר (maw-here').

Sometimes we don’t recognize the benefits of belonging to God. But remembering the benefits is a motivation to be faithful.

Bible Reading: Psalms 102-104

Verse of the day: Psalm 103:2, "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits."

Word of the day: Benefit. It is the Hebrew word: גְּמוּל (ghem-ool').

Remembering the LORD and Who He is in our daily lives helps us to number our days aright.

Bible Reading: Amos 5-9

Verse of the day: Amos 5:8, "It is the LORD who created the stars, the Pleiades and Orion. He turns darkness into morning and day into night. He draws up water from the oceans and pours it down as rain on the land. The LORD is his name!"

Word of the day: LORD. It is the Hebrew word: יְהֹוָה (yeh-ho-vaw').

Sin costs. Jesus offered Himself to pay for our sins. So, too, when we sin, we should be mindful of the cost.

Bible Reading: 1 Chr. 21-25

Verse of the day: 1 Chronicles 21:24, "But King David replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on paying the full price. I will not take for the LORD what is yours, or sacrifice a burnt offering that costs me nothing.”"

Word of the day: Nothing. It is the Hebrew word: חִנָּם (khin-nawm').

We all are under a curse on this earth, but Jesus has reversed the curse for those who have accepted His forgiveness.

Bible Reading: Num. 21-24

Verse of the day: Numbers 22:12, God said to Balaam, “You shall not go with them. You shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.”

Word of the day: Curse. It is the Hebrew word: אָרַר (aw-rar').

Rationalizing our thoughts or behavior will never give us the clear conscience God’s word requires. And a seared conscience does not even know it does wrong.

Bible Reading: 2 Tim. 1-2

Verse of the day: 2 Timothy 1:3, "I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day."

Word of the day: Conscience. It is the Greek word: συνείδησις (soon-i'-day-sis).

When I was a little girl, I loved to play Hide and Seek, as long as no one found me. There was a sense of safety of being hidden. But if I did not remain in my spot and peeked outside of my hideout, I was discovered. This is such a picture of those who are hidden in Christ. They are safe as they abide and remain in Christ and in His word.

Bible Reading: John 15-16

Verse of the day: John 15:7, "If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you."

Word of the day: Abide. It is the Greek word: μένω (men'-o).

We can tend to want to weigh our character by our good intentions, but an accurate measure reveals our true motivations.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 21

Verse of the day: Proverbs 21:2, "A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart."

Word of the day: Weighs. It is the Hebrew word: תָּכַן (taw-kan').

People of worth don’t make worthless decisions. Our worth is shone by our words and deeds.

Bible Reading: Psalms 99-101

Verse of the day: Psalm 101:3, "I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me."

Word of the day: Worthless. It is the Hebrew word: בְּלִיַּעַל (bel-e-yah'-al).

Seeking God is never done. When it is a part of our daily lives, we find strength for this life and His sweet presence to encourage us on. Continue to continue in your passionate pursuit of God.

Bible Reading: 1 Chr. 16-20

Verse of the day: 1 Chronicles 16:11, "Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!"

Word of the day: Continually. It is the Hebrew word: תָּמִיד (taw-meed').

Being devoted involves our whole self. God gave His all and so will we.

Bible Reading: Num. 17-20

Verse of the day: Numbers 18:14, "Everything in Israel that is devoted to the LORD is yours."

Word of the day: Devoted. It is the Hebrew word: חֵרֶם (khay'-rem).

Neglect is not just important from a physical standpoint. We can neglect ourselves spiritually and neglect the gift of God and miss the most significant calling of our lives.

Bible Reading: 1 Tim. 4-6

Verse of the day: 1 Timothy 4:14, "Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you."

Word of the day: Neglect. It is the Greek word: ἀμελέω (am-el-eh'-o).

We can’t receive if we don’t believe. And when we receive Christ as our Savior, we also receive a relationship with God.

Bible Reading: John 13-14

Verse of the day: John 13:20, "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”

Word of the day: Receives. It is the Greek word: λαμβάνω (lam-ban'-o).

Integrity is not found in the words we speak, but in the life we live when no one else is around.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 19-20

Verse of the day: Proverbs 19:1, "Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity Than a person who is perverse in speech and is a fool."

Word of the day: Integrity. It is the Hebrew word: תֹּם (tome).

God made us to worship Him and that often involves music, though worship is more than just music. Singing has a way of evoking passion within us that merely uttering words cannot.

Bible Reading: Psalms 96-98

Verse of the day: Psalm 98:1, "Sing a new song to the LORD, for he has done wonderful deeds. His right hand has won a mighty victory; his holy arm has shown his saving power!"

Word of the day: Sing. It is the Hebrew word: שִׁיר (sheer).

The Day of the LORD is both near and far. We don’t know the day or hour, but as we live in the already but not yet, living as if the Day of the LORD could be any moment helps us to live well.

Bible Reading: Joel

Verse of the day: Joel 1:15, "The day of the LORD is near, the day when destruction comes from the Almighty. How terrible that day will be!"

Word of the day: Near. It is the Hebrew word: קָרוֹב (kaw-robe').

Man strives to be great in his and other’s eyes, but it is when we become less that God can make more of us for His purposes.

Bible Reading: 1 Chr. 11-15

Verse of the day: 1 Chronicles 11:9, "And David became greater and greater, for the LORD of hosts was with him."

Word of the day: Greater. It is the Hebrew word: גָּדוֹל (gaw-dole').

Every parent knows the angst and discontent that grumbling can produce. But grumblers offend God more than the people who represent God.

Bible Reading: Num. 13-16

Verse of the day: Numbers 16:41, "The next day the whole Israelite community grumbled against Moses and Aaron. “You have killed the LORD’s people,” they said."

Word of the day: Grumbled. It is the Hebrew word: לוּן (loon).

There are a lot of personal goals we make every year, some short-term, others long-term. But there is no greater goal than to be saved and to live and love others like Jesus.

Bible Reading: 1 Tim. 1-3

Verse of the day: 1 Timothy 1:5, "But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from a sincere faith."

Word of the day: Goal. It is the Greek word: τέλος (tel'-os).

Believing Jesus is the Christ is more than just believing in a historical figure. Jesus Christ is risen, anointed and appointed as the Savior of the world!

Bible Reading: John 11-12

Verse of the day: John 11:27, "She said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.’"

Word of the day: Christ. It is the Greek word: Χριστός (khris-tos').

It means anointed one, chosen one, Messiah, Son of God.

No one likes to be humbled. The power of shame is strong. Yet there is a beauty in humility that releases pride and extinguishes shame. We aren’t “all that”. It’s ok to admit that, and oh so freeing.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 17-18

Verse of the day: Proverbs 18:12, "Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor."

Word of the day: Humility. It is the Hebrew word: עֲנָוָה (an-aw-vaw')

Let’s face it. We have a 100% chance of facing anxiety in this world. The question is how will we deal with it when we do face it? Anxiety does not get the final word when we put God’s word above our own thoughts.

Bible Reading: Psalms 93-95

Verse of the day: Psalm 94:19, "When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your comfort delights my soul."

Word of the day: Anxious. It is the Hebrew word: שַׂרְעַפִּים (sar-af').

Turning away from God leads to suffering and separation from God, but God invites us to turn back to Him through repentance.

Bible Reading: Hosea 8-14

Verse of the day: Hosea 11:7, "My people are bent on turning away from me, and though they call out to the Most High, he shall not raise them up at all."

Word of the day: Turning. It is the Hebrew word: מְשׁוּבָה (mesh-oo-baw').

We will bear fruit in our lives based on what we commit ourselves to.

Bible Reading: 1 Chr. 6-10

Verse of the day: 1 Chronicles 10:13, "So Saul died for his trespass which he committed against the LORD, for his failure to keep the word of the LORD; and also because he consulted a medium [regarding a spirit of the dead], to inquire of her."

Word of the day: Committed. It is the Hebrew word: מָעַל (maw-al').

Complaining about our provision or our circumstances is more than just disliking something. It is disliking and distrusting our Provider and LORD.

Bible Reading: Num. 9-12

Verse of the day: Numbers 11:1, "Soon the people began to complain about their hardship, and the LORD heard everything they said. Then the LORD’s anger blazed against them, and he sent a fire to rage among them, and he destroyed some of the people in the outskirts of the camp."

Word of the day: Complain. It is the Hebrew word: אָנַן (aw-nan').

Perseverance is not easy. It seems easier to give up when life is hard, but it isn’t. Adherence to perseverance will eventually help us to overcome.

Bible Reading: 2 Thessalonians

Verse of the day: 2 Thessalonians 1:4, "Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring."

Word of the day: Perseverance. It is the Greek word: ὑπομονή (hoop-om-on-ay').

A disciple of Jesus is not merely a disciple in name. A disciple is made by the belief in his mind, the professions of his mouth, and by how closely he follows Jesus.

Bible Reading: John 9-10

Verse of the day: John 9:28, "They spoke abusively to him and said, “You are His disciple, but we are disciples of Moses."

Word of the day: Disciple. It is the Greek word: μαθητής (math-ay-tes').

Overcommitting comes from a place of wanting to establish ourselves or our work temporarily, but when we commit everything to the LORD, we aren’t striving, but trusting our work to His capable hands.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 16

Verse of the day: Proverbs 16:3, "Commit your works to the LORD, And your thoughts will be established."

Word of the day: Commit. It is the Hebrew word: גָּלַל (gaw-lal').

A place is not our dwelling if we do not live there. For God to be our dwelling, we need to live in His presence.

Bible Reading: Psalms 90-92

Verse of the day: Psalm 90:1, "A prayer of Moses the man of God. Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations."

Word of the day: Dwelling. It is the Hebrew word: מָעוֹן (maw-ohn').

It is the goodness of our God that enables us to come into His presence. Our God is great, and He is good, completely righteous, and holy, merciful and kind.

Bible Reading: Hosea 1-7

Verse of the day: Hosea 3:5, "Afterward, the people of Israel will return and seek the LORD their God and David their king. They will come with awe to the LORD and to his goodness in the last days."

Word of the day: Goodness. It is the Hebrew word: טוּב (toob).

Sometimes we can put confidence in prayers rather than in the One we are praying to. It isn’t the content of our prayer that matters as much as the content of our character as we pray.

Bible Reading: 1 Chr. 1-5

Verse of the day: 1 Chronicles 4:10, "He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!” And God granted him his request."

Word of the day: Pain. It is the Hebrew word: עָצַב (aw-tsab').

Biblical Confession today is not just between a person and a priest. It is foremost between God and man. And it is also to other believers as we confess to one another our shortcomings so we can pray for one another and be accountable.

Bible Reading: Num. 5-8

Verse of the day: Numbers 5:7, "He shall confess his sin that he has committed. And he shall make full restitution for his wrong, adding a fifth to it and giving it to him to whom he did the wrong."

Word of the day: Confess. It is the Hebrew word: יָדָה (yaw-daw').

From the moment we were saved, our sanctification process has been in motion. One decision to believe in Jesus secured our eternal fate, but the work of God in our lives is both complete and yet not finished. God makes us more like Him as we yield to Him and not the flesh in our daily lives.

Bible Reading: 1 Thes. 4-5

Verse of the day: 1 Thessalonians 4:7, "For God has not called us for impurity, but in sanctification."

Word of the day: Sanctification. It is the Greek word: ἁγιασμός (hag-ee-as-mos').

We are all teaching someone by our life—our actions and our words, or intentionally imparting instruction to others. But the content of our instruction is meaningless if it is not based on Christ’s instruction.

Bible Reading: John 7-8

Verse of the day: John 7:16, “Jesus answered, ‘My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me.’”

Word of the day: Teaching. It is the Greek word: διδαχή (did-akh-ay').

White lies and exaggeration are just as much of a lie as a bold-faced one. A lie is a lie, plain and simple.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 14-15

Verse of the day: Proverbs 14:5, "A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness breathes out lies."

Word of the day: Lie. It is the Hebrew word: כָּזַב (kaw-zab').

When we face troubles in this life, there is no bigger support we can have than the Lord God of hosts.

Bible Reading: Psalms 87-89

Verse of the day: Psalm 89:8, "O LORD God of hosts, who is mighty as you are, O LORD, with your faithfulness all around you?"

Word of the day: Hosts. It is the Hebrew word: צָבָא (tsaw-baw').

Confessing our sins and admitting our need invites the compassion of God to cover our sins.

Bible Reading: Dan. 7-12

Verse of the day: Daniel 9:9, "To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against Him."

Word of the day: Compassion. It is the Hebrew word: רַחַם (rakh'-am).

It is easy to become hardened in a postmodern culture. But being tender to God’s word helps us to repent and avoid the traps of our culture so we can be pleasing in God’s eyes.

Bible Reading: 2 Kings 21-25

Verse of the day: 2 Kings 22:19, "Because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants, that they would become a desolation and a curse, and you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you,” says the LORD."

Word of the day: Tender (hearted). It is the Hebrew word: רָכַךְ (raw-kak').

Believers need to be “all in” in their walk with God. Partial obedience is not really obedience at all.

Bible Reading: Num. 1-4

Verse of the day: Numbers 1:54, "So the Israelites did everything just as the LORD had commanded Moses."

Word of the day: All. It is the Hebrew word: כֹּל (kole).

Well, y’all, it is my birthday today! What a fitting word for today – “thanks”. We cannot offer thanks sufficient for what Christ has done – giving us life then giving us new life, saving our souls, but when we give thanks, God is glorified and we are doing what we were made to do.

Bible Reading: 1 Thes. 1-3

Verse of the day: 1 Thessalonians 1:2, "We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers."

Word of the day: Thanks. It is the Greek word: εὐχαριστέω (yoo-khar-is-teh'-o).

No one likes to be judged and our culture is big into saying “don’t judge me”. But there will be no escaping the coming judgment of God . . . except for those who have believed in Jesus.

Bible Reading: John 5-6

Verse of the day: John 5:24, "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life."

Word of the day: Judgment. It is the Greek word: κρίσις (kree'-sis).

“Discipline is great” said no one ever. But discipline is a gift to those willing to receive it and allow it to shape their character.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 12-13

Verse of the day: Proverbs 12:1, "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid."

Word of the day: Discipline. It is the Hebrew word: מוּסָר (moo-sawr').

It is hard to not have a divided heart in a distracting culture that pulls on us 24/7. But if we allow our hearts to be divided, we will struggle to be faithful to God.

Bible Reading: Psalms 84-86

Verse of the day: Psalm 86:11, "Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name."

Word of the day: Undivided. It is the Hebrew word: יָחַד (yaw-khad').

Seeking counsel leads to victory and there is no greater counsel than the counsel of God.

Bible Reading: Amos 1-4

Verse of the day: Amos 3:7, "Surely the Lord God does nothing unless He reveals His secret counsel to His servants the prophets."

Word of the day: Counsel. It is the Hebrew word: סוֹד (sode).

The grand reveal can sometimes be a letdown when we have our hopes up about something. It might not be all that we were hoping for. But there is no greater revelation than when God reveals.

Bible Reading: Daniel 1-6

Verse of the day: Daniel 2:22, "He reveals deep and mysterious things and knows what lies hidden in darkness, though he is surrounded by light."

Word of the day: Reveals. It is the Hebrew word: גְּלָה (ghel-aw').

As a child, secrets were prized information. Everyone wanted to be in on the inside scoop. But secrets are sometimes lies. And any thing we try to keep secret is known completely by God.

Bible Reading: 2 Kings 16-20

Verse of the day: 2 Kings 17:9, "The Israelites secretly did things against the LORD their God that were not right. From watchtower to fortified city they built themselves high places in all their towns."

Word of the day: Secretly. It is the Hebrew word: חָפָא (khaw-faw').

Rejection was a feeling I struggled with for much of my life. It still tries to pull me down because let’s face it, the culture we live in does not embrace forgiveness and acceptance, rather toxic rejection. But knowing that God never rejects us can change our approach to rejection.

Bible Reading: Lev. 25-28

Verse of the day: Leviticus 26:44, "But despite all this, I will not utterly reject or despise them while they are in exile in the land of their enemies. I will not cancel my covenant with them by wiping them out, for I am the LORD their God."

Word of the day: Reject. It is the Hebrew word: מָאַס (maw-as').

It is easy to go through life in such a way that time and life dictate to us our level of devotion. Life is hard and full of distractions. But those who are devoted to God must be intentional in their devotion, or they will miss God’s best for them.

Bible Reading: Col. 3-4

Verse of the day: Colossians 4:2, "Be persistent and devoted to prayer, being alert and focused in your prayer life with an attitude of thanksgiving."

Word of the day: Devote. It is the Greek word: προσκαρτερέω (pros-kar-ter-eh'-o).

I remember when I first heard the words, “born again” and mocked them. Oh, how grateful I am that God pursued me and gave me understanding. What sounds like a strange concept is the most wonderful life.

Bible Reading: John 3-4

Verse of the day: John 3:7, "You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’"

Word of the day: Born Again. It is the Greek word: γεννάω ἄνωθεν (ghen-nah'-o an'-o-then).

We tend to grade ourselves on the curve. But something does not have to be extreme in our eyes to be an abomination in God’s.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 11

Verse of the day: Proverbs 11:1, "A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is his delight."

Word of the day: Abomination. It is the Hebrew word: תּוֹעֵבָה (to-ay-baw').

God and God alone can satisfy the people He made. But we can miss that satisfaction by trying to fill ourselves with substitute counterfeit gods that leave us on empty.

Bible Reading: Psalms 81-83

Verse of the day: Psalm 83:18, "Let them know that you, whose name is the LORD— that you alone are the Most High over all the earth."

Word of the day: Alone. It is the Hebrew word: בַּד (bad).

A church is not a building. It is a people. God’s people. When God’s people are filled with the Holy Spirit, people can see Christ in us.

Bible Reading: Ezekiel 43-48

Verse of the day: Ezekiel 43:5, "The Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court; and behold, the glory of the LORD filled the temple."

Word of the day: Filled. It is the Hebrew word: מָלָא (maw-lay').

Making something a right in man’s eyes or in our laws does not make it right. When we do what is right in God’s eyes, we will be blessed.

Bible Reading: 2 Kings 11-15

Verse of the day: 2 Kings 12:2, "And Jehoash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all his days, because Jehoiada the priest instructed him."

Word of the day: Right. It is the Hebrew word: יָשָׁר (yaw-shawr').

In a post-modern culture anything goes according to one’s truth. Profane behavior is endorsed and accepted in an environment that has lost its center.

Bible Reading: Lev. 21-24

Verse of the day: Leviticus 21:6(a), "They shall be holy to their God and not profane the name of their God."

Word of the day: Profane. It is the Hebrew word: חָלַל (khaw-lal').

People scramble to gain power over others or in other’s eyes. But there is no power as great as the power God gives His people through the Holy Spirit.

Bible Reading: Col. 1-2

Verse of the day: Colossians 1:11, "We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy."

Word of the day: Power. It is the Greek word: δυναμόω (doo-nam-o'-o).

The Word of God is known as the book that reads you. But Christ is also the living Word of God.

Bible Reading: John 1-2

Verse of the day: John 1:14, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."

Word of the day: Word. It is the Greek word: λόγος (log'-os).

Fear is never something we embrace as good, but there is one fear that ends all other fears and it is good indeed: the fear of the LORD.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 9-10

Verse of the day: Proverbs 9:10, "Fear of the LORD is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment."

Word of the day: Fear. It is the Hebrew word: יִרְאָה (yir-aw').

Memories have a way of making us feel nostalgic, wishing we could visit the past and some memories can cause us to wish we could forget the past, but remembering God’s word, works, and character is always worth remembering.

Bible Reading: Psalms 77-80

Verse of the day: Psalm 77:6, "I said, “Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart.” Then my spirit made a diligent search.""

Word of the day: Remember. It is the Hebrew word: זָכַר (zaw-kar').

Are you prepared, friends? Physical preparation is never done, and neither is spiritual. How are you preparing each day to handle life’s uncertainties?

Bible Reading: Ezekiel 37-42

Verse of the day: Ezekiel 38:7, "And he said, "Be prepared, and prepare yourself, you and all your companies that are assembled about you, and be a guard for them."

Word of the day: Prepared. It is the Hebrew word: כּוּן (koon).

In life’s hardest places, the presence of others with us is a comfort. But people can only be with us temporarily, while God is with us always.

Bible Reading: 2 Kings 6-10

Verse of the day: 2 Kings 6:16, "And he said, ‘Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are greater than those who are with them.’”

Word of the day: With us. It is the Hebrew word: אִתָּ֔נוּ (it-tah-noo).

The sight of blood can make some people faint. But blood is the source of life and ultimately what paid for our eternity security in Christ.

Bible Reading: Lev. 17-20

Verse of the day: Leviticus 17:11, "For the life of the body is in its blood. I have given you the blood on the altar to purify you, making you right with the LORD. It is the blood, given in exchange for a life, that makes purification possible."

Word of the day: Blood. It is the Hebrew word: דָּם (dawm).

Joy can happen when something wonderful happens to us but the greatest joy we experience is joy in the LORD.

Bible Reading: Phil. 3-4

Verse of the day: Philippians 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"

Word of the day: Rejoice. It is the Greek word: χαίρω (khah'-ee-ro).

Our hopes rise and fall with our circumstances, but we would have no lasting hope if Christ had not risen from the dead.

Bible Reading: Luke 23-24

Verse of the day: Luke 24:6, "He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee."

Word of the day: Risen. It is the Greek word: ἐγείρω (eg-i'-ro).

Being wise leads to an inheritance greater than any riches of this world could ever compare.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 7-8

Verse of the day: Proverbs 8:21, "That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures."

Word of the day: Substance. It is the Hebrew word: יֵשׁ (yaysh).

A pinky promise sealed the deal on the playground—what someone said was going to happen. But vows from people cannot be a guarantee in this uncertain life.

Bible Reading: Psalms 74-76

Verse of the day: Psalm 76:11, "Make vows to the LORD your God and fulfill them; let all the neighboring lands bring gifts to the One to be feared."

Word of the day: Vow. It is the Hebrew word: נָדַר (naw-dar').

It means to make a statement or a promise. The Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament says a vow is the act of verbally consecrating (devoting to the service) of God, i.e. vowing to perform, to make an offering, or to abstain from something.

Being a watchman over other’s souls is a daunting task. Every parent knows this. While we cannot make people choose the right path, we can sure make it hard for them to stray.

Bible Reading: Ezekiel 31-36

Verse of the day: Ezekiel 33:7, "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me."

Word of the day: Watchman. It is the Hebrew word: צָפָה (tsaw-faw').

Change is hard. Sometimes we can try to hold onto what we think we have, but in this temporary world the only thing that is certain is Heaven for those who have accepted Christ as their Savior.

Bible Reading: 2 Kings 1-5

Verse of the day: 2 Kings 2:11, "As they were walking along and talking, suddenly a chariot of fire appeared, drawn by horses of fire. It drove between the two men, separating them, and Elijah was carried by a whirlwind into heaven."

Word of the day: Heaven. It is the Hebrew word: שָׁמַיִם (shaw-mah'-yim).

Covering over our sins does not heal us unless Jesus is the One Who covers them with His own blood.

Bible Reading: Lev. 13-16

Verse of the day: Leviticus 14:18(b), "So the priest shall make atonement on his behalf before the Lord."

Word of the day: Atonement. It is the Hebrew word: כָּפַר (kaw-far').

It has been said that it is not how you start a job that matters but how you finish. But for those who are in Christ, He begins and ends the work in us.

Bible Reading: Phil. 1-2

Verse of the day: Philippians 1:6, "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."

Word of the day: Work. It is the Greek word: ἔργον (er'-gon).

We would not have a testimony had we not had a test first. And let’s face it, no one likes tests. But the test of our testimony is whether or not we were faithful to glorify God and rely on God rather than self during the tests of life.

Bible Reading: Luke 21-22

Verse of the day: Luke 21:13, "But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony."

Word of the day: Testimony. It is the Greek word: μαρτύριον (mar-too'-ree-on).

Words. We think and speak a lot of them. And we will be accountable for each and every one.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 6

Verse of the day: Proverbs 6:2, "You have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth."

Word of the day: Words. It is the Hebrew word: אֵמֶר (ay'-mer).

Deliverance is not just escaping our troubles. It is finding victory right in the midst of them.

Bible Reading: Psalms 71-73

Verse of the day: Psalm 71:2, "Deliver me in Your righteousness, and cause me to escape; Incline Your ear to me, and save me."

Word of the day: Escape. It is the Hebrew word: פָּלַט (paw-lat').

The vengeance of God reminds us that we are accountable to a Holy God. But the purpose of vengeance is ultimately God’s restoration and redemption of His people.

Bible Reading: Ezekiel 25-30

Verse of the day: Ezekiel 25:17, "I will carry out great vengeance on them and punish them in my wrath. Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I take vengeance on them.’"

Word of the day: Vengeance. It is the Hebrew word: נְקָמָה (nek-aw-maw').

Enough already! Ever feel like that? Life can keep throwing us challenges and sometimes we just don’t feel like we can take any more. What then? When we feel we have had enough in this life, God is our portion.

Bible Reading: 1 Kings 16-22

Verse of the day: 1 Kings 19:4, "Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.”"

Word of the day: Enough. It is the Hebrew word: רַב (rab).

Whenever my kids wanted to help someone do what was right when they were little, they would demonstrate authority and say, “my momma said so”. It worked for a little while until the other person did not consider me an authority. But we who are in Christ are to live holy lives because of the authority of our good and great God.

Bible Reading: Lev. 9-12

Verse of the day: Leviticus 11:45, "I am the LORD, who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy."

Word of the day: Holy. It is the Hebrew word: קָדוֹשׁ (kaw-doshe').

Walking out our faith requires applying God’s word daily to our lives. How we walk our faith out ultimately demonstrates what we say we believe.

Bible Reading: Eph. 4-6

Verse of the day: Ephesians 4:17, "Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds."

Word of the day: Walk. It is the Greek word: περιπατέω (per-ee-pat-eh'-o).

Being a Christian is impossible in our flesh. We could never be good enough. But in Christ, what is impossible becomes possible with God.

Bible Reading: Luke 18-20

Verse of the day: Luke 18:27, "Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”"

Word of the day: Possible. It is the Greek word: δυνατός (doo-nat-os').

The soundness of our doctrine depends on how acquainted we are with God’s word and living it out.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 4-5

Verse of the day: Proverbs 4:2, "For I give you good doctrine: Do not forsake my law."

Word of the day: Doctrine. It is the Hebrew word: לֶקַח (leh'-kakh).

Our souls will encounter suffering in this life, but how will we encounter that suffering? The suffering of our souls was also experienced by our Messiah, who ultimately saved our souls.

Bible Reading: Psalms 68-70

Verse of the day: Psalm 69:1, "Save me, O God; For the waters are come in unto my soul."

Word of the day: Soul. It is the Hebrew word: נֶפֶשׁ (neh'-fesh).

Sometimes mourning and lamenting what could have been keeps us wrapped up in the past and sometimes it wakes us up to realize the mistakes we have made.

Bible Reading: Ezekiel 19-24

Verse of the day: Ezekiel 19:14, "And fire has gone out from the stem of its shoots, has consumed its fruit, so that there remains in it no strong stem, no scepter for ruling. This is a lamentation and has become a lamentation."

Word of the day: Lamentation. It is the Hebrew word: קִינָה (kee-naw').

Being unequally yoked with unbelievers turns our hearts away. God’s command to Solomon to not associate with foreign women was not because of their race, but because of their faith.

