ibc-test

New Calendar, New Possibilities

Sat, 03 Jan 2026 11:00:10 GMT

New Calendar, New Possibilities

There’s something about getting a calendar or planner for the new year (at least for those of us who still love having one in hand) – pretty much blank with the aroma of new possibilities. God has written all over those pages exactly what the new year holds for us; but to the human eye, He has written in invisible ink! Only as the months unfold will we see what His hand has prepared for us – and what He has permitted in our lives.

One item that has been on my calendar for almost the past decade has been coordinating the IBC Devotion-Writing ministry – which has consumed a big portion of not only my calendar, but also my heart, my energy, and my focus. In the new year, that will no longer be filling in the squares on my calendar.

Like me, you too may be going into the new year leaving some things behind – even some things you have loved dearly. It has been my absolute joy coordinating this ministry and writing for you – imagining we were sitting across the table from each other chatting about things of the Lord.

However, some challenges in my life have made it necessary for me to acknowledge that a new chapter is unfolding. So, it is with some sadness but also with hopeful anticipation that I leave this very special chapter behind and look forward to what is yet to come.

There is a scripture passage that seems to find itself on lots of Christian graduation cards; but today, I’m claiming it for myself. And I hope those of you who are also turning a page might want to claim it for yourselves.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

As long as we have breath, we have a future – perhaps a new beginning. It could be a new line of work, a family addition, a cross-country move, a new way of serving the Lord, a new creative endeavor, a fresh start. Newness is a central theme in our faith, encouraging us to move forward with confidence in the One who holds our future in His hands.

Although none of us have a clue what this new year holds for us, we can be assured of one more thing:

“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived – the things God has prepared for those who love him…” (1 Corinthians 2:9)

Won’t you join me in embracing with hope, joy, and optimism the newness that lies ahead for all of us?

By Judy Shrout

Three Days

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 11:00:29 GMT

THREE DAYS

Today we’re in Luke chapter 2, moving from Christmas into the New Year.

Who doesn’t love a good festival, carnival, or county or state fair? Well, I suppose I don’t because of the parking hassle, crowds, lines, primitive restrooms, etc. But while I’m not the best example here, even an introvert like me can enjoy the energy of such a celebratory, whimsical environment if I can get over myself long enough to stop worrying about petty annoyances. Festivals can be chaotic fun, especially once I inevitably scout out the funnel cake booth and spend the rest of the day looking like Pig-Pen from Peanuts, except I’m surrounded by a misty cloud of grease and powdered sugar.

When Jesus was twelve years old, Joseph and Mary took Him to Jerusalem on their annual trek to the Passover Festival. Taking the family to an annual festival is relatable to us even today. Also relatable is turning around in a crowd and experiencing a moment of panic when you realize your child is not where you thought he was. All of us parents have been there, and thankfully for most of us our kids are quickly located nearby.

Upon discovering that Jesus was not in their traveling party, Joseph and Mary spent three days to eventually get what they so desperately wanted. Good news - after three long days, Jesus was found!

After three days, they found Him in the temple complex sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. (Luke 2:46 HCSB)

A few years later, early one morning, a group of women were also looking for Jesus. Great news - after three long days, Jesus was NOT found.

They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes. So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground.

“Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” asked the men. (Luke 24:2-5 HCSB)

At Christmas we sing out “O Come Let Us Adore Him” and think of the sweet baby Jesus lying in a manger in Bethlehem. Of course, He’s no longer there. But neither is He still lying somewhere in a tomb.

Why were you searching for Me?” He asked them. “Didn’t you know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49 HCSB)

Oh, come let us adore Him.

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley.

New Beginnings

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 11:00:19 GMT

NEW BEGINNINGS

This week we’re in Luke 2:21-38, moving from Christmas into the New Year.

A few years ago, an insurance company released a series of funny commercials with the theme “life comes at you fast.” The gist was that because unexpected things can happen quickly, you need insurance. I will not speak to the pros and cons of various insurance products, but I wholly endorse the idea that life indeed comes at you fast. Want a quick personal example? On a shelf near me at this moment sits one of my favorite stuffed animals from when I was a kid. His name is “Ert”, and he still looks and smells like he did when I was little. My phone lies nearby, and its lock screen features the smiling face of our son and daughter-in-law’s baby boy – our first grandson.

Life comes at you fast.

We spend a lot of time at Christmas talking about Jesus’ birth, and in a few short months at Easter we’ll talk a lot about His death and resurrection. The rest of the year we mostly think about Jesus’ three-year ministry at the end of His life on earth, and how His teachings influence the way we should live and treat each other.

We talk very little about what Jesus was doing in the “in between” time between His birth and His public ministry. We just don’t know much about it. Luke chapter two starts with His birth, and by chapter three He’s thirty and launching His ministry. What happened in between? Was Jesus like other boys, good-naturedly shoving His buddies around before class, or inexplicably trying to jump and touch the top of every doorway?

We don’t get much detail:

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with people. (Luke 2:52 HCSB)

During this “in between” time Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, where stature isn’t simply physical presence, but also influence. Two key milestones in our lives as Christians are our spiritual birth and our physical death. In between, we should demonstrate our adoration of Jesus by following His example, to grow our own wisdom and stature.

This Christmas I spent time adoring Jesus. As we enter the new year, what is one change I can make to demonstrate that adoration better to others?

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley.

Rejection

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 11:00:29 GMT

REJECTION

This week we’re in Luke 2:21-38, moving from Christmas into the New Year.

Do you recall the anxiety that came with “picking teams” for sports or games in elementary school? Our son has a pitiful story about a time he wasn’t picked at all. The other kids chose up teams and just started playing while he was still standing there. It’s not that he wasn’t athletic enough; they just didn’t notice him.

As adults we seldom play touch football, but we experience the same rejection. Maybe some nice people at your workplace socialize outside the office and you wish just once to be invited. Or maybe within your family, even if it’s a healthy and loving one, you just somehow don’t fit. It’s painful to be rejected, and painful to witness someone you love being rejected.

Simeon came to the temple to see Jesus in person, praising God for His salvation, and amazing Joseph and Mary in the process. But Simeon’s visit was not all sunshine and roses, because he also delivered a harsh truth.

Then Simeon blessed them and told His mother Mary: “Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed - and a sword will pierce your own soul - that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” (Luke 2:34-35 HCSB)

Jesus would face opposition, and it would pierce Mary’s soul. But what does it mean by “the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed?” A Bible commentary helped me understand it better. For some, Jesus is a stumbling stone that reveals our hearts’ imperfections:

He will be a sanctuary; but for the two houses of Israel, He will be a stone to stumble over and a rock to trip over, and a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Many will stumble over these; they will fall and be broken; they will be snared and captured. (Isaiah 8:14-15 HCSB)

But Jesus is supposed to be a cornerstone:

Therefore the Lord God said: “Look, I have laid a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will be unshakable. (Isaiah 28:16 HCSB)

Jesus’ divine perfection reveals my flaws, and I am sure to stumble and fall again before this day is through, but the foundational cornerstone will not be knocked aside by our failings.

During Christmas season we adore and celebrate Him. This new year let’s not reject or overlook Him. Let’s stand on His foundation that won’t be shaken no matter what this year brings.

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley.

Wait. What?

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 11:00:06 GMT

WAIT. WHAT?

This week we’re in Luke 2:21-38, moving from Christmas into the New Year.

Have you ever heard a parent say something like this?

“Our school had parent-teacher conferences this week. Mrs. Jones said that Johnny is well-behaved and quiet and never has to be told twice to do something. I just looked at her and said, ‘Wait, are we talking about the same kid? Do you have me confused with another parent? That’s not how he acts at home!’”

I once had the opposite experience. I got a call from the school principal wanting to talk about something bad our son did. It was unexpected and shocking to me until the principal said something along the lines of, “as we discussed after the last incident…” Because there had been no prior incident, I politely interrupted him, explained my confusion, and asked for clarification. After a few awkward moments, we realized he had dialed the phone number one row above the one he intended to call - and because our son coincidentally had the same first name as the troublemaker, neither of us realized the mistake immediately. (The poor principal was mortified; I was relieved.)

Parents know more about their kids than anybody else knows, so it can be a shock when others have different opinions about them. We expect others to think of our children the way we think about them. Luke chapter two tells of a man named Simeon who knew (from the Holy Spirit) of the Messiah’s coming, so he sought out the child Jesus and His family at the temple. Upon finding Him, he proclaimed to God that he had seen God’s salvation.

His father and mother were amazed at what was being said about Him. (Luke 2:33 HCSB)

Wait a second. Joseph and Mary were amazed at something being said about Jesus? Hadn’t they already experienced first-hand just how unique and special He was (and would be)? Why were they amazed by this?

I think there is an involuntary emotional response when a stranger reinforces something we already know about our children. If somebody I’ve never met walks up and tells me they encountered my child somehow at school or church (or now in their workplaces) and found them delightful, I’m not amazed by the facts but might be amazed by how far and wide the facts have traveled.

If Mary and Joseph can be amazed by hearing about Jesus, how much more so could my friends and family be amazed by what is said about Him?

Or am I saying anything at all?

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley.

Now I Can Die In Peace

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 11:00:16 GMT

NOW I CAN DIE IN PEACE

This week we’re in Luke 2:21-38, moving from Christmas into the New Year.

In 2004 the Boston Red Sox won their first World Series since 1918. In 2016 the Chicago Cubs won their first World Series since 1908. Stories abounded about older, lifelong, fans who had feared they might never see their beloved team win a title. They rejoiced that they got to see it happen, and some joked “Now I can die in peace!” (At least I think they were joking).

Simeon was a righteous man in Jerusalem who had also been waiting expectantly for something, but he didn’t wonder if it would happen in his lifetime, because it had been promised. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. And here is how it happened:

Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple complex. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for Him what was customary under the law, Simeon took Him up in his arms, praised God, and said, “Now, Master, You can dismiss Your slave in peace, as You promised. For my eyes have seen Your salvation.” (Luke 2:27-30 HCSB)

What a remarkable moment. A faithful servant of God not only got to see the baby Jesus in person but knew who Jesus was and that He was the Messiah. He held Him in his arms and sincerely proclaimed, “Now I can die in peace.”

The temptation is for us to flippantly respond by saying, “We should all be so lucky.” But luck has nothing to do with it. I see two challenges for us in this moment. First, Simeon was afforded this opportunity because he was righteous and devout. Second, he followed the Spirit’s guidance and went to the temple.

God foretold many things to Joseph and Mary, but He never said, “There’s this cool old guy named Simeon. After you take Jesus to the temple, I need you to swing by his house because I promised him that in his lifetime, he’d see the Messiah.” That’s not how it worked.

God’s plan for Simeon to receive the promised blessing required Simeon to not only listen to the Holy Spirit, but also to act. This Christmas season and new year let’s not make adoring Jesus a passive activity like looking at a Christmas tree or watching a favorite Christmas movie. Simeon took action to show his adoration.

What actions should I take to demonstrate to others my adoration of Jesus?

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley.

Hearing His Voice In the Year Ahead

Sat, 27 Dec 2025 11:00:06 GMT

Hearing His Voice in the Year Ahead

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27 ASV)

The glow of Christmas lights still lingers, and the joyful melodies of the season echo in our minds. We have celebrated the birth of our Savior – Immanuel, God with us. But now, as the wrapping paper settles and the pace of life begins to quiet, we are invited into a deeper, quieter posture: listening.

The noise of the world can make it easy to overlook the gentle voice of God. Yet Jesus Himself declared, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27 ASV). The celebration of His coming is not meant to end at the manger. It continues as we learn to recognize His voice and respond with obedience.

As we stand just days from a new year, God is not calling us into busyness – He is calling us into awareness. Into attentiveness. Into a readiness to hear Him in Scripture, in prayer, in quiet moments, and even in ordinary rhythms of life.

Elijah discovered that God’s voice was not in the wind, earthquake, or fire – but in the gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:11-13). That same whisper calls us today. It cuts through distractions, pride, fear, and the noise of our own ambitions and resolutions. It invites us to surrender our plans and trust His.

Listening begins with positioning ourselves before Him. “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:9-10 NLT) is not just Samuel’s posture – it is ours for the coming year. When we listen, God gives direction. When we obey, He provides grace. When we follow, He leads us into His purpose.

As you prepare to step into 2026, take these next few days to settle your spirit and tune your heart. Let the quiet after Christmas become the space where God begins to shape your path.

What noise or distraction do you need to lay down so you can hear God’s voice more clearly in the coming year?

By George Donkor

George and his wife, Christiana, are proud parents of Annajoy and Elijah. They love serving Jesus together and showing Him to the world around them.

Whad'ya get?

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 11:00:04 GMT

Whadya’ Get?

It won’t be long now before most of us will be asked, “Whadya’ get for Christmas? Did you get everything on your list?” Then, we will list our gifts and perhaps share our opinions on them.

Gifts are synonymous with Christmas.

They have been since the beginning. In Mary’s song found in Luke’s Gospel, she shares, “The Mighty One has done great things for me, and his name is holy” (Luke 1:49).

God has also done great things for us as well.

As we reflect post-Christmas on our gifts, let’s also reflect on the great things God has done for us:

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:17)

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21)

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. (Psalm 40:2)

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy. (Psalm 30:11)

If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (Matthew 7:11)

God has done great things for us. The next time someone asks you,“Whadya’ get?” think about the great things God has done.

By LaRaine Rice

LaRaine is the wife of Jeff and mother of Christopher and Elizabeth. She teaches the sixth-grade girls on Sunday morning.

Rejoice! Christmas Has Come

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 11:00:03 GMT

Christmas is for Children

“Christmas is for children.”

Maybe you’ve heard someone share that sentiment or that exact phrase. There’s an excitement that children bring to Christmas that adults just don’t always bring.

Maybe it’s a visit from SC. Maybe it’s receiving toys and gifts from parents and families. Maybe it’s special foods, lights or being together. Children love Christmas in a way that is infectious. There is something about a child’s point of view that makes the day special.

Jesus loved children and their point of view. And He wanted all of His followers to be like children.

Consider the time that “Jesus called a little child over to him. He had the child stand among them. Jesus said, ‘What I’m about to tell you is true. You need to change and become like little children. If you don’t, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Anyone who takes the humble position of this child is the most important in the kingdom of heaven.’” (Matthew 18:2-4, NIRV)

Children rely on others for everything, not just on Christmas Day. They take delight in small things such as Christmas lights.

Jesus wants His followers to humbly rely on Him. He wants us to take delight in Him. He wants us to remember who He is and who we are in relation to Him.

Today, celebrate Jesus like a child. Remember Him. Thank Him. Find joy in Him.

Christmas is for children… of all ages!

By LaRaine Rice

LaRaine is the wife of Jeff and mother of Christopher and Elizabeth. She teaches the sixth-grade girls on Sunday morning.

Hopeful Waiting for the Coming of Christ

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 11:00:27 GMT

Hopeful Waiting

Christmas Eve seems just as magical as Christmas Day, particularly in the evening. It’s as if anything is possible and the world is awash with hope as we await the next day.

The very first Christmas Eve had a different effect. True, Mary and Joseph knew what was to come or, should I say, Who was to come. But that night, Mary was very uncomfortable and Joseph was looking for a place to stay.

The shepherds were bored in the field. The wisemen were watching the heavens for a sign, any sign. And the people of Israel had no idea if the Messiah would ever come.

For everyone except Mary and Joseph, it was an ordinary day. No one else knew what God had planned. No one knew that the next day, His promises would be fulfilled in the birth of Jesus.

Today, as you wait for Christmas, remember that God is always at work even when we don’t know it. God may seem slow or our prayers are going unanswered. That is not the case.

“Dear friends, here is one thing you must not forget. With the Lord a day is like a thousand years. And a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow to keep his promise. He is not slow in the way some people understand it. Instead, he is patient with you. He doesn’t want anyone to be destroyed. Instead, he wants all people to turn away from their sins.” (2 Peter 3:8-9, NIRV)

You see, not only does God fulfill His promises, He fulfills them at just the right time.

When we fully trust in God, we know that anything is possible and we can be awash with hope as we await the fulfillment of God’s will.

Trust. Hope. Watch.

By LaRaine Rice

LaRaine is the wife of Jeff and mother of Christopher and Elizabeth. She teaches the sixth-grade girls on Sunday morning.

My Soul Magnifies the Lord

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 11:00:40 GMT

Magnify

“And Mary said: ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, because he has looked with favor on the humble condition of his servant.’” (Luke 1:46-48)

Were she here today, she might invite us to “magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!” (Psalm 34:3)

Today, therefore, magnify and exalt the Lord. Rejoice in God your Savior as you read these truths:

“God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” (Numbers 23:19)

“Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.” (Deuteronomy 7:9)

“Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.” (Jeremiah 32:17)

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” (Romans 11:33)

“Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.” (Psalm 115:3)

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” (Isaiah 6:3)

By LaRaine Rice

LaRaine is the wife of Jeff and mother of Christopher and Elizabeth. She teaches the sixth-grade girls on Sunday morning.

