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Photo by Lucas Ludwig on UnsplashWhen Jesus healed a man who was deaf, the people said, “Everything he does is wonderful!” It’s easy to say that when God does what we want – but what about the rest of the time? Scripture: Job, chapter 22; Mark, chapters 7-8 Mark 7:31-37 (NLT): Jesus left Tyre and went up to Sidon before going back to the Sea of Galilee and the region […]

Photo by John Fowler on UnsplashAt times, believers seem to expect God to do something miraculous to “prove” himself to others. Unfortunately, people who aren’t looking for God will often reply, “Go away and leave us alone.” Scripture: Job, chapter 21; Mark, chapters 5-6 Mark 5:1-20 (NLT): Jesus and a demon-possessed man So they arrived at the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gerasenes. When Jesus […]

Photo by Steve & Barb Sande on UnsplashSometimes we “hear” from God and come to different conclusions as to what God means. As we see in today’s passage, the best response in that situation is “The Lord’s will be done.” Scripture: Job, chapter 16; Acts, chapters 21-23 Acts 21:7-14 (NLT): The next stop after leaving Tyre was Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and sisters and stayed for one day. […]

  Photo by Davide Cantelli on Unsplash We need each other! We need to “guard ourselves and God’s people” (Acts 20:28), and we do that by entrusting ourselves to God “and the message of God’s grace” (20:32). Scripture: Job, chapter 15; Acts, chapters 19-20 Acts 20:28-32 (NLT): “So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock – his church, purchased with his own blood – over which the […]

Photo by Dan Gold on UnsplashWe live in a world where people think they can define their own “truth.” At times, we might be tempted to try to “help” God by shading things in his favor. But defending God with lies is never a good idea – and it’s never necessary! Scripture: Job, chapters 13-14; Acts, chapters 17-18 Job 13:1-12 (NLT): “Look, I have seen all this with my own eyes […]

Photo by Nick Fewings on UnsplashIn Acts 8, we see that the believers were scattered by persecution. But they didn’t let that defeat them! “They preached wherever they went” – just as Jesus had said! Scripture: Job, chapters 3-4; Acts, chapters 8-9 Acts 8:1-8 (NLT): Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over […]

Photo by Dale Nibbe on UnsplashWe’re familiar with Job’s story. We’ve heard about his patience. But his first reaction to the tests that he faced was to worship: “Job fell to the ground to worship.” Scripture: Job, chapters 1-2; Acts, chapters 6-7 Job 1:20-22 (NLT): Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship. He said, “I came […]

Photo by Greg Jenkins on UnsplashMoney and material wealth are a stumbling block for many in their spiritual journeys. But why does God care about our money? Probably because it’s a reflection of how much we care about him! Scripture: Malachi, chapters 3-4; Psalm 148; Acts, chapter 5 Malachi 3:6-10 (NLT): “I am the Lord, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already […]

Photo by Faith Crabtree on UnsplashPolitical leaders clamor for our attention, assuring us that they know the best way forward. God’s Word reminds us not to trust in “powerful people,” but to trust in God! Scripture: Nehemiah, chapters 5-6; Psalm 146; Luke, chapter 24 Psalm 146 (NLT): Praise the Lord! Let all that I am praise the Lord. I will praise the Lord as long as I live. I will […]