Bible Reading: 1 Kings 11-15

Verse of the day: 1 Kings 11:1–3, "Now King Solomon loved many foreign women . . . from the nations of which the Lord had said to the sons of Israel, “You shall not associate with them, nor shall they associate with you; they will certainly turn your heart away to follow their gods.” . . . And his wives turned his heart away.”

Word of the day: Foreign. It is the Hebrew word: נָכְרִי (nok-ree').

Guilt is hard to overcome. If it isn’t guilt trips from others, our own hearts can condemn us, and we also have an accuser who lives to accuse us. But we can ditch guilt and don grace in Christ.

Bible Reading: Lev. 5-8

Verse of the day: Leviticus 5:5, "When you become aware of your guilt in any of these ways, you must confess your sin."

Word of the day: Guilt. It is the Hebrew word: אָשַׁם (aw-sham').

I knew God had laid it on my heart to adopt my youngest son, but he is not the only adopted one in our family. When I consider that we have all been adopted into God’s Kingdom, I am overwhelmed by God’s mercy and kindness.

Bible Reading: Eph. 1-3

Verse of the day: Ephesians 1:5, "God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure."

Word of the day: Adoption. It is the Greek word: υἱοθεσία (hwee-oth-es-ee'-ah).

We have not really begun to live until we live in Christ. When we are found in Christ, we are no longer lost.

Bible Reading: Luke 15-17

Verse of the day: Luke 15:32, "But we had to celebrate and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found."

Word of the day: Found. It is the Greek word: εὑρίσκω (hyoo-ris'-ko).

We live in a shame culture where honor is sometimes bestowed on what is most shameful. The honor we are to give is first to God. But honor is not just spoken, it is shown.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 3

Verse of the day: Proverbs 3:9, "Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce."

Word of the day: Honor. It is the Hebrew word: כָּבַד (kaw-bad').

Sometimes people place their hope in prayers more than in the One they are praying to. But Prayers that are heard are not a formula. They are spoken by God’s people in relationship with God, according to God’s word and straight to His heart.

Bible Reading: Psalms 65-67

Verse of the day: Psalm 66:20, "Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!"

Word of the day: Prayer. It is the Hebrew word: תְּפִלָּה (tef-il-law').

Sometimes in our pursuit of comfort and vegging out, we invite idols into our heart and mind. Idle time leads to idols in our lives, pulling us far away from God.

Bible Reading: Ezekiel 13-18

Verse of the day: Ezekiel 14:3, "Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I let them inquire of me at all?"

Word of the day: Idols. It is the Hebrew word: גִּלּוּל (ghil-lool').

Walking the walk and talking the Talk isn’t about trying to be perfect, or else that would just be a good work in the flesh, and frankly, we are not able to do it. But it is about being honest in our weaknesses and being committed to walking in the Spirit rather than the flesh.

Bible Reading: 1 Kings 6-10

Verse of the day: 1 Kings 6:12, "Concerning this house that you are building, if you will walk in my statutes and obey my rules and keep all my commandments and walk in them, then I will establish my word with you, which I spoke to David your father."

Word of the day: Walk. It is the Hebrew word: הָלַךְ (haw-lak').

A burnt offering reminds us that the offering was wholly committed and consumed in the act of atonement. So, too, giving ourselves to God is a total commitment. We are to be a living sacrifice.

Bible Reading: Lev. 1-4

Verse of the day: Leviticus 1:4, "You are to lay your hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it will be accepted on your behalf to make atonement for you."

Word of the day: Burnt offering. It is the Hebrew word: עֹלָה (o-law').

We tend to think of heirs as being rich people’s descendants not realizing that we, too, are heirs. An heir is a recipient of an inheritance that they did not earn. How astounding it is, then, to take a slave and make them an heir? And yet that is just what Christ did with each of us.

Bible Reading: Gal. 4-6

Verse of the day: Galatians 4:7, "So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir."

Word of the day: Heir. It is the Greek word: κληρονόμος (klay-ron-om'-os).

Our culture places value on things based on an ever-changing scale. But our intrinsic worth is in our unchanging identity in Christ, not the world’s fluctuating system of value.

Bible Reading: Luke 12-14

Verse of the day: Luke 12:7, "Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows."

Word of the day: Value. It is the Greek word: διαφέρω (dee-af-er'-o).

Discretion is an old-fashioned word to us today. In a culture marked by freedom of expression, wisdom reminds us that discretion protects us.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 2

Verse of the day: Proverbs 2:11, “Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.”

Word of the day: Discretion. It is the Hebrew word: מְזִמָּה (mez-im-maw').

I am pretty sure no one likes to wait. We don’t want to delay our gratification of end to our suffering. But waiting is more than just stalling timewise. God can accomplish much while we wait.

Bible Reading: Psalms 62-64

Verse of the day: Psalm 62:1-2, "Only God can save me, and I calmly wait for him. God alone is the mighty rock that keeps me safe and the fortress where I am secure."

Word of the day: Wait. It is the Hebrew word: דָּמַם (daw-man').

Know God, know peace. No God, no peace. Peace is not something we search for and find. It is a by-product of those who fix their eyes on Jesus. A piece of peace is gained in each moment we abide in God’s word.

Bible Reading: Ezekiel 7-12

Verse of the day: Ezekiel 7:25, "When anguish comes, they will seek peace, but there shall be none."

Word of the day: Peace. It is the Hebrew word: שָׁלוֹם (shaw-lome').

I will never forget a sermon I heard maybe 30 years ago. The pastor said, “don’t just do what is right – go beyond the right”. He wasn’t saying to do good works, but to go beyond the call of duty.

Bible Reading: 1 Kings 1-5

Verse of the day: 1 Kings 2:3, "Do your duty to the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His ordinances, and His testimonies, according to what is written in the Law of Moses, so that you may succeed in all that you do and wherever you turn,"

Word of the day: Duty; charge. It is the Hebrew word: מִשְׁמֶרֶת (mish-mer'-reth).

It’s not what is expected that ensures a job is well done, but what is inspected. And when we are accountable and do what God has commanded us, we will be blessed.

Bible Reading: Exodus 37-40

Verse of the day: Exodus 39:43, "Then Moses inspected all their work. When he found it had been done just as the LORD had commanded him, he blessed them."

Word of the day: Commanded. It is the Hebrew word: צָוָה (tsaw-vaw').

Ever tried to keep somebody out of the cookie jar? It was no problem if there were no cookies, but once there were cookies, temptation seized anyone nearby. So, too, transgression is born when we become aware of the law. Trying to earn what Christ already paid is when good works are bad.

Bible Reading: Gal. 1-3

Verse of the day: Galatians 2:18, "For if I rebuild what I have once destroyed, I prove myself to be a wrongdoer."

Word of the day: Transgressor. It is the Greek word: παραβάτης (par-ab-at'-ace).

No one wants to be a loser. We want to win in this life. But we can win the entire world and still be the biggest loser of them all. The loser wins in God’s economy, when we lay down our life for the sake of Christ.

Bible Reading: Luke 9-11

Verse of the day: Luke 9:24, "For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it."

Word of the day: Lose. It is the Greek word: ἀπόλλυμι (ap-ol'-loo-mee).

Choices, choices, choices. There are so many of them to make every day of our lives. But there is one choice that rises above them all. The most important choice we make is to fear God.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 1

Verse of the day: Proverbs 1:29, "For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD."

Word of the day: Choose. It is the Hebrew word: בָּחַר (baw-khar').

When I was little, I wanted my big brothers to defend me when I was under attack. But sometimes they failed to protect me. When we need defending, there is no greater defender than our God.

Bible Reading: Psalms 59-61

Verse of the day: Psalm 59:1, "Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; Defend me from those who rise up against me."

Word of the day: Defend. It is the Hebrew word: שָׂגַב (saw-gab').

To be like someone who is excellent is a compliment. The likeness of anything gives us a glimmer of the real thing. But there is no comparison to the other worldly likeness of our God.

Bible Reading: Ezekiel 1-6

Verse of the day: Ezekiel 1:28, “Like the appearance of the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the surrounding radiance. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell on my face and heard a voice speaking.”

Word of the day: Likeness. It is the Hebrew word: דְּמוּת (dem-ooth').

Sometimes we don’t know how to express our grief and it feels pointless to cry out to God, but those who will admit their need and call out to God will be heard. The most important call we make is a heavenly one.

Bible Reading: 2 Sam. 21-24

Verse of the day: 2 Samuel 22:4, “I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, And I am saved from my enemies.”

Word of the day: Call. It is the Hebrew word: קָרָא (kaw-raw').

Mercy is such a blessing to receive, but so costly to the giver. Mercy is not meant to be taken for granted. The gift of God’s mercy is so we can draw near, not be separated again because of sin.

Bible Reading: Exodus 33-36

Verse of the day: Exodus 33:19, "The LORD replied, “I will make all my goodness pass before you, and I will call out my name, Yahweh, before you. For I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose."

Word of the day: Mercy. It is the Hebrew word: רָחַם (raw-kham').

When we don’t have enough, it reminds us of our need if we are willing to admit it. Christ offers us sufficient grace if we will let Him.

Bible Reading: 2 Cor. 11-13

Verse of the day: 2 Corinthians 12:9, "But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

Word of the day: Sufficient. It is the Greek word: ἀρκέω (ar-keh'-o).

Healing from physical pain might need a Band-Aid or more serious intervention. But the healing we need requires the Master Physician.

Bible Reading: Luke 6-8

Verse of the day: Luke 6:7, "And the scribes and the Pharisees watched him, to see whether he would heal on the Sabbath, so that they might find a reason to accuse him."

Word of the day: Heal. It is the Greek word: θεραπεύω (ther-ap-yoo'-o).

The senses inform our mind of the world around us, but our senses cannot contain the wonder of our God. Seeing the Unseen is only possible in the Spirit. And the Spirit leads us to truth, if we are willing to see it.

Bible Reading: Job 41-42

Verse of the day: Job 42:5, “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.”

Word of the day: Seen. It is the Hebrew word: רָאָה (raw-aw').

Seeking after glory in this life is seeking worship that belongs to God alone. The purpose of glory is not for man’s pride to be puffed up, but to reflect God and mediate His presence to the world.

Bible Reading: Psalms 56-58

Verse of the day: Psalm 57:5, "Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens! May your glory shine over all the earth."

Word of the day: Glory. It is the Hebrew word: כָּבוֹד (kaw-bode').

Our minds can be our undoing when we let our thoughts run our lives. But if we will call to mind the goodness and love of God and the hope we have in Him, our thoughts can be transformed.

Bible Reading: Lamentations

Verse of the day: Lamentations 3:21–22, "But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end."

Word of the day: Mind. It is the Hebrew word: לֵב (labe).

Where we seek counsel or advice will shape our lives. Wise counsel is determined by how much that counsel lines up with the principles found in the word of God.

Bible Reading: 2 Sam. 16-20

Verse of the day: 2 Samuel 16:23, "The advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if one inquired of the word of God; so was all the advice of Ahithophel regarded by both David and Absalom."

Word of the day: Advice. It is the Hebrew word: עֵצָה (ay-tsaw').

This word means to sanctify, hallow, dedicate, prepare, purify, appoint; to be set apart.

The Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament says We live in a time where there is a peer pressure to conform. But being set apart by God means we seek to be transformed by His word not conformed to the world. We are set apart from the heart as we set God as our priority in this life.

Bible Reading: Exodus 29-32

Verse of the day: Exodus 29:44, "So I will consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar and will consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve me as priests."

Word of the day: Consecrate. It is the Hebrew word: קָדַשׁ (kaw-dash'that “certain articles used in the Levitical service were consecrated to God and were thus recognized as belonging to the realm of the

The principle of reaping and sowing is a reminder to sow well. God’s blessings are not to be wasted. Serve and give generously to others for His glory. Sow to grow others and yourself.

Bible Reading: 2 Cor. 9-10

Verse of the day: 2 Corinthians 9:6, “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”

Word of the day: Generously. It is the Greek word: εὐλογία (yoo-log-ee'-ah).

When we have been given a great gift, we want to have a response worthy of that gift. How much more when we have been saved?

Bible Reading: Luke 3-5

Verse of the day: Luke 3:8(a), "Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance."

Word of the day: Worthy. It is the Greek word: ἄξιος (ax'-ee-os).

Recognizing our position before a holy God helps us to keep in perspective that God is God, and we aren’t.

Bible Reading: Job 39-40

Verse of the day: Job 40:4, "Behold, I am vile; What shall I answer You? I lay my hand over my mouth."

Word of the day: Vile. It is the Hebrew word: קָלַל (kaw-lal').

Ever lose something of great value and hunt for it relentlessly? We are motivated in those moments by our desire to not lose something we paid for or were given. What if we were to channel that pursuit to seeking after God and a relationship with Him, which far surpasses anything of value on this earth?

Bible Reading: Psalms 53-55

Verse of the day: Psalm 53:2, "God looks down from heaven on the children of man to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God."

Word of the day: Seeks. It is the Hebrew word: דָּרַשׁ (daw-rash').

Joining a club or group is a temporary source of companionship or hardship, depending on the people involved. But joining the Jesus team we are always accepted and our membership lasts forever!

Bible Reading: Jer. 49-52

Verse of the day: Jeremiah 50:5, "They shall ask the way to Zion, with faces turned toward it, saying, ‘Come, let us join ourselves to the LORD in an everlasting covenant that will never be forgotten."

Word of the day: Join. It is the Hebrew word: לָוָה (law-vaw').

Sin’s promises betray us. Sin promises to fulfill our wants, but sin reaps consequences that we would never want to pay. If only sin were billed for what it truly is.

Bible Reading: 2 Sam. 11-15

Verse of the day: 2 Samuel 12:5, "Then David’s anger burned greatly against the man, and he said to Nathan, “As the LORD lives, the man who has done this certainly deserves to die!"

Word of the day: Deserves. It is the Hebrew word: בֵּן (bane).

Anyone can serve or give but doing so with a willing spirit is not always the case. How we give is more important than what we give.

Bible Reading: Exodus 25-28

Verse of the day: Exodus 25:2, "Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring Me an offering. From everyone who gives it willingly with his heart you shall take My offering."

Word of the day: Willingly. It is the Hebrew word: נָדַב (naw-dab').

Depression is a certainty in a fallen world. But it does not have to be a life sentence.

Bible Reading: 2 Cor. 7-8

Verse of the day: 2 Corinthians 7:6, "But God, who comforts the depressed, comforted us by the coming of Titus."

Word of the day: Depressed. It is the Greek word: ταπεινός (tap-i-nos').

Being blameless isn’t about being perfect. It is about a righteousness we could never achieve on our own.

Bible Reading: Luke 1-2

Verse of the day: Luke 1:6, "They both were righteous (approved) in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord."

Word of the day: Blameless. It is the Greek word: ἄμεμπτος (am'-emp-tos).

Suffering does not mean God does not care. He wants to be our comfort. And when we consider God’s goodness and greatness, our suffering is put into perspective in the scope of eternity.

Bible Reading: Job 37–38

Verse of the day: Job 37:14, "Listen to this, Job; Stand and consider the wonders of God."

Word of the day: Consider. It is the Hebrew word: בִּין (Bene).

The sin within deceives us. We are blessed when someone helps us to recognize the hidden sins we don’t see.

Bible Reading: Psalms 51-52

Verse of the day: Psalm 51:3, “I know about my sins, and I cannot forget the burden of my guilt.”

Word of the day: Sin. It is the Hebrew word: חַטָּאָת (khat-taw-aw').

Bible Reading: Jer. 43-48

Verse of the day: Jeremiah 48:7, "For because of your trust in your own achievements and treasures, you yourself will also be captured; And Chemosh will go off into exile together with his priests and his leaders."

Word of the day: Achievements. It is the Hebrew word: מַעֲשֶׂה (mah-as-eh').

Bible Reading: 2 Sam. 6-10

Verse of the day: 2 Samuel 8:14, "He put garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites became subject to David. The LORD gave David victory wherever he went."

Word of the day: Victory. It is the Hebrew word: יָשַׁע (yaw-shah').

Bible Reading: Exodus 21-24

Verse of the day: Exodus 23:21, "Pay attention to him and listen to what he says. Do not rebel against him; he will not forgive your rebellion, since my Name is in him."

Word of the day: Rebellious, which is a different word than rebellion that is in the journal. It is the Hebrew word: מָרָה (maw-raw').

Bible Reading: 2 Cor. 5-6

Verse of the day: 2 Corinthians 5:19, "In other words, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting people's trespasses against them, and he has given us the message of reconciliation."

Word of the day: Reconciliation. It is the Greek word: καταλλαγή (kat-al-lag-ay').

Bible Reading: Mark 15-16

Verse of the day: Mark 15:15, "Wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas for them, and after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified."

Word of the day: Crucified. It is the Greek word: σταυρόω (stow-ro'-o).

Bible Reading: Job 35-36

Verse of the day: Job 35:7, "If you are righteous, what do you give to him? Or what does he receive from your hand?"

Word of the day: Righteousness. It is the Hebrew word: צֶדֶק (tseh'-dek).

Bible Reading: Psalms 47-50

Verse of the day: Psalm 49:8, "Redemption does not come so easily, for no one can ever pay enough"

Word of the day: Redemption. It is the Hebrew word: פִּדְיוֹם (pid-yome').

Bible Reading: Jer. 37-42

Verse of the day: Jeremiah 39:17, "But I will deliver you on that day,” declares the LORD, “and you will not be given into the hand of the men whom you dread."

Word of the day: Deliver. It is the Hebrew word: נָצַל (naw-tsal').

Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 1-5

Verse of the day: 2 Samuel 2:6, "Now may the LORD show lovingkindness and truth to you; and I also will show this goodness to you, because you have done this thing."

Word of the day: Show. It is the Hebrew word: עָשָׂה (aw-saw').

God is our banner. We are His people who bear His identity. The manner of a banner is that we belong and our God is our Defender.

Bible Reading: Exodus 17-20

Verse of the day: Exodus 17:15, "Moses built an altar and called it The LORD is my Banner."

Word of the day: Banner. It is the Hebrew word: נֵס (nace).

Lack of confidence can keep us from God’s calling on our lives as we focus on our inabilities, but confidence in Christ helps us to overcome. In our weaknesses, we are strong.

Bible Reading: 2 Cor. 3-4

Verse of the day: 2 Corinthians 3:4, "Such is the confidence and steadfast reliance and absolute trust that we have through Christ toward God."

Word of the day: Confidence. It is the Greek word: πεποίθησις (pep-oy'-thay-sis).

Sometimes we don’t recognize our need to be saved. We forget that we were enslaved to sin.

Bible Reading: Mark 13-14

Verse of the day: Mark 13:13, "Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved."

Word of the day: Saved. It is the Greek word: σῴζω (sode'-zo).

When we try to help others in their struggles, we help them best by pointing them to Jesus, not by judging them.

Bible Reading: Job 33-34

Verse of the day: Job 33:26, "When he prays to God, he will be accepted. And God will receive him with joy and restore him to good standing."

Word of the day: Restore. It is the Hebrew word: שׁוּב (shoob).

It is hard to be still in a busy world. We tend to think that everything depends on us, but it depends on God. When we cease from seizing control we never had, we find the peace we were missing all along.

Bible Reading: Psalms 43-46

Verse of the day: Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”

Word of the day: Cease. It is the Hebrew word: רָפָה (raw-faw').

We all have holes in our souls, places of longing for God to satisfy. We can’t get satisfaction from that which was never intended to satisfy. The temporary cannot satisfy the needs of the eternal.

Bible Reading: Jer. 31-36

Verse of the day: Jeremiah 31:14, “I will fill the soul of the priests with abundance, And My people will be satisfied with My goodness,” declares the LORD."

Word of the day: Satisfied. It is the Hebrew word: שָׂבַע (saw-bah').

When we suffer distress in our lives because of enemies, our breakthrough will not come from our enemies, but from God who is able to change hearts.

Bible Reading: 1 Sam 26-31

Verse of the day: 1 Samuel 26:24, "Therefore behold, just as your life was highly valued in my sight this day, so may my life be highly valued in the sight of the Lord, and may He rescue me from all distress.”

Word of the day: Distress. It is the Hebrew word: צָרָה (tsaw-raw').

The hard places in this life can evoke a fight or flight response within us. But for those who are in Christ, it can be a place of faith, instead. Our God fights for us.

Bible Reading: Exodus 13-16

Verse of the day: Exodus 14:14, "The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Word of the day: Fight. It is the Hebrew word: לָחַם (law-kham').

Suffering has a purpose we can miss if we just focus on our pain. Let God use suffering in your life and don’t miss the beauty found mingled with the pain.

Bible Reading: 2 Cor. 1-2

Verse of the day: 2 Corinthians 1:5, "For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ."

Word of the day: Comfort. It is the Greek word: παράκλησις (par-ak'-lay-sis).

Our faith in God is seen in our lives by the fruit we bear. Faith is not an end to itself. It is God who our faith is in, not faith or religion.

Bible Reading: Mark 11-12

Verse of the day: Mark 11:22, "Have faith in God,” Jesus answered.""

Word of the day: Faith. It is the Greek word: πίστις (pis'-tis).

When we are befuddled by life’s complexities and don’t understand why things are as they are, Scripture tells us to get wisdom and understanding and God gives us His Holy Spirit to help us to understand. Bible Reading: Job 31-32 Verse of the day: Job 32:8, “But it is a spirit in man, And the breath of the Almighty gives them understanding."

Word of the day: Spirit. It is the Hebrew word: רוּחַ (roo'-akh).

This word means: wind, breath, mind, Spirit, disposition

If anyone knew what it was to need protection, it was David. And He knew where to go. All the security in this world cannot trump the hand of our God. There is no greater protection found than the eternal security we have in Christ.

Bible Reading: Psalms 41-42

Verse of the day: Psalm 41:2, "The LORD will protect him and keep him alive, And he will be called blessed upon the earth; And do not turn him over to the desire of his enemies."

Word of the day: Protect. It is the Hebrew word: שָׁמַר (shaw-mar').

Sometimes our listening skills are not so great. We hear what we want to hear and then get mad at God when we don’t think He hears us. But if we listen well, we might hear a message that has different intentions than we first thought. And then we might also recognize that we have a God who hears us, too.

Bible Reading: Jer. 25-30

Verse of the day: Jeremiah 29:12, "Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you."

Word of the day: Listen. It is the Hebrew word: שָׁמַע (shaw-mah').

This word means: To hear with attention or interest, give heed, grant request

Sometimes we can try to make up for our shortcoming by pretending. Or get ourselves our of a tight spot by faking it. We can try to pretend we are something that we are not, but the guise of our disguises will eventually be found out.

Bible Reading: 1 Sam 21-25

Verse of the day: 1 Samuel 21:13, "So he disguised his sanity before them, and acted insanely in their hands, and scribbled on the doors of the gate, and let his saliva run down into his beard."

Word of the day: Disguised. It is the Hebrew word: שָׁנָא (shaw-naw').

This word means: to change, alter. The Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament says it is used to describe a change in character or way or life, to be different.

God’s people are called to be set apart, not to fit in. We are the salt and light to the world. Even when we suffer as the world does, we are called to be different, trusting in God. There can be an extinction of distinction when we do not stand firmly in our faith as representatives of Christ to this world.

Bible Reading: Exodus 9-12

Verse of the day: Exodus 9:4, "But the LORD will make a distinction between the livestock of Israel and that of Egypt, so that no animal belonging to the Israelites will die."

Word of the day: Distinction. It is the Hebrew word: פָּלָה (paw-law').

This word means: to be distinct, marked out, be separated, be distinguished, set apart.

People are looking for good news today. The bad news that pours into our minds every day can leave us feeling a bit jaded. But there is no greater news than the Gospel. No other gospel can save but the gospel of Jesus Christ. That’s the Gospel truth.

Bible Reading: 1 Cor. 15-16

Verse of the day: 1 Corinthians 15:2, "By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain."

Word of the day: Gospel. It is the Greek word: εὐαγγέλιον (yoo-ang-ghel'-ee-on).

This word means: A proclamation of the grace of God manifest and pledged in Christ. The Greek English Lexicon says it means, “good news”, details relating to the life and ministry of Jesus, good news of Jesus.

Who are you against in this life? We all have enemies in this life. It might be in our own family. It might be in our own church. And it might be in our own mind. We need to be careful about being against anyone who bears the name of Christ. For we are ultimately against Christ when we are against His people.

Bible Reading: Mark 9-10

Verse of the day: Mark 9:40, "Anyone who is not against us is for us."

Word of the day: Against. It is the Greek word: κατά (kat-ah').

This word means: according to the Greek English lexicon, “down upon”, against, in a hostile sense, an accusation.

The good ol’ days can deceive us. They might not have been as good as we recalled. But they can also become a place of idolatry when we long for them more than God’s presence in the present. The past does not light our way. God’s word does.

Bible Reading: Job 29-30

Verse of the day: Job 29:3, "When he lit up the way before me and I walked safely through the darkness"

Word of the day: Light. It is the Hebrew word: נִיר (neer).

When we are shaken to the core, our faithfulness to God will either shine or wane. Do we trust God in the fires of this life? Cultivating faithfulness begins with our belief system and impacts our ability to trust in God at all times.

Bible Reading: Psalms 37-40

Verse of the day: Psalm 37:3, "Trust in the LORD and do good; Live in the land and cultivate faithfulness."

Word of the day: Faithfulness. It is the Hebrew word: אֱמוּנָה (em-oo-naw').

This word means: firmness, fidelity, steadfastness, steadiness.

We don’t like tests, do we? Especially ones that require suffering which we think is unnecessary. But if we are willing to admit it, tests reveal something in us that needs to be healed. How we pass the test depends on how we continue to trust God in the midst.

Bible Reading: Jer. 19-24

Verse of the day: Jeremiah 20:12, "O LORD of hosts, who tests the righteous, who sees the heart and the mind, let me see your vengeance upon them, for to you have I committed my cause."

Word of the day: Test. It is the Hebrew word: בָּחַן (baw-khan').

This word means: to examine, prove, “to put to the test, tempt”, examining to determine integrity..

The name of God is more than a name. It speaks of His character, His works, and His relationship with us. There is no other name like the name of our God.

Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 16–20

Verse of the day: 1 Samuel 17:45, "David replied to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied."

Word of the day: Name. It is the Hebrew word: שֵׁם(shame).

It is hard for us to grasp that God is Almighty. We want to believe it, but we look around and see where things are not going our way and wonder why God does not do anything about it. But this is because we see power differently than God does. God does nothing outside of His perfect will.

Bible Reading: Exodus 5–8

Verse of the day: Exodus 6:3, "I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob as El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty’—but I did not reveal my name, Yahweh, to them."

Word of the day: Almighty. It is the Hebrew word: שַׁדַּי shad-dah'-ee

Love is in the air. Everywhere. But the expression of that love is often not love at all. Sometimes our perspective of love is skewed toward self and temporary. We love if we are first loved. We love if we feel like it. But the definition of love that God intends lasts forever.

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 13–14

Verse of the day: 1 Corinthians 13:4 “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud.” Word of the day: Love. It is the Greek word: ἀγάπη (ag-ah'-pay).

A cross is more than just an emblem of suffering. It is a daily reminder that the hard places in this life should cause us to look up and to bear our crosses just the way Jesus did.

Bible Reading: Mark 7–8

Verse of the day: Mark 8:34, "Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me."