Blessed By A Promised Kept

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 11:01:32 GMT

Blessed

“Blessed” is a word people use to describe themselves. You may see it on sweatshirts, pillows or signs (especially in the fall). Its use is popular because most of us realize that we have been given much.

Elizabeth used the word blessed to describe Mary upon Mary’s arrival at her house. Mary was not only blessed because she would be the mother of the Messiah or because her child would be blessed. Mary was also blessed for believing “that the Lord would fulfill what he has spoken to her!” (Luke 1:45)

Mary believed in God’s promise, and she was blessed for it. She believed, like Abraham, even when it didn’t make sense.

“Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness. . . Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be.’ Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why ‘it was credited to him as righteousness.’” (Romans 4:3,18-22)

When Abraham and Mary faced uncertainty, like we all do, they believed in God’s promise to them. Perhaps you think that God has not given you a promise like He did with Mary and Abraham, but, dear one, He has given you many promises.

Do you believe, with the same faith that Mary and Abraham had, in the one who has made the promises of scripture? Are you waiting faithfully on God or are you giving up on Him?

Today, be blessed, not because of things or people but because of your faith in a faithful God.

By LaRaine Rice

LaRaine is the wife of Jeff and mother of Christopher and Elizabeth. She teaches the sixth-grade girls on Sunday morning.

God's Sovereignty, Our Brokenness

Sat, 20 Dec 2025 11:00:00 GMT

God’s Sovereignty and Man’s Imperfection

Each Gospel approaches the story of Jesus a bit differently. In his account, Matthew doesn’t open with a star or a stable, but with genealogy. That long list of names quietly proclaims one of Scripture’s most surprising truths: the Savior of the world entered history through a line of broken and flawed people. Maybe there is no greater mystery—or greater comfort—than this: God sovereignly works through the messy, imperfect stories of ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.

Matthew intentionally highlights this messiness. Tamar’s story is marked by personal tragedy, deception, and painful family dysfunction. Rahab, a prostitute from a pagan nation, acted in courageous faith when everything was at stake. Ruth, a Moabite outsider, chose to follow Israel’s God instead of returning to the comfort of her homeland. David—Israel’s greatest king—was also the man who committed adultery, conspiracy, and murder. And Manasseh was a king whose evil was so severe it nearly destroyed Judah.

These are not the names you expect in the family line of the Messiah. Yet God does not hide them; He includes them. And in doing so, He reveals a profound mystery: God never approves of sin, yet He is never defeated by it. Human decisions—good, bad, and devastating—remain real. But God’s sovereign purpose moves forward with absolute certainty.

That’s why Matthew keeps repeating the phrase, “This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken…”

The virgin birth? Fulfilled.

Bethlehem as the birthplace? Fulfilled.

The flight to Egypt? Fulfilled.

Even the grief in Ramah? Fulfilled.

These fulfilled prophecies are not random connections—they are purposeful declarations that nothing, not even human brokenness and failure, could derail God’s plan to bring Christ into the world.

This truth does not minimize our responsibility; it magnifies it. Because God works through imperfect people, we never treat sin lightly. Grace is not an excuse to live carelessly; grace is the motivation to pursue Christ wholeheartedly. We strive for holiness, not to earn God’s favor, but because His grace has already been poured out on us.

Your failures do not define you. But your calling—to emulate Christ, to grow in godliness, to walk faithfully—is real and weighty; and God Himself empowers it. As Paul reminds us in Philippians, we can “forget what is behind and press on toward the goal God has set before us.”

As you reflect on the fact that God wove the messy choices of kings, outsiders, sinners, and wanderers into the story that led to Christ, remember this: God can certainly work within your story to advance His purposes - to bring hope to those around you through your redemption story, and to glorify Him through your life.

By Paky Kramer

Son of The Most High

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 11:00:06 GMT

Son of the Most High

Every so often, a new toy will come out around Christmas that becomes way more popular than it should. People once searched high and low for Furbies and Tickle Me Elmo Dolls. Many have purchased Beanie Babies certain they would be worth money one day. I am pretty sure Stacy went out of her way to get Hatchimals one year. Such things create a buzz and then quickly fade.

If we aren’t careful, the truths we encounter at Christmas can go through a similar lifecycle. We rejoice at the words of the angels, take comfort in God’s promises, and worship in response to Christ’s birth. But these things should not be fads that impact us for one month of the year. Consider these words Gabriel spoke to Mary concerning Jesus:

“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” (Luke 1:31–33)

If these things are true about Jesus, He demands our full attention and devotion throughout the year. He is the Son of the Most High. He is King of kings and Lord of lords. He is the light of the world; He is our only hope in life and death; He has borne our sin and conquered death.

But we are fallen creatures. Though we know Jesus is worthy of our devotion, life gets in the way. Distractions are just around the corner. People cause frustration. Our bodies start to fail us. World events trigger worry. Before we know it, the great truths of Christmas can become a fad as we grind through each day. But that doesn’t have to be the case. Consider these simple habits you can develop.

First, be faithful in church attendance. This includes both worship and small group as we are not meant to walk alone. Through church involvement, we are reminded of the gospel while we give and receive encouragement.

Second, find ways to meditate on God’s Word. This is more than just reading a few minutes each day. Find verses that encourage or challenge you so you can think on them throughout your day. Memorize them if possible.

Third, practice repentance. None of us are perfect, so don’t pretend you are. The gospel is for sinners like us.

May the light of the gospel shine from our lives year-round. The gospel is not a fad.

By Philip Jones

Philip and his wife Stacy have been attending Immanuel since 2015. They are blessed to be raising four kids. His passion in ministry is to help others follow Jesus through teaching, preaching, and personal discipleship.

A Christmas Surrender

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 11:00:17 GMT

I Am the Servant of the Lord

I love watching Rube Goldberg machines. If you are not familiar with them, let ChatGPT explain. “A Rube Goldberg machine is a deliberately complex contraption designed to perform a simple task through a series of chain reactions. Each step triggers the next in a playful, often humorous way, using everyday objects to create an elaborate process that’s fun to watch.” If you ever played the game “Mousetrap,” you have seen a small Rube Goldberg machine in action.

As I was reading Mary’s response to the angel Gabriel, I noticed how the simplicity of her response contrasts with a Rube Goldberg machine.

“Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)

Following Jesus isn’t easy, but it isn’t complicated either. You don’t need a graduate degree or certificate. Sure, we all have things to learn and opportunities to grow. But the hard work of growing in faith and understanding should not be confused with being complicated. Mary’s two sentence response helps here.

“I am the servant of the Lord.” Discipleship begins with submission. He is Lord; we are servants. He is God; we are His creation. He is the Savior; we are the redeemed. We bow our hearts before Him, offering our lives as a living sacrifice.

“Let it be to me according to your word.” I understand Mary is referring to the specific message from the angel, but this still captures a healthy aspect of simple discipleship. God has given us the Bible as our authoritative guide to following Him. We don’t have to guess at His commands, desires, truth, or character because He has revealed Himself. With the heart of a committed servant, we follow Him according to His Word.

With these two simple principles in mind, use the questions below to reflect on your current walk with Jesus:

· Do you have areas that you have not submitted to Him?

· Are you willing to serve?

· Are you regularly spending time in the Bible?

· Are you ignoring what God has communicated in the Bible?

Don’t turn discipleship into a complicated Rube Goldberg operation. Follow Mary’s example and live your life as a servant of the Lord according to His Word.

By Philip Jones

Nothing Will Be Impossible With God

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 11:00:08 GMT

Nothing Will Be Impossible with God

If you could go back in time as a fly on the wall, what Old Testament stories would you like to experience firsthand? I will spare you my entire list, but one would be Elijah vs. the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel.

After King Ahab had led Israel into idol worship, Elijah is sent on what appears to be an impossible mission. He challenges the prophets of Baal to the following contest.

“Let two bulls be given to us, and let them (prophets of Baal) choose one bull for themselves and cut it in pieces and lay it on the wood, but put no fire to it. And I will prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood and put no fire to it. And you call upon the name of your god, and I will call upon the name of the LORD, and the God who answers by fire, he is God.” And all the people answered, “It is well spoken.” (1 Kings 18:23–24)

What follows is a miracle of God filled with the wit, sarcasm, and bold faith of Elijah. He mocks the silence of Baal before calling on God to consume the offering. God’s people repent and the false prophets are destroyed. God accomplished the impossible.

Throughout the Bible, God has a habit of calling His people to tasks that are impossible without Him. The Christmas story is no different as Mary is told she will conceive a son though she is a virgin. Gabriel’s announcement of Jesus’s birth ends with these words that echo throughout the Bible: “For nothing will be impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37)

God is still in the business of accomplishing the impossible through His people. Though we can’t be certain of all outcomes or claim promises He hasn’t made, we can be assured He is at work. He is still changing lives, healing the sick, calling people to repentance, rescuing orphans, and saving all who call upon His name.

God does all of this through His people. He has placed each of us on our own path with our own purpose and mission. Every day may not feel like a miracle or battle on Mount Carmel. But if we are obedient, He will call us to what seems impossible.

How have you seen God accomplish the impossible in your life?

What impossible prayers are you praying?

When He calls you to the impossible, will you be ready?

By Philip Jones

Emmanuel; The Lord is With You

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 11:00:16 GMT

The Lord Is with You

“Go back, Sam. I’m going to Mordor alone,” Frodo shouts as his boat drifts from shore. “Of course you are. And I’m coming with you,” Samwise-Gamgee responds as he wades into the water. As The Fellowship of the Ring ends, Frodo’s dangerous journey to destroy the ring of power in subsequent Lord of the Rings movies begins. His determination to go alone was only matched by Sam’s loyalty, a loyalty that refused to stay behind. The mission was too important.

Even though she didn’t know it, Mary was about to be sent on a mission too important to go alone. Before she even gets the assignment, Gabriel begins with these words.

“Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” (Luke 1:28)

The promise of God’s presence comes swiftly from his angelic tongue. I am sure Mary needed a calming reassurance in that moment, as angels don’t visit every day. But this initial promise is not just for her immediate comfort. Mary needed the promise of God’s presence to do the task she was being given.

Gabriel continues. “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” (Luke 1:30–33)

For an unmarried teenager in tiny Nazareth, to say her assignment was beyond her ability to accomplish alone is a bit of an understatement. But believe it or not, we are not that different. The details of our assignment from God are very different from Mary’s, but they are just as impossible without God’s presence.

He has called each of His followers to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8). We are to display His love in how we live, treat others, and share the good news of what He has done. Our lives, in word and deed, should reflect the grace we have been shown. That is no easy task, which is why I appreciate this promise from Jesus in Matthew 28:20. “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Be His witness today; He is with you.

By Philip Jones

Blessed Obscurity

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 11:00:04 GMT

Blessed Obscurity

Hodgenville, Kentucky barely has over 3,000 residents. Seated in Larue County, it is one of many obscure small towns in this world. But if you are a history buff, there is a good chance you have either heard of or visited this otherwise unknown town. Why? It is the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln.

The Christmas story is full of small towns. We know of Bethlehem because Jesus was born there. And when we are first introduced to Mary, she is living her simple life in the obscure town of Nazareth.

“In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary.” (Luke 1:26-27)

We are familiar with the large role Mary plays in the Christmas story but today let’s pause to consider how insignificant her life seemed before Gabriel’s visit. She is a faithful Jew, living a very simple and normal life. Like most other young ladies in Nazareth, she was preparing for marriage and a family. She woke up each day, completed her chores, worshipped God, obeyed the law, enjoyed her food, and likely completed any number of mundane tasks. She was normal. She was obscure.

God’s plan for her life brought her out of this obscurity, but that isn’t the case for most people of faith. We live in small towns and big cities. We work 9 to 5 jobs, own our own businesses, and enjoy retirement. We faithfully live to follow Jesus with little fanfare or applause. And that is the way it should be.

In the middle of Christmas season, the busyness can distract us from our purpose to serve those around us. But if we can break away from the craziness, it is the perfect time to revisit our motivation for serving.

“And whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:44-45)

The applause or recognition of man is not the reason we serve. We serve because Jesus came to earth to serve us through his death. And as we follow him, we will learn the greatest joy comes from serving from a grateful heart.

How will you serve in obscurity this season?

By Philip Jones

Your Christmas Priority

Sat, 13 Dec 2025 11:00:06 GMT

Your Christmas Priority

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold, and frankincense and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:10-11)

The Christmas season brings so much joy and excitement as our calendars fill with holiday parties, shopping, and spending time with family. However, if these good things become the most important priority, then we will miss the true joy of Christmas. In Matthew 2, the wise men see the star of Bethlehem, the brightest light that leads them to Jesus. The wise men’s heart posture toward their Savior reminds us of the beauty of slowing down during the busiest time of year and worshipping the reason for the season.

1 - When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.

When the wise men saw the light, they knew the prophecy had been fulfilled, the Savior they had read about and waited for had come. Their hearts were full of joy, which fueled their faith to follow the star for two years before finding Jesus.

2 - They saw the child with Mary his mother and they fell down and worshipped him.

After waiting two long years to be in the presence of their Savior, their only response when they saw Him was to fall down and worship. I imagine the two-year journey creating doubt and frustration during the waiting; but when they finally saw Jesus, their hearts were full of worship.

3 - Then opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh.

The wise men’s worship led to an open heart of surrender. They gave Christ the best they had of their time and gifts. What a precious reminder for us to surrender our time, gifts and plans to Christ this holiday season.

To wrap up this passage in a bow, let’s reflect on this: finding our joy in Christ leads to acts of faith, faith leads to a heart of worship, and a heart of worship leads to a life of surrender. As you reflect, what is one area of your life this Christmas season where you need to slow down and refocus your joy on Jesus?

By C.A. Carter

God Remembers

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 11:00:03 GMT

God Remembers

The name Zechariah means “God remembers”. We find that truth woven into the narrative of Luke chapter 1.

In the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, you see that God remembers the faithfulness and petitions of His children. The delay in answering was not about God forgetting or ignoring their petition; it was about how the tapestry of their lives would be woven into the greater tapestry of His redemptive purpose. As Gabriel describes the mission of John to prepare the way of the Lord, you see the promise of the Messiah coming into focus. And in the coming of the Messiah, there are so many promises that are fulfilled.

The reality is that we serve a God who is in the business of making and keeping covenants.

He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth. He remembers his covenant forever, the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations. (Psalm 105:7-8 ESV)

What does it mean when we say, “God remembers?” When you or I say that we remember something, it often implies that we have forgotten for some period. The thing we remember today may be forgotten again in the future. That is not at all what it means when we say, “God remembers.”

When we say, “God remembers,” it means that God has never forgotten and will never forget. The pages of scripture are filled with the record of God’s faithfulness to His promises, and that track record is an absolute guarantee that He will always be found faithful.

Perhaps you find yourself in a spot where you don’t see God at work, or you are waiting on an answer and don’t hear His voice. Maybe there is that purpose or calling that God has spoken to your heart about, but you don’t see the next step or how that’s going to come together. Be confident in this: He is at work, and He hasn’t forgotten.

By Jesse Smith

Fear and Doubt, Then Hope

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 11:00:26 GMT

Fear and Doubt

How can I be sure of this?” Zechariah asked the angel. “I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.” (Luke 1:18)

Zechariah had been administering the Offering of Incense when an angel of the Lord appeared beside him. It’s likely that Zechariah had talked with others about their experience in performing this same duty, but no one had mentioned anything like this. Zechariah reacted as all of us would when confronted with an angel from the presence of God – he fell down in fear.

The angel’s response to Zechariah’s fear is “Do not be afraid.” The fear Zechariah experienced wasn’t an issue, but the doubt that followed his fear had consequences. In this moment, Zechariah measured what was possible based on his circumstances, not based on the word of God delivered by the angel.

“I am Gabriel,” replied the angel. “I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. And now you will be silent and unable to speak until the day this comes to pass, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.” (Luke 1:19-20)

Imagine with me for a moment how the conversation might have gone when Elizabeth asked Zechariah how his day went. Talk about a story to tell. He’d had the once in a lifetime opportunity to offer the Incense, and the angel appeared and said they were going to have a son. But now, as a result of his doubt, Zechariah was unable to speak until all these things were fulfilled.

If you’ve ever experienced genuine fear, you know that doubt lurks in the shadow of fear. In the midst of fear, God still says to you and me “don’t be afraid.” Pray, even as you struggle to find the words, and surround yourself with an army who will pray for you.

The experience of real fear came for me in the form of a near fatal medical crisis. In the aftermath of that experience, there is a song by We Are Messengers that has become a particular favorite of mine. I’ll end with a part of that lyric that I think captures the way we should respond to fear and doubt. “When my heart can’t find the beat; When it’s dark and I can’t see; I will put my hope in You.”

