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How do we “inherit a blessing”? Peter tells us: follow the example of Jesus, rather than our world’s way. Don’t return evil for evil or insult for insult; seek peace! Scripture:        Isaiah, chapters 40-42; 1 Peter, chapter 3 1 Peter 3:8-17 (CEB): Finally, all of you be of one mind, sympathetic, lovers of your fellow […] Source link

Photo by Diana Vargas on Unsplash So many people call us to question or challenge authority. Jesus points to a different way. How do we submit like Jesus did? Scripture:        2 Kings, chapter 20; Isaiah, chapters 38-39; Psalm 75; 1 Peter, chapter 2 1 Peter 2:13-25 (CEB): For the sake of the Lord submit to every human institution. Do this whether it means submitting to the emperor as supreme ruler, […]

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash What does it mean to think clearly about God? Peter says, “Place your hope completely on the grace that will be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1 Peter 1:13). Scripture:        Isaiah, chapters 36-37; 1 Peter, chapter 1 1 Peter 1:13-23 (CEB): Therefore, once you have your minds ready for action and you are thinking clearly, place your hope completely on the […]

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash James 1 calls us to be “quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to grow angry.” So why should we do that? More importantly, HOW do we do that? Scripture:        Isaiah, chapters 29-31; James, chapter 1 James 1:19-27 (CEB): Know this, my dear brothers and sisters: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to grow angry. This is because an […]

Photo by Matt Howard on Unsplash Earthly rulers and spiritual leaders – what’s the difference? How should we view them? Which is more important? Scripture:        Isaiah, chapters 25-28; Hebrews, chapter 13 Hebrews 13:1-8 (CEB): Keep loving each other like family. Don’t neglect to open up your homes to guests, because by doing this some have been hosts to angels without knowing it. Remember prisoners as if you were in prison […]

Photo by William Warby on Unsplash “Extra baggage” weighs us down and hinders spiritual growth. Spiritual pride is the worst kind of “extra baggage.” How can we recognize it and throw it off? Scripture:        Isaiah, chapters 22-24; Hebrews, chapter 12 Hebrews 12:1-2 (CEB): So then let’s also run the race that is laid out in front of us, since we have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us. Let’s […]

Photo by Kiwihug on Unsplash Every day, voices tells us to be terrified – “what if this happens?” “How will we survive that?” Listen to God: “Don’t walk in the way of this people. Don’t be terrified!” Scripture:        Isaiah, chapters 8-10; Hebrews, chapter 8 Isaiah 8:11-15 (CEB): The Lord spoke to me, taking hold of me and warning me not to walk in the way of this people: “Don’t call […]

Photo by Ronak Valobobhai on Unsplash Our world tells us to “grab for all you can get.” God calls us to grasp the hope of his promise, “which is a safe and secure anchor for our whole being” (Hebrews 6:19)! Scripture:        Micah, chapters 1-4; Hebrews, chapter 6 Hebrews 6:13-20 (CEB): When God gave Abraham his promise, he swore by himself since he couldn’t swear by anyone greater. He said, “I […]

Photo by Artem Sapegin on Unsplash Our world is marked by division, conflict, and strife. Where do we find encouragement? The psalmist tells us: “Know that the Lord is God!” Scripture:        Hosea, chapters 13-14; Psalms 100, 102; Hebrews, chapter 5 Psalm 100 (CEB): Shout triumphantly to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with celebration! Come before him with shouts of joy! Know that the Lord is God – […]