Word of the day: Cross. It is the Greek word: σταυρός (stow-ros').

Integrity is not just doing the same thing when others are not around. It is being that person on the inside. And ultimately recognizing that we all lack integrity in some way and need God to be our righteousness.

Bible Reading: Job 27–28

Verse of the day: Job 27:5 "Far be it from me to say that you are right; till I die I will not put away my integrity from me."

Word of the day: Integrity. It is the Hebrew word: תֻּמָּה(toom-maw').

We would not know the sweetness of redemption had we not first experienced our need of it. Redemption is undeserved and freely given to those who fear God and cry out to Him.

Bible Reading: Psalms 34–36

Verse of the day: Psalm 34:22, "The LORD redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned."

Word of the day: Redeems. It is the Hebrew word: פָּדָה(paw-daw').

Our sins will find us out – the question is, will we find our way out of sin? Admitting our sin and giving it its worst name moves us toward repentance and the healing we so desperately need.

Bible Reading: Jeremiah 13–18

Verse of the day: Jeremiah 14:7, "Although our sins testify against us, do something, Lord, for the sake of your name. For we have often rebelled; we have sinned against you.”

Word of the day: Testify. (The word emptiness is in your planner – this is an error).

It is the Hebrew word: עָנָה(aw-naw')

Our own reasoning leads us astray. We build our lives on our ideas and thoughts rather than on God’s, we might just find that we have leaned our ladder against the wrong wall—with devastating consequences.

Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 11–15

Verse of the day: 1 Sam 12:7, "Now therefore, stand still, that I may reason with you before the LORD concerning all the righteous acts of the LORD which He did to you and your fathers."

Word of the day: Reason. It is the Hebrew word: שָׁפַט(shaw-fat').

Bondage is not just a thing of the past. Man subjects man to slavery for power and domination. But God came to set all men free.

Bible Reading: Exodus 1–4

Verse of the day: Exodus 2:23, " . . . And the sons of Israel sighed because of the bondage, and they cried out; and their cry for help because of their bondage rose up to God."

Word of the day: Bondage. It is the Hebrew word: עֲבֹדָה( ab-o-daw').

Everyone likes gifts. But what we do with those gifts determines whether they will bless or not. And sometimes we can miss the gifts we don’t recognize in our lives. Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 11–12

Verse of the day: 1 Cor. 12:31, "Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way."

Word of the day: Gifts. It is the Greek word: χάρισμα (khar'-is-mah).

Offenses are one of the biggest problems we have in our relationships today. But we who are in Christ have no right to hold onto offenses anymore.

Bible Reading: Mark 5–6

Verse of the day: Mark 6:3 "Then they scoffed, “He’s just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us.” They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him."

Word of the day: Offense. It is the Greek word: σκανδαλίζω (skan-dal-id'-zo).

The One Who made the Heavens, and every single thing we see around us is more powerful than we could fully comprehend. Yet He stoops down to call us His friend.

Bible Reading: Job 25–26

Verse of the day: Job 26:13 “His Spirit made the heavens beautiful, and his power pierced the gliding serpent.”

Word of the day: Heavens. It is the Hebrew word: שָׁמַיִם (shaw-mah'-yim).

Refuge. This place where the world cannot reach us as we are hidden in Christ, is available to us if we are willing to seek and find it.

Bible Reading: Psalms 31–33

Verse of the day: Psalms 31:1 "In you, O LORD, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me!"

Word of the day: Refuge. It is the Hebrew word: חָסָה (khaw-saw').

Amending our ways is not so easy, it seems. Habits are hard to break, especially when we try to do so in our own strength. But a broken people can be made whole in Christ’s strength.

Bible Reading: Jeremiah 7–12

Verse of the day: Jeremiah 7:3 “Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: ‘Amend your ways and your deeds, and I will let you dwell in this place.’”

Word of the day: Amend. It is the Hebrew word: יָטַב (yaw-tab').

Understanding the holiness of God is hard for us to do in today’s culture, but God is the same yesterday as He is today. God is holy. And those who walk with Him are required to be holy, too.

Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 6–10

Verse of the day: 1 Samuel 6:20, “’Who is able to stand in the presence of the LORD, this holy God?’ they cried out. ‘Where can we send the Ark from here?’”

Word of the day: Presence of; before. It is the Hebrew word: פָּנִים (paw-neem').

Forgiving the unforgiveable does not make sense when we operate from a position of retribution. But operating from grace reminds us that we who have been forgiven have no choice but to offer the same forgiveness we have been given.

Bible Reading: Genesis 49–50

Verse of the day: Genesis 50:17, ". . . And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him."

Word of the day: Forgive. It is the Hebrew word: נָשָׂא (naw-saw').

I’ve heard people jest that the only way someone would catch them running is if someone was chasing them. While running might not be enjoyable to our flesh, there is a race we all must enter and win.

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 9–10

Verse of the day: 1 Corinthians 9:24, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.”

Word of the day: Run. It is the Greek word: τρέχω (trekh'-o).

Hide and seek does not work so well when one is hiding from a God who sees everything. There is nothing hidden that will not ultimately be revealed.

Bible Reading: Mark 3–4

Verse of the day: Mark 4:22, "For there is nothing hidden that will not be revealed, and nothing concealed that will not be brought to light."

Word of the day: Revealed. It is the Greek word: φανερόω (fan-er-o'-o).

What do you treasure or delight in? Where are treasure is, there our heart will be also.

Bible Reading: Job 23–24

Verse of the day: Job 23:12, "I have not departed from his commands, but have treasured his words more than daily food."

Word of the day: Treasured. It is the Hebrew word: צָפַן (tsaw-fan').

What do you do when you are facing trouble? It can be easy to want to run to friends to hear their sympathies, but those who cry out to God find the answers they need.

Bible Reading: Psalms 28–30

Verse of the day: Psalm 28:1, “To you, O LORD, I call; my rock, be not deaf to me, lest, if you be silent to me, I become like those who go down to the pit.”

Word of the day: Call. It is the Hebrew word: קָרָא (kaw-raw').

What is fair? When we consider what we really deserve, we realize that God’s justice and mercy are greater than life’s temporary struggles.

Bible Reading: Jeremiah 1–6

Verse of the day: Jeremiah 2:5, "Thus says the LORD, “What injustice did your fathers find in Me, that they went far from Me And walked after emptiness and became empty?”

Word of the day: Injustice. It is the Hebrew word: עֶוֶל (eh'-vel).

So often we can neglect prayer and treat it as a to do list. But prayer gives us access to God. When we neglect the gift of talking with the God of this universe, we neglect the peace God longs to give us in His presence. Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 1–5

Verse of the day: 1 Samuel 2:1, "Then Hannah prayed: “My heart rejoices in the LORD! The LORD has made me strong. Now I have an answer for my enemies; I rejoice because you rescued me.""

Word of the day: Prayed. It is the Hebrew word: פָּלַל (paw-lal').

There is a famine in the land, but many don’t know they are famished. We tend to think of a famine associated with food, but it is our famine of God’s word that impacts us the most.

Bible Reading: Genesis 45–48

Verse of the day: Genesis 47:13, "There was no food, however, in the whole region because the famine was severe; both Egypt and Canaan wasted away because of the famine."

Word of the day: Famine. It is the Hebrew word: רָעָב (raw-awb').

Having a heart that is devoted to God is hard in a culture that screams for our attention. Having a relationship with God is not just outward, but inward.

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 7–8

Verse of the day: 1 Corinthians 7:19, "Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is the keeping of the commandments of God."

Word of the day is: Circumcision. It is the Greek word: περιτομή (per-it-om-ay').

It is easy to recognize sin in others, perhaps not so easy to see it in ourselves. But when we see sin in others, how do we handle it? Loving the sinner and hating the sin helps people to receive the grace of God.

Bible Reading: Mark 1–2

Verse of the day: Mark 2:17, "On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Word of the day: Sinners. It is the Greek word: ἁμαρτωλός (ham-ar-to-los')

Knowledge is power, they say, but how we apply that knowledge to our lives reveals what we have done with that knowledge.

Bible Reading: Job 21–22

Verse of the day is: Job 21:22, "Can anyone teach knowledge to God, since he judges even the highest?"

Word of the day: Knowledge. It is the Hebrew word: דַּעַת (dah'-ath).

Are you teachable? Sometimes we struggle to hear and follow God because we are not teachable. But we can’t teach others if we haven’t first been taught.

Bible Reading: Psalms 25–27

Verse of the day is: Psalm 25:5 "Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you."

Word of the day is: Teach. It is the Hebrew word: לָמַד (law-mad).

When we go through afflictions in this life, we can feel forsaken and forgotten. But knowing the heart of God toward us is good and constant, the friction of affliction becomes a place of grace.

Bible Reading: Isaiah 62–66

Verse of the day is: Isaiah 63:9 "In all their affliction He was afflicted, And the angel of His presence saved them; In His love and in His mercy He redeemed them, And He lifted them and carried them all the days of old."

Word of the day is: Afflicted. It is the Hebrew word: צַר (tsar).

Kindness is a virtue, and the fruit of those who have experienced God’s kindness. Be kind to others—you have no idea what they are going through. Bible Reading: Ruth

Verse of the day is: Ruth 2:20 “And Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, ‘May he be blessed by the LORD, whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead!’ Naomi also said to her, ‘The man is a close relative of ours, one of our redeemers.’”

Word of the day is: Kindness. It is the Hebrew word: חֶסֶד (kheh'-sed).

What are your hopes and dreams? When dreams come true, God’s purposes in those dreams are greater than we could imagine, impacting more than just ourselves.

Bible Reading: Genesis 41–44

Verse of the day is: Genesis 41:25 "And Joseph said to Pharaoh, “Pharaoh’s dreams are one and the same; God has told to Pharaoh what He is about to do."

Word of the day is: Dream. It is the Hebrew word: חָלַם (khaw-lam).

We all have an inheritance waiting for us. Our lifestyle indicates what that inheritance will be.

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 5–6

Verse of the day is: 1 Corinthians 6:9(a) "Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?"

Word of the day: Unrighteous. It is the Greek word: ἄδικος (ad'-ee-kos).

Can you imagine standing before Jesus after He rose from the grave? We could not help but worship! Perhaps this image in our mind can help us to worship with that same fervor as a church.

Bible Reading: Matthew 27–28

The verse of the day is: Matthew 28:9, "And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Rejoice!” And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him."

Word of the day: Worshiped. It is the Greek word: προσκυνέω (proskynéō).

Have you ever felt forgotten? Maybe your name wasn’t on a list, and you weren’t considered. Or you weren’t invited to an event that others were. The fact is that we will be forgotten in this world, but never forgotten by God.

Bible Reading: Job 19–20

Verse of the day is: Job 19:14 "My relatives have gone away; my closest friends have forgotten me."

Word of the day is: Forgotten. It is the Hebrew word: שָׁכַח (shaw-kakh').

We can’t be rescued if we don’t trust in the one rescuing us. The greatest rescue stories ever told reveal a beautiful relationship of trust between the rescued and the Rescuer.

Bible Reading: Psalms 22–24

Verse of the day is: Psalm 22:4 "Our ancestors trusted in you, and you rescued them."

Word of the day is: Trusted. It is the Hebrew word: בָּטַח (baw-takh).

If you are feeling like there is no way things can turn around for you, friend, listen in. God is not through with you. Our God is a Redeemer and Healer, and He is in the business of reviving what seems lost.

Bible Reading: Isaiah 56–61

Verse of the day is: Isaiah 57:15 “ . . . I dwell in a high and holy place, and also with the contrite and lowly of spirit in order to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite."

Word of the day is: Revive. It is the Hebrew word: חָיָה (khaw-yaw).

The eyes are a mirror of the soul. How we see reveals what we are gazing at. The eyes have it. When we gaze into God’s word and live with God as King of our lives, we live in what is pleasing in God’s eyes, not our own. Bible Reading: Judges 16–21

Verse of the day is: Judges 17:6 “In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes.”

Word of the day is: Eyes. It is the Hebrew word: עַיִן (ah'-yin).

Hate begets hate unless we stop the cycle. We don’t have to reciprocate in like manner. Keep your love on in the face of hatred. Christ was hated, too, but chose to love us, anyway. If there is anything to hate it is hatred itself.

Bible Reading: Genesis 37–40

Verse of the day is: Genesis 37:4 "When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him."

Word of the day is: Hated. It is the Hebrew word: שָׂנֵא (saw-nay').

What foundation are you building on? Our motivations for ministry matter. Our purpose matters. When our foundation is ono the person and work of Jesus Christ, our work reveals His glory, not ours.

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 3-4

Verse of the day is: 1 Corinthians 3:10, "By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care."

Word of the day is: Foundation. It is the Greek word: θεμέλιος (themélios).

My children have sometimes called me a worrier when I have reminded them to take heed and be careful. But carelessness and a carefree life can cause us to lose our way if we do not take heed.

Bible Reading: Matthew 24–26

Verse of the day is: Matthew 24:4 "And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you."

Word of the day is: Heed. It is the Greek word: βλέπω (blep'-o).

Grief can be overwhelming, stifling all joy. But the prospect of the righteous is joy even in the face of grief.

Bible Reading: Job 17–18

Verse of the day is: Job 17:7, "My eyes have grown dim with grief; my whole frame is but a shadow."

Word of the day is: Grief. It is the Hebrew word: כַּעַס (kah'-as).

Trying to be perfect in our own strength will fail every time. It is when we admit that we are not that we can come to the One Perfect One and find that His righteousness covers us.

Bible Reading: Psalms 19–21

Verse of the day: Psalm 19:7, "The instruction of the LORD is perfect, renewing one's life; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise."

Word of the day: Perfect. It is the Hebrew word: תָּמִים (taw-meem).

God has removed our sin and shame.

Bible Reading: Isaiah 50–55

Verse of the day: Isaiah 50:7 “For the Lord GOD helps Me, Therefore, I am not disgraced; Therefore, I have made My face like flint, And I know that I will not be ashamed.”

Word of the day: Ashamed. It is the Hebrew word: בּוּשׁ (boosh).

“Don’t make a promise you can’t keep.” This seems like wise counsel, but in humility, we recognize that we are not capable of keeping one promise apart from the grace of God. Bible Reading: Judges 11–15

Verse of the day: Judges 11:35(b) "For I have opened my mouth to the Lord, and I cannot take back my vow.”

Word of the day: Vow. It is the Hebrew word פֶּה (pê) in verse 35,but later in verse 39 we see another Hebrew word for vow: נֶדֶר (neh'-der).

Ever need a favor? Ever help someone else out? A favor is not a favor if it demands reciprocation. Bible Reading: Genesis 33–36

Verse of the day: Genesis 33:10, “Jacob said, “No, please, if I have found favor in your sight, then accept my present from my hand. For I have seen your face, which is like seeing the face of God, and you have accepted me.”

Word of the day: Favor. It is the Hebrew word: חֵן (khane).

The quest for wisdom has been around since the Garden of Eden. Seeking worldly knowledge cannot satisfy this hunger. But Christ, the wisdom of God can.

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 1–2

Verse of the day: 1 Corinthians 1:24, "But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God."

Word of the day: Wisdom. It is the Greek word: σοφία (sof-ee'-ah).

In a relativistic world arriving at truth is challenging. People claim to have “their truth”, but there is only “the truth” found in God alone.

Bible Reading: Matthew 21–23

Verse of the day: Matthew 22:16, “Teacher, we know that You are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and do not care what anyone thinks; for You are not partial to anyone.”

Word of the day: Truth. It is the Greek word: ἀλήθεια (al-ay'-thi-a).

Words fly off the tongue faster than we can hold them back sometimes. But the fact that we will be accountable for each one humbles me to want to speak wisely.

Bible Reading: Job 15–16

Verse of the day: Job 15:3, “Should he argue with useless talk, Or with words which do not benefit?”

Word of the day: Talk. It is the Hebrew word: דָּבָר (daw-baw').

We all know one of the toddler’s first words. “Mine!” We tend to want to make sure we get our fair share. But perhaps our fair share is not so fair. Bible Reading: Psalms 16–18

Verse of the day: Psalm 16:5, "LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure."

Word of the day: Portion. It is the Hebrew word: מְנָת (men-awth').

Before we knew God, we were in debt to our eyeballs spiritually. But Jesus was willing to pay our ransom. Have you been redeemed? You can be, friend. God says you are His! Bible Reading: Isaiah 43–49

Verse of the day: Isaiah 43:1, "...Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine."

Word of the day: Redeemed. It is the Hebrew word: גָּאַל (gaw-al').

Evil is as evil does. Our thoughts and actions reveal whether we are giving in to evil or righteousness. Bible Reading: Judges 6–10

Verse of the day: Judges 6:1, “The Israelites did evil in the LORD's sight, so the LORD turned them over to Midian for seven years.”

Word of the day: Evil. It is the Hebrew word: רַע (rah).

Those who deceived are deceived themselves. Deception is conceived when we don’t like the hard truth. But truth sets us free.

Bible Reading: Genesis 29–32

Verse of the day: Genesis 31:7, “Yet your father has deceived me and changed my wages ten times, but God did not allow him to hurt me."

Word of the day: “Deceived”. It is the Hebrew word: תָּלַל (taw-lal').

Rejection is a powerful force of the devil that limits our existence. But when we accept one another just as Christ accepted us, God is glorified and people’s lives are transformed.

Bible Reading: Romans 15–16

Verse of the day: Romans 15:7, “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”

Word of the day is: Accept. It is the Greek word: προσλαμβάνω (pros-lam-ban'-o).

In God’s Kingdom, those who are first will be last. This puts the strivings of man in its place.

Bible Reading: Matthew 18–20

Verse of the day: Matthew 18:3, “ . . . Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven."

Word of the day: Converted. It is the Greek word: στρέφω (stref'-o)

It isn’t whether we know something that matters. Knowledge is power they say, but wisdom is knowledge applied.

Bible Reading: Job 13–14

Verse of the day is: Job 13:2, “What you know, I also know; I am not inferior to you."

Word of the day: Know. It is the Hebrew word: יָדַע (yaw-dah').

Sometimes people can think they are a know it all. But such a position reveals a lack of understanding. True understanding happens when we understand that we don’t know what we don’t know.

Bible Reading: Psalms 13–15

Verse of the day is: Psalm 14:2 "The LORD looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God."

Word of the day is: Understand. It is the Hebrew word: שָׂכַל (saw-kal').

We are creatures of comfort, but the comforts of this world will not satisfy as well as being right with the LORD does.

Bible Reading: Isaiah 37–42

Verse of the day is: Isaiah 40:1 "Comfort, comfort my people, says your God."

Word of the day is: Comfort. It is the Hebrew word: נָחַם (naw-kham').

Covenants are contingent on our ability to carry out our end of the deal. Partial obedience is not obedience at all.

Bible Reading: Judges 1–5

Verse of the day is: Judges 2:1 "...I brought you up from Egypt and brought you into the land that I swore to give to your fathers. I said, ‘I will never break my covenant with you.'"

Word of the day is: Covenant. It is the Hebrew word: בְּרִית (ber-eeth').

Our birthright in this world is temporary, but the birthright Christ offers can never be taken away.

Bible Reading: Genesis 25–28

Verse of the day is: Genesis 25:32 "Esau said, “Look, I am about to die [if I do not eat soon]; so of what use is this birthright to me?”"

Word of the day is: Birthright. It is the Hebrew word: בְּכוֹרָה (bek-o-raw').

Convictions can be rationalized away and if someone talks you into something they can talk you out. But when we are convinced of truth, we must hold firmly to what we believe.

Bible Reading: Romans 13–14

Verse of the day is: Romans 14:5 "One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind."

Word of the day: Convinced. It is the Greek word: πληροφορέω (play-rof-or-eh'-o).

This life is but a drop in the scope of all eternity. But the significance and value of this life last forever. Living this life in light of eternity leaves no regrets for this life or the next.

Bible Reading: Matthew 15–17

The verse of the day is: Matthew 16:26, "For what will it benefit someone if he gains the whole world yet loses his life? Or what will anyone give in exchange for his life?"

Word of the day: Life. It is the Greek word: ψυχή (psoo-khay').

Feelings are complicated. We can feel powerless to affect them. But We can direct our heart with the power of the resident Holy Spirit.

Bible Reading: Job 11–12

Verse of the day is: Job 11:13 "…Direct your heart rightly and spread out your hands to Him."

Word of the day is: Direct. It is the Hebrew word: כּוּן (koon).

Sometimes I just want to run and hide from problems when I hear about them. But refuge is not a place. It is a person, and it is found within.

Bible Reading: Psalms 11–12

Verse of the day is: Psalm 11:1 "In the LORD I take refuge; how can you say to my soul, “Flee like a bird to your mountain."

Word of the day is: Refuge. It is the Hebrew word: חָסָה (khaw-saw').

We can all be encouraged for a little while . . . until the other shoe drops. What then? God has encouragement for us even then.

Bible Reading: Isaiah 31–36

Verse of the day is: Isaiah 35:3 "Encourage the exhausted, and strengthen the feeble."

Word of the day is: Encourage. It is the Hebrew word: חָזַק (khaw-zak').

Rest. Just that word makes me pause. What is rest to you? The rest God gives us can happen in the midst of unrestful circumstances.

Bible Reading: Joshua 21–24

Verse of the day is: Joshua 21:44 "The LORD gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their ancestors. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the LORD gave all their enemies into their hands."

Word of the day is: Rest. It is the Hebrew word: נוּחַ (noo'-akh).

Promises, promises. We can be afraid to trust in them. But when we understand the purpose behind God’s promises, we don’t place a time limit on them.

Bible Reading: Genesis 21–24

Verse of the day is: Genesis 21:1 “The LORD kept his word and did for Sarah exactly what he had promised."

Word of the day is: Promised. It is the Hebrew word: דָּבַר (daw-bar).

Ever notice that when grace is extended one’s natural disposition is to make it into a good work? Like something we have earned or deserved? Grace wouldn’t be grace if we could earn it. Bible Reading: Romans 11–12

Verse of the day is: Romans 11:6, "And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace."

Word of the day is: Grace. It is the Greek word: χάρις (khar'-ece).

Hope is not a wish. It is not just a longing of the soul. Hope has a name that never fails.

Bible Reading: Matthew 12–14

Verse of the day is: Matthew 12:21 “And his name will be the hope of all the world.”

Word of the day is: Hope. It is the Greek word: ἐλπίζω (el-pid'-zo).

A lot of the arguments in this life are about being right. But being right is not the goal. Being righteous is.

Bible Reading: Job 9–10

Verse of the day is: Job 9:2, “Truly I know that it is so: But how can a man be in the right before God?" Word of the day is: Right. It is the Hebrew word: צָדַק (tsaw-dak').

Welcome to February! The cold weather makes many of us want to hide away, though we are also suffering from cabin fever, I daresay. But there is a hiding place in Christ for those who seek and find it.

Bible Reading: Psalms 9–10

Verse of the day: Psalm 9:9, "The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.”

Word of the day: Stronghold. It is the Hebrew word: מִשְׂגָּב (mis-gawb').

It is easy to become apathetic or weary in this world. But we must never forget our purpose. We were made to exalt God. We are signposts of exaltation, proclaiming His goodness and faithfulness.

Bible Reading: Isaiah 25–30

Verse of the day: Isaiah 25:1, “LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.”

Word of the day: Exalt. It is the Hebrew word: רוּם (room).

God’s people need to take ownership of what God has given to us. Faithful possession of God’s provision will mean we steward all that He gives us for His glory.

Bible Reading: Joshua 17–20

Verse of the day: Joshua 18:3, “So Joshua said to the sons of Israel, 'How long will you put off entering to take possession of the land which the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you?’”

Word of the day: Text. It is the Hebrew word: יָרַשׁ (yaw-rash').

The fact that God chooses us when we have not chosen Him still astounds me and I hope it always does. We are chosen for relationship so we can know God and be a part of His plan of redemption.

Bible Reading: Genesis 17–20

Verse of the day: Genesis 18:19, “For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice, so that the LORD may bring to Abraham what he has promised him.”

Word of the day: Chosen It is the Hebrew word: יָדַע (yaw-dah).

Sometimes we go through this life feeling like we deserve more. We can compare with others and wonder why they seem have more favor than us. But God’s favor is truly unjust grace. We don’t deserve it and yet He gives it freely.

Bible Reading: Romans 9–10

Verse of the day: Romans 9:14 “What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means!”

Word of the day: Injustice. It is the Greek word: ἀδικία (ad-ee-kee'-ah).

There is a pecking order and seniority in this world that can make advancement challenging. But there is a higher authority altogether that isn’t about advancement, but serving.

Bible Reading: Matthew 9–11

Verse of the day: Matthew 9:6, “‘But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.’ So he said to the paralyzed man, ‘Get up, take your mat and go home.’”

Word of the day: Authority. It is the Greek word: ἐξουσία ex-oo-see'-ah.

The relentless hunt for validation in a picky, everchanging world is, well, impossible. And it can ruin lives. As people clamor to be perfect for whatever the latest standard is, they lose their worth and identity and achieve an insignificant significance, after all.

Bible Reading: Job 7–8

Verse of the day: Job 8:7, “Though your beginning was insignificant, yet your end will increase greatly.”

Word of the day: Insignificant. It is the Hebrew word: מִצְעָר (mits-awr').

Our vindication is not in ourselves. We are guilty as charged. But sometimes we are not guilty and need an intermediary. God is our vindication when in a world that casts judgment.

Bible Reading: Psalms 7–8

Verse of the day: Psalm 7:8, “Let the LORD judge the peoples. Vindicate me, LORD, according to my righteousness, according to my integrity, O Most High.”

Word of the day: Vindicate. It is the Hebrew word: שָׁפַט (shaw-fat').

Standards shift in an ever-changing culture formed from man’s ways. Don’t allow yourself to become polluted. The solution to pollution is to saturate your mind with God’s word which will help you to keep yourself pure and to follow God’s ways, not man’s.

Bible Reading: Isaiah 19–24

Verse of the day: Isaiah 24:5

Word of the day: Polluted.

It is the Hebrew word: חָנֵף (khaw-nafe').

There can be a lot of shaming for our age in a culture that worships youth and beauty. But in God’s eyes, we are never too old for God to use us. Never.

Bible Reading: Joshua 13–16

Verse of the day: Joshua 13:1, “Now Joshua was old and advanced in years, and the LORD said to him, “You are old and advanced in years, and there remains yet very much land to possess.”

Word of the day: Old. It is the Hebrew word: זָקֵן (zaw-kane').

One of the most painful things I heard someone say was that they felt unseen. Our significance is felt by others acknowledging our presence, but there is no greater significance than God seeing us. The God who sees us accepts us and never fails to help us.

Bible Reading: Genesis 1316

Verse of the day: Genesis 16:13

Word of the day: The God Who Sees. It is the Hebrew word: אל ראי (el-roi).

Mindset Matters. Guard your thoughts well, friend. What we think on becomes our mindset. And our mindset runs our lives.

Bible Reading: Romans 6–8

Verse of the day: Romans 8:6, “For the mind-set of the flesh is death, but the mind-set of the Spirit is life and peace.”

Word of the day: Mindset. It is the Greek word: φρόνημα (fron'-ay-mah).

So much of our life can be wasted on worrying over grudges. We either ache to be forgiven or refuse to forgive. In the end, we all need forgiveness, but also need to forgive. And the main victim of unforgiveness is ourselves.

Bible Reading: Matthew 6–8

Verse of the day: Matthew 6:12, “And forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.”