By Jesse Smith

An Unexpected Answer to a World in Waiting

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 11:00:20 GMT

An Unexpected Answer

Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. (Luke 1:8-13 ESV)

The priests had been organized into divisions by King David for service in the temple. Each of the divisions would serve on a rotating basis in Jerusalem, to administer the daily activities of the temple. Because the number of priests was greater than the number of daily duties, it was their practice to assign duties by lot.

On this occasion, by the providence of God (Proverbs 16:33), the lot to offer the Incense Offering fell to Zechariah. This was a once in a lifetime event, the pinnacle of service for a priest such as Zechariah. For the priest to offer the Incense was to stand alone in the presence of God on behalf of His chosen people.

As Zechariah is offering the Incense, an angel of the Lord appears beside him. Zechariah reacts, just as all of us would, in fear. In that moment, the first words spoken from Heaven in 400 years are these: “Do not be afraid.” The angel’s message is as unexpected as his appearance.

The angel tells Zechariah his prayers have been heard – he and Elizabeth will have a son. They had prayed for a son, but that was years ago in their youth. At this moment, it is likely Zechariah was offering prayers on behalf of the nation, and those prayers likely included a plea for the long-awaited Messiah.

God delayed in answering Zechariah and Elizabeth’s prayer for a son until the fullness of time was come, so their son would play a vital role in preparing the way for the Messiah (Luke 1:14-17). God answered in a way they likely never imagined.

When you find yourself waiting for an answer to prayer, remember this: our timing and God’s timing don’t always align, but His timing is perfect. It just might be that the answer to your prayer has a far greater purpose than you could ever imagine. Waiting is difficult, but in that waiting, trust Him and watch what He will do.

By Jesse Smith

Calm in the Chaos: A Child Brings Peace

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 11:00:00 GMT

Calm in the Chaos

...there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years. (Luke 1:5-7 ESV)

Luke introduces us to an aged priest named Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth. This duo is described as righteous, walking blamelessly before God. They were not just conforming to the external rituals of the law, but they were following faithfully. They were not perfect – none of us are – but the pattern of their life was to follow God’s commands and pursue His kingdom.

It is one thing to live righteously when the world around you is falling apart and everything is okay at home, but that was not the case for Zechariah and Elizabeth. Luke tells us that Elizabeth was barren, which was viewed as a reproach amongst the Israelites. Zechariah and Elizabeth had doubtless prayed for a child, specifically for a son, yet they were now advanced in years, and that prayer had gone unanswered. Yet, they were found faithful.

We live in a day of conflict and chaos. Ours is a post-Christian culture that continues to run away from God at an ever-increasing rate. Society is deeply divided by competing political and world views. And for some of us, the chaos is much closer to home in the disappointment of unanswered prayer, in pain of unexpected loss, or the surprise of unanticipated events.

How do we remain calm in the chaos, so that we might be found faithful? Luke gives us the answer in his introduction of Zechariah and Elizabeth. He describes them as “righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord.” The key is to continue doing what we know to do and to live as whole-hearted, faithful disciples of Jesus despite the chaos.

By Jesse Smith

Out of a Long Silence Come Emmanuel

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 16:06:58 GMT

A Long Silence

A Long Silence

In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. (Luke 1:5 ESV)

It had been 400 years since God had spoken from Heaven; not since Malachi had there been a prophet amongst the Hebrews. Generations had come and gone who had not known the voice of the prophets amongst God’s chosen people. Exiled in their own land – ruled by an Idumean who himself was a servant of the Romans – surrounded by a culture that no longer respected their God, their worship, or their traditions.

God had been faithful to keep His promises to their ancestors, but the Israelites were still waiting for the long-promised Messiah. They had begun to doubt if God would come through on the promise of a deliverer. Herod, having been appointed king of Judea by the Roman Senate, proved himself to be a cunning and cruel ruler. The Children of Israel found themselves in the midst of a long, dark, silent night.

It was in this dark hour that the silence of Heaven was broken. Luke’s narrative recounts for us how the angel first announced the coming birth of John to Zechariah, and then later announced the birth of the long-awaited Messiah to Mary and Joseph. Why now? Why had the Messiah not come sooner; why had God been silent for so long?

In 400 years of silence, God was still at work. The Apostle Paul (Galatians 4:4) says that Christ came in the fullness of time. He came at just the right time.

Perhaps you find yourself in a season where it seems as though God is silent, where you don’t see the way forward. Maybe you are concerned about your current circumstances or anxious about the days ahead. Take courage in the knowledge that God is at work even in the silence, His purpose is for our good and His glory, and His timing is perfect.

By Jesse Smith

Reminders From the Heart of God

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 16:03:35 GMT

Reminders from the Heart of God

I’m always honored to be asked to write a Saturday devotion, and my process is pretty straightforward. I pray and ask God what He wants me to say to people, and the devotion pretty much writes itself. Simple, right?

This time was different. I prayed. He didn’t answer. I prayed a LOT. No response. Then late one night, He told me that this devotion is not what He wants me to tell others; it is what He wants to tell me. He knew I have been struggling with a situation and wanted to remind me of some things.

My particular situation involves a prodigal. We have recently had some good developments, but also some setbacks and I was getting discouraged wondering if I was doing enough or even doing the right thing at all.

Here is what God reminded me:

· He’s got this

· He loves them even more than I do

· It is not my responsibility to “fix” anyone

· I just have to keep loving them

· His timing is perfect

· My responsibility is to God and following His Will

Maybe you have been struggling with a situation and wondering if you are doing enough or the right thing. It doesn’t really matter if it involves a prodigal or something completely different; I think my feelings are fairly universal when we struggle. Maybe His words to me will help you, too.

If you are not part of a Community Group at IBC, I highly recommend that you find one. Our group has prayed for my prodigal and me for years and it is such a blessing to know that we are not alone in our struggles. And I get the honor of praying for them in their struggles and in their joys.

By Jennifer Preston

Jennifer and her husband, David, lead the Rural Kings Community Group from IBC Georgetown.

The Eternal Impact of Generosity

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 16:01:31 GMT

The Eternal Impact of Generosity

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)

When we think about generosity, it’s natural to focus on the blessings that unfold here and now—the help we provide, the joy we feel, the changes we see in the lives of others. But Scripture teaches us that true generosity carries an eternal significance. Every gift, every act of kindness, and every moment spent in selfless service leaves a mark that goes far beyond this life. Jesus Himself encouraged us not to store up treasures on earth, but to invest in “treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-20). In other words, the impact of what we give in faith and love never fades away but continues to bear fruit for eternity.

Paul reminded the Corinthians that generosity “produces thanksgiving to God” and brings glory to Him (2 Corinthians 9:12-13). Our giving not only meets practical needs but points people to the reality of God’s love and faithfulness. Sometimes, a simple gift or a helping hand can open someone’s heart to the hope of Christ. In this way, our generosity becomes part of God’s great story of redemption and transformation.

It’s easy to underestimate the significance of what we offer or to think that only extravagant gifts matter to God. But our Savior noticed and honored the widow who gave two small coins, affirming that her giving was of great worth in God’s eyes (Mark 12:41-44). God sees the heart behind every sacrifice, however small, and promises that nothing done in His name is ever wasted.

Reflect today on the eternal impact your generosity can have. When we invest in God’s Kingdom—by supporting ministries, encouraging others, or giving our time to serve—we are planting seeds whose harvest will only be fully revealed in eternity. Imagine the lives touched, the faith strengthened, and the praises offered to God because of your willingness to give.

Ask God to help you live with an eternal perspective, seeing your resources as opportunities to participate in His ongoing work. Trust that your generosity, no matter its form or size, is meaningful, powerful, and part of something far greater than yourself—an impact that will last for eternity.

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com, FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

The Ripple Effect of Generosity

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 15:59:10 GMT

The Ripple Effect of Generosity

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38)

When we think about the impact of our generosity, it's easy to focus only on the person directly receiving our gift or act of kindness. However, God’s way of working is so much broader and deeper than what we can initially see. Every generous act, no matter how small it may seem, sends ripples outward, touching lives far beyond the first recipient, much like a stone tossed into still water creates widening circles that move beyond the point of impact.

One encouraging aspect of generosity is that it is contagious. When we step out to care for someone else—whether with our resources, our time, or our talents—we often inspire others to do the same. Our actions can remind others of God’s love and faithfulness, and sometimes, our willingness to help becomes an invitation for a whole community to get involved. This multiplying effect means that what starts as a single act of giving can quickly grow into a wave of kindness, encouragement, and support that impacts many people.

Scripture is full of examples of this “ripple effect.” One person’s generosity often leads to unexpected blessings for others. In John 6, the boy who shared his small lunch witnessed Jesus multiply it to feed thousands. His simple act of sharing didn’t just satisfy his own hunger or that of a couple of friends. Through Jesus, his gift touched the lives of an entire crowd, with food to spare. God specializes in using what we give—even when it feels small or inadequate—and blessing it far beyond our expectations.

As we consider the ripple effect of generosity, it’s important to remember that the ultimate results may never be fully seen in this lifetime. Sometimes, our kindness plants seeds that will bear fruit in ways we may never know. We can trust that God takes what we offer, multiplies it, and uses it to write stories of hope, healing, and transformation.

This week, reflect on ways your acts of generosity might set new ripples in motion. Even the smallest acts matter. Ask God to help you see the wider impact of your generosity and to trust Him to use your gifts to reach far beyond yourself.

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com, FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

Generosity Beyond Money

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 15:56:59 GMT

Generosity Beyond Money

“Then Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.’” (Acts 3:6)

Most of us, when we hear the word “generosity,” immediately think of financial giving or charitable donations. But when we look at the teachings and example of Jesus, it becomes clear that generosity is about far more than money—it’s a posture of the heart that touches every area of our lives. In fact, some of the greatest gifts we can give may not cost us a cent, but they can make a world of difference to those around us.

Consider the way Jesus gave his time to people who were overlooked or despised by society, like Zacchaeus, the tax collector, or the woman at the well. He listened to their stories, offered compassion, and spoke words of hope. He allowed interruptions to become opportunities for ministry, showing that our time and presence can be powerful acts of generosity. When we are willing to really see and value others, to give them our attention and care, we mirror the heart of Jesus in everyday moments.

Generosity can also be expressed through acts of service. When we help a neighbor with chores, deliver a meal to someone who is sick, or volunteer our skills and talents for the benefit of others, we are living out Christ-like generosity. Sometimes the most significant gifts are a listening ear, a word of encouragement, or a willingness to carry someone’s burden through prayer or practical support. In Galatians 6:2, Paul calls us to “bear one another’s burdens,” a command that speaks to the power of generous friendship and community.

Words, too, can be a gift. A thoughtful note, a sincere compliment, or a prayer offered in faith can lift someone’s spirits and renew their strength. In a world that often leaves people feeling unseen or unappreciated, our words can bring healing and hope.

As you reflect today, ask God to open your eyes to the many ways you can be generous, beyond simply opening your wallet. Perhaps He will prompt you to invest your time in someone who is lonely, to offer your abilities where there’s a need, or to share encouraging words with those who are discouraged. True generosity flows from a heart shaped by God’s love and is limited only by our willingness to respond. May we be known as people who give freely and joyfully—not just financially, but in every part of our lives.

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com, FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

God's Provision Through Generosity

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 15:55:10 GMT

God’s Provision Through Generosity

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

It’s easy to hold tightly to what we have when resources feel limited. We worry about running out—of money, time, energy, or even emotional strength. This anxiety can quietly shape our attitudes, making us more cautious or even hesitant to give, for fear that if we let go, there won’t be enough left for us. But in Philippians 4:19, Paul reminds us that we serve a God of abundance, not scarcity. He wrote these words to the Philippian church after they chose to give sacrificially to support his ministry, even though their own resources were hardly overflowing. Despite their own needs, they gave to bless others. Paul reassures them—and us—that God sees every sacrifice and is faithful to meet every need.

Generosity often requires trust before it reveals its reward. If we look only at our current circumstances—our bank account, our schedules, our energy levels—it’s natural to want to hold back. But Scripture challenges us to place our confidence not in what we can see, but in God’s character and faithfulness. Our acts of generosity don’t “earn” God’s provision; rather, they open our eyes to a greater reality: God is already caring for us in countless ways. So often, when we step out in faith and give, we find our needs met in surprising, creative, and often humbling ways. Sometimes this provision is material; other times, it’s encouragement, community, or a strengthened faith.

God’s economy is different from the world’s. In His design, generosity is never wasteful or foolish—it’s the way grace multiplies. What we give, God uses and multiplies far beyond our imaginations, blessing others and, in turn, enriching us in unexpected ways. Paul’s confidence in God’s provision wasn’t theory; it was grounded in experience. He knew that as he and the Philippians trusted God and practiced generosity, God would continue to supply every need—out of the limitless riches of Christ.

Whatever your means, remember that God’s hands never run empty, and neither do the hands of those who trust in Him. Ask God to give you wisdom and courage to live generously. Consider: How can you practice generosity today—not just financially, but with your time, your encouragement, your presence? Trust that as you give, He will provide for you, often in ways you could not have anticipated.

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com, FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

The Heart of Generosity

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 15:48:32 GMT

The Heart of Generosity

“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:6–7)

Generosity is not measured by how much we give, but by the spirit in which we give. The apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 9:6–7 that giving starts in the heart. It’s not simply about meeting obligations, responding to guilt, or trying to impress others. Instead, it is about joyfully taking part in God’s work and sincerely trusting Him to provide. When we hold too tightly to what we have and give reluctantly, we’re often driven by a fear of lack or a desire for control. But when we open our hands to give freely, we’re acknowledging a powerful truth: everything we have is a gift from God, and ultimately, it all belongs to Him. Cheerful giving flows from our relationship with God—rooted in deep gratitude for what He has done and a lasting trust in His care for us.

God delights in generous hearts because they reflect His very nature. God, in His limitless love, held nothing back from us—He gave His very best, His own Son, with complete willingness and joy. When we choose to live generously, we become mirrors of His character in a world that often encourages us to hold tightly to what we have. In this way, generosity becomes far more than a financial transaction; it becomes a spiritual posture and an act of worship that declares, “God, I trust You more than my possessions or my plans.”

Living with a heart of generosity also transforms the way we experience God’s blessings. The harvest Paul writes about is not always material. Sometimes, our generosity brings a harvest of peace, fulfillment, or deeper intimacy with God and others. We may receive relational blessings, see communities strengthened, or experience a sense of joy and freedom that only comes from giving. It also opens the door for God to do more through us than we could ask or imagine—multiplying both the benefits to others and the growth in our own hearts.

Take a moment today to reflect on what motivates your giving. Do you share out of routine, duty, or the hope of receiving something in return? Or is your generosity a natural overflow of gratitude and trust in the One who has given you everything? Ask God to align your heart with His, so that your giving would be marked by freedom, joy, and a desire to participate in His redemptive work in the world.

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com, FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

How's Your Plan Going?

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 12:40:58 GMT

“Indeed, I took all this to heart and explained it all: The righteous, the wise, and their works are in God’s hands. People don’t know whether to expect love or hate. Everything lies ahead of them.” (Ecclesiastes 9:1)

If you were leaving for a trip this weekend, you would plan for it. The question would then be when you would plan for it.

I think everyone falls into one of three groups:

The first group stopped reading this devotion once they saw that the trip is this weekend and began planning the trip. They’ll come back when the trip is planned.
The second group will plan it this week, since the trip isn’t until this weekend.
The third group will plan it during the trip.

Is there a right or wrong way? Not really. Everyone is different. We don’t know what will happen on the trip, so some adjustments are needed. But we actually need to get to the destination, so some up-front planning is needed as well.

For a while, my personal schedule was very structured. I started and ended work at the same time and usually assisted with the same family activity each night of the week. The big change each week was which kid I was caring for on Tuesday nights.

Now, things are changing quite a bit. Our son can drive and no longer attends Boy Scouts as often now that he has finished his Eagle Scout rank. I have to travel for work sometimes. My father is in a nursing home, and I visit him some evenings. And we all know that traffic has gotten much worse in Lexington.

It was easy for me to think I was in control of my schedule. But I was never in control at all. I had developed a routine around my family and their needs. I now have to adjust more often.

We can make all sorts of plans and schedules. But God is in control.

“A person’s heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)

By Jason Grace
Jason is a software engineering manager. He and his wife, Karen, have two children and have been active members at Immanuel for over 23 years. His service includes roles in the deacon ministry, children's ministry, technical team, financial coaching, and leading Bible studies. He loves traveling with his wife and family throughout the US.

Give Thanks

Sat, 22 Nov 2025 08:00:02 GMT

In five days, most of us will consume a lot of turkey, mashed potatoes, and pie in the name of gratitude. Thanksgiving is traditionally a celebration feast with family and friends around that theme of gratitude. After all, “giving thanks” is right there in the title.

