“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 In her book “Liturgy of the Ordinary”, author Tish Harrison Warren writes: “Confession reminds us that none of us gather for worship because we are “pretty good people.” […]

“For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we […]

‘I cried to the Lord with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill. Selah.’ Psalm 3:4 Sometimes, Jesus rose early in the morning to pray; other times, He prayed all night long. Your quiet time can be morning, evening, or whatever time works best for you. You’re […]

‘Forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.’ Ephesians 4:32 Let go of the old grudges that are weighing you down. Philip Yancey describes forgiveness as ‘an unnatural act’. He says, ‘You don’t find dolphins forgiving sharks for eating their playmates. It’s a dog-eat-dog world … not dog-forgive-dog.’ […]

“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18 In Edinburgh, Scotland, there is the Edinburgh castle – a tower of seemingly insurmountable strength. However, long ago, that castle was attacked and seized. One place in the fortress was protected by its steepness and impregnability, and […]

‘If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil.’ 1 Peter 3:10 Your tongue has creative power. If you doubt that, criticise someone, and observe the look on their face and their response. Now try complimenting them and observe the look on […]

‘“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good … to give you a future and a hope.”’ Jeremiah 29:11 Paul was totally invested in what God had called him to do. Are you? When it comes to barriers to success, we […]

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8 Pastor Lee Rhodes told the following story: “A young lady named Sally took a seminary class taught by Professor Smith, who was known for his elaborate object lessons. […]

“‘He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’’ Then they remembered his words.” – Luke […]

“What does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” – Romans 4:3 Pastor Darren Pollock wrote: “Once when my daughter was six and my son was two, my mother-in-law noticed my daughter holding a favorite toy just out of my son’s standing reach, […]

“What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God’s faithfulness?” – Romans 3:3 In June 2020, a Nashua, New Hampshire woman and her dog were rescued from a manhole after becoming trapped in the sewer. Neighbor Roberta Ingham was lying outside, taking a break from […]

‘I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them…’ Isaiah 42:16 Sometimes, following God involves leaving a secure and lucrative career. Moses left a palace, Elisha left a farm, James and John left their fishing boats. But sometimes, following God means […]

‘God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise.’ 1 Corinthians 1:27 A pastor writes: ‘Poll after poll has found that most people’s number one fear is speaking in public. Death ranks number two. That means some people would rather die than […]

“For God does not show favoritism.” – Romans 2:11 Hilaire Belloc (1870–1953), an author, critic, and devout Roman Catholic, lived in a Britain where strong anti-Catholic sentiment prevailed. Known for his passion and unwavering conviction, Belloc decided to run for political office in 1906, fully aware of the challenges posed […]

‘Preach the Word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favourable or not.’ 2 Timothy 4:2 In training Timothy for ministry, Paul says, ‘Preach the Word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favourable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching’ 2 Timothy […]