Word of the day: Forgive. It is the Greek word: ἀφίημι (af-ee'-ay-mee).

What is your cause that gets you out of bed in the morning? What is your passion or heart in this life? When our cause lines up with God’s, lives are transformed.

Bible Reading: Job 5–6

Verse of the day: Job 5:8, “But as for me, I would seek God, And I would place my cause before God.”

Word of the day: “Cause”. It is the Hebrew word: דִּבְרָה (dib-raw').

The grace we receive from God is abundant—more than enough. But we will need to accept this lavish gift in order to apply it. Having an abundance mentality is not just positive thinking. It is faithful thinking.

Bible Reading: Psalms 5–6

Verse of the day: Psalm 5:7, “But as for me, by Your abundant lovingkindness I will enter Your house, At Your holy temple I will bow in reverence for You.”

Word of the day is: Abundant. It is the Hebrew word: רֹב (rove).

Sometimes waiting for the fulfillment of plans is hard. But God’s plans are certain and can never be thwarted. And friends, His plans are always purposeful plans for our good. Bible Reading: Isaiah 13–18 Verse of the day: Isaiah 14:24, “The LORD Almighty has sworn, ‘Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen.’” Word of the day: Planned. It is the Hebrew word: יָעַץ (yaw-ats') I had the Hebrew word: דָּמָה (daw-maw) listed in the journal, but the word for planned here is Yaw-ats’.

Everything belongs to God. Yet He wants to give us an unentitled inheritance that lasts forever.

Bible Reading: Joshua 9–12 Verse of the day is:

Joshua 11:23, “So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD had spoken to Moses. And Joshua gave it for an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal allotments. And the land had rest from war.”

Word of the day: Inheritance.

It is the Hebrew word: נַחֲלָה (nakh-al-aw').

Today’s word is blessed. Don’t we all want to be blessed? Maybe we don’t recognize that we already are. Hidden blessings are all around us waiting to be discovered.

Bible Reading: Genesis 9–12

Verse of the day is: Genesis 9:1 "And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.’"

Word of the day is: Blessed. It is the Hebrew word: בָּרַךְ (baw-rak).

Exposing unbelief in our lives is what brings us the greatest joy. Ultimately, doubting unbelief rather than doubting God is what helps us to see.

Bible Reading: Romans 3–5
Verse of the day is: Romans 3:3 "For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect?"
Word of the day is: Unbelief. It is the Greek word: ἀπιστία (ap-is-tee'-ah).

Change is not something we can make happen in our own strength. But the decision to change is one we have to make. True repentance opens the door for forgiveness.

Bible Reading: Matthew 3–5
Verse of the day is: Matthew 4:17 "From then on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.’"
Word of the day is: Repent. It is the Greek word: μετανοέω (met-an-o-eh'-o).

Why? This question is one of those unrelenting questions we have. But sometimes letting go of our need to know why helps us to understand God’s purposes together. When answers aren’t enough, there is Jesus.

Bible Reading: Job 3–4

Verse of the day is: Job 3:11 “Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?”

Word of the day is: Why? It is the Hebrew word: מָה (maw).

Life can move so fast that we forget to pause. When we think we don’t have time to spend with God, we miss out on His fellowship and set ourselves up for sin.

Bible Reading: Psalms 3–4
Verse of the day is: Psalm 4:4 "Tremble with fear and do not sin! Meditate as you lie in bed, and repent of your ways!"
Word of the day: Meditate. It is the Hebrew word: אָמַר (aw-mar').

When we seek to follow God’s revealed will, we gain an understanding on His personal will for us.

Bible Reading: Isaiah 7–12
The verse of the day is: Isaiah 7:14, "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and she will name Him Immanuel."
Word of the day: Sign. It is the Hebrew word: אוֹת (oth).

Being encouraged in a discouraging world is hard and it is a fight. But when we know that our God is for us and with us and in us, we can rise to the challenge and walk in Christ’s strength. Beating discouragement begins with faith in our mind.

Bible Reading: Joshua 5–8

Verse of the day is: Joshua 8:1(a) "Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

Word of the day is: Discouraged. It is the Hebrew word: חָתַת (khaw-thath').

Some people try to deny that God created the world. But creation did not happen by chance. God’s flawless creation became flawed when man chose sin over Him, but God is our Redeemer and He is not done yet.

Bible Reading: Genesis 5–8
Verse of the day is: Genesis 5:1 "This is the book of the generations of Adam. When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God."
Word of the day is: Created. It is the Hebrew word: בָּרָא (baw-raw).
This word means: to shape, create, or fashion.

Whatcha thinking? Some say we think over 70,000 thoughts a day. Who knows? But this I know: Our thoughts determine the course of our lives.

Bible Reading: Romans 1–2

Verse of the day is: Romans 1:28 "And even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up unto a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting."

Word of the day is: Reprobate. It is the Greek word: ἀδόκιμος (ad-ok'-ee-mos).

Are you a worshiper? Short answer—yes. We all worship something or someone every day. But we were made to worship One. Defining worship begins with a heart of gratitude.

Bible Reading: Matthew 1–2

Verse of the day is: Matthew 2:11 "And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh."

Word of the day is: Worshiped. It is the Greek word: προσκυνέω (proskynéō).

Ever had someone place the blame on you? Our natural instinct is to shift that blame, right? Like a hot potato. But those who are in Christ are truly blameless.

Bible Reading: Job 1–2

Verse of the day is: Job 1:1 “He was blameless—a man of complete integrity. He feared God and stayed away from evil.”

Word of the day is: Blameless It is the Hebrew word: תָּם (tawm

When this world sucks the life out of me, I know where my help comes from. There is an inner delight within my own mind that trumps this life. Delight is so much more than just mere satisfaction.

Bible Reading: Psalms 1–2

Verse of the day is: Psalm1:2, "But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night."

Word of the day is: Delight. It is the Hebrew word: חֵפֶץ (khay'-fets)

I used to think that if one was a good person, they would go to Heaven. Romans 3:10 kind of put a damper on that. If nothing is good in us, how can we be righteous? Our righteousness is not our own, but freely given by our perfect God.

Bible Reading: Isaiah 1–6

Verse of the day is: Isaiah 3:10 “Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds.”

Word of the day is: Righteous. It is the Hebrew word: צַדִּיק (tsad-deek)

Do you want to be successful? There are some tips from God's word in today's reading, but no shortcuts to success.
Bible Reading: Joshua 1-4
Verse of the day is: Joshua 1:8, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
Word of the day is: Success. It is the Hebrew word: שָׂכַל saw-kal'

Good morning, friends! Day One! Welcome to a new year and a new beginning!

Bible Reading: Genesis 1-4

Verse of the day: Gen 1:1, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

Word of the day: Beginning. It is the Hebrew word:רֵאשִׁית (ray-sheeth')

This world seeks to shape us into its mold. But Christ’s death implores us to seek to shape the culture, instead. Belief necessitates living what we espouse and contending for that belief so others can gain what we were given.

Bible Reading: Jude

Scripture Verse of the Day: Jude 1:3(b)

What influences in your life are persuading you to believe or not believe something? True belief does not waiver under pressure. If we can be talked into something, we can be talked out of it, as well.

Bible Reading: Acts 27-28

Scripture Verse of the Day: Acts 28:24

The world’s definition of love cannot compare with God’s.

Bible Reading: Songs 7-8

Scripture Verse of the Day: Songs 8:7

God delights in you, friend. Do you believe that? This world chips away at our wirth, but Christ’s birth is a reminder of our intrinsic value given to us by our Creator, Who made us in His image.

Bible Reading: Psalm 148-150

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 149:4

Today it has become popular to award apathy and to make everyone a winner, whether or not they actually even tried. No one wants hurt feelings. Yet this enablement is not ultimate victory. The one who perseveres and overcomes in this life actually wins the prize.

Bible Reading: Revelation 21-22

Scripture Verse of the Day: Revelation 21:7

The purpose of holidays can be lost to tradition, void of sincere celebration. Remember that first Christmas morning today, friends. God with us!

Bible Reading: Esther 6-10

Scripture Verse of the Day: Esther 9:22(b)

Our Savior has already come! Yet today we commemorate the eve before He came to rescue us—even as a baby. The salvation He gave to us is not just a moment in time. It should impact our whole lives.

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 33-34

Scripture Verse of the Day: Deuteronomy 33:29

It can be easy to miss genuine interaction with those around us when we quip the common expressions of the day and move on. But God wants us to genuinely demonstrate care to those around us.

Bible Reading: 3 John

Scripture Verse of the Day: 3 John 1:2

We are all commanded to go and share the gospel, but all too often we can shrink back from this calling, feeling unqualified to speak on Christ’s behalf. But Christ did not tell us to yield results. He just told us to be faithful and to be His witnesses.

Bible Reading: Acts 25-26

Scripture Verse of the Day: Acts 26:8

Is your marriage a witness to those around you? And what is that witness? Our culture minimizes marriage, but when our marriages thrive, people around us see Jesus within our union.

Bible Reading: Songs 5-6

Scripture Verse of the Day: Songs 6:1

Is your marriage a witness to those around you? And what is that witness? Our culture minimizes marriage, but when our marriages thrive, people around us see Jesus within our union.

Bible Reading: Songs 5-6

Scripture Verse of the Day: Songs 6:1

Discovering God’s goodness was never supposed to stay with us. We leave a legacy when we live out God’s word and then share it to the next generation.

Bible Reading: Psalms 145-147

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 145:4

God wins! It is better to live this life for His purposes than our own.

Bible Reading: Revelation 16-20

Scripture Verse of the Day: Revelation 17:17

I used to tell my kids to give their best in those moments when they felt like their backs were against the wall. They would never get the chance to be in that moment ever again. Each moment we live builds on the one before it and we can be defined by a moment.

Bible Reading: Esther 1-5

Scripture Verse of the Day: Esther 4:14

Walking alone is perhaps a little scarier these days. We find comfort in walking with someone. But what we often fail to realize is that God is walking with us each and every day.

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 31-32

Scripture Verse of the Day: Deuteronomy 31:6

Accomplishments are temporary. But a lifestyle bent on serving God earns awards that lasts forever.

Bible Reading: 2 John

Scripture Verse of the Day: 2 John 1:8

We will not win popularity awards for loving Jesus. But even when people don’t agree with our faith, we are still called to share the truth. The hope we have was not meant to be kept within us but shared with all.

Bible Reading: Acts 23-24

Scripture Verse of the Day: Acts 24:14-15

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But sometimes our vision becomes blurred as we view beauty through culture’s eye.

Bible Reading: Songs 3-4

Scripture Verse of the Day: Songs 4:7

When life comes at me hard, I can feel overwhelmed. But God takes the overwhelming and makes our lives overflowing with His grace.

Bible Reading: Psalms 142-144

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 142:3

The end times are scary to those who are not in Christ. If we are honest, to those who are in Christ, there is a degree of fear. But when we know the One Who wins and Who reigns, we don’t fear what is to come.

Bible Reading: Revelation 11-15

Scripture Verse of the Day: Revelation 11:17

Are we “all in”? It is easy to say we believe in God’s word, but do we believe in all of it? Living out what we say we believe and proclaiming the full word of God is how we demonstrate that we are “all in”.

Bible Reading: Acts 19-20

Scripture Verse of the Day: Acts 20:27

Sometimes we can want our cake and eat it too. But our compromise will bear fruit eventually. A deal only works when both sides honor it, yet God always keeps His end of His covenant.

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 29-30

Scripture Verse of the Day: Deuteronomy 29:9

I used to be accused of being gullible. I mean, if someone came and told me something and said they were telling me the truth, I did not think they would lie. But God gives us wisdom to see through deception and to recognize deceiving spirits.

Bible Reading: 1 John 4-5

Scripture Verse of the Day: 1 John 4:4

Ever wonder how it is that you came to know God and understand God’s word? God’s calling is sure and His purposes will never fail. Those Who are appointed to know Him He will never lose.

Bible Reading: Acts 21-22

Scripture Verse of the Day: Acts 22:14

We spend a lot of our life looking for “the one”. Sometimes we think it is supposed to look a certain way. But there is no closer intimacy that can be had than by those who are in Christ.

Bible Reading: Songs 1-2

Scripture Verse of the Day: Songs 2:16(a)

We all desire to be seen and known. But often this leads to rejection as man can always find something wrong in others. But God sees us completely and still accepts us.

Bible Reading: Psalm 139-141

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 139:1-2

Tears shed on this earth are temporary reminders of the sorrows we face in this life, but one day every tear will be wiped away by God.

Bible Reading: Revelation 6-10

Scripture Verse of the Day: Revelation 7:16-17

Unity is so beautiful yet sometimes so elusive. But the word of God is able to unite those who believe. Unity is found when we keep the main thing the main thing.

Bible Reading: Nehemiah 7-9

Scripture Verse of the Day: Nehemiah 8:6

Friend, do you ever feel overtaken by troubles? How about by blessings? Those who are in Christ are blessed beyond measure, whether they know it or not.

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 27-28

Scripture Verse of the Day: Deuteronomy 28:2

Sometimes we struggle to find the missing link, if you will, in our lives. Something is missing and we just might walk through life in a funk lamenting this empty spot. But for those who are in Christ, knowing God is the missing link and what can transform our lives and relationships with others.

Bible Reading: 1 John 1-3

Scripture Verse of the Day: 1 John 1:4

Are we “all in”? It is easy to say we believe in God’s word, but do we believe in all of it? Living out what we say we believe and proclaiming the full word of God is how we demonstrate that we are “all in”.

Bible Reading: Acts 19-20

Scripture Verse of the Day: Acts 20:27

Finding the meaning or purpose of life has been listed as the unanswerable question by some. But Solomon just leaves it where it needs to be left. All the striving in this life and all the drama distract us from the one thing life is about. The purpose in life is simple. Know God. Fear God. Love God. And Love His people. It is all about Jesus, y’all. This is where we find the most fulfilling life. Making this life all about God rather than ourselves is when we see God’s purposes fulfilled in us.

Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 11-12

Scripture Verse of the Day: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Have you ever cried out for help and it fell on deaf ears? Or maybe someone was supposed to pick you up and you are left alone and stranded? Oh, that moment of desperation reveals an inner panic, doesn’t it? But those who call and wait on God are never disappointed.

Bible Reading: Psalm 135-138

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 138:3

This world seeks blessings. We all want to be happy. But many miss the greatest blessing that can be found. Want a blessing? Read and keep God’s word in your heart and mind.

Bible Reading: Revelation 1-5

Scripture Verse of the Day: Revelation 1:3

Isn’t it hard to build on someone else’s foundation? The cracks they left and the expectations upon you can be overwhelming, but God. When we build for Jesus alone, we can silence the naysayers and do our work for the audience of One.

Bible Reading: Nehemiah 4-6

Scripture Verse of the Day: Nehemiah 4:6

“Pick me, pick me!” I remember longing so much to be picked and being seemingly invisible, unseen. I still can feel that pain from time to time. But being seen by the God Who sees us and chooses us is a priceless heritage that heals all rejection we face on this earth.

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 25-26

Scripture Verse of the Day: Deuteronomy 26:18

We went to the Creation Museum recently which I highly recommend, and while there I was struck over all of the prideful errant assertions made from man over the millennia. The dispute over the inerrancy of the word of God reveals the folly of man. God gets the last word. And the first word. And every word in between. Our Holy God reveals His perfect word.

Bible Reading: 2 Peter

Scripture Verse of the Day: 2 Peter 1:20-21

Sometimes to avoid accountability, we can pretend we are ignorant. My kids tried this one on me when they were little. And sometimes they fooled me for a little while. But avoiding culpability does not bring the freedom that repentance does. What we don’t know, we don’t know. But what we know we better live up to.

Bible Reading: Acts 17-18

Scripture Verse of the Day: Acts 17:30

People might have a silver tongue, but eventually a person’s wisdom or folly is revealed by the words they speak. How we talk reveals our walk.

Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 9-10

Scripture Verse of the Day: Ecclesiastes 10:12

Sometimes we can try to fit in with others to be accepted. But trying to be like everyone else does not lead to being united or truly being accepted. And uniformity is not unity. True acceptance requires being accepted just as you are.

Bible Reading: Psalm 132-134

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 133:1

Relationships are hard. Pride and offenses separate us. Ultimately, how we love one another is a witness to the world and either honors or dishonors Jesus.

Bible Reading: Malachi

Scripture Verse of the Day: Malachi 2:10

Sometimes we can feel like we take one step forward and two steps backward. Yet any progress is still progress. And moving in God’s favor accomplishes more than just our purposes. Ultimately, striving will not yield what we desire unless God is with us.

Bible Reading: Nehemiah 1:3

Scripture Verse of the Day: Nehemiah 2:8 (b

Sometimes we can feel like we take one step forward and two steps backward. Yet any progress is still progress. And moving in God’s favor accomplishes more than just our purposes. Ultimately, striving will not yield what we desire unless God is with us.

Bible Reading: Nehemiah 1:3

Scripture Verse of the Day: Nehemiah 2:8 (b

Sometimes we can feel like we take one step forward and two steps backward. Yet any progress is still progress. And moving in God’s favor accomplishes more than just our purposes. Ultimately, striving will not yield what we desire unless God is with us.

Bible Reading: Nehemiah 1:3

Scripture Verse of the Day: Nehemiah 2:8 (b

God’s standards don’t shift, but the cultural standards are ever-changing. When we face gray areas, God’s word clears up the confusion.

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 22-24

Scripture Verse of the Day: Deuteronomy 22:5

Persecution is great in the world of those who believe in Jesus and who bear the name Christian. In the culture I live in, there is freedom to worship which is an incredible freedom. Yet there is intolerance for those who profess the name of Christ. Don’t let suffering deter your faith. It did not deter Christ from dying for you.

Bible Reading: 1 Peter 4-5

Scripture Verse of the Day: 1 Peter 4:16

Sometimes we can be discouraged when we see Christians who fall or ungodly. But our hope should never have been in perfect people—just a perfect Savior. There are no super Christians. There are only vessels who have surrendered so Christ can shine through.

Bible Reading: Acts 15-16

Scripture Verse of the Day: Acts 15:8

Ever wish you could return to a simpler time? The only problem is what might seem simple to us now might not have been as simple as we recall.

Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 7-8

Scripture Verse of the Day: Ecclesiastes 7:10

Waiting is NOT a favorite pastime for people, is it? Patience is one of those words people rarely pray for. But those who learn the value in waiting know the beautiful fruit that waiting can bear.

Bible Reading: Psalms 129-131

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 130:6

Every day is a mixed bag of challenges and blessings. We do not know what a day may bring forth. But we who are in Christ do know what will happen one day when the Day of the LORD comes. Live each day with that day in mind.

Bible Reading: Zechariah 11-14

Scripture Verse of the Day: Zechariah 14:9

Sometimes life just feels like it is too much. We just wish we could disappear or find some relief. While we are searching for a reprieve, our relief might just be under our nose. The rescue we seek is within.

Bible Reading: Ezra 6-10

Scripture Verse of the Day: Ezra 6:14

This life is full of battles. But the greatest battle we will face is trusting God in all of them.

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 19-21

Scripture Verse of the Day: Deuteronomy 20:1

Our thoughts determine our walk. How are you walking, friends?

Bible Reading: 1 Peter 1-3

Scripture Verse of the Day: 1 Peter 1:13

Sometimes we can feel like we might miss God’s grace. Friend, we do every day. But God’s grace is irresistible to those who belong to Him. And He knows how to keep those He has saved.

Bible Reading: Acts 13-14

Scripture Verse of the Day: Acts 13:48

Prayer is a place of peace when we understand that praying to God is not talking at God, but listening and resting in His perfect plan.

Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 5-6

Scripture Verse of the Day: Ecclesiastes 5:1

Crying is often considered a weakness, yet those who know how to cry out to God are strong.

Bible Reading: Psalms 126-128

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 126:5

My kids used to use my name for authority when they knew it had more power than their name alone. The only thing is, sometimes I had not given them that authority. But in Christ, we have authority to overcome the struggles in this world.

Bible Reading: Zechariah 6-10

Scripture Verse of the Day: Zechariah 10:12

Rebuilding in the wake of failure or destruction can feel impossible. But all things are possible with God.

Bible Reading: Ezra 1-5

Scripture Verse of the Day: Ezra 4:4

God told us to be holy like Him. Such a statement likely makes us wonder how we can do that, since we are far from perfect. But this statement from God is an invitation to rely on God. Our need is obvious if we are willing to see it.

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 16-18

Scripture Verse of the Day: Deuteronomy 18:13

Complaining comes natural to our flesh, right? But just because it comes naturally does not mean it is excused. When we learn to tame the flesh and walk in the Spirit, praise will pour out of our mouth, instead of grumbling.

Bible Reading: James 4–5

Scripture Verse of the Day: James 5:9

It is perhaps ironic that the hardest places can produce the most beautiful fruit. When the chips are down, look up to Jesus. He always has a plan of redemption.

Bible Reading: Acts 11-12

Scripture Verse of the Day: Acts 11:23

We cannot fathom eternity and yet we have eternity in our own hearts. The One Who made us is within us. How now shall we live?

Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 3-4

Scripture Verse of the Day: Ecclesiastes 3:11

When we experience victory after what seems like impossible circumstances, it is recognizing God’s presence and enablement in our lives that maintains our victory. In humility, everything we have is from God.

Bible Reading: Psalm 123-125

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 124:2-3

How many times do we struggle in the flesh when the Spirit is available to us? When we cease striving in the flesh, we discover that God’s Spirit enables us to do far more than we could ever think or imagine.

Bible Reading: Zechariah 1-5

Scripture Verse of the Day: Zechariah 4:6

It is easy to become afraid of things in this fallen world. But fearing anything or anyone other than God is foolish. God is greater than all our fears.

Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 31-36

Scripture Verse of the Day: 2 Chronicles 32:7

Obedience comes with benefits. When we seek to follow God’s revealed word, we receive blessings that far surpass the pursuit of pleasure in this world.

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 13-15

Scripture Verse of the Day: Deuteronomy 15:6

Runners know that the victory in running comes when you push through and keep running even when your legs don’t feel like they can do it. Endurance happens when we first persevere.

Bible Reading: James 1-3

Scripture Verse of the Day: James 1:4

In a moment our lives can drastically change. But for those who are in Christ, their eternity is unchanging.

Bible Reading: Acts 9-10

Scripture Verse of the Day: Acts 9:16

Do you ever just take a step back for perspective? We can get lost in the maze of busyness that surrounds us and the influences of the world around us. But those who set their mind to understand God’s word see with a higher perspective that informs how they should live.

Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 1-2

Scripture Verse of the Day: Ecclesiastes 1:13

Crying has been given a bad rap in our culture but crying is not shameful. Those who cry out to God recognize where their true strength lies.

Bible Reading: Psalms 120-122

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 120:1

Sometimes we need a pep talk to remind us to stay focused and carry on the work that God has given us. The greatest encouragement we have is that we are never alone. God is with us in all that we do.

Bible Reading: Haggai

Scripture Verse of the Day: Haggai 2:5

Being consistent is hard because our flesh resists discipline. But those who are disciplined learn that discipline begets discipline. Being faithful is a culture we establish in our heart and mind and carry out daily by the grace of God.

Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 26-30

Scripture Verse of the Day: 2 Chronicles 26:5

No one likes to be different. But God did not create us to be clones of one another. And as we show care for others who are different than us, we demonstrate the grace that we have received, as well.

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 10-12

Scripture Verse of the Day: Deuteronomy 10:19

Ever had someone pay your debt off? The burden that is lifted in that moment is immense. And so it is with the forgiveness Christ offers. We could never pay our sin debt, but Christ could, in full. Those who are in Christ are forgiven forever.

Bible Reading: Hebrews 10-13

Scripture Verse of the Day: Hebrews 10:18

When we become frustrated that things are not going our way, we can be encouraged that man’s striving will never overcome God’s plans.

Bible Reading: Acts 7-8

Scripture Verse of the Day: Acts 7:9

The struggle is real as we seek to live for God. But sometimes in our desire to be a better person, we are using the wrong template. Don’t seek to be a perfect person. Seek to be like Christ.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 31

Scripture Verse of the Day: Proverbs 31:12

Waiting is hard. But there is a place of rest while we wait. Going into hiding is usually a sign of retreat or defeat, but for those who make the LORD their hiding place, it is a place of safety and peace.

Bible Reading: Psalm 119

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 119:114

God delights in you. Do you believe that? Not because of anything we do, but because He made us and we belong to Him. Don’t let the world jade you against the goodness of God Who has you as the apple of His eye.

Bible Reading: Zephaniah

Scripture Verse of the Day: Zephaniah 3:17

It is easy to drift away from God and His principles. Our own hearts are deceptive. This culture pulls us away from God. But those who belong to God should act like it.

Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 21-25

Scripture Verse of the Day: 2 Chronicles 23:16

Our flesh does not like to be humbled, yet pride destroys us. Humility is not weakness. It is the power to understand our weakness and need of God.

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 7-9

Scripture Verse of the Day: Deuteronomy 8:3

When we consider the sorrows of this life, it is in looking to the future joys in our eternal life that help us to bear today’s struggles.

Bible Reading: Hebrews 7-9

Scripture Verse of the Day: Hebrews 8:11

Whenever someone tries to convince us to do something that we know is not right, we need to remember that we bear the consequences for that action. Doing right in someone else’s eyes might be wrong in God’s.

Bible Reading: Acts 5-6

Scripture Verse of the Day: Acts 5:29

Life can be a blur sometimes. But don’t just go through the motions in this life. Being reflective on all that God has done and keeping His word at the center of our lives helps us to live our one life well.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 30

Scripture Verse of the Day: Proverbs 30:5

The blessings of this life can be clouded by hard times, but it takes hard times to make us appreciate the blessings we have.

Bible Reading: Psalm 117-118

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 118:5

There is no greater strength than the strength Christ gives us. Still, we let ourselves struggle before we come to God, but if we repent, God will relent and bless us.

Bible Reading: Habakkuk

Scripture Verse of the Day: Habakkuk 3:19

God sees you, friend. While this is a comfort, it is also hard when we wish God would move in a situation in our lives. But when we know His character, we trust that His seeing us means we never escape His notice.

Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 16-20

Scripture Verse of the Day: 2 Chronicles 16:9a

It’s not enough to say we believe something. And adding to faith with religiosity will only move us further from God. Being hearers, keepers and doers of God’s word helps us live what we say we believe.

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 4-6

Scripture Verse of the Day: Deuteronomy 4:2

Ever hear really good news? The kind that just makes you smile so big? The good news of the gospel is the best news ever, but many can miss it. Seeing is believing and hearing is knowing, yet if these are not combined with faith, we are blind and deaf.

Bible Reading: Hebrews 4-6

Scripture Verse of the Day: Hebrews 4:2

Admitting we are wrong can be hard to do. Pride blocks the way. But times of refreshing will come if we are willing to repent.

Bible Reading: Acts 3-4

Scripture Verse of the Day: Acts 3:19

So much time is wasted wanting man’s acceptance or favor. But fearing man leads to people pleasing and compromise while fearing God leads to peace and life.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 29

Scripture Verse of the Day: Proverbs 29:25

We are grateful when God brings us through a hard season. We are just relieved to finally be on the other side. But we can forget His rescue as life goes on. We need to remember His rescue to help us maintain a grateful life. We need to remember what God has done to help us to have faith in what He will do.

