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Photo by Javier Allegue Barros on UnsplashThe world calls us to “be happy.” On the other had, God invites us to be overflowing with joy. What’s the difference? Scripture:        Leviticus, chapters 1-3; Acts, chapter 13 Acts 13:44-52 (CEB): On the next Sabbath, almost everyone in the city gathered to hear the Lord’s word. When the Jews saw the crowds, they were overcome with jealousy. They argued against what Paul was […]

Christian faith is not a matter of mere knowledge or information. Acts 1 talks about “convincing proofs” of the resurrection. What convincing proofs are present in us? Scripture:        Exodus, chapters 12-13; Psalm 21; Acts, chapter 1 Acts 1:1-11 (CEB): Theophilus, the first scroll I wrote concerned everything Jesus did and taught from the beginning, right […] Source link

Photo by Colby Ray on UnsplashOn the road to Emmaus, Jesus chastised two disciples for their “dull minds.” How can we allow God to sharpen our dull minds? Scripture:        Exodus, chapters 9-11; Luke, chapter 24 Luke 24:13-32 (CEB): The Things About Jesus On that same day, two disciples were traveling to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking to each other about everything that had […]

Photo by Jakob Stenqvist on UnsplashPilate was ready to release Jesus, but the crowd shouted him down. “Their voices won out.” How do we avoid being led astray by the voices of the crowd? Scripture:        Exodus, chapters 6-8; Luke, chapter 23 Luke 23:13-25 (CEB): Then Pilate called together the chief priests and the rulers of the people. He said to them, “You brought this man before me as one who […]

Photo by NEOM on UnsplashJesus said to those who came to arrest him, “This is your time, when darkness rules.” But light can drive out darkness – and Jesus is the light of the world! Scripture:        Exodus, chapters 3-5; Luke, chapter 22 Luke 22:47-53 (CEB): While Jesus was still speaking, a crowd appeared, and the one called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss […]

Photo by NEOM on UnsplashGuilt is a powerful emotion – but we need to remember that it is a tool of the devil! God’s grace is greater than the power and reach of guilt! Scripture:        Genesis, chapters 42-43; Psalm 5; Luke, chapter 17 Genesis 42:17-28 (CEB): He put them all in prison for three days. On the third day, Joseph said to them, “Do this and you will live, for […]

Photo by Faith Crabtree on UnsplashIn Luke 16, Jesus teaches about faithfulness with money. He says to use it so that when it’s gone, God will welcome us. How do we do that? Scripture:        Genesis, chapters 39-41; Luke, chapter 16 Luke 16:1-13 (CEB): Jesus also said to the disciples, “A certain rich man heard that his household manager was wasting his estate. He called the manager in and said to […]

Photo by Kitera Dent on UnsplashIn Luke 15, Jesus reminds us to celebrate restoration and reconciliation. A lost sheep, lost coin, or lost son is found – celebrate! Scripture:        Genesis, chapters 37-38; Psalm 7; Luke, chapter 15 Luke 15:1-7 (CEB): All the tax collectors and sinners were gathering around Jesus to listen to him. The Pharisees and legal experts were grumbling, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” […]

Photo by TE LUN OU YANG on UnsplashEsau sold his birthright for a bowl of stew. How many Christians sell their spiritual birthright for the world’s equivalent of a bowl of stew? Scripture:        Genesis, chapters 25-26; Psalm 6; Luke, chapter 10 Genesis 25:27-34 (CEB): When the young men grew up, Esau became an outdoorsman who knew how to hunt, and Jacob became a quiet man who stayed at home. Isaac […]