As believers, we are commanded to give thanks continually. But even if the emphasis on gratitude isn’t a drastic shift for us, it’s still good to evaluate our hearts and see where we might need some growth. Here are a few practices I’m leaning into this week…

1. Thank Him for the good. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17)

If it's in your life and it’s good, it’s from God. Every person, every provision, every beautiful thing, your experience of creation, every moment of joy and laughter are gifts from the Father. Loved ones, jobs, shelter, warmth, and food on the table… each one should spark thankfulness in our hearts.

2. Thank Him for the hard. “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Some seasons are harder than others. Gratitude isn’t always the most dominant quality of our hearts. I think about Paul, pleading with God to remove the “thorn” in his flesh. He referred to it as a “messenger of Satan.” Those are strong words for a guy who was stoned, shipwrecked, and regularly chased out of towns. But the thorn remained. God said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Gratitude can sometimes feel like a tall order. But as believers, we can (and must) be grateful that His grace is sufficient for us, that his strength is at its best when we are weak. With Christ, our suffering is never for nothing.

3. Thank Him for who He is. “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1)

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7

If we had nothing else but Him, it should be enough to burst our hearts with gratitude. Our Maker, our Father, our Savior.

I pray your Thanksgiving holiday is filled with joy and gratitude. Perhaps these reminders will help orient your week toward a thankful heart, as they are mine.

One last reminder: don’t forget to thaw out that turkey.

By Lori Barkley

Lori and her husband Jim attend the Armstrong Mill campus where she serves as a deacon. They have two daughters in college, Brynn and Katy.

It’s a Mystery!

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 06:30:02 GMT

It's a Mystery!

Do you have a hard time saying the words: “ I don’t know”? The longer I live, the more I realize how much I don’t know. I consider myself a life-long learner – I’m curious about everything, and I continue to seek answers to my questions, such as:

How does this thing work? Or why isn’t this thing working?
Should I go to the Emergency Room, check with Web MD, or just tough this one out?
What is streaming? (I do know it has nothing to do with rivers and lakes.)
Why does the ice machine jam when I have company?
Why do weeds voluntarily appear, yet we have to intentionally plant and nurture flowers?
Why do people choose to be mean and hateful? (For this one, I find only excuses, not answers.)

After all these years, I have come to the conclusion that I really don’t know much.

Even wise Solomon continued to search for wisdom -- he was a life-long learner too!

“In my search for wisdom and in my observation of people’s burdens here on earth, I discovered that there is ceaseless activity, day and night. I realized that no one can discover everything God is doing under the sun. Not even the wisest people discover everything, no matter what they claim.” (Ecclesiastes 8:16-17)

Chuck Swindoll has said, “If you aren’t conscious of your ignorance, you’re more ignorant than you know.”

After writing ELEVEN VOLUMES on The Story of Civilization, Will Durant came to this conclusion: My knowledge is a receding mirage in an expanding desert of ignorance.

Both the Old and New Testaments reinforce this conclusion:

“The Lord our God has secrets known to no one. We are not accountable for them, but we and our children are accountable forever for all that he has revealed to us…” (Deuteronomy 29:29)

“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments and untraceable His ways!” (Romans 11:33)

We are accountable for what we know – the things that God has revealed to us. But the things He has not yet revealed to us, we must acknowledge that we just don’t know.

Father, thank You for revealing some of Your secrets to us and writing them on our hearts. Help us realize that there are many things about You and Your ways that we just can’t fathom. Help us be content with the not knowing – trusting You to reveal to us only what we need to know. Amen

By Judy Shrout

Futility

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 08:00:06 GMT

Futility

“There is futility that is done on the earth: there are righteous people who get what the actions of the wicked deserve, and there are wicked people who get what the action of the righteous deserve. I say that this too is futile.” (Ecclesiastes 8:14)

“The Lord despises those who acquit the guilty and condemn the innocent.” (Proverbs 17:15)

“Destruction is certain for those who say evil is good and good is evil; that dark is light and light is dark.” (Isaiah 5:20)

Those verses could have been pulled from the 24/7 news cycles of today. Just when we think we’ve heard it all, along comes another level of atrocity and evil that we could never have imagined – even today reading of thousands of Christians being slaughtered in Nigeria. Good people are punished or executed, and evil people are cheered in the streets – and on social media!

Just before The Flood, God made this observation:

“The Lord observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. So the Lord was sorry He had ever made them and put them on the earth. It broke His heart.” (Genesis 6:5-6)

God saw that human evil was out of control. Day and night, the people thought evil and imagined evil… and it… broke… His… heart.

Knowing that the evil in Noah’s day broke His heart is somehow comforting to me. Because I know that if He hated that evil, and it broke His heart (as today’s evil must also do), He will eventually do something about it.

The prophet Isaiah tells us in the verse above that destruction is certain for those who say evil is good and good is evil. Certain. Not maybe. Certain. God WILL ultimately right every wrong.

In the meantime, will you trust Him to work in and through you, so you can be a light in the midst of the darkness and evil of today?

By Judy Shrout

Not Fair!

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 04:15:00 GMT

Not Fair!

When I was in school, some of my teachers punished the whole class when anyone misbehaved – keeping us indoors during recess or giving us more homework. Sometimes coaches made the whole team run extra laps or extra trips up and down the stadium steps when one person slacked off. And as we plodded through that extra homework or breathlessly started that last lap, our mind screamed “Not fair!”

But even in the unfairness of the punishment, something interesting happened. By doing that extra homework, we learned some concepts a little better. And by running those extra laps, team members got stronger and developed better stamina. And then… the class members and team members started holding each other accountable – since no one really wanted the group punishment.

If our teachers hadn’t punished misbehavior, classroom misbehavior would probably have devolved into chaos; and if the coaches hadn’t punished slackers, more of the team members might have become slackers (and losers on the field). Both the teachers and the coaches were doling out punishment to make everyone better.

Which leads to today’s passage:

“When a crime is not punished quickly, people feel it is safe to do wrong. But even though a person sins a hundred times and still lives a long time, I know that those who fear God will be better off.” (Ecclesiastes 8:11-12)

In our world today, we are shocked to learn that criminals are being released back into society soon after their arrest, that evildoers are treated as victims, and that punishment sometimes comes decades after a crime is committed – if at all. Apparently, there is nothing new under the sun, since Solomon in 10th century B.C. is also having an issue with crime not being punished quickly; and because of that, people then (and now) concluded that it was safe to continue doing wrong. Along with Solomon, we want to shout, “Not fair!”

My dear brothers and sisters, the sooner we learn to accept the fact that life isn’t fair, the better off and more content we’ll be. We are not here to right every wrong, but we do know the One who will. So, as Solomon reminds us: even though evil seems to prevail on this earth, we know that ultimately those who fear God will be better off.

In the meantime, no matter how unfair life seems to be, we are to learn something from the unfairness, be a light of kindness on the path of those we encounter, and trust that ultimately God’s perfect justice will indeed prevail.

By Judy Shrout

Dealing with Authority

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 08:00:11 GMT

Dealing with Authority

Some people are placed in positions of authority before they are ready for that responsibility. They have not yet figured out how to lead well and build a team – and instead, act as if the title “boss” means “bossy.” A good boss is like a good coach – wanting to bring out the best in the team, positioning each team member in a task for which they are well-suited and well-trained, and encouraging them in their work. Most of us have observed both types of leadership.

Solomon gives us some wisdom about serving under those in authority: “I advise you always to obey the king’s command. Do this because you made a promise to God. Don’t be too quick to quit the job the king gave you. But don’t support something that is wrong. Remember, the king does whatever he pleases. The king is the highest power. No one can tell him what to do.” (Ecclesiastes 8:2-4)

Unfortunately, some people in leadership are not leading with integrity. They may do wrong and expect their employees to go right along with it. What are some options when a leader asks us to support unethical practices?

· You could put up with the situation – choosing to go along to get along – not willing to risk potential job loss.

· You could become a rebel – doing what the boss says but working behind the scenes to undermine that leader.

· You could respond wisely – trusting God to lead you to deal with this person so that ultimate good comes from it – bathing the situation in prayer, seeking God’s wisdom, treating the authority figure with respect, but not compromising your values. Proverbs 16:7 tells us this: “ When a person’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”

· You could resign – there are times when your best option may be to walk away as you realize that the unethical standards of that company might eventually rub off on you. When you decide to step away from the position, the way you do it is as important as the fact that you’re doing it. So, do it with gentleness, grace, and a kind spirit.

So… when we find ourselves under the authority of someone else, let’s challenge ourselves to show respect (to the degree that we can), do our work with excellence, stand up for God-breathed values, and most of all, trust that when we please the Lord, He will work all things together for good.

By Judy Shrout

The Face of Wisdom

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 08:00:04 GMT

The Face of Wisdom

Recently my husband headed out the door to help a friend with a difficult situation; and as he left, besides the usual “I love you more,” I also said, “Please be careful, prayerful, and wise. I’ll be praying that for you.”

As I’ve thought about my words, I’m ashamed that those exact words have never come out of my mouth before. I have confidence in my husband’s human wisdom, but I felt this situation needed more than that – this situation required God’s wisdom. But then, wouldn’t EVERY situation and conversation benefit from God’s wisdom? God’s Word has even provided us with a promise about seeking God’s wisdom: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting…” (James 1:5-6)

Even Solomon, when asked if there was anything he wanted from God, asked for wisdom. In the early years of his reign, he was fully aware that he needed more than his own wisdom – He needed God’s wisdom.

“Now grant me wisdom and knowledge so that I may lead these people, for who can judge this great people of yours?” (1 Chronicles 1:10)

We know that God granted his request, because even today he is remembered as one of the wisest men ever!

As Solomon continues his reflections, he makes this interesting statement: “Who is like the wise person, and who knows the interpretation of a matter? A person’s wisdom brightens his face, and the sternness of his face is changed. ” (Ecclesiastes 8:1 CSB)

In this passage, Solomon points out the effect wisdom even has on one’s countenance – brightening and softening the face! From that description, we can surmise that godly wisdom doesn’t scream, doesn’t display a hate face, and doesn’t look foolish. The Message puts it this way: “Wisdom puts light in the eyes and gives gentleness to words and manners.”

Is that the kind of wisdom you’re seeking? Is your countenance reflecting the light and gentleness of godly wisdom? Are you in a situation where you realize that your wisdom is not enough? That’s just where God wants you. Now… seek His wisdom in faith believing – and it’s yours. He promised.

By Judy Shrout

What Lies Are You Believing?

Sat, 15 Nov 2025 08:00:05 GMT

What Lies Are You Believing

Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” (Genesis 3:1)

A few weeks after giving my life to Christ, I was in my room reading my Bible. I was on fire for Him and could not get enough of His Word. Then a thought popped into my head, “Are you really forgiven?” I should have just ignored it and kept reading. But I lingered on the thought -- wondering if I had really been forgiven by God. I tried to remind myself that I had been, but I started to question everything about God and whether He could have really forgiven me.

As I was reading in Genesis recently, God brought that season back to my mind. Sometimes we believe what the enemy has said over what God’s Word says. In Genesis 3:1, we find the serpent asking the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?”

The enemy planted a thought in her head. He wanted her to question God and what God had said. The enemy does that with believers far too often – planting doubts and lies in our minds, trying to cause separation between us and God — even though Scripture makes it clear that when we are saved nothing can separate us from that love. But the enemy would like to make us think that God cannot be trusted; and if we start to doubt God, then it’s hard for us to do what He has called us to do. If we’re not intentional in listening to God’s Truth, we’ll drift toward listening to the lies.

When I dwelt on wondering whether God really forgave me, it led to sleepless nights doubting and questioning God. The one way we can combat these lies is through Scripture. God used that difficult season to build an even more solid foundation on Him and my faith. Reading God’s Word was how I fought back at the lie that God had not forgiven me.

Friend, if you are listening to lies from the enemy, fight them with God’s Truth this week. And use Paul’s words as reminder of what you should be thinking about: Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things (Philippians 4:8).

By Lauren Hill

Purpose In All Things

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 08:00:01 GMT

Purpose In All Things

In the day of prosperity, be joyful, but in the day of adversity, consider this: God has made one of these along with the other, so that a man cannot discover anything that will come after him. Ecclesiastes 7:14

We tend to acknowledge God more in our adversity than in our prosperity. We are more likely to acknowledge God’s hand in the storms of life than in the days of smooth sailing. Solomon reminds us that none of our days are outside of God’s purpose. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 says there is a season for all things in our life. Some seasons will catch us off-guard and unprepared, but none of them are a surprise to God.

Solomon has taught us that there is wisdom in mourning; that we learn lessons in adversity that are not easily learned in prosperity. Adversity is meant to refine us, not destroy us (James 1:2-4). But what are we to do with prosperity? It is appropriate to rejoice in the day of prosperity. Solomon reminds us that in our joy, we ought to be compelled to worship Him who is our source.

The Apostle Paul tells us that God is at work in all things: And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

God is the author of all our days, both in adversity and in prosperity. He is at work in the planned and the unplanned, in the expected and the unexpected, in all things. There is purpose in every season, for our good and His glory.

By Jesse Smith

Don’t Look Back

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 08:00:01 GMT

Don't Look Back

Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is unwise of you to ask about this. (Ecclesiastes 7:10)

There is a difference between remembering the past and longing for the past. It’s particularly valuable for us to remember God’s faithfulness and provision. Abraham built altars in the desert to mark encounters with God. The altars weren’t just a reminder of the moment; they were a reminder to worship God. In preparing the Israelites to enter the promised land, Moses told them to remember what God had already done. “ But do not be afraid of them. Be sure to remember what the LORD your God did to Pharaoh and all Egypt: the great trials that you saw, the signs and wonders, and the mighty hand and outstretched arm by which the LORD your God brought you out. The LORD your God will do the same to all the peoples you now fear. ” (Deuteronomy 7:18-19)

There is something different that happens when we begin to look back and long for the former days. In the difficulty of the present, we tend to develop a distorted view of the past. The Israelites had this problem on the journey from Egypt to the Land of Promise. On four occasions – when facing Pharoah’s army at the Red Sea (Ex. 14:11-12), when they were hungry in the desert (Ex. 16:3), when the spies returned at Kadesh Barnea (Num. 14:2-4), and when there was no water to drink in the desert (Num. 20:5) – they longed to return to Egypt. In these moments, they longed for what looked like the provision of safety and sustenance when compared to the present. How is it they had forgotten the misery of Egypt, their suffering, and their own cries for God to save them?

You and I have the same tendency as the Israelites. In difficult moments, we are prone to look fondly to the past and forget what God has done to bring us to this moment. When life has taken an unexpected turn and you’re tempted to fall for the lure of the past, don’t look back. God’s great purpose in your life, for your good and His glory, lies ahead of you in the Land of Promise, not behind you in the desert of Egypt.

By Jesse Smith

Good Grief

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 08:00:02 GMT

New Title

Sorrow is better than laughter, for a sad countenance is good for the heart. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure. (Ecclesiastes 7:3-4)

All of us are familiar with the phrase “Good Grief!” It is uttered when we are frustrated or irritated, when the simplest of tasks seems impossible. Most often, perhaps almost always, the phrase relates to negative emotions. Is it possible that grief can be anything other than negative; that it in fact can be good? That is the wisdom we find in these two verses.

If we were playing a word association game, most of us would not immediately associate good with grief. In fact, we would be much more likely to associate grief with death or some other type of loss. We are not prone to choose sorrow over joy, tears or mourning over laughter. But Solomon writes that a sad countenance is good for the heart . How is that possible?

Sorrow is part of the human experience. It comes with the death of a loved-one, with the loss of a job or career, with the loss of a dream, or with the loss of a relationship. And then there is sorrow that comes from our own actions, from personal sin or careless decision making. Whatever the source, sorrow has a way of bringing us to the end of ourselves; to the point where we realize we aren’t smart enough to solve the problem or strong enough to scale the mountain in front of us. It’s in those moments that we find His grace to be sufficient, and we are ready to listen – and more teachable than in the normal routines of life.

There are five well-documented stages of grief, and professionals would tell us of the importance of working through the stages – of not getting stuck in grief. The Apostle Paul wrote: But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope (1 Thess. 4:13). While the immediate context was addressing those who had already died, I want to suggest there is a larger principle for us to apply. Our grief should not be hopeless desperation. Rather amid grief, our hope should be anchored in the sufficient grace of the Lord.

"Occasionally weep deeply over the life you hoped would be. Grieve the losses. Feel the pain. Then wash your face. Trust God. And embrace the life he’s given you." John Piper

By Jesse Smith

Framed by Death

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 08:00:01 GMT

New Title

Framed by Death

… and the day of death than the day of birth. It is better to go to the house of mourning
than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart. (Ecclesiastes 7:1b-2)

For all the living we do, all the days we celebrate, all the vanity and frustration we experience, life is framed by death. The writer of Hebrews echoes Solomon’s words on the end of all mankind when he says: And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment (Hebrews 9:27). Solomon says we ought to lay this truth to heart; that is, this truth should have an impact on the way we live.