Bible Reading: Psalm 114-116

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 116:8

Trust in God is more than lip service. It is a position of the heart. Trusting is easy when we know how everything will turn out. Trust is not trust until it is tested.

Bible Reading: Nahum

Scripture Verse of the Day: Nahum 1:7

Everybody’s gonna serve somebody. But we might not recognize that we are. And if we are not careful, we can become enslaved to people or things rather than servants of God.

Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 11-15

Scripture Verse of the Day: 2 Chronicles 12:8

Sometimes we can get lost in the maze of life as we struggle to make sense of our reality. Life can feel daunting sometimes, as we habitually go through our days, but those who look to God have purpose even in the mundane.

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 1-3

Scripture Verse of the Day: Deuteronomy 2:3

Pay attention! All of us have likely heard that at some point in time, but when it comes to matters of faith, the consequences of not paying attention can be devastating. We drift away apart from the grace of God.

Bible Reading: Hebrews 1-3

Scripture Verse of the Day. Hebrews 2:1

We can become distracted by problems we encounter and forget what strength and power are ours. The power of God in our lives is not to be squandered. We need to be witnesses every day of the mercy we have received and the hope of salvation.

Bible Reading: Acts 1-2

Scripture Verse of the Day: Acts 1:8

Life can feel unfair sometimes and we can struggle to understand justice in a world of pain and sorrow, but those who know God, know that the here and now and a fallen world is temporary and nothing we go through is wasted with our sovereign God.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 27-28

Scripture Verse of the Day: Proverbs 28:5

Each day is a gift from God meant to live in fellowship with God. Don't waste a day not lived in His presence. Praising God does not just happen on Sunday, but all day every day.

Bible Reading: Psalms 111-113

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalms 113:3

Everyone marches to the beat of their own drum in this life, they say. But it is those who walk with God who will do so forever.

Bible Reading: Micah

Scripture Verse of the Day: Micah 4:5

Sometimes we can be afraid to give our best for fear of failure, but giving God our best will be blessed.

Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 6-10

Scripture Verse of the Day: @ Chronicles 6:14

God's deliverance always has a higher purpose than saving us. God's rescue of us is not just about us but about those who witness His rescue.

Bible Reading: Numbers 33-36

Scripture Verse of the Day: Numbers 33:4b

Do we really pray for one another? I'm convicted of that question to friends. Prayer requests can become conversation with one another where we share our prayer requests, but when they are conversations with God, God moves and lives are changed.

Bible Reading: Philemon

Scripture Verse of the Day: Philemon 1:4

Everyone wants to be loved, but everyone does not know how to love. Love is one of those words that can be thrown out there without much thought, but Christ shows us how. We have to love others more than we love ourselves in order to be able to express biblical love.

Bible Reading: John 21

Scripture Verse of the Day: John 21:15b

Fools might have respect in the class room by their peers, but that will not make them wise. You can educate a fool, but you can not make them think.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 26

Scripture Verse of the Day: Proverbs 26:4

Life is hard enough without people falsely accusing us and attacking us, but this is what we should expect in a fallen world. But there is good news for those who are in Christ. When we are under attack, God always has our back.

Bible Reading: Psalm 108-110

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 109:21

Jonah had control issues, y'all. Maybe some of us do, too. We can get angry because things don't go our way. But letting go of control releases anger's hold on us.

Bible Reading: Jonah

Scripture Verse of the Day: Jonah 4:4

One of the greatest gifts we have is the gift of wisdom that God alone bestows on us when we ask. It has been said, "knowledge is knowing what to say. Wisdom is knowing when to say it."

Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 1-5

Scripture Verse of the Day: 2 Chronicles 1:10

Being people of our word is not easy in a world that shifts its standards daily. But people of true integrity know that their word is their bond. God's people need to be people of our word and people of God's word.

Bible Reading: Numbers: 29-32

Scripture Verse of the Day: Numbers 30:2

Denominational differences can divide us, but sound doctrine should unite us. Doctrine matters. It instructs how we apply God's word to our lives. But doctrine was not meant to be divisive. We have to know what we believe in order to live it out.

Bible Reading: Titus

Scripture Verse of the Day: Titus 2:1

Sometimes we can think we have understanding, but then we can realize what we thought we knew, we really didn't. Our understanding grows as we lean on God's thoughts and not our own.

Bible Reading: John 19-20

Scripture Verse of the Day: John 20:9

How are you building, friends? We shift by degrees and if we are not careful, we might just discover that our ladder is leaning against the right wall.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 24-25

Scripture Verse of the Day: Proverbs 24:3-4

It can be tempting to try to find joy in temporary things. We have this hole in our hearts that longs to be filled and can be addicted to temporary joys. But joy cannot be found by seeking for it in the creation. Joy is only found by seeking the Creator.

Bible Reading: Psalm 105-107

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 105:3(b)

Being proud is nothing to be proud of. Pride is deceptive. We think we are protecting ourselves, but ultimately, we hurt ourselves when we let pride rise.

Bible Reading: Obadiah

Scripture Verse of the Day: Obadiah 1:3(a

In an eternal game of hide and seek, hiding from God is not possible, but finding God is possible for those who truly seek Him.

Bible Reading: 1 Chronicles 26-29

Scripture Verse of the Day: 1 Chronicles 28:9

Sometimes we can think of the Old Testament as being solely for a former generation from long ago, but the principles of God's word are not to be laid aside. God does not change and His purposes don't either.

Bible Reading: Numbers 25-28

Scripture Verse of the Day: Numbers 28:25

The mental struggles of living in a fallen world can take a toll on us. But the word of God helps us to see things God's way and to overcome.

Bible Reading: 2 Timothy 3-4

Scripture Verse of the Day: 2 Timothy 3:16

Are you in the world but not of it? This is challenging, isn't it? When we struggle to know how to relate to the world we are trying to reach, we can know that we don't have to look like the world to reach it.

Bible Reading: John 17-18

Scripture Verse of the Day: John 17:16

Do we recognize danger? Sure, we might be able to spot obvious danger. But recognizing spiritual danger and avoiding it has eternal significance.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 22-23

Scripture Verse of the Day: Proverbs 22:3

"The prudent sees the evil and hides himself, but the naive go on, and are punished for it."

Sometimes we just ache to get to a place where we don't issues and problems, right? We can be in pursuit of blessing when the greatest blessing has already been received: Our salvation. And then we discover that blessing God blesses us. Something happens when we activate the blessing within by professing our belief and praise of our living God.

Bible Reading: Psalm 102-104

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 103:1

It can be easy to get caught up in the world system so that we forget that we are on mission. God's people have a long history of doing so. But we can find our way again if we fix our purposes on God's not ours.

Bible Reading: Amos 5-9

Scripture Verse of the Day: Amos 5:14

Sometimes we can be tempted to look at people as the enemy. But let's be clear. We all have an enemy. One enemy. It is Satan. And he uses many people to do his work. If we are not careful, he can also influence us to sin, too.

Bible Reading: 1 Chronicles 21-25

Scripture Verse of the Day: 1 Chronicles 21:1

Owning up to our sin is hard to do. We can want to deny it, cover it up, or rationalize conviction away. But when we own up to our sin, we are set free from within.

Bible Reading: Numbers 21-24

Scripture Verse of the Day: Numbers 21:7

Is fear real? It feels real, but it is often irrational and based on presumption. The truth is that there is a greater fear that sets us free from all fears: the fear of God. God is in complete control and no matter what fears we have in this life, every fear bows before God who sees us, is with us, and in us.

Bible Reading: 2 Timothy 1-2

Scripture Verse of the Day: 2 Timothy 1:7

The secret to abiding is found only by those who do. Peace. Contentment. And trust in a perfect God. Those who abide in God obtain the promise that God will also abide in us.

Bible Reading: John 15-16

Scripture Verse of the Day: John 15:4

Finding truth today is not such an easy thing. Especially when everyone can redefine truth on a whim. But no matter how many times man changes his mind on what truth is, we are not right if what we do is not right in God's sight.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 21

Scripture Verse of the Day: Proverbs 21:2

When we approve of things God doesn't, we might just find ourselves reproved. Guard your hearts. Guard your eye gate and ear gate. We can be influenced toward evil, but we can influence others for the glory of God when we have kept ourselves from evil.

Bible Reading: Psalm 99-101

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 101:3

Psst! Guess what? God reveals secrets to those who search for truth. And this is a secret we don't have to keep!

Bible Reading: Amos 1-4

Scripture Verse of the Day: Amos 3:7

This life is not about us. We can tend to forget that. But when we center our life around Jesus and His purposes, not us, we live our best lives.

Bible Reading: 1 Chronicles 16-20

Scripture Verse of the Day: 1 Chronicles 17:19

Trusting God is not so easy when our own hearts are deceitful. When we find ourselves suspect of God, we should suspect our own hearts, first.

Bible Reading: Numbers 17-20

Scripture Verse of the Day: Numbers 20:12

Idle hands and tongues can cause a lot of strife. Don't waste your time with small-minded people who do not have the things of God in mind.

Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 4-6

Scripture Verse of the Day: 1 Timothy 4:7

We like to be "in the know", and perhaps known for what we know. But it isn't knowing what is right that blesses us. It is living out what is right that does.

Bible Reading: John 13-14

Scripture Verse of the Day: John 13:17

Blaming others or God for our own demise that we caused will never bring us joy or solve our problems. But drawing near to God in times of trouble givesus grace in life's pain.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 19-20

Scripture Verse of the Day: Proverbs 19:3

   We can't say we love God and then also love sin. Sin's pleasure fades almost as soon as we participate in it. God hates sin because of what it does to the people He loves. He hates sin because it Violates His Holy standards and entices the hearts of His people away from Him, serving nonliving idols. Loving what God hates is not love at all.

Bible Reading: Psalm 96-98

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 97:10

The Day of the LORD is coming—ready or not. Will you be ready? Religion will not save you or me. Only a deep abiding relationship with Jesus will. Do you know Him, friend? Listen in to today's Bible Tribe to find out.

Bible Reading: Joel

Scripture Verse of the Day: Joel 2:13

If we are not careful, we can go through life without truly understanding that all that we have belongs to God. We are merely stewards of it all. It all belongs to Him and is all for His glory.

Bible Reading: 1 Chronicles 11-15

Scripture Verse of the Day: 1 Chronicles 14:2

Ministry is hard. Life is hard. Relationships are hard. But somehow in this messy life if we will use God's compass, His word, we can be led through the maze of life and help to lead others, too.

Bible Reading: Numbers 13-16

Scripture Verse of the Day: Numbers 14:11

Living without goals for our faith or life will lead us to an aimless life. But when our goals are sincere, guided by love and God's word, people can more easily hear the message we share.

Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 1-3

Scripture Verse of the Day: 1 Timothy 1:5

How are we carrying the message of God in our lives? Faith is often caught as well as it is taught. Demonstrating God's presence and goodness in our lives is a witness to all around us.

Bible Reading: John 11-12

Scripture Verse of the Day: John 11:42

Our righteousness begins in our minds. What we think on becomes our words and actions.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 17-18

Scripture Verse of the Day: Proverbs 17:20

Anxiety has its grip on this generation as souls cling to the words, thoughts, and images of others to define their worth. But man's worth could never be defined by anyone other than God.

Bible Reading: Psalms 93-95

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 94:19

Hearing is not the same as listening. We demonstrate that we hear God by listening and living out what we have heard.

Bible Reading: Hosea 8-14

Scripture Verse of the Day: Hosea 9:17

The soul who sins shall die. No going around that. The death rate is 100%. But for those who know Christ, that is not the end of the story.

Bible Reading: 1 Chronicles 6-10

Scripture Verse of the Day: 1 Chronicles 10:13-14(a)

Sometimes our walk with God does not look like what we thought it would. But those who are called by God will not stop following God just because life is hard. They will continue to walk in obedience to God for God is their life.

Bible Reading: Numbers 9-12

Scripture Verse of the Day: Numbers 10:13

I never cease to be shocked when there are wolves in the church. We just don't expect it, but perhaps we should. Scripture says there is no one good, no not one. And that includes us.

Bible Reading: 2 Thessalonians

Scripture Verse of the Day: 2 Thessalonians 3:3

Hyper spiritualizing the things of this life will not give us better understanding. This life is not about us. Simply, our lives are centered around bringing God glory.

Bible Reading: John 9-10

Scripture Verse of the Day: John 9:3

What we do is not as important as why we do it. God has called us to works but if our hearts are not in it for the right reasons, our good works are as filthy rags.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 16

Scripture Verse of the Day: Proverbs 16:2

Every day we should leave better than we began it. Time is precious. And how we live each day shapes our whole lives.

Bible Reading: Psalms 90-92

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 90:12

Having knowledge is not the same as living it out. We don’t possess knowledge if it hasn't transformed us in some way.

Bible Reading: Hosea 1-7

Scripture Verse of the Day: Hosea 4:6(a)

Seeking God's favor for our glory will not produce the fruit we hope for. But God invites us into a relationship with him where we can honestly present our requests to Him.

Bible Reading: 1 Chronicles 1-5

Scripture Verse of the Day: 1 Chronicles 4:10

God calls us to be in the world but not of it. It can be a hard thing to separate ourselves from the things of this world, but if we don't separate ourselves from sin, sin will separate us from God.

Bible Reading: Numbers 5-8

Scripture Verse of the Day: Numbers 5:9

Being holy is not popular in our culture. But Christ has not called us to popularity. He has called us to faithfulness. When we are rejected by others because we follow the Spirit rather than the flesh, we remember that rejection from people is temporary but acceptance from Christ lasts forever.

Bible Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4-5

Scripture Verse of the Day: 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8

Fame is not all it is cracked up to be. Jesus' disciples wanted Jesus to show what He was doing to the world. They wanted a political Messiah. But Jesus cared more about their hearts than being famous in man's eyes.

Bible Reading: John 7-8

Scripture Verse of the Day: John 7:4-5

Wise is as wise does. How we live will directly impact those closest to us. Are we building up our loved ones or tearing them down? How we interact with others reflects our character and impacts our lives.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 14-15

Scripture Verse of the Day: Proverbs 14:1

There are seemingly countless religions in the world, but only one true living God. There is only one loving God Who chose to come and pay for the sins of His own people that He made. And His faithfulness extends to all who are willing to choose Him.

Bible Reading: Psalms 87-89

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 89:8

The death rate has not changed. 100% of every person alive will eventually die. And 100% will rise again to judgment. Will you rise to eternal life or everlasting destruction? The choice is yours.

Bible Reading: Daniel 7-12

Scripture Verse of the Day: Daniel 12:2

Sin has consequences. Big consequences. While sometimes we can look at God's judgment as harsh, a loving God would not wink at sin.

Bible Reading: 2 Kings 21-25

Scripture Verse of the Day: 2 Kings 24:20(a)

What are you counting on? When we feel like we have lost track of things, God hasn't. And He is the One we can rely on. He has a plan that will never be thwarted.

Bible Reading: Numbers 1-4

Scripture Verse of the Day: Numbers 3:16

Hard times can cause one to be bitter or better. Being grateful is not just a positivity approach toward life. It is our very life. Without gratitude, we take the gift of life for granted, focusing on life's struggles.

Bible Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1-3

Scripture Verse of the Day: 1 Thessalonians 1:2

We are so blessed to be able to hear truth. But hearing truth only helps the hearer if it is believed.

Bible Reading: John 5-6

Scripture Verse of the Day: John 5:24

No one really likes to be corrected, but what if we saw that correction as a kindness? When people love us enough to set us straight even though they risk our acceptance, that is a kindness indeed.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 12-13

Scripture Verse of the Day: Proverbs 12:1

When we don't know someone we don't know what we are missing out on. Those who know God and the hope He has for us are the most blessed people on the earth. To truly know God is to love Him.

Bible Reading: Psalm 84-86

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 84:11

It can be hard to stand on our personal convictions in a world with shifting standards. We don't want to be legalistic but don't want to compromise. But we have to make up our mind or it will be made up for us.

Bible Reading: Daniel 1-6

Scripture Verse of the Day: Daniel 1:8

It is easy to bend to the world's way. Everyone else is. But Don't bend to the culture. Bend to God.

Bible Reading: 2 Kings 16-20

Scripture Verse of the Day: 2 Kings 17:8-9

Maintaining integrity does not just happen. Integrity is who we are when no one is around and is lived out moment by moment.

Bible Reading: Lev. 25-28

Scripture Verse of the Day: Lev. 25:14

Perspective is everything. When we choose to set our minds on negative mindsets, we will pay a hefty price. But setting our minds on the things of God frees us.

Bible Reading: Colossians 3-4

Scripture Verse of the Day: Colossians 3:2-3

God is the Eternal Judge to Whom every knee will bow, yet He did not come into the world because He wanted to Judge the world . . . but because He wanted to save it.

Bible Reading: John 3-4

Scripture Verse of the Day: John 3:17

The funny (not so funny) thing about shame is that at its core root is pride. If we are willing to examine shame in our lives through the word of God rather than being put off by it, we can be set free from shame.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 11

Scripture Verse of the Day: Proverbs 11:2

The human condition is to perpetually hunger. We hunger for food, for success, for love. And ultimately, for God. Our hunger humbles us to recognize our need to be filled. But when we try to fill our own needs instead of trusting God to do so, we end up empty.

Bible Reading: Psalms 81-83

The mystery that the glory of God can shine through ordinary sinful man is miraculous. God's glory is the difference between ordinary vessels and extraordinary ones.

Bible Reading: Ezekiel 43-48

Scripture Verse of the Day: Ezekiel 43:2

The story of mankind is a continuous cycle of our failure and God's rescue. But no matter how far we fall, we are never beyond His reach.

Bible Reading: 2 Kings 11-15

Scripture Verse of the Day: 2 Kings 13:5

Those who truly know God don't take His name in vain.

Bible Reading: Leviticus 21-24

Scripture Verse of the Day: Leviticus 22:32-33

Needing to be rescued is a humbling position. But admitting our need gets us freed. And sometimes those who need to be rescued the most see their need the least.

Bible Reading: Colossians 1-2

Scripture Verse of the Day: Colossians 1:13-14

Being born for this world is not enough to secure eternal salvation. The one who gave us life on this earth wants to give us life for all eternity.

Bible Reading: John 1-2

Scripture Verse of the Day: John 1:12-13

Being a wise guy is not necessarily being wise. True wisdom is not found apart from the fear of God.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 9-10

Scripture Verse of the Day: Proverbs 9-10

Calling on someone to help us in our time of need can comfort us and save us. But calling on the name of God saves us and changes us.

Bible Reading: Psalm 77-80

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 80:19

Some things have to die before they can really live. Death is the saddest reality of living in a fallen, cursed world. But just as a dead seed brings life again once it is planted in the ground, those who are in Christ will live forever.

Bible Reading: Ezekiel 37-42

Scripture Verse of the Day: Ezekiel 37:3

Sometimes the struggles in this life make it hard for us to see the spiritual reality of God's presence in our lives. Don't be deceived. God is so much greater than any box we put Him in.

Bible Reading: 2 Kings 6-10

Scripture Verse of the Day: 2 Kings 6:16

It can be confusing to know which way is right unless our plumb line is the word of God. No matter how many times a culture changes its standards, God's standards remain the same.

Bible Reading: Leviticus 17-20

Scripture Verse of the Day: Lev. 18:22

Being gentle with others cares demonstrates care for their souls.

Bible Reading: Phil. 3-4

Scripture Verse of the Day: Philippians 4:5

We are set up to fail by this culture that encourages us to pursue a perfect life here on earth. Just as Christ suffered, so will we. But those who suffer for Christ will have an eternal reward that is vastly superior to any reward here on this earth.

Bible Reading: Luke 23-24

Scripture Verse of the Day: Luke 23:31

When we feel dragged down by the world, getting into God's word heals our wayward hearts.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 7-8

Scripture Verse of the Day: Proverbs 7:1-2

We want judgment for those who have harmed us or others we care about yet want grace for our own sins. When it seems like people get away with sin, we remember that we did, too.

Bible Reading: Psalms 74-76

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 76:8-9

When we feel broken and hard-hearted, hard hearts don't have to stay that way. Renewal is a prayer away.

Bible Reading: Ezekiel 31-36

Scripture Verse of the Day: Ezekiel 36:26

When tragedy strikes, we can still have peace. All does not have to be well with us for it to be well with our soul. The goodness of God makes our souls well when life is hard.

Bible Reading: 2 Kings 1-5

Scripture Verse of the Day: 2 Kings 4:26

Sins are costly and need to be covered. Making excuses for sins or trying to be our own god will not pay our sin debt. Only One can.

Bible Reading: Leviticus 13-16

Scripture Verse of the Day: Leviticus 16:16

Knowledge is key to the sincerity of our walk with God. When we know God and His ways, we have purpose and goals as to how we are to live.

Bible Reading: Philippians 1-2

Scripture Verse of the Day: Philippians 1:9-10

One of the keys to this Christian life is to be on guard, to be aware of the fight that we are in. Being in neutral is not being still, but declining in our faith.

Bible Reading: Luke 21-22

Scripture Verse of the Day: Luke 21:34

Our worth is shown by our actions and revealed by our character. Our worth is in Christ alone.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 6

Scripture Verse of the Day: Proverbs 6:12-14

Shame has a way of defining us. We feel we cannot escape its reach. But those who are in Christ overcome shame when they bear and walk in Christ's identity instead of their own.

Bible Reading: Psalm 71-73

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 71:1

God has revealed Himself to His creation. Through sacrifice and selfless love, to make Himself known to His people. But God is also coming again, and the revelation of that day will not be as a sacrificial Lamb, but as Judge and LORD. Are you ready?

Bible Reading: Ezekiel 25-30

Scripture Verse of the Day: Ezekiel 30:19

Passionate prayers affect the heart of God. What have you not asked God for because of doubt? Ask, anyway, and ask like you know God hears you. Then watch and see how God moves—both in your heart and through your prayers.

Bible Reading: 1 Kings 16-22

Scripture Verse of the Day: 1 Kings 18:37

God sets the standard for His people and for how He will be served. But man in his pride likes to do things his own way. Frank Sinatra's song, "I Did it My Way" is such an example of the heart of man. But doing things our way cannot please a holy God.

Bible Reading: Leviticus 9-12

Scripture Verse of the Day: Leviticus 10:3(b)

Renewing the flesh is impossible. Try as we might, all flesh is fading away. But nothing is impossible in and through the Spirit. What is corrupt is made incorruptible by the grace of God!

Bible Reading: Ephesians 4-6

Scripture Verse of the Day: Ephesians 4:23-24

Do you feel lost? Wonder if you will ever find your way? The good news is that God is not waiting for us to get our act together in order to be accepted by Him. All who are lost can be found.

Bible Reading: Luke 18-20

Scripture Verse of the Day: Luke 19:10

Parents are wise to watch not just the actions, but the attitudes of the heart, as well. Before actions are done, they start in our mind and heart.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 4-5

Scripture Verse of the Day: Proverbs 4:26

You don't have to be alone to be lonely. It's been said that you can be in a crowded room and still feel isolated and lonely. But Jesus chose to come in lowliness to heal our loneliness.

Bible Reading: Psalms 68-70

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 68:6

The heart of man is to buck the system and do things our own way. But when we understand God's heart we are less apt to depart from Him.

Bible Reading: Ezekiel 19-24

Scripture Verse of the Day: Ezekiel 20:12

Who we partner with in this life matters. Being unequally yoked turns our hearts away from God. It leads to compromise and unfaithfulness to the One Who loved us and gave Himself for us.

Bible Reading: 1 Kings 11-15

Scripture Verse of the Day: 1 Kings 11:4

Have you ever felt guilty and just could not shake that sense of looming shame? When we know we are guilty, we can try to place that shame aside or cover it, but we will not be free from it until we acknowledge it and it is forgiven.

Bible Reading: Leviticus 5-8

Scripture Verse of the Day: Leviticus 6:7

The American Dream is fixed upon being blessed in this life. But there are spiritual blessings far superior that many do not even know they already have.

Bible Reading: Ephesians 1-3

Scripture Verse of the Day: Ephesians 1:3

Are you faithful? When no one else is around, do you serve as if you were serving Jesus? The mark of a person's heart is their faithfulness to the gospel and to the responsibilities they steward.

Bible Reading: Luke 15-17

Scripture Verse of the Day: Luke 16:10

We can be a forgetful bunch. But if there is something we should never forget, it is the words of God.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 3

Scripture Verse of the Day: Proverbs 3:1-2

It is when we come through the fire that we recognize the goodness of God. Gratitude springs from those who have suffered and survived.

Bible Reading: Psalms 65-67

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 66:12(b)

Human rights are given by the One to Whom all souls are accountable. There is no soul beyond God's control.

Bible Reading: Ezekiel 13-18

Scripture Verse of the Day: Ezekiel 18:4

We can't have our cake and eat it, too. God's promises are not for half-hearted followers. They are for those who have made Him LORD over their lives and who are fully devoted to Him.

Bible Reading: 1 Kings 6-10

Scripture Verse of the Day: 1 Kings 8:23

Even unintentional sin needs to be covered. Sometimes our blind spots can hurt others and ourselves more than we know. Just because we did not mean to sin does not mean it does not matter.

Bible Reading: Leviticus 1-4

Scripture Verse of the Day: Leviticus 4:20(b)

Truth bombs. They’re not popular when they expose lies. But to those who were deceived, they are welcome as they deliver people from those lies.

Bible Reading: Galatians 4-6

Scripture Verse of the Day: Galatians 4:16

Naked. We all came into this world naked. And we will all leave the same way. We came in with nothing we will leave with nothing and every deed every thought —everything that we ever experienced on this earth God already knows completely. There is nothing covered that will not be revealed. How does this make you feel friend?

Bible Reading: Luke 12-14

Scripture Verse of the Day: Luke 12:2

Have you ever seen a student who went to take a test but did not prepare for it? Panic sets in. The realization that they were not ready. At that moment probably many prayers are uttered. But perhaps if a prayer has been uttered earlier, they would’ve been ready.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 2

Scripture Verse of the Day: Proverbs 2-5

When life gets hard, we tend to run. Running away won't solve anything only running to God will. There are many false saviors that are easy to run to, but they will not satisfy the weary soul.

Bible Reading: Psalm 62-64

Scripture Verse of the Day: Palm 62:1-2

Judge not lest you be judged also. We know this. But we tend to judge others by their actions and ourselves by our intentions.

Bible Reading: Ezekiel 7-12

Scripture Verse of the Day: Ezekiel 7:27(b)

Solomon started well. But he didn’t finish well. This makes me sad but it also humbles me that we should never rest from ceasing from seeking to give our very best to God and to walk in humility, for all of us can easily go astray.

Bible Reading: 1 Kings 1-5

Scripture Verse of the Day: 1 Kings 3:9

Work while you work, play while you play. This is the way to be happy each day. All that you do, do with your might. Things done by halves are never done right. This old rhyme has a lot of wisdom to offer concerning our work ethic. Don't do things "half-baked". Give your very best. For it is God we are ultimately serving.

Bible Reading: Exodus 37-40

Scripture Verse of the Day: Exodus 39:43

If we’re honest, we all like to be the center of attention. We like it when people like us. And when they don’t, we can be given to despair if we give people that power.

Bible Reading: Galatians 1-3

Scripture Verse of the Day: Galatians 1:10

Drama can stop the work of God dead in its tracks. Don't let envy or comparison distract you from keeping the main thing the main thing.

