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Photo by Marcos Paulo Prado on Unsplash To live is to change. But how do we handle those changes? Are we in transition, or undergoing transformation? Transitions All of us experience transitions in life. As John Henry Newman said, to live is to change. We grow through childhood and adolescence. We change grades, and then schools. As we grow, we learn; as we learn, we change. Jobs become careers; interests […]

Photo by Jonny Gios on Unsplash Is God fair? Of course He is! What can we learn about gratitude and generosity from the parable of the workers in the vineyard? Scripture:        Matthew, chapters 20-22 Matthew 20:1-16 (CEB): “The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. After he agreed with the workers to pay them a denarion, he […]

Photo by Rebekah Vos on Unsplash The Bible sets forth many things that Jesus taught his disciples. But what would Jesus say to us if He joined us for Thanksgiving Dinner? What Would Jesus Say at Thanksgiving Dinner? “Keep Your Priorities Right” “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly […]

Photo by Jonny Gios on Unsplash Job’s story shows us that questioning God is not “wrong” – but God’s “answers” won’t always satisfy us. How do we ask questions without doubting God’s ultimate justice? Scripture:        Job, chapters 39-40; 1 Corinthians, chapters 13-14 Job 40:6-14 (CEB): The Lord answered Job from the whirlwind: “Prepare yourself like a man; I will interrogate you, and you will respond to me. Would you question […]

Photo by Mei-Ling Mirow on Unsplash Our nation becomes more bitter and divided each day. November 13 is World Kindness Day; what does the Bible say about kindness? The Fruit of the Spirit Is…Kindness But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23). The word translated “kindness” in Galatians 5:22 is chrestotes. “It is […]

Photo by Brett Patzke on Unsplash In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul reminds us that the Holy Spirit gives spiritual gives “just as He wills.” So why do we divide ourselves over spiritual gifts? Scripture:        Job, chapters 37-38; 1 Corinthians, chapter 12 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (CEB): Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, […]

Photo by Ashkan Forouzani on Unsplash November 9 is World Adoption Day. Scripture tells us that believers are adopted by God, but what exactly does that mean? Scriptural Passages – Children of God But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believed in His name, who were born, nor of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, […]

Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash November 9 is World Adoption Day. Is there a Christian view of child adoption? What does the Bible say about it? Old Testament Passages Relating to Child Adoption What Old Testament passages mention or at least hint at the subject of child adoption? He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the stranger by giving him food and […]

Photo by Grant Whitty on Unsplash In Galatians 4, Paul contrasts our status as children of God with “the weak and worthless world system” that enslaves us. What does he mean? Scripture:        Job, chapter 30; Psalm 120; Galatians, chapters 3-4 Galatians 3:26 – 4:9 (CEB): You are all God’s children through faith in Christ Jesus. All of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is […]