This is not a call to fear death; it is a call to be prepared for it. There is a quote attributed to Saint John Chrysostom that says, “Those who fear death do not believe in the resurrection.” Death died in the resurrection. For the believer, the last day of this life is the first day of eternity in the presence of the Savior (2 Corinthians 5:8).

The challenge for us is to live every day for the last day. Not to be tending the grave or sitting on the sidelines afraid to engage in the conflict -- like the man with a single talent who decided to bury it lest something bad should happen (Matthew 25:14-30). Luke’s account of the Parable of the Talents tells us that the nobleman instructed his servants to engage in business until he returned (Luke 19:13).

To borrow the Apostles Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 4:7, we are called to fight a good fight, to run the race with patience, and to finish the course. This might seem like a daunting, or perhaps impossible, assignment. The truth is we can’t do it on our own, but we have the Spirit living within us to guide us and empower us. What a difference it will make if we rely on the Lord to order our steps (Psalm 119:133) and patiently run the race to the finish.

By Jesse Smith

A Good Name

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 08:00:07 GMT

New Title

A good name is better than fine perfume… (Ecclesiastes 7:1a)

At first glance, this might seem obvious, and we might be tempted to give it little more than a passing thought. But Solomon is wrestling with the meaning and purpose of life when he pens these words, so perhaps there is more to this statement than the obvious.

In Solomon’s day, fine perfume and luxurious ointments held great cultural and economic value. In 1 Kings 10:25, we learn that the annual tribute from Solomon’s subjects included spices alongside precious metals, garments, armor, and livestock. The Queen of Sheba brought spices in abundance on her visit to Jerusalem (1 Kings 10:2,10). King Hezekiah stored “precious ointment” in the national treasury alongside gold and silver (2 Kings 20:13; Isaiah 39:2). For Solomon, fine perfume represented extravagance, wealth, and status.

We also see the importance of fine ointment in the New Testament, when Jesus is anointed at Bethany by the woman with expensive ointment poured from the alabaster jar. And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor” (Matthew 26:8-9). Solomon says that a good name is better than an extravagant, treasured possession that represents wealth and status.

So, what is this “good name” that is compared to fine perfume? Let me suggest this is not a name that is connected to your wealth or status, because the perfume represents those same things. A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. (Proverbs 22:1)

This good name is the good reputation that is the fragrance of a righteous character. We know that there is nothing righteous in us (Isaiah 64:6), so that type of character is the result of the fruit of the Spirit at work in us. A good name takes time to build through a long, consistent pattern of faithful obedience to God, and must be guarded as a precious possession, lest it be lost in a moment.

By Jesse Smith

A Heart of Gratitude

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 08:00:02 GMT

New Title

One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him – and he was a Samaritan. (Luke 17:15-16 NIV)

In the Bible story of the Ten Lepers (Luke 17:11-19), we learn that ten lepers wanted to be healed. As Jesus was traveling to Jerusalem, they saw Jesus, stood at a distance and yelled out, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us.” Jesus had compassion on them and instructed them to go show themselves to the priests. It was during their trek to present themselves that they were miraculously healed. Nine of them kept going, whether they realized they were healed or not; but one grateful man returned, threw himself at Jesus’ feet, and thanked Him.

The story continues with Jesus questioning the whereabouts of the other nine healed men: “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” (vv. 17-18). Jesus’ question presents a profound virtue that I believe all Christ followers must hold true – a heart of thanksgiving and praise! Scripture is filled with verses that admonish us to give praise and thanks unto our Maker. The psalmist writes, Let everything that has breath [including us] praise the Lord (Psalm 150:6). The Old Testament chronicler teaches us to Give thanks to GOD, he is good, and his love never quits (1 Chronicles 16:34 MSG).

As you reflect on the events of this year, I am certain some things have occurred in your life that should compel you to give glory and praise to God. Even if no significant things have happened, the fact that you have the breath of life and are reading this devotion calls for utter praise unto God. Luke reminds us: For in him [Christ] we live and move and have our being [Acts 17:28a]. Our very essence of life is dependent on Jesus, and that calls for a daily habit of thanksgiving. God expects us to pour out our hearts in praise when we become fully aware of what He has done and continues to do. In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Every day of our lives should be a day of thanksgiving; and so, as we gradually inch towards this season of Thanksgiving, I encourage you to reflect on the grace and goodness of God in your life. Let this season be a culmination, if you will, of all your ‘giving thanks’ throughout the year. May you not be among the nine but instead be the one who returns.

By George Donkor

George and his wife, Christiana, are proud parents of Annajoy and Elijah. They love serving Jesus together and showing Him to the world around them.

A Lasting Legacy

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 08:00:01 GMT

New Title

Unless you are one of my extended family members, I guarantee you don’t know Paul Williams. As I type this, I am not even 100% certain I have his name right without asking my mom. He is the only great-grandparent whose first and last name I can recall. Before you judge me, how fast could you list the names of your 8 great grandparents? If you succeed with that, how many of your 16 great-great grandparents can you name?

This isn’t a reminder to study your family tree. It is a stark reminder that you will be forgotten in three to four generations. Solomon is right, our life passes like a shadow.

For who knows what is good for man while he lives the few days of his vain life, which he passes like a shadow? (Ecclesiastes 6:12)

Solomon isn’t the only biblical author to wrestle with the brevity of life. James reminds us our life is a mist that vanishes (James 4:14). Isaiah describes man as grass that withers and fades away (Isaiah 40:6-8). David shares a similar illustration in Psalm 103, along with a great promise we can embrace.

As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children, (Psalm 103:15–17)

We do not live forever on this earth, and the memory of our days will quickly fade. But the steadfast love of God remains, both with us in death and with those we leave behind.

When I consider my legacy, it is of little value to focus on earthly accomplishments or the accumulation of wealth. Sure, I hope to leave an inheritance and be well thought of by my loved ones, but that isn’t my ultimate goal. My desire is for God’s steadfast love to be known by the third, fourth, and fifth generations that follow me. If we want to leave that type of legacy, we must be careful not to make earthly accomplishments our focus. Enjoy life as a gift of God in this fleeting world but put your focus on following Jesus.

What legacy will you leave? My great-great-great grandchildren won’t know my name, but by grace I pray they will know the One name that matters.

By Philip Jones

Contentment in Life

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 08:00:08 GMT

New Title

William Post won $16 million in the lottery in 1988. What seemed like a dream turned into a nightmare. He was sued, his brother tried to have him killed, he was eventually arrested, and he died $1 million in debt. He is quoted as once saying, “I wish it never happened. It was a total nightmare. I was much happier when I was broke.”

His story echoes Solomon’s observation: There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, and it lies heavy on mankind: a man to whom God gives wealth, possessions, and honor, so that he lacks nothing of all that he desires, yet God does not give him power to enjoy them, but a stranger enjoys them. This is vanity; it is a grievous evil. (Ecclesiastes 6:1–2)

These verses are a sad way to live. This is the life of one “who loves money not being satisfied with money” (5:10). He doesn’t “accept his lot” (5:19) to soon find out he has everything he wants but nothing that he needs. In summary, he lacks contentment.

Compare this to how the Apostle Paul learned to live.

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:11–13)

Contentment is not based on how much or how little we have; it is based on our ability to trust God in all circumstances and always be satisfied with him. This does not come naturally, so how can we get there?

Know contentment comes from Christ. When we know the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus (Philippians 3:8), it is easier to keep things of this world in perspective.
Focus on the goodness of God and the gifts He has provided, both material and non-material.
Give your time and resources to those in need.
Pursue excellence and personal achievements as ways to honor God with your life instead of for the monetary benefits.
Learn to tell yourself “no” and consistently live within your means.
Trust God in all your circumstances, knowing He is caring for you whether you have little or much.

Contentment may not come easy, but it is better than winning the lottery. How will you grow in contentment today?

By Philip Jones

Enjoying God’s Gifts

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 08:00:00 GMT

New Title

Stacy is an excellent wife and mother. Her days are filled with the motherly tasks of unending laundry, making sure the kids are clothed, fed and doing well in school, getting them to appointments, etc. She supports me in my career and ministry, picking up the slack when my schedule keeps me away. She is patient, kind, loving, and joyful. These things and many more illustrate how blessed I am to have her as my wife. However, she is a horrible god.

This seems like an obvious statement, until we examine our hearts. God has given us many good things in this world, but we tend to desire them in the wrong way. We seek ultimate fulfillment in our careers, money, loved ones, or other accomplishments. Whether we know it or not, we turn them into small gods who will always leave us wanting and lacking joy.

On the other hand, consider Solomon’s key observation about enjoying life.

Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart. (Ecclesiastes 5:18–20)

I love the simplicity of these verses. You don’t need a theology degree to understand Solomon’s key to a joyful life. Simply enjoy the gifts God has given you in the ways God intended. When food, work, possessions, and ambition are not the ultimate pursuit of our hearts, we find contentment and joy.

There is something about verse 20 that gives me a calming vision for my life. We easily get caught up in the hard tasks, focused on toil and setbacks. They certainly aren’t fun. But when God is our focus, he directs our hearts to be occupied with joy. Not joy that comes from things of this world, but the joy David mentions in Psalm 16:11: You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

I pray Stacy and I get to grow old together. With the grandkids running around and a God-honoring life behind, I hope we can say, “God keeps us occupied with joy in our hearts.”

By Philip Jones

Misplaced Treasures

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 08:00:03 GMT

New Title

You may never have heard of archeologist Howard Carter. However, you are likely familiar with his most famous discovery: King Tut’s tomb. The burial site of this Egyptian Pharaoh had over five thousand items, including royal garments, a shield, gold sandals, and the familiar gold mask. The total treasure is estimated to be worth $26 million today, with the coffin alone worth $1.7 million. Why would the Egyptians place all this wealth in a tomb? Simple, they thought ol’ Tut could take it with him in the afterlife.

When it comes to burial practices, we have gotten more sophisticated. We know you won’t see a U-Haul following a hearse. But our day-to-day life, with the ease of consumption and consumerism, can betray our knowledge that we can’t take our earthly treasures with us. Solomon is not surprised.

There is a grievous evil that I have seen under the sun: riches were kept by their owner to his hurt, and those riches were lost in a bad venture. And he is father of a son, but he has nothing in his hand. As he came from his mother’s womb he shall go again, naked as he came, and shall take nothing for his toil that he may carry away in his hand. This also is a grievous evil: just as he came, so shall he go, and what gain is there to him who toils for the wind? (Ecclesiastes 5:13–16)

In his book Money, Possessions, and Eternity, Randy Alcorn makes a similar observation. “Either it leaves us while we live, or we leave it when we die.” This is certainly depressing if we look to money and possessions for ultimate purpose. Thankfully, Jesus gives us a better investment strategy.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. (Matthew 6:19–20)

Alcorn summarizes these verses by saying, “You can’t take it with you, but you can send it on ahead.” Pause for a moment to consider this great promise of Jesus. You don’t need to know the details concerning these treasures in heaven to conclude they will be better than anything we can accumulate here.

How are you using the gifts God has given you to impact his Kingdom? Are you generous with your time and money? Invest in eternity, you will have more treasure awaiting you than what King Tut left behind.

By Philip Jones

Vanity of Riches

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 08:00:09 GMT

New Title

Due to his success in the oil business, John D. Rockefeller became the world’s first billionaire in 1916. At its peak, his wealth was worth about 1.5% of the United States economy. Although he was generous to some extent throughout his life, he was unable to give faster than he received. Though that sounds like a great problem to have, his wealth and career began to take a toll on him physically. “Your fortune is rolling up, rolling up like an avalanche! You must keep up with it! You must distribute it faster than it grows! If you do not, it will crush you and your children and your children’s children,” wrote Frederick Gates, a young Baptist minister he hired to help him strategically give away his wealth.

His experience echoes the same lesson Solomon observed.

He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes? Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep. (Ecclesiastes 5:10–12)

The Bible has a lot to say about money and possessions. To the surprise of many, God’s word never says money or wealth are bad. Instead, the misplaced priority and desire are what the Bible condemns.

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. (1 Timothy 6:10a)

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (Matthew 6:24)

Whether rich, poor, or somewhere in the middle, we should all check our hearts as it relates to money and possessions. Consider these questions that help me keep my heart in check:

· Are you being faithful and generous with what you currently have?

· Are you content with God’s good gifts in your life?

· Is gratitude a consistent theme in your prayer life?

We don’t have the wealth of Rockefeller, nor do we need it. Be content, work hard, practice generosity, be thankful, and sleep well.

By Philip Jones

Listen. Show love. Speak truth.

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 07:00:04 GMT

New Title

Since the death of Charlie Kirk, I’ve felt deeply stirred to share my faith more openly. His boldness and clarity in speaking truth reminded me how short our time really is—and how much the people around us need to hear about the hope found in Christ.

I want to follow that example. I want to live and speak with that same sense of urgency and purpose. One person on my heart is a family member who does not yet believe. We’ve begun an honest, ongoing dialogue about faith. I don’t know where it will lead, but I have three simple principles to guide me as I share Christ.

First,  I want to listen.  Before speaking, I am learning to listen—not to plan a rebuttal, but to understand where they’re coming from and what they believe. James 1:19 says, “ Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”  Listening shows humility and respect; it acknowledges that the purpose of conversations about Jesus aren’t to win a debate, but to open a heart.

With the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4), Jesus began with a question, invited her to share her story, and only then revealed who He was. Listening opens the door for relationship and can soften the heart for truth to take root.

Second , I want to show love.  Love is the foundation of every conversation about the gospel. Without it, truth can sound harsh or self-righteous. Jesus said,  “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another”  (John 13:35). Love means being patient when someone pushes back, showing kindness when they misunderstand, and keeping the door open even when the discussion gets uncomfortable.

Lastly , I want to speak truth.  Love and truth are never in conflict. Truth without love can wound but love without truth can mislead. The gospel is both grace and truth—offering hope but also calling for repentance. Ephesians 4:15 urges us to  “speak the truth in love,”  growing to be more like Christ.

It’s not our job to convince or convert; it’s our role to faithfully share the message and trust the Holy Spirit to move in the hearts of those we talk to.  “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes”  (Romans 1:16).

I want my conversations with my family member to reflect Jesus—listening with compassion, loving without condition, and speaking truth with courage. These three principles ground me in grace and remind me that evangelism isn’t about winning arguments, but about winning hearts for Christ.

By Paky Kramer

Step by Step

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 10:00:18 GMT

New Title

This week we are in Ecclesiastes 5:1-7.

We recently enjoyed a few days of vacation time in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. It was beautiful, and I highly recommend a visit.

While most of our time was spent eating too much and gazing at mountains (and in my case unsuccessfully trying to spot a bear), we did go on a five-mile round-trip hike to a scenic overlook. While this was a very well-manicured trail within a national park, it was not without some risk.

There were a few areas where the footing wasn’t perfect; and while it would’ve been unlikely, one could have lost the trail. We encountered a (tiny) snake and had to share the trail with a few (docile, plodding) horses and a fellow hiker’s (docile, plodding) Corgi. But the real danger was at the scenic overlook. We expected to stand on the top of a mountain with a breathtaking 360-degree view. Instead, what we found was a mostly wooded area with one of those old fire lookout towers. To get the breathtaking view, you had to ascend the tower, the railings of which were less substantial than I’d have liked. Fortunately, the photos I took do not show the white knuckles on my opposite hand clinging to the railing.

We should be careful when on a journey, and when talking to God.

Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Better to draw near in obedience than to offer the sacrifice as fools do, for they ignorantly do wrong. Do not be hasty to speak, and do not be impulsive to make a speech before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. (Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 HCSB)

I want to be clear that I don’t think this passage is telling us that God will tire of our prayers if they’re too long. In fact, Paul teaches us to pray without ceasing. I think the lesson here is that we should remember to Whom we are talking. We should draw near to God in obedience instead of convenience or habit and talk to Him with reverence. The idea that He would know us at all is humbling.

On our hike we had to be careful as we walked to the lookout, while climbing and standing on the lookout tower, and then again on the return trip. Regardless of where any of us are on our life journey, we should guard our steps.

Draw near to God in obedience. He is in heaven, and we are on earth.

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley.

People, Listen

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 07:00:18 GMT

New Title

This week we are in Ecclesiastes 5:1-7.

If you watched TV in the late 70s or early 80s, you probably remember the E.F. Hutton commercials. They were simple, clever, and memorable. The setup was usually a crowded, noisy place such as a restaurant, an airport, a busy street. Two people would be talking, and one would say, “Well, my broker is E.F. Hutton, and E.F. Hutton says…” And then suddenly the room fell silent as everyone around them would freeze, lean in, and try to eavesdrop on what would come next. The commercials’ tagline was iconic: “When E.F. Hutton talks, people listen.”

The idea was that E.F Hutton was such an authority that if somebody was about to share something from them, everybody would desperately want to hear it. Just don’t ask me to explain exactly what a brokerage does. In case you’re curious, E.F. Hutton was dissolved in the 1980’s after a check-kiting scandal which apparently does not mean that they were using customers’ paper checks to fly as kites. The brand has since re-launched.