Bible Reading: Luke 9-11

Scripture Verse of the Day: Luke 9:50

Being a know-it-all does not make one wise. Wisdom is knowledge rightly applied and lived out. Wisdom is the recognition that we will answer to God and must live in that knowledge.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 1

Scripture Verse of the Day: Proverbs 1:7

Strength is a coveted thing in our culture. The weak are categorically discarded and youth and strength and vigor are revered. But human strength fades. And true strength is found in admitting our need.

Bible Reading: Psalms 59-61

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 59:9

What we have heard from God, we must tell. The knowledge we have received we are accountable for.

Bible Reading: Ezekiel 1-6

Scripture Verse of the Day: Ezekiel 3:17

Have you ever had someone who just had it out for you? They just did not like you. Try as you might, you could not turn the situation around. But the stories we lead and live with unfolding drama are really ultimately His story. As we see God deliver us time and again, and share our testimonies of God’s deliverance, His story is heard.

Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 21-24

Scripture Verse of the Day: 2 Samuel 22:19-20

God’s presence is the greatest present of all, but it is often neglected by God’s people.

Bible Reading: Exodus 33-36

Scripture Verse of the Day: Exodus 33:15

Our thoughts determine our walk with God. Will we cave to worldly ideologies, or surrender to a godly, biblical worldview? Letting our minds be ruled by the flesh or this world is letting ourselves be deceived. But aligning our thoughts with God’s word is true freedom.

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 11-13

Scripture Verse of the Day: 2 Corinthians 11:3

People operate under the influence all the time—under the influence of the enemy—without realizing it. Behind our enemies is the real enemy. But if we respond in the Spirit, with grace and kindness, an enemy can become a friend and we can usher them into a relationship with God.

Bible Reading: Luke 6-8

Scripture Verse of the Day: Luke 6:27-28

We can grow up in a Christian culture and still not know God. Being a Christian does not mean life will be perfect. But it does mean we can know God. Knowing God is not the same as knowing about Him.

Bible Reading: Job 41-42

Scripture Verse of the Day: Job 42:5

When fear looms large, it is hard to overcome. But it is when we face fear with faith that we can overcome it.

Bible Reading: Psalms 56-58

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 56:3-4

Sometimes hoping just seems too hard. We feel foolish. But trusting God is never foolish. We might need to let go of control in so doing . . . control that we thought we had but never did.

Bible Reading: Lamentations

Scripture Verse of the Day: Lamentations 3:22

The natural inclination of our hearts is to defend ourselves when under attack, but when we humble ourselves and let God fight for us, we remove ourselves from the drama and walk in peace.

Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 16-20

Scripture Verse of the Day: 2 Samuel 16:12

Don’t forget why we worship. The heritage and purpose behind the first moments of worship in the Old Covenant are no different than the intention behind our worship today - so we can know God and make Him known, and so God may dwell with us and us in Him.

Bible Reading - Exodus 29-32

Scripture Verse of the Day - Exodus 29:46

As we face times of blessing and of want, God tests us to see if we will be generous with what He provides. Giving never means we will have less in God’s economy.

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 9-10

Scripture Verse of the Day: 2 Corinthians 9:8

When we are tempted, we have a way out. The question is, will we choose it?

Bible Reading: Luke 3-5

Scripture Verse of the Day: Luke 4:12

When we try to find fault with God, we might want to start with ourselves first. Since God is perfect, our faults and worries are allayed when we worship God rather than accuse Him.

Bible Reading: Job 39-40

Scripture Verse of the Day: Job 40:2

Just because people think a thought does not make it right. To be surrounded by God’s creation yet deny His existence is ludicrous. Before you deny God, try denying the lies being breathed into your soul first.

Bible Reading: Psalm 53-55

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 53:1

No one likes judgment, but when God pronounces judgment, God’s people straighten up. There is no standard if it is not maintained.

Bible Reading: Jeremiah 49-52

Scripture Verse of the Day: Jeremiah 50:4

No one likes to be rebuked, right? Pride usually rears its ugly head. But it is a kindness when someone risks sharing a rebuke, knowing it might not be received well. And when we recognize the truth of their rebuke, we are set free from sin’s grasp.

Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 11-15

Scripture Verse of the Day: 2 Samuel 12:9a

When we feel forgotten by God, we need to remember that God never forgets anything or anyone. But He did choose to forget our sins and cover them with His own blood.

Bible Reading: Exodus 25-28

Scripture Verse of the Day: Exodus 28:29

Whenever we see the word “therefore”, we need to ask what it is there for. Ever heard that before? Sometimes the seemingly unimportant words can carry a lot of weight.

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 7-8

Scripture Verse of the Day: 2 Corinthians 7:1

We all like to have our plans as to how we can serve God. But in reality, it never really looks like what we expect it to. When the unexpected happens, it is never unexpected with God. As it says in Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Bible Reading: Luke 1-2

Scripture Verse of the Day: Luke 1:37

I had a friend who every time he was asked how he was doing he would say, “better than I deserve”. At the time I thought, really? Do you really think that? But what a beautiful place to be at. Gratitude no matter what is going on around you. Such a position is a mindset that is not skewed toward self, but toward God—and so grateful that we did not get what we truly deserve.

Bible Reading: Job 37-38

Scripture Verse of the Day: Job 38:4

Oh, that feeling of guilt when we know we are caught red handed. I remember it well when I was 5 years old and stole a pack of Certs mints from a convenience store. My momma made me go confess my crime. But there is something beautiful about catching ourselves in our own sin. There is sweet repentance when we acknowledge our sins to God because we love Him and know we need Him in order to be free from our sin. It is so much more rewarding to admit our sin than to be caught in sin.

Bible Reading: Psalm 51-52

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 51:4

Sin separates us from God. All sin. Not just the egregious sins. And the consequences we bear for our sins are not so God could punish us to get us back, but the consequences help us to recognize our need for repentance.

Bible Reading: Jeremiah 43-48

Scripture Verse of the Day: Jeremiah 43:22

There is nothing that God needs from us, yet He desires for us to know Him and to demonstrate His unconditional love toward us. When we want to do great things for God, we need to let Him do great things for us and in us first. For without Him, we can do nothing.

Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 6-10

Scripture Verse of the Day: 2 Samuel 7:9

Rules were not made to be broken. So we have a problem because our flesh has a natural proclivity toward breaking God’s laws. We are unable to keep His Law. But by the grace of God, He can enable us to obey His word and bear beautiful fruit.

Bible Reading: Exodus 21-24

Scripture Verse of the Day: Exodus 23:2

Sometimes we are too easily satisfied with lesser things. And sometimes we are never satisfied. The struggle in the flesh to find satisfaction from the creation rather than the Creator is endless. Only God satisfies the soul He created.

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 5-6

Scripture Verse of the Day: 2 Corinthians 5:2

Go. Simply go. This is what we who have believed in the gospel were told to do. Yet there can be many roadblocks, some of our own making, that prevent us from doing so. Jesus didn’t tell us to go if others said so. Or if we had their approval. We need no other confirmation than His word.

Bible Reading: Mark 15-16

Scripture Verse of the Day: Mark 16:15-16

Have you ever tried to reason with someone who is blinded by their own mindset? It might be a victim mindset, or some other view that blocks them from recognizing the truth. Helping them to see requires humility. And when we take the focus off of our self, we see clearly.

Bible Reading: Job 35-36

Scripture Verse of the Day: Job 35:7

It is easy to focus on what we don’t have, but true riches cannot be bought or earned. We don’t have to live according to the paradigm of this world. God is our portion, not any materialistic gain or worldly achievement.

Bible Reading: Psalms 47-50

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 49:3

People throw other people under the proverbial bus to protect or elevate themselves, but our God lives. And those who mess with the King’s kids are messing with God.

Bible Reading: Jeremiah 37-42

Scripture Verse of the Day: Jeremiah 38:16

Ever had people tear you down or try to intimidate you? That kind of behavior does not come from our Savior. Lean into Jesus, friend. He has your back. And when the LORD God of armies is with us, we have all we need.

Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 1-5

Scripture Verse of the Day: 2 Samuel 5:10

How we walk our relationship with God out is a witness to the world. Our example of faith should inspire those around us to worship God, too.

Bible Reading: Exodus 17-20

Scripture Verse of the Day: Exodus 18:11

If we don’t guard our mindsets, our mind can become dull to the things of God. Being fiaxated on our will or way rather than God’s will keep our mind bound in the flesh.

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 3-4

Scripture Verse of the Day: 2 Corinthians 3:14

Is your worship of God passionate? Is it without fear? When we worship with abandon, giving our best and our all to God without fearing man, our worship of God impacts others around us and leaves a legacy for others to follow.

Bible Reading: Mark 13-14

Scripture Verse of the Day: Mark 14:9

Redemption costs. More than we could ever pay. But God was willing to pay the highest price to win our souls.

Bible Reading: Job 33-34

Scripture Verse of the Day: Job 33:28

When we face troubles, we can feel helpless, but God stands ready to help. When we live into that truth and reality, we are helped.

Bible Reading: Psalms 43-46

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 46:1-2

We can direct the thoughts we have. The question is, will we? God’s word is enough for us to help guide us to have the mind of Christ. But it will require choosing to do so.

Bible Reading: Jeremiah 31-36

Scripture Verse of the Day: Jeremiah 31:21a

Part of the human condition is brokenness. We like to avoid that, but God wants us to go through our pain with Him. The message of brokenness is that we desperately need God in this life. Don’t avoid running to Jesus for help in your pain. Brokenness is not the end.

Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 26-31

Scripture Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 30:4

This life is a fight, but we have to know how to fight the right way. And that is on our knees. The battles of this life belong to the LORD.

Bible Reading: Exodus 13-16

Scripture Verse of the Day: Exodus 14:14

Our integrity testifies about our walk with God. Being two-faced or double-minded is double trouble. The faithfulness of Christ enables us to be faithful to man.

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 1-2

Scripture Verse of the Day: 2 Corinthians 1:18

Holding a grudge hurts us more than the other person. Being bound up in bitterness or unforgiveness also inhibits the work of God in our lives.

Bible Reading: Mark 11-12

Scripture Verse of the Day: Mark 11:26

When this world’s temptations seem hard to overcome, God’s word invites us to rise above the flesh. Holiness is not a suggestion for those who are in Christ. And the battle of the flesh is not excused just because it is the “norm”. The standards have been raised in the new covenant. Adultery happens in our hearts and with our eyes. But God Who called us and imputed His righteousness to us is able to finish the work He began in us.

Bible Reading: Job 31-32

Scripture Verse of the Day: Job 31:1

Being sick is not fun. Discouragement about our weakness can set in. But when we are at our weakest, we are in the strongest position with God.

Bible Reading: Psalm 41-42

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 41:3

There’s nothing worse than having enemies, right? They can mount their defense and incite a group of people to be against us. But the good news is that when others are against us, God is for us.

Bible Reading: Jeremiah 25-30

Scripture Verse of the Day: Jeremiah 26:14

Have you ever been spared from making a big mistake? Some people call it chance, but God is the One Who orchestrates even the finest details of our lives.

Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 21-25

Scripture Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 25:32

Plagues were something we did not think about much in our time before this past year. Suddenly the reality of the need to protect ourselves and to “avoid like the plague”, well, the plague of COVID, changed our world. But there is better plague insurance than the masks we wear, found in the word of God.

Bible Reading: Exodus 9-12

Scripture Verse of the Day: Exodus 12:13

Ok, true story. I have never been stung by a bee. I feared being stung by a bee so much that I avoided them like the plague, well, that is not entirely true, because I remember as a little girl capturing bees in jars and shaking them up then letting them go. Don’t ask. I was an interesting kid. But the good news is that the sting we could not avoid, Christ bore on our behalf!

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 15-16

Scripture Verse of the Day: 1 Corinthians 15:55

"Where, O Death, is your victory? Where, O Death, is your sting?”

Battling unbelief is key to obtaining God’s promises. We get to choose what we believe in, but it will be a fight.

Bible Reading: Mark 9-10

Scripture Verse of the Day: Mark 9:23

“But Jesus said to him, ‘If You can? All things are possible for the one who believes.'”

Looking backward does not help us move forward. The past does not define us, but it can inform us on how best to live in the present and to plan for the future.

Bible Reading: Job 29-30

Scripture Verse of the Day: Job 29:2

"Oh that I were as in months gone by, as in the days when God watched over me."

Security is a big stumbling block in an uncertain world. When we spend time worrying about our safety, we need to remember that God is for us and He has our back.

Bible Reading: Psalm 37-40

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 37:3

"Trust in the Lord and do good; live in the land and cultivate faithfulness."

How do you handle it when you suffer because of someone in church who spoke against you? Ever dealt with that? I thought so. Sometimes persecution from within the flock can cause us to become disillusioned and to ultimately question God. But rather than questioning God, perhaps we should question our expectations.

Bible Reading: Jeremiah 19-24

Scripture Verse of the Day: Jeremiah 20:9

The outward is a reflection of the inward condition. We can try to dress up the outside, but the inside remains unchanged unless we let God do His work on us.

Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 16-20

Scripture Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 16:7b

If we don’t do things God’s way, we cannot expect blessings. Like the definition of insanity, doing things the same way over and over again yet expecting a different result, we have a right mind when we do things God’s way.

Bible Reading: Exodus 5-8

Scripture Verse of the Day: Exodus 8:1

The defining verse from 1 Corinthians 13 is one most weddings have read, yet few marriages live out these words. But as we seek to understand what God meant by “love”, we will approach love as sacrificial and unconditional, and all about others rather than ourselves.

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 13-14

Scripture Verse of the Day: 1 Corinthians 13:13

Traditions. Some are good, some not so much. But traditions should never trump the authority of God’s word.

Bible Reading: Mark 7-8

Scripture Verse of the Day: Mark 7:15

Everyone wants to be considered wise – I mean, no one wants to be considered a fool, right? But the truly wise show it by their actions in abstaining from evil. They also understand that they have no wisdom on their own.

Bible Reading: Job 27-28

Scripture Verse of the Day: Job 28:28

If we need help, we need to ask for it. Like the proverbial person needing rescue who refuses the life saver, we need to be humble enough to recognize our need and to take it.

Bible Reading: Psalms 34-36

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 34:4-5

Happy Easter! God’s rescue has made all things new. Have you accepted His gift of salvation? Whether we know we need rescuing or not, our condition has a solution in Jesus Christ Who came and died for all, then rose again.

Bible Reading: Jeremiah 13-18

Scripture Verse of the Day: Jeremiah 15:21

Truth is the defining characteristic of our faithfulness to God. When we compromise our values, we give God a bad name.

Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 11-15

Scripture Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 12:24

When our culture turns away from the things of God, it is the fear of God that keeps our hearts in the right place.

Bible Reading: Exodus 1-4

Scripture Verse of the Day: Exodus 1:21

Sometimes we can struggle about our worth. We can try to find our significance in a position we hold. But God is the One Who places us where He wants us to be and every part of the body of Christ is equal in value.

Bible Reading: 1 Cor. 11-12

Scripture Verse of the Day: 1 Corinthians 12:18

When people don’t accept us, the rejection can hurt so deeply. If it is a toxic relationship, they will try to hurl blame and shame upon you. But we don’t have to stay in that situation, friends. As we follow Jesus we see that He loved everyone but He did not tolerate abuse from others until He willingly chose to lay His life down on our behalf.

Bible Reading: Mark 5-6

Scripture Verse of the Day: Mark 6:11

Man strives to be good enough and truly it is a futile effort. There is only One Who is righteous but His righteousness is freely given to those who ask. We are not enough. Never will be. But God has made what was not enough more than enough.

Bible Reading: Job 25-26

Scripture Verse of the Day: Job 25:4

Ever have someone misjudge you? It can be so painful, especially if it is someone close to you. But someone else’s judgment of us does not have to define us.

Bible Reading: Mark 3-4

Scripture Verse of the Day: Mark 3:25

Have you ever known someone who just would not listen to? You intended good for them, you wanted to help them, but they just would not listen? This is the condition of all of us apart from the grace of God. But those who incline their ear to God and his word gain victory over their own thoughts.

Bible Reading: Jeremiah 7-12

Scripture Verse of the Day: Jeremiah 7:24

Our hearts are deceptive, but we don’t have to stay in that reality. Scripture wouldn’t tell us to direct our hearts if we couldn’t. God‘s grace is enough to help us overcome the emotions and lies that come from the heart.

Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 6-10

Scripture Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 7:3

The intentions of the heart matter most. The heart of man is for himself, led by jealousy, striving, and self-promotion. But when other’s intentions toward us are not good, we can know that God‘s intentions toward us are always good.

Bible Reading: Genesis 49-50

Scripture Verse of the Day: Genesis 50:20

Why we do things matters. When what we do is motivated by a pure heart fixed on God’s purposes, we become agents of the most high God.

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 9-10

Scripture Verse of the Day: 1 Corinthians 9:23

Ever have someone misjudge you? It can be so painful, especially if it is someone close to you. But someone else’s judgment of us does not have to define us.

Bible Reading: Mark 3-4

Scripture Verse of the Day: Mark 3:25

When we suffer, we can make our suffering worse by focusing on the problem rather than on the spiritual reality at hand. We are seen by God in our suffering and He will never leave us or forsake us.

Bible Reading: Job 23-24

Scripture Verse of the Day: Job 24:23

Last week we talked about how the world tries to find peace by their own means, but only God can give lasting peace. Today we see that peace is one of the blessings God desires to give us. And His peace surpasses all understanding – we can have peace when our circumstances are scream the opposite.

Bible Reading: Psalms 28-30

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 29:11

Brokenness is a part of the human condition. And there are a lot of faulty band-aids that try to cover over man’s pain. But those things cannot bring the peace that only God provides. And sometimes pursuing peace this world offers will end up cursing us rather than blessing us.

Bible Reading: Jeremiah 1-6
Scripture Verse of the Day: Jeremiah 6:14

When we long for something so much we can lose hope that we will ever see our hope come to fruition. But God knows. And when we cry out to Him to fulfill our hope. More than trying to fulfill it on our own, we will not be let down.

Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 1-5

Scripture Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 2:3

Control. That little word with big ramifications. People try to control circumstances. They try to control other people. And God just laughs. He is sovereign over it all and able to take what was meant for evil and use it for good. Don’t try to control that which God already does.

Bible Reading: Genesis 45-48

Scripture Verse of the Day: 45:8

We can be a prideful bunch. We can think we know it all. But a know-it-all is bound to fall. Those who are truly wise recognize that their true strength and wisdom is only from God.

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 7-8

Scripture Verse of the Day: 1 Corinthians 8:2

Excuses, excuses! They are easy to say, but they do not remedy the problem at hand. It is when we take responsibility for our part in problems that we are able to be set free of them. Sin is the same way. Sometimes we don’t recognize sinful habits or thoughts. And shame prevents us from repenting. Don’t let it. When we own up to our messes, God will bless us.

Bible Reading: Mark 1-2

Scripture Verse of the Day: Mark 1:15

If you are the youngest kid in your family, you probably understand what it is like to feel like you are not seen or heard. Life gets busy. People have things to do and places to be. But one thing remains the same. Truly hearing someone’s heart is one of the greatest sources of consolation. Sometimes people don’t need us to try and fix their problem, but to hear them.

Bible Reading: Job 20-21

Scripture Verse of the Day: Job 21:2

Fear is one of the greatest struggles of our day. It inhibits people’s enjoyment of life and can cause us to shrink back from what God has called us to do. But there is a fear that is prized. It helps us to live this one life well. It is the fear of God. Without it, we are prone to error. With it, we draw near to God and live productive, peace-filled lives. God will lead us through the crazy maze that is this life.

Bible Reading: Psalms 25-27

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 25:12

God feels your pain, friend. Christ bore it all when He walked on this earth. And why did He do that? So He could identify with our weaknesses and give us His identity. When life feels unfair, it doesn’t mean that God doesn’t care.

Bible Reading: Isaiah 62-65

Scripture Verse of the Day: Isaiah 63:9

Devotion when all is well is a good thing. But devotion when all is wrong is where character is shown. When things seem impossible and unredeemable, this is the perfect set up for God to do the impossible.

Bible Reading: Ruth

Scripture Verse of the Day: Ruth 1:16

We can feel proud of ourselves when we achieve something difficult. But the greatest delight in our achievements should be the gratitude we feel toward God to help us to do it.

Bible Reading: Genesis 41-44

Scripture Verse of the Day: Genesis 41:16

Are you free, friends? True freedom is not the ability to have or do what we want. It is the freedom not to.

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 5-6

Scripture Verse of the Day: 1 Corinthians 6:12

How are you “go”ing, friends? Our mission for Jesus does not have to be on a mission field. It is right where God has placed us. The manner in which we “go” to share Jesus matters as much as the message.

Bible Reading: Matthew 27-28

Scripture Verse of the Day: Matthew 28:19-20

It is one thing to say that our Redeemer lives and another thing to believe this reality. Knowing that any sorrow we have experienced in this life will be redeemed, we do not lose our hope.

Bible Reading: Job 19-20
Scripture Verse of the Day: Job 19:25

Disappointments can cause us to doubt God’s goodness. But if we let the disappointment cause us to run to Him for refuge, the disappointment can become a reappointment for God’s purposes.

Bible Reading: Psalms 22-24

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 22:5

God is always faithful. Always. When we choose to go our own way, He still maintains His position of love toward us. But our actions will bear fruit. To stay in God’s blessing we need to align ourselves with His way, not ours.

Bible Reading: Isaiah 56-61
Scripture Verse of the Day: Isaiah 59:21

There are a lot of different opinions in this world and a lot of different ideas about what is “right”. But we deceive ourselves if we think we know what is best. God already defined that for us.

Bible Reading: Judges 16-21
Scripture Verse of the Day: Judges 21:25

Do people see Jesus in you? There is evidence of a life hidden in Christ that the world can see. Would there be enough evidence to convict you of being a Christian? When others can see Christ in us, they can find Him for themselves.

Bible Reading: Genesis 37-40
Scripture Verse of the Day: Genesis 39:3

A lot of things can try to control us in this life and it starts in the mind. But when we know what we are—temples of the living God, we don't waste our time with things of this world.

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 3-4

Scripture Verse of the Day: 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

Friends are you doing your job? I don't mean your daytime job. I mean your eternal one. It is easy to become distracted and to forget to keep the main thing the main thing. Jesus is trying to help us see that our ladder can be leaning up against the wrong wall. This life is not about seeking the perfect, comfortable life full of entertainment. It is about staying on mission with God.

Bible Reading: Matthew 24-26

Scripture Verse of the Day: Matthew 24:46

Our souls are on a relentless search for hope . . . often in the wrong places. But when we try to pacify the eternal with the temporary, we will wind up in a worse place. Temporary things cannot bring lasting hope.

Bible Reading: Job 17-18

Scripture Verse of the Day: Job 17:15

We feel the struggle of life. We can try to muddle through it in our own strength. But the struggles we face are a signal to us to run to God and His word. Reading God's word is not just a good thing to do, it is our refuge when we are hurting and have forgotten that this life is not about us. We are restored when we turn to the LORD and His Word. Nothing else can heal our hearts or bring the satisfaction our souls crave. We were not made for the temporary, but for the eternal.

Bible Reading: Psalm 19:7

Shame is often unseen yet felt by all. It is a mystery how it can silence people without a word. And it is a powerful tool of the enemy. But God helps us in our shame. We don’t have to let shame define us, but it can refine us.

Bible Reading: Isaiah 50-55
Scripture Verse of the Day: Isaiah 50:7

Sometimes the thought of knowing God can be intimidating. I mean, He knows everything about us. And He is Holy. But God has helped us to know Him by His name. The names of God ae a place of refuge for believers because by God’s names, we see His goodness and His character.

Bible Reading: Judges 11-15
Scripture Verse of the Day: Judges 13:18

Sometimes we can grow so comfortable with the “gods” of the surrounding culture that we live with them and start to adapt to the world’s ways rather than God’s. But if we don’t remove the “gods” that surround us, we may find ourselves ensnared by them.

Bible Reading: Genesis 33-36
Scripture Verse of the Day: Genesis 35:2

The one thing I asked my kids to ask God for more than anything else when they were growing up was wisdom. Wisdom was not something I could truly give them unless they desired to gain it.

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 1-2
Scripture Verse of the Day: 1 Corinthians 1:18

All that you do,—Do with your might; Things done by halves—Are never done right. I used to recite this to my children when they were little. We would make it a fun recitation but the meaning of the words would mean more as they grew older. So it is with us. Sometimes we can instinctively know that God requires all that we have, yet we can seek to do “just enough”. But “just enough” doesn’t really satisfy anyone. God wants our heart, not our outer garments.

Bible Reading: Matthew 21-23
Scripture Verse of the Day: Matthew 22:37

If we understood how fleeting our life is, we would want to live well. But this life offers many distractions that keep us focused on temporary things of no eternal value. What we trust in defines us. Following after the world leaves us empty. Following after Jesus leaves us full.

Bible Reading: Job 15-16
Scripture Verse of the Day: Job 15:31

We don’t like boundaries when they deprive us of something we want, right? But we don’t have boundaries if we don’t keep them. And boundaries keep out just as much as they keep in. Boundaries are a blessing. They protect us and define the space that God has given us. When we are content with the boundaries God has for us, we flourish.

Bible Reading: Psalms 16-18
Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 16:6

Sometimes we can think that we need to prioritize God in our life. This is the wrong paradigm. God IS our life. He IS our priority. When we center our lives around Christ, all of our other priorities fall into place.

Bible Reading: Isaiah 43-49

Scripture Verse of the Day: Isaiah 44:6

When we don’t remember what God has done for us, we can stray. Reflecting on the things we take for granted like breathing, walking, living, can help to cultivate gratitude. But thinking about our salvation and considering what we have been saved from should provoke worship. Truly, we are blessed more than we deserve.

Bible Reading: Judges 6-10
Scripture Verse of the Day: Judges 8:34

Have you ever noticed when someone’s attitude toward you has changed? You know, they avoid you or shun you, maybe even talk about you? Maybe it is a dysfunctional relationship where people take one another for granted, or just someone had a bad day. How do you handle that? Presumption causes strife. We cannot know another person’s heart or motives. But we can approach them and talk about it. Thankfully when someone’s attitude toward us changes, God’s attitude never does.

Bible Reading: Genesis 29-32

Scripture Verse of the Day: Genesis 31:5

God wants us to have hope. This world tears away at that hope with the brokenness that surrounds us. But God has not left us without reminders of hope all around us. There to be found for the ones who seek it.

Bible Reading: Romans 15-16
Scripture Verse of the Day: Romans 15:4

Comparison. Yuck! More problems arise from comparing to others. Shame is born there. So is covetousness and jealousy. In the end, when we are not happy with our lot, though, we are really not happy with God, the giver of it all.

Bible Reading: Matthew 18-20
Scripture Verse of the Day: Matthew 20:15-16

Number your days well. You don't know when they will end. Friends, life is SO very short. Don't waste it being offended by others or in a life of sin. How we live matters, for it will determine our eternity. Death is not the end. This is at once a fearsome thing and the delight of our souls. Live well.

Bible Reading: Job 13-14
Scripture Verse of the Day: Job 14:5

Today it has become popular and even sounds like someone is highly educated to say they are atheist or agnostic. But the reality is that it takes more faith to deny God's existence than to believe in Him. When we can look around us and see evidence of God's creation, yet deny His existence, we are greatly deceived and foolish.

Bible Reading: Psalms 13-14
Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 14:1

Do not fear. Three simple words spoken over 400 times in one form or another in the Bible. Simple words that are so hard for us to carry out unless we have faith. But the One Who told us not to fear would not have told us not to if it wasn't possible.