Ecclesiastes chapter five reminds us that our words should carry weight too, and sometimes that means using fewer of them.

Do not be hasty to speak, and do not be impulsive to make a speech before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. (Ecclesiastes 5:2 HCSB)

Have you ever had the experience where you meet up with a friend and get excited telling a story or two, only to realize later there was something going on in their life that you completely forgot to discuss? You were well-intentioned, but maybe (and accidentally) focused on what you wanted to say so much that you didn’t give them a chance?

It’s polite to give others time to speak at a social gathering, and we for sure don’t want to talk over something God is trying to quietly impart to us. When we pray, we don’t need to impress God with volume or vocabulary. We’re not putting on a show. But a key reason we should let our words be few is that it would not make sense to dominate a conversation with God.

When E.F. Hutton talked, the people in the commercials would listen. When I’m praying, am I having a one-sided conversation where I pour out what’s on my mind without listening to what God may be telling me to do about it?

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley.

Follow Through

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 07:00:09 GMT

New Title

This week we are in Ecclesiastes 5:1–7.

I have a stack of papers on my desk that’s been sitting there for three weeks. Filing them would take maybe three minutes. I love a clean desk, but I keep waiting for just the right moment. At the beginning of the day, I feel compelled to start answering emails immediately. At the end of the day, I’m out of energy and the papers can wait until tomorrow. My intention is to file them during an online meeting when I’m off camera and can multi-task. Multiple opportunities have come and gone but I haven’t remembered the papers during those opportunities. Meanwhile, the stack grows.

This is a classic example of how my engineer-mind works. I take great satisfaction in completing a task with the least possible effort. When I go to Lowe’s I’m usually buying odds and ends for multiple little projects that have accumulated, and often doing it on the way home from another errand.

Generally, my methods, while slow, are indeed efficient. But sometimes, I should stop waiting for the perfect moment or a clever workaround and just get things done.

Ecclesiastes 5 speaks to this about promises made to God: When you make a vow to God, don’t delay fulfilling it, because He does not delight in fools. Fulfill what you vow. (Ecclesiastes 5:4 HCSB)

It’s easy to make promises in moments of clarity or emotion – committing to pray more, serve somewhere, or give more regularly. But then we wait for the perfect conditions, and the stack of unfulfilled commitments grows. I assume that God appreciates if I get something done efficiently, but what He really wants is my faithfulness. An awkwardly fulfilled commitment is better than a perfect plan left undone.

We need to keep our promises. Would you rather have a friend tell you he can’t pick you up at the airport, or a friend who tells you he will do it but then doesn’t show up?

Better that you do not vow than that you vow and not fulfill it. (Ecclesiastes 5:5 HCSB)

The flip side of this is that we don’t want to be so fearful of lack of follow-through that we become frozen in indecision and don’t do anything. I’m a work in progress on both sides of this equation, but I’m happy to report that thinking about this spurred me into action, and my desk is now clear.

And the next time some papers need attention, I’m going to take care of it immediately. I promise. What other promises do I need to keep?

For many dreams bring futility, so do many words. Therefore, fear God. (Ecclesiastes 5:7 HCSB)

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley.

Let Your Words Be Few

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 07:00:17 GMT

New Title

This week we are in Ecclesiastes 5:1–7.

As an introvert I rarely speak in group settings; and when I do speak, I keep it concise to the point of awkwardness.

New friendly acquaintance: Nice to meet you. I grew up in Ohio and I’m the assistant regional manager of a family-owned business that specializes in custom envelopes for the horse racing industry. I love fishing. My wife is a teacher, and our kids are both in college. What about yourself?

Me: Hi. I’m an engineer. (Blinks; takes sip of Coke Zero)

But there’s one area where my natural brevity disappears: work emails. I’ll start writing with a clear point in mind, but then try to explain every angle and anticipate every question. Before I know it, I’ve written a term paper which I then must pare down to a few bullet points before sending. It’s not a great process, but writing it all down and then editing it does help me think it through.

Ideally, I would be more conversational in person and less conversational in emails. I could also do with some improvement when praying.

Do not be hasty to speak, and do not be impulsive to make a speech before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. (Ecclesiastes 5:2 HCSB)

For sure I have the “let your words be few” part down pat. But I don’t think the lesson here is about word volume at all. My takeaway is that I need to worry less about sounding spiritual and formal and praying the “right” way, and more about simply asking God directly for help and guidance. Trying to show off in front of God when I pray is ridiculous. After all, when it comes to prayers, He’s literally heard them all.

Whenever you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by people. I assure you: They’ve got their reward! But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (Matthew 6:5-6 HCSB)

Being an introvert is the reason I don’t speak much in a group, but it’s for sure no excuse for not talking enough when I’m alone with God.

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley.

Guard Your Steps

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 07:00:22 GMT

New Title

Guard Your Steps

This week we are in Ecclesiastes 5:1–7.

Years ago, I served on a jury. I cannot say when or where or get into any specifics. While it was not any kind of super famous case, it certainly felt like a big deal to me and dragged out for quite a while. At the beginning of each day I served, I entered a courthouse that was imposing in both size and seriousness. The building itself felt oppressive and security was tight. Every time I walked through those doors, I felt the weight of what was happening inside. Maybe you have had a very similar experience; but if not, I bet you can think of something similar like a big meeting at work or a formal presentation in school.

Contrast that with how easy it is to become casual about attending church. Familiarity and comfort can lead to distraction. We know the songs, the order of service, and many of the people. If we’re not careful we can settle into our seats and forget that we’re intentionally entering the presence of God.

Our church has a very nice welcome area and for sure I have personally sampled my share of donuts and coffee over the years. It’s a great area to connect with friends before or between our Sunday services. It makes me happy to see close friends spot each other and their faces involuntarily light up. I’m proud to be part of a friendly and welcoming church.

But if I’m being honest with you, when entering our sanctuary my heart may feel more like I’m settling into a comfy chair in a friend’s living room than like I’m preparing to encounter Jesus my Savior. I’m glad that worship is a regular and comfortable habit for me, but I need to avoid letting it feel routine.

I would never want worship to remind me of the oppressive feel of that courthouse, but I need to get better at guarding my steps at church, not out of fear nor formality, but out of reverence for the One I am there to worship.

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley.

Returning to Our First Love (Revelation 2:3-7)

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 10:00:09 GMT

New Title

Returning to Our First Love (Revelation 2:3-7)

“I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.” (Revelation 2:3–4)

In Revelation, John writes to seven churches to prepare their hearts for the return of Jesus. He commends the church in Ephesus for their endurance and faithfulness, yet he confronts them for losing their first love. They had grown strong in works but weak in affection for Christ and for one another. That warning sounds familiar to our own lives. It’s easy to check the spiritual boxes—attending church, reading the Bible, praying—yet lose the passion that once fueled our relationship with Jesus. We can become more focused on doing for Him than being with Him. But John reminds us there’s a way back to our first love.

In verse 5, he gives three simple but powerful commands: Remember, Repent, and Do.

Remember.
When anything meaningful becomes hard, whether in a career, a relationship, or our faith, we must remember why we started. We began because we loved it. In our walk with Jesus, we need to remember His faithfulness when we were unfaithful and how His love transformed us. Remembering renews gratitude, and gratitude rekindles love.

Repent.
The word abandon in verse 4 reminds us we’ve turned away from our first love. Repentance isn’t just about guilt; it’s about turning back toward Jesus with a softened heart. When we see His grace clearly, the Holy Spirit restores what has grown cold.

Do.
After we remember and repent, we’re called to do the things we did at first: serve with joy, love others deeply, and live with purpose. When our love for Christ is real, the world will see it through how we love people.

John closes with a promise in verse 7: “To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”

The reward for returning to our first love is eternal life with Christ: our hope, our joy, and our forever home.

By C.A. Carter

Don't Worry, Be...

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 07:00:01 GMT

New Title

Don’t Worry, Be…

This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot. Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart. (Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 NIV)

Some people are more prone to worry than others. You know who you are…

But all of us worry from time to time. We worry about children. We worry about what we will eat and what we will wear.

Jesus said , “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:25-27 NIV)

When we worry, we demonstrate a lack of trust in our heavenly Father. That is not so say that we cannot be concerned when there is a death, illness or job loss. God expects us to be sad or curious about an outcome to a situation.

Worry, however, takes our sadness or concern and places it at the fore front. Our concern about the situation is placed above our trust in God.

When our trust in God is central, God will keep our hearts occupied with a gladness of heart that springs from a peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:7).

Are you worried today? If so, trust in God. Experience His joy and peace.

By LaRaine Rice

LaRaine is the Communications Coordinator for Orphan Care Alliance. She has the joy of teaching the 6 ^th grade girls on Sunday morning. Her awesome husband is Jeff, and she is the proud mother of Christopher and Elizabeth.

If Ignorance is Bliss, then Wisdom Is…

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 07:00:08 GMT

New Title

If Ignorance is Bliss, then Wisdom Is…

Solomon can be a bit of a, shall we say, Debbie-downer in Ecclesiastes. Consider: There’s nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9 NIV), Everything is meaningless (1:2 NIV), and I again considered all the oppression that continually occurs on earth. This is what I saw: the oppressed were in tears, but no one was comforting them (4:1 NET).

With all the wealth, fame, wisdom and wives, one would expect Solomon to be happy. (Or maybe it was the “too many” wives that contributed to his seemingly foul mood.)

And yet, woven between the verses that acknowledge the difficulties and mundaneness of this life, are truths that point us to God and reveal the contentment that comes from a relationship with Him.

Why? Because the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7). Solomon showed his respect (fear) of the Lord when he requested the gift of discernment to lead God’s people, Israel.

Contrast his desire for discernment and Eve’s in Genesis 3, and you will see that a desire for wisdom in order to serve God and a desire for “wisdom” in order to be like God are two completely different desires. One leads to contentment despite life’s storms and the other leads to discontentment despite life’s blessings.

The question, then, for each of us to ponder is this: as we experience the trials of life, are we increasingly bitter or increasingly content? The answer to this question will shed light on our “fear” of the Lord – or the lack of it.

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7 ESV)

By LaRaine Rice

LaRaine is the Communications Coordinator for Orphan Care Alliance. She has the joy of teaching the 6th grade girls on Sunday morning. Her awesome husband is Jeff, and she is the proud mother of Christopher and Elizabeth.

The Ask

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 07:00:03 GMT

New Title

The Ask

What would be your three wishes if a genie popped out of a lamp and offered them to you? Wealth? Health? It can be fun to think about having the power to receive anything that you want.

Young Solomon was actually given a similar opportunity in 1 Kings 3:5: At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you” (NIV).

God, it should be noted, is in no way, shape or form a genie. He is God, Creator of the Universe and Author of Life. We can assume that He knew Solomon’s heart and answer before He even asked.

Solomon asked for wisdom and discernment to lead God’s people. God granted this request (and more). God desires to give His children their requests.

Jesus said , “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in Heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:7-11 NIV)

Re-read Jesus words, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened” (vv.7-8).

We have been given the same opportunity that Solomon had to receive whatever we want from God. We, in fact, have the power to receive anything that we want.

But are we asking for discernment? Are we asking for boldness to share our faith? Are we asking for God’s will to be done?

You see, the same God who granted Solomon his “ask” wants to grant your “ask” as well.

What is your ask?

By LaRaine Rice

One, Two, Three

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 07:00:08 GMT

New Title

Oppression

Solomon, the wise, was quite perceptive about the human condition. Some of the truths that he shares in Ecclesiastes are sobering.

For example, Solomon observed : So I again considered all the oppression that continually occurs on earth. This is what I saw: the oppressed were in tears, but no one was comforting them; no one delivers them from the power of their oppressors (Ecclesiastes 4:1 NET).

The oppression that Solomon spoke of still exists today: human trafficking, labor problems and dysfunctional families. The oppressed are still in tears. And few people are comforting them.

Fortunately, God has also observed this condition.

The psalmist reveals that God has not only observed but he tells us this: O Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble and oppressed; You will strengthen their heart, You will incline Your ear to hear, To vindicate and obtain justice for the fatherless and the oppressed, So that man who is of the earth will no longer terrify them (Psalm 10:17-18 AMP).

We are promised that God sees us, hears us, and will obtain justice for the fatherless and oppressed. He will provide for the oppressed.

The God who sees longs for us to join Him in seeing, hearing and obtaining justice for the fatherless and oppressed. He wants us to bring comfort to them. He wants us to be His instruments to deliver them from the power of their oppressors so that they will no longer be terrified.

Do you see the oppression that Solomon saw and God sees? Do you seek to comfort the fatherless and oppressed?

If so, continue to serve God by serving others. If not, ask God to open your eyes and show you paths to help them. For…

Truly He taught us to love one another;

His law is love and His gospel is peace;

Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother,

And in His name all oppression shall cease.

(From “Oh, Holy Night”)

By LaRaine Rice

Oppression

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 07:00:12 GMT

New Title

Oppression

Solomon, the wise, was quite perceptive about the human condition. Some of the truths that he shares in Ecclesiastes are sobering.

The oppression that Solomon spoke of still exists today: human trafficking, labor problems and dysfunctional families. The oppressed are still in tears. And few people are comforting them.

Fortunately, God has also observed this condition.

We are promised that God sees us, hears us, and will obtain justice for the fatherless and oppressed. He will provide for the oppressed.

Do you see the oppression that Solomon saw and God sees? Do you seek to comfort the fatherless and oppressed?

If so, continue to serve God by serving others. If not, ask God to open your eyes and show you paths to help them. For…

Truly He taught us to love one another;

His law is love and His gospel is peace;

Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother,

And in His name all oppression shall cease.

(From “Oh, Holy Night”)

By LaRaine Rice

Fall Pruning

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 07:00:00 GMT

New Title

Fall is my favorite time of year. The temperature cools down (eventually), and we get to enjoy all the fall colors in the trees. Fall also comes with chores, but I don’t mind. Specifically pruning back flowers and plants that were so beautiful in the summer. Their leaves are wilting or brown, and they are leggy or misshapen. Now is when we get to prune off what is past its prime and get the plants set up for beauty next year. I like evaluating which rose canes are strong and sturdy and which ones need to be cut off for the overall health of the rose. I like cutting back the Hosta leaves that are scraggly to make room for new growth in the spring.

Our new house has a LOT of landscaping and perennials, which was a huge selling point for me. The plantings are probably my favorite thing about this house, but it will take time to prepare the beds for winter. And things may look a little bare for a while until they come back out in the spring. But I hope they are even better than before. If I prune the plants correctly, that is the expectation.

Jesus identified God the Father as a “vinedresser” or gardener who prunes branches to make them more fruitful: "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit." (John 15:1-2 ESV)

This process of pruning should take place in our lives too. What habits and traditions are we hanging onto that no longer serve God’s purpose? What do we need to release to make room for new growth? What are you willing to do to grow and bear more fruit?

Dear God, please make us aware of our branches that need pruning. Please prune away anything that is standing in the way of our becoming more like You and growing Your Kingdom. Amen.

By Jennifer Preston

Jennifer and her husband David live in Georgetown and attend the Georgetown IBC campus – but at the moment are currently enjoying the beauty of Hawaii!

Joy in the Process

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 07:00:05 GMT

New Title

Joy in the Process

“So I saw that there is nothing better than that a man should rejoice in his work, for that is his lot. Who can bring him to see what will be after him?” Ecclesiastes 3:22

After wrestling with injustice, mortality, and mystery, Solomon lands on something surprisingly simple: rejoice in your work. At first, it almost sounds anticlimactic. After all that searching, is this really where wisdom ends? But Solomon isn’t settling for resignation—he’s inviting us into worship. He’s saying that joy, found right in the middle of the struggle, is an act of trust. It’s believing that even when you can’t see the full picture, God is still present in the process.

That truth has come alive for me watching my daughter, C.A., work at her game. Whether it’s scorching hot or frozen with snow on the ground, she’s out there swinging. Hour after hour, she grinds, fails, adjusts, and tries again. Some days her hands ache, the results don’t come, and frustration creeps in—but she still loves it. She loves the work itself. And there’s something sacred about that. Watching her reminds me that God takes delight not only in our success, but in our effort—our wholehearted engagement with what He’s placed before us.

I think of that line from The Legend of Bagger Vance: “God is happiest when His children are at play.” There’s something deeply true about that. Our Creator delights when we delight in what He’s given us to do. When we find joy in the craft, the calling, the rhythm of faithful work—even when no one is watching—we mirror His own creative joy.

We live in the middle story—between dust and glory, between resurrection and return. We can’t yet see how everything fits together, but we know the Author. That means the ordinary things—writing an email, folding laundry, making dinner, practicing a swing—are not filler between miracles. They are the places where faith takes shape.

Because of Jesus, resurrection hope fills even the ordinary with eternal meaning. Every faithful swing, every unseen act done in love, becomes an echo of His victory.

So yes, Solomon was right: there really is nothing better than rejoicing in your work. It’s not resignation—it’s worship.

It’s joy in the process.

Reflection:

What work has God given you right now that you can approach with renewed joy?

How might seeing your “process” as worship change the way you live this week?

Jimmy Carter

Groups and Cares Pastor

The Ultimate Question

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 07:00:05 GMT

New Title

The Ultimate Question

“Who knows whether the spirit of man goes upward and the spirit of the beast goes down into the earth?” Ecclesiastes 3:21

There’s a haunting honesty to Solomon’s question. Who knows? It feels rhetorical, almost hopeless. After all his searching, studying, and striving, the wisest man who ever lived reaches a place where he can’t see beyond the horizon of death. He’s not being cynical—he’s being human. Under the sun, from earth’s vantage point, there’s no way to tell what happens next. The grave looks like the same ending for everyone.

But what makes this verse so powerful is that it’s not truly rhetorical—not when you consider Christ. Solomon’s question becomes the ultimate question that the New Testament answers with breathtaking clarity.

Centuries later, another Son of David would face the same mystery Solomon couldn’t solve. Jesus would step into death itself—not to speculate about it, but to conquer it. And when He walked out of the tomb, He turned “Who knows?” into “We know.” Paul would later write, “We know that He who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus” (2 Cor. 4:14). What Solomon could only wonder, we can now worship.

Still, that doesn’t mean we always feel certain. There are days when the questions return—when grief sits heavy or when heaven feels far away. But faith doesn’t require full clarity; it requires confidence in the One who’s already been through the valley and come out alive.

Solomon saw dust and mystery. Jesus showed us resurrection and hope. The question still echoes, but the answer now has a name.

Reflection:

How does Jesus’ resurrection reframe the way you think about death and eternity?

What questions about life or loss do you need to bring honestly before God today?

Jimmy Carter

Groups and Cares Pastor

Decorated Dust

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 07:00:07 GMT

New Title

Decorated Dust

“All go to one place. All are from the dust, and to dust all return.” Ecclesiastes 3:20

In just five months, I’ll be half a century old. And something strange happens when you start closing in on that milestone—you begin to feel time differently. It’s not that life suddenly feels bleak or that I’m panicking about birthdays; it’s just that the clock ticks a little louder. You notice the lines in the mirror that weren’t there before, the old football injuries that ache when it rains, and the way conversations with your parents shift from What’s next? to How are you feeling?

You start thinking about how short life really is.

Solomon understood that feeling long before we ever could. “All are from the dust, and to dust all return.” He’s not trying to depress us—he’s trying to wake us up. He’s reminding us that beneath our job titles, trophies, social media posts, and gym routines, we’re all made of the same thing: dust. Some of us just decorate it better.

And yet, this truth isn’t meant to diminish us—it’s meant to dignify us. Because the miracle of our existence isn’t that we’re dust, but that God breathed into it. We are animated dirt, filled with divine breath. Every sunrise, every heartbeat, every laugh that echoes through the kitchen is borrowed air from a generous God.

That means even the most ordinary day is sacred. The hum of the coffee maker, the text from a friend, the drive home after a long day—each moment is a reminder that dust is still dancing because of grace.

One day, my body will return to the same soil that grew the trees in my backyard. But my soul—breathed by God—will return to Him. That’s not something to fear. It’s something to build your life around.

So while I still have time—and you still have time—let’s make peace with the dust. Let’s decorate it not with ego or accomplishment, but with gratitude and faith. Because every bit of beauty we add down here will one day be gathered up and redeemed up there.

Reflection:

How does remembering that life is short change what you prioritize?

In what ways can you “decorate your dust” with gratitude and eternal purpose today?

Jimmy Carter

Groups and Cares Pastor

The Insanity of Human Arrogance

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 07:00:02 GMT

New Title

“I said in my heart with regard to the children of man that God is testing them that they may see that they themselves are but beasts. For what happens to the children of man and what happens to the beasts is the same; as one dies, so dies the other. They all have the same breath, and man has no advantage over the beasts, for all is vanity.” Ecclesiastes 3:18–19

We live in a world that celebrates intelligence and independence, yet somehow grows more foolish by the day. The prevailing message from our culture—from classrooms to podcast guru’s—is that humanity is little more than an evolved animal, a collection of atoms driven by instinct and chemistry. The so-called “enlightened” claim that the first step to wisdom is realizing we’re no different than the beasts, except that we can manipulate our vocal cords. And Solomon, centuries earlier, would nod and say, “Exactly… that’s what happens when we leave God out of the equation.”

When he wrote that God “tests” mankind so they might see they are but beasts, he didn’t mean we’re equal to the animals—he meant we’re blind. God allows us to taste our limits. He lets us see our frailty in the mirror of mortality. But instead of humbling us, it often drives us to madness. We double down on our arrogance, building towers of knowledge and self-reliance, pretending that technology or medicine or money will insulate us from the dust. It’s insanity to know we will die and still live as if we won’t.

Every hospital room preaches this sermon. Every grave whispers the same truth: you are not in control. But this is mercy, not cruelty. God’s test isn’t to shame us—it’s to save us from our insane illusion. Only when we admit our smallness do we begin to understand His greatness.

And then comes the gospel’s gentle shock: the One who created us from dust became dust Himself. Jesus entered our weakness, breathed our breath, and died our death—not to confirm our insignificance, but to restore our image. The insanity of human arrogance is healed by the humility of God.

Reflection Questions

Where are you most tempted to live as though you’re in control of life’s outcomes?

How could remembering your dependence on God bring freedom instead of fear this week?

Jimmy Carter

Groups and Cares Pastor

The Waiting Room and the Courtroom

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 07:00:00 GMT

New Title

“Moreover, I saw under the sun that in the place of justice, even there was wickedness, and in the place of righteousness, even there was wickedness. I said in my heart, God will judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time for every matter and for every work.”

Ecclesiastes 3:16–17

This morning finds me (not so patiently) waiting for the results from Carrie’s latest brain scan—one she’s required to undergo every three months. Through the lens of my wife’s resilient and courageous battle, it occurs to me that waiting rooms are a lot like the courtrooms we find in Ecclesiastes 3. In both, you sit in a place where your fate isn’t in your hands. You can’t control the outcome, speed up the process, or negotiate the result. You can only wait—and trust that someone wiser will do what’s right.

Solomon looked around his world and saw that even in the place of justice, wickedness reigned. The courtroom—where truth should triumph—had become infected with the same corruption it was meant to correct. And that’s not so different from our experience in the waiting rooms of life, where sickness and suffering seem to play by no moral rules. Cancer comes for the child abuser and the pastor’s wife alike. Disease, tragedy, and injustice don’t respect titles, goodness, or faithfulness.

If this world were the whole story, that truth would destroy us. But Solomon whispers something hopeful: “God will judge the righteous and the wicked.” It’s not a threat—it’s a promise. It means God sees what’s hidden. Every injustice, every tear, every sleepless night spent pleading for healing or understanding—none of it escapes His notice. He will make things right, even when the timing feels unbearably long.

In the courtroom of heaven, the Righteous Judge doesn’t sit detached behind the bench. In Christ, He steps down, enters our waiting room, and sits beside us. The same Jesus who bore the full weight of judgment also bears our pain. The cross is proof that God’s justice and compassion aren’t opposites—they meet perfectly in Jesus.

So as you wait—in the hospital, in the unanswered prayer, in the injustice that feels unfixable—remember: the Judge sees you, the Savior sits with you, and in His time, all will be made right.

Reflection Questions:

Where in your life right now do you feel like you’re sitting in a “waiting room” that feels unjust or uncertain?
How does knowing that God both sees and sits with you in that place reshape the way you wait?

Jimmy Carter

Groups and Care Pastor

How Can You Serve Your Family or Community This Week?

Sat, 11 Oct 2025 07:00:01 GMT

New Title

My social media and news feeds are full of death, anger, division and fear. One might argue that that is usually the case. However, the news the past few months has left me feeling especially sad and powerless. While I haven’t shared any opinions or insights on social media regarding these tragic events and divisive debates, I’ve read a lot of posts from friends, celebrities and journalists.

I’ve seen these bits of advice: pray for our nation, get off social media, and spend time in nature.

All of those are great ideas. However, one post I saw on LinkedIn really stood out. An acquaintance of mine wrote that she chose to respond to the discouraging events of the world by adopting a dog who was set to be euthanized soon. She spent hours dog-proofing her house, invested in training for the dog and purchased food and supplies for him. She reminded her audience that we all can make a difference, even if it’s just to one person (or dog!) at a time.

It was a great reminder that while we don’t have the ability to save the whole world or solve all of its problems, we aren’t meant to sit around doing nothing either. Each person has unique gifts, knowledge and connections he or she can use to serve other people. It’s easy to become discouraged and believe that just because we can’t solve the big problems in the news, we can’t do anything. But that simply isn’t true; we all can do something.

I challenge you to get to work in your home and community. Teach your children how to be disciples of Christ. Encourage your teachers. Send your friend flowers. Donate to a cause you care about. Adopt a pet from the Lexington Humane Society. Sign up for Serve Saturday at IBC. Just pick one thing you can do to serve one person in your home or community this week.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)

by Melissa Landon Schnell

Melissa is an editor at automation.com , a member of Immanuel Baptist Church, a cyclist, a book lover, and a grammar enthusiast. She lives in Lexington with her husband Daykin, dog Zoey, and cat Scooter.

Embracing What We Cannot Fully Comprehend

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 07:00:11 GMT

New Title

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens... He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end... I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him. (Ecclesiastes 3:1,11,14)

In Ecclesiastes 3, we find one of Scripture's most honest acknowledgments of the tension between human longing for understanding and the limitations of our comprehension. The writer tells us that God "has set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end." What a fascinating paradox! We are created with a deep yearning to understand the eternal—to grasp the big picture, to see how all the pieces fit together—yet we are finite beings, incapable of fully comprehending the infinite wisdom of our Creator.

This reality can be frustrating. We want answers. We want to know why certain seasons come when they do, why some prayers seem to go unanswered, why suffering touches some lives more than others. Like Job, we may find ourselves demanding an explanation from God. Yet Ecclesiastes gently reminds us that there is a certain beauty in not knowing everything—in standing in awe before the mystery of God's grand design.

This isn't about blind acceptance or suppressing our questions. Rather, it's about approaching life's mysteries with a posture of humble curiosity. The writer of Ecclesiastes was a seeker of wisdom, someone who earnestly pursued understanding. Yet he arrived at the conclusion that true wisdom begins with acknowledging the limits of human comprehension and the boundlessness of God's ways.

Jesus Himself embraced this mystery. Even as the Son of God, He submitted to the Father's timing and purposes. He said this about His return: “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Matthew 24:36). If Jesus could live faithfully within the boundaries of not knowing everything, how much more should we!

Despite our limited understanding, God "has made everything beautiful in its time." What appears to us as disconnected threads—the joys and sorrows, the gains and losses mentioned in verses 1-8—are being skillfully woven into something beautiful by the hand of God.

Faith is not about having all the answers but about trusting the One who does. Perhaps the greatest act of faith is placing your confidence in the One who sees what you cannot.

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com, FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

Finding Joy in God's Given Moment

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 07:00:05 GMT

New Title

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens... I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and to do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God... God has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. (Ecclesiastes 3:1,12-13,11)

There is profound value in embracing the present moment. There is a tendency to miss the beauty of the present because we're fixated on yesterday's regrets or tomorrow's worries.

Ecclesiastes 3 begins with the famous passage about time—a poetic reminder that life unfolds in God-ordained seasons. But as the passage continues, it reveals something remarkable about these seasons: they are meant to be fully experienced, not merely endured or rushed through. Verses 12-13 state this clearly: "I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and to do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God."

Notice the profound simplicity of what's described as "the gift of God." Not extraordinary achievements or dramatic spiritual experiences, but the everyday joy of eating, drinking, and finding satisfaction in our work. These seemingly mundane aspects of life are elevated to sacred status—they are divine gifts to be received with gratitude.

Why do we struggle to embrace this gift? Perhaps because God "has set eternity in the human heart." We are temporal beings with eternal longings. This tension creates in us a restlessness that can blind us to the sacred nature of ordinary moments. We're always reaching for something more, something beyond—which isn't entirely wrong (our hearts are made for eternity with God), but it can rob us of the joy God intends for us now.

Jesus Himself modeled this present-moment awareness. Though carrying the weight of His divine mission, He took time to notice children, to enjoy meals with friends, to appreciate the beauty of lilies in the field. He knew the value of each God-given moment. When He taught His disciples to pray "Give us today our daily bread," He was inviting them into this same present-focused relationship with the Father—one of daily dependence and gratitude.

Our work can be a source of God-given satisfaction when approached with the right perspective. Joy can be found even in ordinary tasks when we recognize them as part of God's purpose for our lives right now.

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com, FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile ap p)

Finding God's Rhythm in Life's Contrasts

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 07:00:07 GMT

New Title

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace... He has made everything beautiful in its time. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8,11)

Life is meant to be experienced in its fullness, embracing both the light and shadow of our human journey.

The rhythm of contrasts in this passage is striking: birth and death, planting and uprooting, weeping and laughing. These aren't merely random experiences; they represent the divine balance God has woven into the fabric of existence. Like a pendulum swinging between opposite points, our lives move through various seasons, each with its unique purpose and meaning.

As followers of Christ, we often struggle with this balance. We may believe that faith should shield us from suffering or that spiritual maturity means constant joy. Yet Scripture paints a different picture. Jesus Himself, our perfect example, demonstrated this divine balance. He wept at Lazarus' tomb yet celebrated at the wedding in Cana. He retreated for solitary prayer yet engaged wholeheartedly with crowds. He spoke boldly when needed yet remained silent before His accusers.

The wisdom of Ecclesiastes reminds us that imbalance distorts God's design. When we cling only to seasons of prosperity and joy, refusing to acknowledge times of loss or grief, we deny part of our humanity. Similarly, when we dwell perpetually in sorrow or hardship, failing to embrace moments of delight, we miss the fullness of God's gifts.

Balance means recognizing the purpose in each season and allowing ourselves to fully experience what God has ordained for that time. There is purpose in our building up and in our tearing down.

Even the painful contrasts—the dying, the uprooting, the weeping—have beauty when experienced in their proper time and perspective. God doesn't waste any season of our lives. Therefore, let us surrender to the One who orchestrates everything with perfect wisdom and love.

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com, FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

Trusting God's Perfect Timing

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 07:00:22 GMT

New Title

In Ecclesiastes 3, we are reminded that God is the divine Clockmaker of our lives and of all creation. "He has made everything beautiful in its time," the writer tells us. This profound truth carries both comfort and challenge for us as believers.

When life feels chaotic or painful, we often question God's timing. We wonder why certain events happen when they do—why the job loss came right before the medical bills, why the relationship ended when we felt most vulnerable, or why the answer to prayer seems perpetually delayed. In these moments, Ecclesiastes reminds us that God's sovereignty extends over every moment of our existence.

The passage acknowledges the full spectrum of human experience: birth and death, planting and uprooting, weeping and laughing, mourning and dancing. None of these experiences fall outside God's awareness or control. Each has its appointed time.

We are temporal beings who experience the limitations of time, yet we carry within us a longing for the eternal. This tension itself is God-designed, drawing us toward Him as the only One who transcends time while working within it.

The writer of Ecclesiastes admits there is much we cannot understand: "No one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end." How then should we live in light of God's sovereignty over time?

Practice patient trust. When circumstances seem out of order or poorly timed, remember that God knows what He is doing. Trust His expertise and His love for you.
Embrace the present moment. God's sovereignty doesn't just extend to the future; it encompasses the present. Whatever season you're in—whether planting or uprooting, weeping or laughing—God is present and working.
Recognize your eternal perspective. The "eternity in our hearts" gives us glimpses of God's bigger picture. When temporal concerns overwhelm you, lift your eyes to eternal values.
Find peace in divine purpose. Verse 14 reminds us that "everything God does will endure forever." Unlike our fleeting efforts, God's work has lasting significance. Aligning our lives with His purposes brings meaning that transcends our temporary circumstances.

"God's clock is never early and never late. It always strikes at the perfect time." - Charles Spurgeon

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com, FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

Acceptance of Life's Seasons

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 07:00:01 GMT

New Title

The wisdom found in Ecclesiastes reminds us that every aspect of our lives is encased in God’s divine timing. There’s a deep comfort in knowing that our experiences are not random; each season serves a purpose in our spiritual journey.

As we navigate the highs and lows, it’s easy to resist the changes and cling to our comfort zones. We may find ourselves wishing to hasten joyful moments or prolong seasons of happiness, while dreading the inevitable challenges that life brings. However, understanding the natural rhythm of life allows us to find peace and acceptance in every circumstance.