Bible Reading: Isaiah 37-42
Scripture Verse of the Day: Isaiah 41:10

Partial obedience is not truly obedience. Sometimes I will ask my children to do a chore and I can tell when they don't want to. They do it halfway. When we do things halfway, we are forgetting what others have done for us, let alone what God has done for us.

Bible Reading: Judges 1-5

Scripture Verse of the Day: Judges 3:7

We like to fit in—to feel like we belong. But God has not called us to be like the world. He has called us to a light to it.

Bible Reading: Genesis 25-28

Scripture Verse of the Day: Genesis 26:3

We know how to provide for our flesh, but what are we providing for our spirit? It is so easy to think of caring for our flesh, but it is our Spirit that we can neglect.

Bible Reading: Romans 13-14

Scripture Verse of the Day: Romans 13:14

Sometimes the biggest stumbling block can be ourselves as we try to figure things out on our own. We get in the way with our limitations of God and with a focus on things that cause us to lose focus on what really matters. But when we lay down our agenda and pick up God's, we let go of trying to control things that really are controlling us.

Bible Reading: Matthew 15-17

Scripture Verse of the Day: Matthew 16:23

Rest. A foreign word to this weary world. So often we can't rest because of our own busyness, but there is also the lurking insecurity that snuffs out our ability to truly rest and trust. But those who are in Christ have found true rest. They are secure and unmovable because of Jesus our living Hope.

Bible Reading: Job 11-12
Scripture Verse of the Day: Job 11:18

Sometimes the thing we need protection from is words. People can destroy one another with their tongues if not their thoughts and attitudes. The phrase, "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me" is simply not true. Perhaps spoken by one who was trying to have tough skin, but the truth is that words can be very powerful. We need to use them wisely and well.

Bible Reading: Psalms 11-12

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 12:7

Relying on the world for help will leave us worse off than when we began. But relying on God never fails us.

Bible Reading: Isaiah 31-36

Scripture Verse of the Day: Isaiah 32:17

It can be so hard to be patient to wait for hard times to be over. But just quoting the phrase, "this too shall pass" is not real hope. When ALL of God's good promises always come to pass, we don't just hope for our problems to be over, but we hope in the One Who is in complete control and bigger than all of our problems.

Bible Reading: Joshua 21-24

Scripture Verse of the Day: Joshua 21:45

All that we have in this life is not ours, and yet when we have to let go of what we have been given, that is not so easy. Abraham was promised a son. Then God told him to offer his son back to God. When we hope for something and wait so long to see it fulfilled, the thought of just giving it up is painful. But God. Abraham knew that the character and promises of God meant that God's request had good purposes.

Bible Reading: Genesis 21-24

Scripture Verse of the Day: Genesis 22:8(a)

When we have grown up in the culture we have, we can grow accustomed to how things are supposed to be and how we should respond. And we can lose our passion. So it is in Christ. We can adapt to a Christian culture and become religious, losing the passion we should have for Christ who died for us!

Bible Reading: Romans 11-12

Scripture Verse of the Day: Romans 12:11

Jesus is LORD of all. Sometimes man likes to think that he is his own "god". But ironically we find the greatest peace in surrendering to God's LORDship, not our own.

Bible Reading: Matthew 12-14

Scripture Verse of the Day: Matthew 12:25

"And knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, 'Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and no city or house divided against itself will stand.'"

Sometimes people want to blame God because life did not go the way they thought it should. It's the common struggle of, "if God is good, why did He allow this into my life?" But we don't often ask the opposite question. Why did something bad NOT happen to me in this cursed, fallen world?" Life is a gift. Even and especially when it is hard. Life's hardness does not determine life's goodness or God's.

Bible Reading: Job 9-10

Scripture Verse of the Day: Job 10:12

"You have granted me life and goodness; And Your care has guarded my spirit."

Do you know God? None of us have seen Him, and yet we can know Him. But how? We can know Him by His name. God's name indicates His faithfulness to His people. He is the great I AM, He is our Shepherd, our Savior. Our Redeemer. The God Who Sees Us. As we praise God for who He is, we discover who we are in His presence. Our identity is in our Maker.

Bible Reading: Psalms 9-10

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 9:10

"And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, For You, Lord, have not abandoned those who seek You."

100% of everyone alive will die. And yet we don't tend to live in light of that reality. Christ took the sting out of death so we would not have to live in fear of it anymore. Christ accomplished great things for His people in removing shame and death. How now shall we live?

Bible Reading: Isaiah 25-30

Scripture Verse of the Day: Isaiah 25:8

"He will swallow up death for all time, And the Lord God will wipe tears away from all faces, And He will remove the disgrace of His people from all the earth."

Sometimes we have been given our portion from God but don't do anything with it. When we understand our inheritance, we will not want to waste it, but will work to develop and grow what God has given.

Bible Reading: Joshua 17-20
Scripture Verse of the Day: Joshua 18:3

Abraham was as old as the hills. But God still had plans for him. Sometimes we limit God because we limit ourselves. Maybe we don't believe that God is going to pull us through a circumstance or find it hard to believe we could be used for anything amazing. But God's promises are for those who believe in Him and follow His ways. Don't give up, friends—God is not through with you yet!

Bible Reading: Genesis 17-20
Scripture Verse of the Day: Genesis 18:19

I always get a little nervous, ok, a lot nervous, when I am put in situations that I do not feel certain about. I am just hoping someone will save my bacon, so to speak. And sometimes we don't have help. What then? God stands always ready to save us. Eternally as well as in the midst of life's hard places. He is a refuge. But sometimes people don't choose to be saved. What then?

Bible Reading: Romans 9-10
Scripture Verse of the Day: Romans 10:13

God's salvation ought to keep us humbled, right? We know that we did not do anything to deserve His kindness. Yet all too often once we are saved we can judge others. But the truth is, we are not in a position to judge. We who have received mercy should give the same.

Bible Reading: Matthew 9-11
Scripture Verse of the Day: Matthew 9:13

That the God of this universe would know the number of hairs on our heads, the thoughts we think before we do, and catch every tear we have is mind boggling. God is crazy about you, friend. He loves you so much that He gave His very life for you. But sometimes we can wish we could be under His radar when we feel just a bit too tried with troubles. But even then, God is demonstrating care if we are willing to see it.

Bible Reading: Job 7-8

Scripture Verse of the Day: Job 7:17

We'd like to avoid bumpy rides in this life, right? But we would not gain character and grow in our faith if all was always smooth.

Bible Reading: Psalms 7-8

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 7:9

"Please let the evil of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous; For the righteous God puts hearts and minds to the test."

It is not enough to say that we believe God. Doing what He said and not compromising what He has revealed proves our belief or disbelief.

Bible Reading: Isaiah 19-24

Scripture Verse of the Day: Isaiah 24:5

"The earth is also defiled by its inhabitants, for they violated laws, altered statutes, and broke the everlasting covenant."

The voices of others around us can cause us to doubt our convictions. But when we remain steadfast and faithful despite the influences around us, we will be rewarded.

Bible Reading: Joshua 13-16

Scripture Verse of the Day: Joshua 14:8

"Nevertheless my brothers who went up with me made the heart of the people melt with fear; but I followed the Lord my God fully."

Sometimes we can feel unseen and small. And when life is hard, we can feel forgotten. But there is great comfort in knowing that God sees us. And His intentions toward us are always good.

Bible Reading: Genesis 13-16

Scripture Verse of the Day: Genesis 16:13

"Then she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, 'You are a God who sees me'; for she said, 'Have I even seen Him here and lived after He saw me?'"

Sin has no more power on those who have been crucified with Christ. What does this mean? Listen in today as we discuss how we can be free from sin.

Bible Reading: Romans 6-8

Scripture Verse of the Day: Romans 6:6-7

Everyone seems to be easily offended these days. And yet we can balk when others are offended at us over seemingly small things. A double standard of forgiveness, for sure. But when we realize our forgiveness of others impacts God's forgiveness of us, we need to reexamine ourselves to see if we have truly forgiven others as we have been forgiven.

Bible Reading: Matthew 6-8

Scripture Verse of the Day: Matthew 6:14-15

No one volunteers for discipline, right? Whether it is the discipline of working out or eating healthily, our body fights us all the way. So it is with discipline we encounter in this life, whether for wrongdoing or just consequences in a fallen world. We would not seek it, yet God can use it for our good.

Bible Reading: Job 5-6

Scripture Verse of the Day: Job 5:17

Ever feel surrounded by problems? Sometimes we can be overwhelmed and feel like there is no rescue. But God. He surrounds us and protects and defends us. And • God surrounding us is greater than any troubles that do.

Bible Reading: Psalms 5-6

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 5:12

Summary:

None of God's plans will be thwarted. Everything He has purposed will come to pass. But still we can fear. Why? Because we look at the waves. We forget that we have the God of this universe WITH us. And maybe we don't fully trust His intentions . . .

Bible Reading: Isaiah 13-18

Scripture Verse of the Day: Isaiah 14:24

Summary:

It's ironic that the flesh of man is resistant to the One Who made us. We sometimes fight against God—the One Who fights for us and lays down His life for us. But when we trust that God hears and sees us, we submit to His ways and boldly step out with God.

Bible Reading: Joshua 9-12

Scripture Verse of the Day: Joshua 10:14

Summary:

Everyone wants to be blessed, right? But trouble arises when we forget the purpose of that blessing. God's blessing on us is ultimately for His glory, as a witness for others to see what we are going to do with that blessing and how we will bless others.

Bible Reading: Genesis 9-12

Scripture Verse of the Day: Genesis 12:2

Have you ever gotten what you did not deserve? Maybe it was a punch in the face, or abuse? Sometimes we can blame God when suffering happens. But what about being blessed when we did not earn it? Maybe it was a check in the mail or maybe it was forgiveness. What if we did not believe or receive that gift? We would still be indebted.

Bible Reading: Romans 3-5

Scripture Verse of the Day: Romans 4:3

Admitting we are wrong is not easy. But it will bless us abundantly. In our weaknesses we are strong. Repentance is a humbling position that keeps us on mission.

Bible Reading: Matthew 3-5
Scripture Verse of the Day: Matthew 3:8

Some believe in karma, others bad luck, but the truth is that in this life we will all reap what we sow. But God. His grace covers us and though we will suffer consequences in this life as we live in a fallen world, we ultimately don't get what we truly deserve.

Bible Reading: Job 3-4

Scripture Verse of the Day: Job 4:8

Summary: To all of you weary souls, who feel you cannot continue to bear your current struggles, David has some hope to offer. When we think we cannot endure all of life's pains, it is God who sustains. Bible Reading: Psalms 3-4 Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 3:5

God is inviting us to believe in Him when things seem impossible. We can choose to trust in ourselves or others or in outcomes, or in God. But when the rubber meets the road, our belief in God and his promises will determine whether or not we stand.

Bible Reading: Isaiah 7-12

Scripture Verse of the Day: Isaiah 7:9(b)

Being famous isn't all it's cracked up to be. Just ask the starlets of our day. But still we can want to seek after fame. Perhaps it comes from a place of just wanting acceptance when the sting of rejection is so memorable. But being esteemed in the eyes of a lot of people seems a worthy prize until we recognize how fallible and fickle man is. Fame one day might be shame the next.

Bible Reading: Joshua 5-8

Scripture Verse of the Day: Josh 6:27

Summary:

People care a lot about the pollution of the earth around us, but what about the pollution of our souls? We have a sin problem. No one is good. There are no "good people". There is only a good God who saved His people. This salvation leads to sanctification.

And there is no such thing as staying neutral in our faith, friends. We are ether moving forward or backward. The world and its influences pollute or dilute our faith unless we actively pursue God and His word. Is there anything polluting your walk with God? What are you going to do about it?

Bible Reading: Genesis 5-8

Scripture Verse of the Day: Genesis 6:5-6

Some think that truth is subjective. We hear today people saying we have to be "true to ourselves". How can we be true to ourselves if we let ourselves believe lies? Paul reminds us in the reading from the book of Romans today to uphold God's truth lest we be led astray.

Bible Reading: Romans 1-2

Scripture Verse of the Day: Romans 1:25

I remember the first time I heard the words, "born again". I did not think I needed saving and did not understand why Jesus would come to save me. I thought I was a pretty good person. Matthew details the lengths Jesus went through to get to you and to me. But we have to see our need for salvation to be able to receive it.

Bible Reading: Matthew 1-2

Scripture Verse of the Day: Matthew 1:21

When we are upset with loss in our lives, Job has some advice for us to remind us of our position in this life. We can feel entitled to happiness or a certain place, but when we realize our lot in this life, we are overwhelmed with our inheritance in Christ.

Bible Reading: Job 1-2

Scripture Verse of the Day: Job 1:21

Culture can be overwhelming and our circle of friends is a culture of its own. Who we surround ourselves with determines in large part the person we will be. The Psalmist gives us sound counsel today about who we are letting influence us the most.

Bible Reading: Psalms 1-2

Scripture Verse of the Day: Psalm 1:1-2

We can give ourselves a hard time for our failures, but the good news is that we can learn to do good. We are in the sanctification process and God has not left us without instruction.

Bible Reading: Isaiah 1-6

Scripture Verse of the Day: Isaiah 1:17

Adam and Eve questioned God's word. But doing things our way will not bless us in the end. God challenges Joshua to choose courage and strength over compromise and to do things God's way. This is the way to success.

Bible Reading: Joshua 1-4

Scripture Verse of the Day: Joshua 1:7

Our world is a mess, right? Today's reading takes us to the root cause of this mess we are in. Sin. And it all started with a single seemingly harmless choice with BIG consequences.

Bible Reading: Genesis 1-4

Scripture Verse of the Day: Genesis 3:1

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Sometimes we just don't want to be grateful. We want to sulk and nurse our wounds. Eeyore gets it. But genuine gratitude is not fake. It flows from hearts that realize that gratitude in the creation rather than in the Creator will always leave us empty.

Listen in to this replay of an episode from Denise Pass and Micah Maddox as they share ten tips for gratitude in life's mundane moments.

Can we really choose gratitude in the hard places? How? We can be in a hard place and not become hardened. Listen in to this episode as Denise and Angela finish this series on gratitude and learn how to be set free from the prison of ingratitude.

The month of gratitude is here! Are we truly grateful for what God has provided? God’s provision is an undeserved gift, not a right. And sometimes we take for granted His incredible blessings. Choosing gratitude is not something that happens naturally, but we are cultivating gratitude all month long here on the podcast. Listen to this refreshing episode and learn how we can be grateful for God’s provision.

What we believe must agree with what we do, lest we be a hypocrite.

Vote your faith, friends. Vote for righteous legislation more than a personality.

When we do so, we uphold biblical standards and help to restore our nation to its original foundation.

Individuals can make a big difference at the national level by being involved in the areas where they live. Listen in as Denise Pass continues her interview with David Barton, Founder of the Wallbuilders, LLC as they discuss how we can all change the world right where we are at.

These are turbulent times in our nation, friends. There is much confusion and perhaps you wonder if you can make a difference at all. For such a time as this, here is a clarion message from an interview I had with David Barton. Vote your faith, friends. Look at the actions (as in legislation) more than the words. We do not have a perfect leader, but there is a righteous choice before us.

Today's generation is growing up with devices running their lives while parents are losing their influence to inanimate objects. What's a parent to do? Listen in as Denise Pass and Arlene Pellicane, co-author with Gary Chapman of "Growing Up Social: Raising Relational Kids in a Screen-Driven World" discuss creative biblical solutions to parenting Generation Z. With 41% of the next generation being noted for spending up to 3 hours a day online, the need to intervene in our children's online habits is greater than ever. But the good news is that new habits can be formed to set us free from the impact of living in a society driven by social media.

Social media can be addictive. Sometimes social media can take up too big of a place in our life. But taming social media is not just about managing social media. Idolatry can slip in, too. Idols are not just a thing of the past—wooden statues and such. Idolatry happens every day in our hearts and minds without us realizing it. And idols don't just distract us—they pull us away from what matters most. Join us on the Black and White Podcast as Denise and Dan wrap up this month’s dialogue regarding Social Media and discuss practical solutions to successfully overcome the idols and battles that social media can bring.

Social media and the internet got you off balance? We can find balance again when we tame social media by being proactive rather than reactive in our use. On today’s Black and White Podcast, healthy ways to use Social Media continues. Don’t miss out on Denise and Dan’s discussion on creating balance as you post positive content for your sphere of influence.

Managing social media is more than just a bunch of rules and do's and don'ts, but there are principles that help us to be proactive rather than reactive in our handling of social media. Listen in as Denise and her son Daniel Dovel continue their discussion of a healthy approach toward social media.

The impact social media is having on our culture is significant. What fruit is social media bearing in your life? All generations need to examine habits with social media, but can learn to use social media well. Listen in as Denise and her son Daniel Dovel Discuss the ups and downs of social media use and discuss 7 undesirable fruits of social media use.

Our flesh resists being humbled. We don’t want someone else to put us down. It is this natural reflex that does not want to believe we are less than, and yet God has already delivered us from shame. Behind shame is ultimately a focus on self and pride because we fear what others will think of us. But it is admitting that we are not enough is what brings us to the place of seeing our need and opens the doorway for God to restore our honor.

The funny thing about shame is that no one wants to admit they have it. It’s like a game of hot potato. But just because we don’t want to admit it does not mean that shame is not operating in our lives. Removing hidden shame is possible. Walking in the Spirit reveals hidden shame and sets us free.

Throwback episode in celebration of the release of Shame Off You! Shame is a head game, and we often do it to ourselves. If we need approval from everyone, we will have it from none. Listen in as Denise and Angela continue sharing why shame matters.

Shame matters because it stifles our existence and keeps us in bondage. It tries to define us and accuses our souls. We would not have shame if we did not have an audience. But we can be set free. Listen in as Denise and Angela discuss why shame matters and how we can defuse it in Jesus' name.

Sometimes the term racism can be used to stir up conflict where none exists. And sometimes racism happens. Where is the solution to racism found? Through reconciliation. But reconciliation with God has to happen before it can happen through man. Listen in as Denise and Tabatha discuss what leads to racism in our culture and how we can rise above it in Jesus' name.

In this episode, Denise Pass examines aspects of shame in racism with Shell Singh, ministry team member of Seeing Deep Ministries. Listen in as they discuss racism across different cultures in both biblical times and the present and share 5 chief ways we see shame operating in our culture.

When it comes to racism, we've got sin in the game. Racism is about more than skin—it is about sin. Listen as Denise Pass and Jennifer Elwood discuss how to counter sins behind racism and biblically-sound ways to address the top five sins lurking behind racism's shadow. Woven through the discussion, Denise asks Jennifer questions regarding her adoption of an African-American child from the South.

This week, in the second interview with Erick Kalenga, we examine race and grace. Denise and Tabatha continue to talk about the need for pulling the grace card with one other. Our Value is More Than Skin Deep. Our value does not come from our race, but by being made in the image of God. Racism is prejudice with power. But there is a power greater—grace. Prayer is a powerful way to fight racism, as well.

Practicing the presence of God has to do with focusing on God in all of life. Being attentive to His presence which impacts how we live. And we are changed in His presence. God is always present whether we are aware of it or not. Practicing the presence of God takes practice. But practice makes perfect. Listen in as Denise shares how to practice the presence of God.

If God is present everywhere, then how is it that we can miss His presence? Sin separates us from God but grace unites us. Every race on this earth can experience the presence of God if each one accepts His salvation. If God is willing to be present in all of us, can we be accepting of all of God's children? Listen in as Denise dives into Scripture for a deeper understanding of God's presence—how to enter His presence and what experiencing His presence does in our lives.

As recipients of the grace of God, we carry the presence of God to this world. God's presence has transformed us. Will we help others to know Him, too?

One short sentence can change your life: God is here. Learn how to recognize God's impact on your life and find the joy He's been waiting to give you!

The worth of women has been a subject of controversy from the very beginning. But a right understanding of the worth of women benefits everyone. In their book, “Worthy—Celebrating the Value of Women“, authors Elyse Fitzpatrick and Eric Schumacher share from the pages of Scripture the worth and role of women as prescribed by God.

Listen in as Denise continues her interview with Elyse Fitzpatrick and Eric Schumacher as they dive into Scripture together to explore how women fit into the church’s redemption story and into the new world. Bonuses Leave a comment to be entered to receive a free copy of their book. Visit this post and receive a free devotion download.

We can all try to get our worth from the world surrounding us, but finding worth in the world will leave us feeling worthless. From beginning to end the Bible affirms women, who have intrinsic value because they—just as men—are created in God's image. Listen in to this episode as Denise interviews Elyse Fitzpatrick and Eric Schumacher as they dive into Scripture together to explore how women fit into the church's redemption story and into the new world. Bonus Free devotion download with this episode!!!

In honor of Mother's Day, listen in to this episode of Denise and her sons. Mommas raising boys looks a little different than raising daughters, but much remains the same. Our greatest goal is not that our sons will be like us but that they will be like Jesus.

Moms—be encouraged. Your labor is not in vain and your work is holy. Those things we think our daughters don't hear? They will likely surpass us. Listen in as Denise and her three daughters share on lessons learned by moms and daughters. Happy Mother's Day!

Do you wonder how you can make a difference in this world? And how you can impact our culture with the work of your hands? Listen in today as Denise interviews Brock Shinen, a lawyer, a speaker, and author of the book, The Christian Entrepreneur, and discover how you can better reach the world around you.

We are called to reach and connect with a disconnected world around us but our values can become an outward expression instead of authentically who we are. When we are integrated with Jesus in all we do, our faith can be contagious. Listen in as Brock Shinen, a lawyer, a speaker, and author of the book, The Christian Entrepreneur, shares key principles to help us reach the world around us.

We all long to belong. But part of belonging is letting others belong in your sphere, too. We need to give acceptance to others in order to also receive it. We belong to Christ and can live out of that acceptance, giving us the freedom to love others no matter whether or not they are a part of our tribe. Listen in as Denise continues her discussion with Amberly Neese on her new book, "The Belonging Project". Leave a comment to be entered to receive a free copy of Amberly's book.

Do you feel like you don't belong? We've all been there. But belonging is a choice we make. Truly, no one can make us feel like we belong or don't belong. We belong to Christ and can live out of that acceptance, giving us the freedom to love others no matter whether or not they are a part of our tribe.

Connecting in a disconnected world is made difficult when a pandemic strikes a selfie-oriented world. Being in contact with others is not the same as being connected. But we can still have fellowship in a physically distant world. Listen in to these 5 tips on finding true connection with others.

"Silence in the face of evil is evil itself" (Bonhoeffer). Truth is not truth if it is relative. God's word speaks into our modern-day culture to rescue it from lies that destroy it. Choices made today for the gender debate matter for everyone. Make no mistake—how we handle the present-day gender issues of our day will impact generations. And we will be accountable for how we defended the truth. Children are victimized when we don't stand for truth.

***BONUS: FREE DOWNLOAD: PARENT GUIDE FOR GENDER CONFUSION FROM FOCUS ON THE FAMILY

Gender dysphoria is about identity. We are having an identity crisis in our day. People turn to look for answers and when a new definition comes to match their pain it becomes a solution." Whether or not you struggle with gender identity, this message matters to everyone. Listen in as Denise and Allison continue this important discussion on gender identity. ***BONUS: FREE DOWNLOAD: PARENT GUIDE FOR GENDER CONFUSION FROM FOCUS ON THE FAMILY

What is truth? This question has been asked for thousands of years and thank God that there is objective truth that we can live by. When lies have deceived us, God can clear up the confusion we face in our day. Listen in as we seek to find the truth as we discuss the facts behind the roots of Gender confusion and finding our identity in Christ.

To find a good friend, we have to be one. Friendship goals are about so much more than us. When we understand the value that God places on relationships, we see the purposes in friendships are all about Kingdom work. And when we invest selflessly, God provides dear friends in our lives. Listen in as Radio Show host, Author, speaker and Bible teacher Kim Wier shares from her new book, "The Art of Friendship."

Friendship is hard to come by in a world where we can have 1,000 friends on social media but hardly ever interact with them. But God made us for fellowship and there is an art to friendship that can help us to move past the obstacles that hinder true community. Listen in as Radio Show host, Author, speaker and Bible teacher Kim Wier shares from her new book, "The Art of Friendship."

Relationships can be tricky. Expectations and selfishness can kill relationships. To find a healthy relationship we have to be healthy ourselves. And perhaps our goal in the relationship is about serving and blessing others rather than wondering what those relationships can do for us. Listen in as we consider how we can form godly relationships in our lives.

This being the month of February, we are going to focus on our relationships with one another. Toxicity in relationships is a part of the fall. Sin corrupts. But no matter what the problems are that we have in our relationships, God can help us to relate to one another. Listen in as Denise and Allison share how to deal with toxic relationships.

"Change takes change and that can be scary" but "it's ok to grow slow". Feel discouraged that your goals seem further away than when you began? Listen in for practical tips and motivation with Lara Casey, Author of "Cultivate What Matters". BONUS Leave a comment about what causes you to slow down in pursuing your goals to be entered to receive a free Cultivate 6-month power sheet planner!

What is hindering you from your life resolution? No matter what the obstacles are, they can be overcome by the word of God and accountability. Listen in as Denise and Allison as they discuss how to live out your life resolutions!

How we set our goals is almost as important as the goals themselves. Listen in as Denise and Allison share how to set S.M.A.R.T. goals this year.

We have to go to the word to get our word. We need to hear from God to live out our purpose. Listen in and discover how to find your word for the year.

Here it is our 100th episode!!! Two years of the Black and White Podcast! In this episode, get to know Allison Mayberry, Denise's new podcast partner, as she shares some of her story. Super fun! As we enter a new year, let us know what topics matter most to you! And . . . Allison and Denise will be on a new television show broadcasting live in the new year—the date to be announced soon!

Our presence means more than our presents. But in a distracted world, we can miss the needs right under our noses. As carriers of God's presence, we can bring hope and joy that nothing in this world ever could.

Have you accepted the "Re-gift challenge" this month on the Black and White podcast? When God has been so generous with us, we have so many opportunities to do the same. Listen in as Denise and Angela share how to re-gift generosity.

We are challenging ourselves this month to give as Christ has given to us—in particular, spiritual gifts. We were not given gifts from our sweet Savior to hoard, but to share them with others. Last week we looked afresh at forgiveness and this week and this week we look at how Christ served us. Can we do the same and sacrificially serve others? How are you stewarding what God has given? Don't allow the hecticness of this season to keep you from this challenge to re-gift what we have been given. Listen in to this episode as Denise and Angela share on regifting acts of service.

Have you ever “re-gifted” a gift you got at Christmas time? While some gifts might not be exactly what we want, the gifts Christ gave us are perfect. The question is, will we share and re-gift what Christ has given to us? Listen in to this episode as Denise and Angela share on regifting the forgiveness Christ has given us.

Can we really choose gratitude in the hard places? How? We can be in a hard place and not become hardened. Listen in to this episode as Denise and Angela finish this series on gratitude and learn how to be set free from the prison of ingratitude.

True gratitude for others does not depend on their behavior. Tolerance of others is not gratitude for them, either. When we choose gratitude for all of the people in our lives, we find ourselves changed as well as the other person. Listen in as we continue our series on true gratitude this month.

Are you truly grateful for what God has provided? God’s provision is an undeserved gift, not a right. If you need a fresh dose of gratitude, listen to this refreshing episode and learn how we can be grateful for God’s provision.

Our thoughts can run our life or we can choose to take back control of our thoughts. Listen in as Denise and Dr. Lane Cohee continue their discussion on how to break free from thought patterns and restore peace to our disquieted souls.

It’s easy to think about bad things that can happen. Fears that tend to govern our thought life. We can worry about the “what if’s” and rob ourselves of peace. Listen in as Dr. Lane Cohee and I discuss his new book, “The Disquieted Soul” and learn how to escape the disquiet of your own soul by changing the voice you hear.

When our lives are interrupted with choices we did not make and real consequences that surround us in pain, we still have a choice in that place to choose joy, by the grace of God. Listen in as Denise and Angela continue to share key principles on how to overcome depression.

Overcoming depression seems impossible, but victory is possible for those who stay in the fight and know how to fight. Depression is real, but so is God and His promises. Listen in as we cover ten common contributors to depression and how to counter those issues with the word of God.

"Parenting with confidence does not mean parenting with perfection. When we don't feel confident, God fills in the gap." Listen in as Becky Keife, the community manager for (in)courage and I continue our discussion of Becky’s new book, “No Better Mom for the Job—Parenting with Confidence Even When You Don’t Feel Cut Out For It” and be encouraged today.

“Don’t be so focused on the “hard” of motherhood that you miss out on the good.” Listen in as Becky Keife, the community manager for (in)courage and I discuss Becky’s new book, “No Better Mom for the Job—Parenting with Confidence Even When You Don’t Feel Cut Out For It” and be encouraged today.

In chronic pain and on a hunt for a diagnosis, the woman with a bleed grabbed the hem of Jesus' robe, desperate for His healing touch. She faced her fear and held onto the One thing certain in her life: God. What fear holds you back? Listen in, find your fight, face it and be set free in Jesus.

When we compare to others, suddenly what seemed like enough no longer is. Contentment is replaced by envy when we allow comparison to rob us. God's definition of us is the truth we need to cling to. Listen in as Denise and Angela share from Angela's new book, "Fearless: Ordinary Women of the Bible who Dared to do Extraordinary things", and let go of the comparison that does not define us.

Fearless: Ordinary Women of the Bible who Dared to do Extraordinary Things

The past can shadow the present, snuffing out our joy. We can overcome pain from the past like heroes of old did. Could the women from biblical times speak to our fear today? It is possible to rise above the doubts that try to kill our courage. Listen in as Denise and Angela share from Angela's new book, "Fearless: Ordinary Women of the Bible who Dared to do Extraordinary things", and learn how to stand up to fear from our past.

Fearless: Ordinary Women of the Bible who Dared to do Extraordinary Things

Could the women from biblical times speak to our fear today? It is possible to rise above the doubts that try to kill our courage. Listen in as Denise and Angela share from Angela's new book, "Fearless: Ordinary Women of the Bible who Dared to do Extraordinary things", and learn how to stand up to fear and preserve our hope at all times.

Fearless: Ordinary Women of the Bible who Dared to do Extraordinary Things

The answer to shame is not found in pride, but humility. The only reason we are free from shame is the grace and faithfulness of God. Shame tries to point us back to who we were before Christ, but humility points us back to the One who our lives really are all about—Jesus. Listen in and discover how humility conquers shame in Jesus' name!

Hidden shame is tucked in our souls deeply. Negative self-talk, toxic relationships, people-pleasing, defensiveness, perfectionism, or altered personalities are just some ways shame leaves its hidden imprint on us. Listen in and remove the shame you do not see.

Shame's got our number. But we know how to divide and conquer shame in Jesus' name! As we celebrate the 1-year anniversary of the release of "Shame Off You", listen in as Authors Denise Pass and Angela Donadio continue to discuss why the top ten reasons why shame matters and why we need to deal with it. #ShameOffYouBook

Shame affects how we live this life, often in dramatic ways. So often people remain in their shame by trying to cover it, deny it or make excuses for it. We have to be willing to examine shame instead of being put off or condemned by it. As we celebrate the 1-year anniversary of the release of "Shame Off You", listen in as Authors Denise Pass and Angela Donadio share five reasons why shame matters and we need to deal with it.

So often we disqualify ourselves based on our weaknesses, but fixating on our weaknesses is not humility. God gets the glory in our weaknesses and the strengths that He has put within us. Breathe out your definition of self and breathe in God's definition of you. Listen in to part two of this interview with Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregory as they share on their book, Exhale.

Feeling burdened and stressed with the demands you and others have placed on yourself? This culture, this world, can leave us in desperate need of encouragement. If you feel worn out, help is here. Breathe again, ladies! Listen in to this interview with Authors Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregory as they discuss their new book, "Exhale—Lose Who You're Not, Love Who You Are, Live Your One Life Well" and move from running-on-empty to spent-and-content.

We don't have to be perfectly disciplined to be healthy, but we can take steps to take care of the body God has given that will greatly affect our lives and capacity for ministry. Listen in as Denise and Angela discuss an approach toward diet and exercise that won't leave us feeling guilty, but well-balanced and healthier.

Neglecting care for our souls can have devastating consequences. Listen in as Angela and Denise share key principles of biblical self-care that we all need. We can recalibrate our heart in God's presence. BONUS: Free resources to help you live these principles out.

Has your marriage gotten to be a little ho-hum or hard? Marriage can be fun again. Listen in as Angela and Denise share some of the things that have kept their marriage fun and fulfilling even in the midst of the monotony and craziness of life.

If you have ever felt like the verses describing the excellent wife in Proverbs 31 are an impossible standard you could never live up to, you are not alone. But there is hope! God does not have such verses in His word to torment us. Listen in as Denise and Angela discuss what matters most as a wife.

Does the reality of your marriage create disillusionment in your relationship with your husband? Let's be real together. Last week we had a great discussion about the connection we have in our marriage and how we as wives can hinder or cause that connection to grow. And this week we will look at our husband’s true need and living out a “Real Relationship” in our marriage. Listen in this week as Denise continues the interview with Amanda Davison, Founder of “A Wife Like Me” and Author of Dear Wife: 10-minute Invitations to Practice Connection with Your Husband.

Dear Wife: 10 Minute Invitations to Practice Connection with Your Husband

When we first fell in love with our spouse it seemed like connecting would never be a problem. Then life happened. But connection with your spouse can happen even better than ever with small adjustments and busting out of our habits by breaking our routine. Listen in this week as Denise interviews Amanda Davison, Founder of “A Wife Like Me” and Author of Dear Wife: 10-minute Invitations to Practice Connection with Your Husband.”

In this world that seeks after knowledge relentlessly, what we need more than ever is wisdom. We can gain the whole world but without wisdom, it is meaningless. God is inviting us to come to seek Him and wisdom that is only found in His word. Listen in as we continue our discussion on our quest for wisdom as Liz Curtis Higgs shares from her book, It's Good to be Queen: Becoming as Bold, Gracious, and Wise as the Queen of Sheba.

It's Good to Be Queen: Becoming as Bold, Gracious, and Wise as the Queen of Sheba

Sisters, we have some encouragement for you! In the month of May in honor of Mother's Day, we have wanted to share episodes to inspire and encourage women. The episodes for this and next week we will hear some of our favorite episodes from last year as Liz Curtis Higgs shares on the Wise Woman from her book, It's Good to be Queen: Becoming as Bold, Gracious, and Wise as the Queen of Sheba. When we feel lacking in the roles we play in this life, we can remember as daughters of God that we can do all things through Christ and He will complete the work He has begun in us.

It's Good to Be Queen: Becoming as Bold, Gracious, and Wise as the Queen of Sheba

Being bold is not about being arrogant, but about pressing in to live the calling of God out in our lives. We will all die someday, but will we all really live? Limiting beliefs and life's circumstances can kick us down, but those who have discovered the secret of finding their fierce access the abundant life Christ promises and live out their unique calling in Christ boldly. Listen in to this interview with Rachel Billups and find your fierce. Leave a comment to be entered for a free copy of Be Bold: Find Your Fierce.

It can be overwhelming to see all of the needs around us. This month we are focusing on how each one of us can make an impact—everyone can do something. What has God called you to? Listen in to this episode as Angela Donadio shares on her nonprofit ministry, Voice to the Voiceless.

There are so many needs in the world it can be hard to find what we are called to do. And demonstrating compassion even when our own burdens seem so heavy is hard, but it honors God and helps to take our eyes off of our own messes. We who have been given incredible undeserved compassion should be the most compassionate, but life gets busy and it is easy to think we cannot make much of a difference, but we can! Whatever God places on our heart to do, He will provide where He guides! Listen in as Denise and Angela share about Denise's experience with Compassion International and how you can sponsor a child through Denise to receive a free copy of her book, "Shame Off You".

The truth sets us free, not any philosophies of this world. When we doubt, God can open the eyes of the biggest skeptic so we can understand and find Christ in a religious world. Listen in to part two of the interview with former atheist Mike Nieman.

Finding Christ is difficult in a religious world where we can mistake religion for relationship with God. We’ve looked at how finding truth and grace play a role in understanding and coming to know God and now in these final episodes we will look at an incredible testimony of one who found Christ in an amazing way. Listen in as a former atheist, Mike Nieman, shares his testimony of how he came to Christ.

God's gift of salvation is free. Our sin debt is paid by the grace of God. But finding grace in a works-based religious culture is harder than we think. Listen in as we discuss finding grace in this series to finding Christ in a religious world.

Finding Christ in a religious world is not so easy. Sounds ironic, huh? Religion keeps people bound in works and blinds their eyes from seeing the simplicity of the Gospel. But God has not left us without a compass. His precious Word is our guide to finding a relationship with the God of this universe. Listen in as we discuss stumbling blocks to finding truth in this series to finding a faith that never fails in our living, good God.

Listen in as we continue our discussion on the gift of human life this month. This week we look at the chief arguments for abortion and discuss them biblically. Does man have the right to define life, or does the Creator? The Bible speaks to all of the common arguments we hear today—women's rights, safety, the role of religion, convenience. Rights are privileges, not entitlements. And when we have acted in ignorance, God's grace covers us. We must protect life in all of its forms and stages - from the womb to the tomb, life is a Holy gift from God.

Listen in to this episode as we unpack some of the real factors behind abortion. When we seek to understand what is really going on – the spiritual truth behind what we see in the flesh, we are able to defuse the lies.

Life is about so much more than politics and personal choice. It is an incredible gift. But all too often precious human lives are snuffed out in the name of convenience. We can speak up and continue the conversation to help our culture see the truth. Listen in as we explore the pro-life discussion and how it relates to politics.

God is the owner of life and life is a precious gift from God. Yet in our culture, the value of life is not always esteemed as the gift it is and the created can assert what they think is a right to end the life that our Creator gave. With the passing of an unprecedented law in New York concerning abortion up to birth, this month we are discussing the definition of life from the Author of life. Whether you agree or not or maybe have had an abortion, God loves you. Listen in to a new perspective on this episode as we reveal the definition of life from the Author of life.

How can we condemn sin and yet love those choosing to remain in their sin? Given that we all sin, we can have compassion on others in their sins. We are no better. Pat answers will not heal hearts. But truth with grace can. Listen in to part two of our interview with Caleb Kaltenbach, a Pastor who grew up as a son of two gay parents, as he shares on how best to understand and reach the LGBT community without compromising conviction.

Pastor/Author Caleb Kaltenbach, who was raised by LGBT parents, marched in gay pride parades as a youngster, and experienced firsthand the hatred and bitterness of some Christians toward his family—and is now a born again Christian and a pastor. Listen in to this week's episode as we hear from Caleb on how best to understand and reach the LGBT community without compromising conviction.

Gender confusion is rising in our culture and surprisingly, not a new struggle. Every culture has wrestled with sexual sin, even in Jesus’ day. When we ascribe to labels, we feel defined by them and powerless to change. But the good news is that we are not defined by our struggle. God has come to set His people free. Listen in as Denise Pass and Angela Donadio discuss this difficult but necessary topic.

This month we are discussing a hard topic with a desire to communicate God's love, grace and truth. There is great confusion in our culture right now concerning gender. We know where confusion comes from, but our feelings can be so strong, and our society can let go of God's purposes and pick up an identity the world gives. Is there an answer to all this confusion? Listen in as authors and speakers Denise and Angela discuss God's design of creating man and woman and embrace who He made you to be.

Today's generation is growing up with devices running their lives and parents are losing their influence to inanimate objects. What's a parent to do? Listen in as Denise Pass and Arlene Pellicane, co-author with Gary Chapman of "Growing Up Social: Raising Relational Kids in a Screen-Driven World" discuss creative biblical solutions to parenting Generation Z. With 41% of the next generation being noted for spending up to 3 hours a day online, the need to intervene in our children's online habits is greater than ever. But the good news is that new habits can be formed to set us free from the impact of living in a society driven by social media.

This month we have looked at our mission and vision and the importance of overcoming distractions and putting into action a plan. Just hoping for our mission to be fulfilled will not make it happen. Listen in as Denise and Angela discuss how to guard your time well and make your plans a reality.

Distractions . . . they keep us off mission and cause us to forget our vision . . . unless we deal with them biblically.

Is it smart phones? Relationships? Spiritual warfare or poor time management that keeps you distracted from God's purpose for you? Listen in as Denise and Angela talk about how to overcome distractions and live a focused life for Jesus Christ.

As we seek to live lives on mission, we have to have a vision. We are a forgetful people. We can know our mission, but if we can’t see it, understand it, it seems pointless. The Bible says that without a vision we perish. What an image for the significance of needing a vision from God. When we get a vision from anywhere else, it leads us astray and we go off mission. Where do you get your vision from? Listen in as Denise and Angela talk about how to renew our vision in Christ.

While we are making resolutions, may we resolve to be in the word of God to guide us. This world will distract us from THE mission God has for us, but the Holy Spirit and the word of God can direct us back on the path the LORD has for us. Listen in as Denise Pass and her new co-host, Angela Donadio, share on this key subject at the beginning of the year.

This month my kids are visiting me on the podcast to talk about the gifts God gives us not just as Christmas, but every day. Listen in to this interview with my second son, Samuel, as he shares how worship and helping others have been gifts from God.

Listen in to this interview with Denise's third daughter, Annalise, as she shares how she learned to turn her insecurity into a trust that cannot be shaken. The gifts of the fear of God and His word were her compass that helped her to turn from perfection and to trust in God, instead.

This year, as we celebrate Christmas, may we remember that the gifts of Christmas are not just on Christmas day, but all throughout our lives.

Challenges we face impact us in big ways. But even those pain points can be used to shape us for God's glory. Listen in to this episode, where Daniel, Denise's oldest son (child #3) shares how the struggles of childhood—insecurity and sadness, were turned into the strengths of being others-centered and a confidence in Christ and the role homeschooling played in developing his faith and calling.

Listen in to this episode, where Deborah, Denise's second daughter shares about the gifts of wisdom, healing and pain. In need of hope and encouragement? God is for you, friends. This year, as we celebrate Christmas, may we remember that the gifts of Christmas are not just on Christmas day, but all throughout our lives.

This month listen in as Denise interviews her children to discuss the gifts of Christmas—gifts born in hard places where our Emmanuel met each one with gifts they did not expect. In this episode, hear from Abigail, her eldest daughter and how she overcame fear and shame with bravery and honor. This year, as we celebrate Christmas, may we remember that the gifts of Christmas are not just on Christmas day, but all throughout our lives.

Expectations of joy and sadness and loneliness can often impact the holidays so much we just want to get through them. How can we set our expectations aright during the holidays? Listen in as Denise Pass and Micah Maddox discuss how to handle the holidays with grace and less stress!

Real gratitude does not depend on our mood. It comes from a much deeper place, determined by faith, not feelings. Yet cultivating gratitude in an entitled, discontent culture requires intentionality and grace. Listen in for some inspiration and Happy Thanksgiving from Denise and Micah! May God fill all of our hearts with a genuine gratitude as we glorify Him with thanksgiving for all He has done for His people.

Individuals can make a big difference at the national level by being involved in the areas where they live. Listen in as Denise Pass continues her interview with David Barton, Founder of the Wallbuilders, LLC.

The foundation of our nation will crumble from within if our people do not help restore our foundation together. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming to consider how we might individually help. The problems seem too big. We have believed that real change has to happen at the national level. Listen in as Denise Pass interviews David Barton, Founder of the Wallbuilders, LLC, who sheds some light on how individuals can change the course of our nation . . . right where we are.

Is Halloween a worthwhile holiday to celebrate? We are called to be in the world and not of it, so what do we do when the world around us celebrates holidays that don't seem to honor God? Listen in as Denise and Micah discuss how to approach cultural holidays with conviction rather than legalism.

The bride of Christ is beautiful. But sometimes things get a little messy within her walls. Listen in as Denise and Micah consider if we are individually and corporately being the salt and light of the world. Take our questionnaire to see where you and your church are at spiritually.

Listen in as Denise Pass and Micah Maddox interview author Mary DeMuth continue the conversation of friendships as she shares insights from her new book, The Seven Deadly Friendships: How to Heal When Painful Relationships Eat Away at Your Joy. Evaluate friendships based on mutual spiritual growth and don't miss the friendships in your lives because of busyness.

The Seven Deadly Friendships: How to Heal When Painful Relationships Eat Away at Your Joy

Do you struggle in friendships and wonder if finding a true friend is possible? Listen in as Denise Pass and Micah Maddox interview author Mary DeMuth as she shares insights from her new book, The Seven Deadly Friendships: How to Heal When Painful Relationships Eat Away at Your Joy and how to determine whether or not a relationship is safe or toxic.

The Seven Deadly Friendships: How to Heal When Painful Relationships Eat Away at Your Joy

School is now back in full swing. In all the learning, how are parents doing spiritually? We all can get off track sometimes. But more now than ever, parents need to help their children walk with God in a post-modern civilization. Listen in as Denise and Micah share some encouragement for parents as we guide our children through the back-to-school season. Download the free spiritual tips checklist and laminate it as a reminder - post it on your refrigerator or place it in your Bible.

School is now back in full swing. In all the learning, how are your kid doing spiritually? Is wisdom the same as knowledge? Listen in as Denise and Micah share some tips to guide kids in this fallen culture as they navigate all the challenges that going back to school presents. Download the free spiritual tips checklist and laminate it as a reminder - post it on your refrigerator or place it in your child's binder.

Listen in as Denise Pass and Micah Maddox discuss Micah's book, Anchored In, on the one year anniversary of its release and how to experience God's power today. God's power is evident in our lives at all times.

Listen in as Denise Pass and Micah Maddox discuss Micah's book, Anchored In, on the one year anniversary of its release and how to be Anchored In to God in life's storms.

This month we are discussing shame during the launch and roll out of Denise's book, Shame Off You. In this episode, Denise Pass and Micah Maddox are talking about how to cultivate the Shame Off You life and getting off the cycle of shame.

This month we are discussing shame during the launch and roll out of Denise's book, Shame Off You. In this episode, Denise Pass and Micah Maddox are talking about the battle in the mind and how it relates to overcoming shame in our lives.

This month we are discussing shame during the launch and roll out of Denise's book, Shame Off You. Recognizing shame for what it is might not be so easy, but when we get down to the roots of shame, we can then begin to rid ourselves of shame which is imperative to living a fruitful Christian live. Listen in as Denise Pass and Micah Maddox discuss how to develop a Shame Off You culture.

Shame Off You is about empowering the reader to overcome the shame culture and stay on mission for Christ. Listen in as Denise Pass and Micah Maddox discuss Denise's new book, "Shame Off You" and how we can be free from the culture of shame.

This month we have been discussing the freedom we have - spiritual freedom from Christ and civil freedom from those who also laid down their lives to purchase precious freedom. It seems so appropriate to end this month with emotional freedom - Freedom from Shame. Listen in as Denise Pass and Micah Maddox discuss Denise's new book, "Shame Off You" and how we can be free from shame.

Politics are a mess in our country right now, but this has always been the case. But what is the Christian to do? Get involved or remain on the outside? Listen in as Denise and Micah discuss this important topic.

Continuing on the discussion of political correctness, Denise and Micah discuss how political correctness is impacting the religious freedoms that our predecessors fought for and we cherish and enjoy. When we uphold the foundation of our nation, there is great hope that we will not lose it.

Political correctness has run amok in our culture, but is it confined to politics only, or has it reached the church? In this episode, listen in as Denise and Micah discuss being "Religiously Correct".

Is freedom rights that we have or that a government gives? Or maybe something that God gives us that we can choose to have? We can be free and yet not live in freedom. And indulging the flesh is not freedom at all. In this episode, listen in as Denise and Micah discuss what true freedom means.

"Daddy issues" affect many of us. Whether it is seeking approval or acceptance from others, children who did not grow up with a father or with a dad who was uninvolved can feel like something is missing or like they are destined to fail. But God can redeem.
Join Denise and Micah as they interview their guest, Sean Teis with "God is my Dad ministries", who shares about his ministry and how the fatherless and single moms find their identity and worth in Christ alone.

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there who courageously lead their families!

Messy families have been around since the beginning. We all have imperfect families, but God has a plan of redemption. Listen in as Denise and Micah interview Micah's husband, Rob.

Sometimes life throws us curve balls and we find ourselves in a role we did not anticipate. As we honor fathers this month, listen in as Denise and Micah hear from Denise's husband, Clay, and how he navigated single parenthood and being a step-Dad in a blended family.

This month we are focusing on the importance of fathers in our culture. There are many dads, some biological, some spiritual, some foster care or adoptive. Listen in today as Denise and Micah discuss answering the call to be a foster or adoptive father and how to support foster and adoptive fathers.

There are so many expectations we face in this life as women. Our body image, pressure to be successful, fulfilling our roles well. Many of the expectations in the culture surrounding us and also within our own hearts. Listen in as Denise Pass and Micah Maddox discuss expectations and how to approach them biblically.

Listen in as Denise Pass continues her interview with Liz Curtis Higgs discussing Real Womanhood: The Wise Woman. When we feel that we fall short as a Christian woman, we can recognize that we were never supposed to live up to any expectations except for God's - and He already fills our expectations for us.

This month we are discussing Real Womanhood - Expectations versus Reality. And today is Mother's Day, so we wanted to talk about expectations of motherhood. Listen in as Denise and Micah discuss the expectations all moms encounter - Moms who God enabled to give birth to children, adoptive moms, moms of foster care, aspiring moms, single moms, moms who suffered loss, step-moms and spiritual moms. No matter what your expectations were, God can meet them all. It just might look a little different than we expected.

Sometimes the expectations this world or even we place on ourselves can become a discouraging taskmaster. But have no fear - author and speaker Liz Curtis Higgs is here - to encourage us in our many varied roles as women. Listen in as Denise and Liz discuss what a wise woman looks like.

Kids are not the only ones to experience peer pressure. Parents do, too. Join Denise, Micah and Proverbs 31 Author and Speaker Lynn Cowell as they discuss how to faithfully equip our children to be brave in a pressure-filled world. Parents need to live out the faith they want to impart but parenting is so much more than a formula. When the world crowds in and steals our children's self-worth, parents can be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading and participate with God in guiding our children through the challenges of childhood to restore a healthy confidence again.

Guarding our children's purity is daunting when we are competing with a prolific message of impurity in our culture as we battle to keep our children's hearts. But not impossible. Listen in as Denise and Micah share on this important topic. God can heal our children and us when we have encountered things that have stolen our innocence. It is never too late to form boundaries to protect the souls of our children.

Parenting is not for sissies. Trying to guard our children's hearts can be a real struggle. Listen in as Denise Pass and Micah Maddox discuss a battle plan grounded in the word of God that provides safety and guidance for our children without trying to live in a bubble.

Feel confused as to what is the best education choice for your children? Listen in as Denise Pass, a homeschool veteran of 21 years who has also used public school to educate her children, and Micah Maddox, a momma who has home educated and currently has her children in a private school, discuss this important issue. You can rest in knowing that you don't have to keep up with Jones' education plan. God has a plan perfect for your family and He will lead you.

What does it mean to live the resurrection life?
While congregations celebrate Easter across the world, this Easter, let's celebrate who we are in Christ and what our loving Savior accomplished on the cross today and all year through. Listen in as Denise Pass and Micah Maddox talk about what the resurrection life is.

1 Peter 1:3-4
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you."

Here in March we are doing a series on exploring the human condition within our culture. Join Denise Pass and Micah Maddox as they interview our special guest, Brian Thomas, to help us unravel some of the mystery behind the controversy of evolution and creationism and specifically, to discuss what we have seen in our culture about the racial issues that pop up and try to divide us.

Comparison is so easy to do in a competitive world, but we are not called to measure up to anyone else in this world. Listen in as Denise and Micah talk about overcoming comparison and developing a kingdom mentality. When Christ is our standard and we fall so short, we can bring our weaknesses to Christ and see God make us strong.

In a fast-paced world where so much accessible to us, how is the Christian to counter temptation? Listen in as Denise and Micah share Biblical strategies to defuse the temptation this world offers and replace it with the abundant life Christ has for us. Visit the podcast blog to get free downloads: Top Ten Strategies for Handling Temptation, an Extended Devotion, and a transcript.

In a day and age when anything goes and saying what is wrong is right, there is still a plumb line in Christ that guides us to what is true and right. Listen in as Denise and Micah discuss what "rights" we do have in Christ and seek to live our lives in obedience to Jesus Christ.

In this month of love, it is appropriate to end on a sweet note about love. Listen in to part two of the interview with Denise Pass and Amanda Davison as they discuss how to have the most fulfilling marriage and what loving your husband looks like biblically.

Download Podcast In a world focused on pleasing self, marriage can be set for disaster . . that is until we consult the LORD, His Word and the Wife Coach! Listen in today as Denise Pass interviews Amanda Davison about what loving our husband biblically looks like. You might be surprised. Want to explore this topic more? Download resources below. * Transcript * Coloring page * Extended Devotion

Download Podcast

Ephesians 5:29 (ESV)

“For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church.”

While the world tells us to look out for ourselves and to find pleasure to be fulfilled, the Bible gives us a different perspective. Listen in as Denise Pass and Micah Maddox discuss how we can best take care of ourselves while walking with God. Loving yourself well is not a selfish expression of meeting your physical needs. Join us as we discuss the truth of spiritual self-care.

Extended Devotion: Want to go deeper? Here's an additional devotion on this topic.
Free coloring page download for further meditation on this week's topic.
Transcript: Download the transcript for this episode.

Download Podcast In this month of L-O-V-E, how are you at loving others? We tend to love those who love us. It’s easy to expect others to love us, but it’s much harder to give love when we aren't "feeling the love" from people who might not be so loving toward us. The only way to know love is to know God. Join Denise Pass and Micah Maddox as they talk about how to know God more and therefore love others more, as well. * Extended Devotion: Want to go deeper? Here's an additional devotion on this topic. * Free coloring page download for further meditation on this week's topic. * Transcript: Download the transcript for this episode.

Download Podcast Love is complicated on earth. The world gives us a definition of love through the media, and culture, but there is only one place to find the truth about what love really is. Join us as authors Denise Pass and Micah Maddox kick off their podcast with a topic close to the heart of God, exploring what the Bible says about true love and defining it from a biblical worldview. Uncover the truth of what love looks like in the church, and how we can discover God’s love in the quiet of our own hearts. * Extended Devotion: Want to go deeper? Here's an additional devotion on this topic. * Free coloring page download. For further meditation on this week's topic. * Transcript: Download the transcript for this episode.