Time to Rejoice: Embrace the joyful seasons. Celebrate victories, share laughter with loved ones, and bask in the warmth of happy moments. These are gifts from God that strengthen our spirits and remind us of His goodness.
Time to Grieve: Recognize that sorrow has its place as well. It’s okay to mourn when we face loss or disappointment, for grief is a natural response to life’s painful moments. God promises to be near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18), inviting us to bring our pain to Him.
Growing through Seasons: Each transition brings growth. In times of planting, we invest in our futures—whether through education, relationships, or spiritual practices. In times of uprooting, we often find God pruning away what no longer serves us, preparing our hearts for new growth.

A Suggested Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the wisdom found in Your Word. Help me to embrace each season of my life, recognizing that You have a purpose for every moment. Teach me to celebrate the joys and to find strength in the midst of sorrow. May I trust in Your divine timing and learn to accept the changes that come my way. Grant me the grace to see beauty in every season and to grow closer to You through each experience. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

As you reflect on your own life seasons, consider journaling about the different changes you’ve experienced. What has each season taught you? In what areas do you need to practice acceptance? Trust that God is with you in every moment, guiding you through the cycles of life toward His ultimate purpose for you.

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com, FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

Endurence

Sat, 04 Oct 2025 07:00:08 GMT

New Title

When I first started working with kindergarteners, the lesson plans had a section devoted to “stamina building.” Inexperienced as I was, I wondered if we were going to see how long these five-year-olds could hold an extended plank. Spoiler alert: that wasn’t it.

One of the literacy goals was for students to read a book independently for 15 minutes during rotations. Guess where you start when you pursue this goal? One. One minute. The teacher set a timer for sixty seconds that first day and celebrated the kids when they read for that amount of time. Steady increases over many days led to students enjoying their books for much longer than the desired fifteen minutes.

It’s been a tough few weeks in the world. Some days the news delivers a gut punch before we’ve managed to get back on our feet after the last one. There is a sense of heaviness, and Christians are not exempt.

In Jen Wilken’s study on the book of Revelation, she says Revelation isn’t meant to promote escapism (“Come, Lord Jesus” – though this is a worthy prayer), but rather, endurance. I keep turning that truth over in my mind. Revelation was written to the persecuted church, and even the souls of the martyrs in the throne room of God are crying out “how long” (Rev. 6:9-11)? My prayers often lean toward the escape hatch. I want Jesus to come, end it, resolve, restore and redeem. Game over; bring on Heaven!

But He tarries, so what does that mean for us? Here’s some of what the Bible has to say:

…suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (Rom. 5:3b-5)

As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. (James 5:10-11)

For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. (Hebrews 10:36)

When we don’t think we can take one more thing, we need to be like those kindergarteners and build our stamina. Let’s start with one minute… just walking in faith and trusting God for today. He promises daily bread and new mercies every morning, and it’s enough. In time, those days will stretch out, and God will grow our capacity to endure through these challenging times.

Additional scripture for study: James 1:12, Galatians 6:9, Philippians 3:12-16, Hebrews 12:1-2, 2 Timothy 4:7-8

By Lori Barkley

Lori and her husband Jim attend the Armstrong Mill campus where she serves as a deacon. They have two daughters in college, Brynn and Katy.

Your Work, Your Calling, Your Ministry

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 07:00:13 GMT

New Title

Do you view your work as a calling?

Do you consider that your talents and the ability to use them as a ministry? Do you think those talents and abilities are meant to be a blessing to others at this specific time?

I have always been able to set up technology and debug it easily, and I have often found myself in those settings where that skill is needed. I am happy to use that as a ministry opportunity to others. It doesn’t feel like “work” to me. I enjoy it.

I know it is hard for some of us to believe, but God gave some of us the gift of math. He even gave some of us (like my wife) the ability to teach it to others. God also has given some of us the gifts of music, service, public speaking, organization, or leadership.

Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes 2:24-26: There is nothing better for a person than to eat, drink, and enjoy his work. I have seen that even this is from God’s hand, because who can eat and who can enjoy life apart from him? For to the person who is pleasing in his sight, he gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy; but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and accumulating in order to give to the one who is pleasing in God’s sight. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.

It is common to look at our work as a burden. But if we are doing what we are called to do, we can enjoy our work. And we are called to this specific time and location with these gifts for a reason.

I mentioned earlier how I felt I am gifted in technology. That skill would not have been very useful 200 years ago. We have many people in our community that are educators or healthcare workers.

These industries are the foundation of our community currently.

As you go through your work, look for ways that you are currently using your gifts to benefit your community and team. And pray that your work is pleasing to God. Then offer encouraging words to those around you who are doing the same.

By Jason Grace

Jason is a software engineering manager. He and his wife, Karen, have two children and have been active members at Immanuel for over 23 years. His service includes roles in the deacon ministry, children's ministry, technical team, financial coaching, and leading Bible studies. He loves traveling with his wife and family throughout the US.

Recognition

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 07:00:02 GMT

New Title

Several years ago, I received some great news. One of our projects at work was eligible to be nominated for an award! We had to fill out a form to show how our project was saving money for the company. When we filled out the form, we confirmed that the project had saved the company over 5 million dollars! Our team won the award, and we all received recognition and a bonus. I still have the award hanging in my office at home.

Before we won the award, though, I received a call from my boss. He asked me to be careful about discussing the specifics of the award with team members. Why? Because some of the team members had founded the project or had been on it for several years. I had been on the project for only a year and was the newest team member – yet we were all receiving the same recognition and bonus.

It was a good reminder for me that I did not have ownership in our project. In fact, I was the person least entitled to be recognized.

Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes 2:21-23: When there is a person whose work was done with wisdom, knowledge, and skill, and he must give his portion to a person who has not worked for it, this too is futile and a great wrong. For what does a person get with all his work and all his efforts that he labors at under the sun? For all his days are filled with grief, and his occupation is sorrowful; even at night, his mind does not rest. This too is futile.

Jesus says in Matthew 6:19-21: Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

What is your goal with your work? Are you wanting to build your own creation and store up accomplishments and awards. OR is it your goal to build and mentor a team that glorifies God and together builds something new for His kingdom and His creation?

By Jason Grace

Successors

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 07:00:18 GMT

New Title

Sometime when you’re feeling important;
Sometime when your ego‘s in bloom;
Sometime when you take it for granted,
You’re the best qualified in the room:
Sometime when you feel that your going,
Would leave an unfillable hole,
Just follow these simple instructions,
And see how they humble your soul.

Take a bucket and fill it with water,
Put your hand in it up to the wrist,
Pull it out and the hole that’s remaining,
Is a measure of how much you’ll be missed.
You can splash all you wish when you enter,
You may stir up the water galore,
But stop, and you’ll find that in no time,
It looks quite the same as before.

The moral of this quaint example,
Is to do just the best that you can,
Be proud of yourself but remember,
There’s no indispensable man.

“The Indispensable Man,” by Saxon White Kessinger

At work or in life, it is easy to think, “There’s no way we can survive without ‘So-and-so’!” Yet every time, “So-and-so” leaves or gets a new job or passes away, we continue on. It’s certainly not the same, but things don’t grind to a halt, either.

Even major companies survive when their founders leave. Walt Disney hadn’t opened Walt Disney World when he died in 1966. When Sam Walton died in 1992, Walmart was just starting to open Supercenters across the US that are now the model for their stores. And when Ole Kirk Christiansen died in 1958, LEGO was still making wooden toys and was just starting to manufacture plastic interlocking bricks.

Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes 2:18-20: I hated all my work that I labored at under the sun because I must leave it to the one who comes after me. And who knows whether he will be wise or a fool? Yet he will take over all my work that I labored at skillfully under the sun. This too is futile. So I began to give myself over to despair concerning all my work that I had labored at under the sun.

We may think we’re the key to a project or a team’s success. But we are just there for a time, and then someone else picks up the work and moves on. We are challenged to do the best we can to the glory of God and pray that our successors will do the same.

By Jason Grace

Knowledge

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 07:00:06 GMT

New Title

Society focuses on collecting and distributing its knowledge. This has become easier as time continues and as new technologies develop.

The Library of Alexandria had a goal of collecting “all the books in the world” in the 3rd Century BC. When it was destroyed, it had over 40,000 books and scrolls.
The US Library of Congress has over 178 million items in its collection, including 25 million books. The “other” items include songs, recordings, movies, and photographs.
Print encyclopedias sold 120,000 copies in the 1990’s. However, they were then replaced by digital formats. All the information previously stored on 30 books now fits on a single compact disc, and these are also no longer used.
The English version of Wikipedia has over 7 million articles and is updated continuously. Despite its size, it can fit onto a storage card the size of one’s thumbnail that sells for $10.

And this mainly focuses on “written” knowledge. Things scale much faster and further when you factor in videos and social media.

We all have phones now that can look up any fact or consume any piece of information that has been created in our history from almost any location. Some of us would call this a critical need when this didn’t exist a generation ago. Ultimately, though, what benefit does it provide? What is our goal in having this knowledge and information?

Solomon questions this in Ecclesiastes 2:15-17: So I said to myself, “What happens to the fool will also happen to me. Why then have I been overly wise?” And I said to myself that this is also futile. For, just like the fool, there is no lasting remembrance of the wise, since in the days to come both will be forgotten. How is it that the wise person dies just like the fool? Therefore, I hated life because the work that was done under the sun was distressing to me. For everything is futile and a pursuit of the wind.

We should make the most of our talents and gifts while we are serving God during our time on earth. However, we should not become “overly wise.” Solomon points out that at the end of our lives, it will not matter how much we have learned. The end of our life will come, and our knowledge, as in some of these examples above, will simply be forgotten.

How are you sharing your knowledge and talents with future generations? And is what you’re teaching them worthwhile?

By Jason Grace

Leadership

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 07:00:17 GMT

New Title

As a family, we have been fortunate to travel to many places in the United States. Some of these were settled before the United States existed as a country. Jamestown. Williamsburg. Plymouth. Santa Fe. Boston. Philadelphia. Each time we go, it is a reminder that even though our country is nearly 250 years old, there was still a time when there was no “United States.”

Each of these settlements had their differences – yet they had many similarities. A group of people wanted change and sought it out. They then figured out life as best as they could, established a society, chose a set of leaders to guide them, and focused on survival.

We spend a lot of time thinking and worrying about our leaders. Will they do what we want them to do? Who will replace them? If they disobey the rules that are in place, will they be held responsible?

Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes 2:12-14: Then I turned to consider wisdom, madness, and folly, for what will the king’s successor be like? He will do what has already been done. And I realized that there is an advantage to wisdom over folly, like the advantage of light over darkness. The wise person has eyes in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. Yet I also knew that one fate comes to them both.

Solomon says it doesn’t matter. This has happened before. And these things will happen again. That may be comforting or concerning depending on your outlook of the leader, but that’s not up to you. It’s ultimately up to the leader themselves. It will be better if the leader is wise, but there’s no guarantee. And most importantly, whether the leader is wise or foolish, they won’t be the leader forever.

In my lifetime, I have chosen to respect the authority of my spouse, parents, pastors, government officials, school personnel, and work leadership. I have also been a parent and a leader of team members at work and in volunteer roles. It’s great to be a leader! But eventually that role will fade or end altogether.

In the meantime, ask God to help you be a wise leader showing your team the light of God’s love. Be the type of leader that models the God-directed way to lead.

By Jason Grace

Resting in His Presence

Sat, 27 Sep 2025 10:00:02 GMT

New Title

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10)

This summer our family found ourselves in a situation we could not control; what started out as a fun day ended up in the Emergency Department with my daughter being transferred by ambulance to her children’s hospital three hours away. Her heart was under stress, and she was experiencing rejection of her transplanted heart.

There was nothing I could do to get her out of this situation but to pray and to trust God.

The Lord quietly whispered to my heart over the following weeks that I must be still.

For God’s people, being still would mean going to God for help, stopping frantic activity as one commentary says, and remembering who He is. We don’t have to wrestle with fear trying to figure out how we are going to handle things on our own, but we can be still and trust that God is who He says He is. There is freedom in letting go, being still before God and letting Him fight your battles.

We not only need to be still before God, but we need to know that He is God. By knowing God, we can have a better understanding and know that He is trustworthy. We can know God and have this understanding of Him by going straight to the Bible.

Here are a few things we can know about God by reading His Word:

· God is God (Psalm 100:3).

· God is the Creator of the Heavens and Earth; and if He is in control of the Universe, He can take care of us, too! (Genesis 1:1, Psalm 146:6)

· God knows the exact number of hairs on your head. This is how much He loves us. (Luke 12:7)

· God is our refuge, strength, and helper. (Psalm 46:1-3)

When we know these truths about God, we do not have to be afraid. Anytime I am filled with fear, God reminds me of who He is.

Going through that time of uncertainty this past summer with my daughter – not knowing if her new heart was failing – I had to be still and not seek to control the situation with endless worry. I could rest and find comfort that God was fighting this battle. He is God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, and the Creator of YOU.

By Lauren Hill

Solomon's Early Conclusion

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 07:00:01 GMT

New Title

Reading the words of Solomon, I feel as if we’re invading his privacy and reading his journal as he looks back over his life – a life of excess and abundance – and this is what he concluded:

Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done and on the labor in which I had toiled; and indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 2:11)

Never has one person had so much – so much of EVERYTHING – yet he felt empty. Many people would wonder, “My goodness, he had everything anyone could possibly want! Why on earth is he feeling empty?”

He could honestly say, as many do these days, “Been there, done that!” But he might consider putting it this way, “Been there, done that, got it wrong!” He has experienced just about everything – and is now experiencing a wakeup call – as he reflects on why he feels empty. He concludes that nothing he has done has lasting value.

You and I know that life apart from God truly is an empty life – no matter how many pleasures and accomplishments come your way.

Maybe you, like Solomon, feel that life is empty and meaningless. Perhaps you feel like a bagger at the grocery store. You get up every morning, have breakfast, go to work, bag groceries, come home, eat, go to bed and get up the next morning and do it all over again… every… single… day. You feel that life is meaningless until the day you decide to glorify God in your work – doing your work as if you were doing it for God Himself – seeing every day as a God-ordained opportunity.

And then one day, as you are helping a lady load her groceries into her car, she says, “Thank you, son, you have been the hands of Jesus for me today!” And suddenly, you realize your life has meaning, because God is at the center of everything you do. And you’re not feeling empty at all – you feel full!

And that’s exactly the kind of life Jesus was talking about when He said, “A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.” (John 10:10)

The abundant life is the life lived with Jesus at the center. Is that where He is in YOUR life?

By Judy Shrout

NO!

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 07:00:06 GMT

New Title

A baby’s first words are usually “mama” or “dada” – followed quickly thereafter by “bye-bye” and then “no.” To a baby, the word “no” is associated with something bad – usually because the person uttering the word is using a stern tone and not smiling. But you and I know that the word is actually a protecting word – no to a hot stove, no to running in the street, no to climbing up the kitchen drawers – no to things that might cause problems.

Apparently, Solomon had failed to latch on to the word “no” because he tells us:

Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure. (Ecclesiastes 2:10)

And that includes all sorts of pleasures, including sexual pleasure. God had warned Solomon not to marry foreign women, because they would worship their pagan gods and lead his heart astray (which is exactly what happened).

King Solomon loved many foreign women, as well as the daughter of the Pharoah… And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines… (1 Kings 11:1,3)

As Solomon said in his reflections, he didn’t withhold his heart from ANY pleasure!

He seems to have embraced what’s called the Pleasure Principle: the tendency for someone to seek immediate gratification of instinctual needs. In other words, I want it, and I want it NOW! That was the way Solomon operated.

Some of his pleasures were blatantly selfish. For example, it has been reported that King Solomon even had snow brought down from Mount Hermon so he could have cold drinks in the summertime!

The Message offers this take on Ecclesiastes 2:10: I never said no to myself.

Whether it was another sexual encounter or a third piece of pie, nothing was a no-no for Solomon.

As you reflect on your own life, are you thankful God blessed you with the good sense and self-control to say no to some things? And maybe remorseful that you said yes to some other things?

Father, thank you for those times when your Holy Spirit has strongly nudged me away from temptation. You know I want to do the right thing, but sometimes my flesh is weak (Matthw 26:41). Draw me close to You and help me learn to say no to myself. Turn my eyes from worthless things and give me life through Your Word (Psalm 119:37). Amen

By Judy Shrout

Pleasure in Accomplishments

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 07:00:14 GMT

New Title

Who won the Emmy for the best movie in 2010? The Masters Golf Tournament in 2015? The Super Bowl Championship in 1970? The Kentucky Derby in 1950? Unless you’ve been prepping for an appearance on Jeopardy, you would probably have to do some research to find the answers. Although these were dramatic moments at the time, they were quickly forgotten.

In our Scripture today, Solomon is still looking back over his life – realizing that he has experimented with just about every pleasure known to man, and he has also had some remarkable achievements. He seems to be considering that his life has been a test – and a journey to find out what really matters in life.

As you read Solomon’s words below (out loud, if reasonable to do so), think about what you’d like to say to him in response. What stands out to you? How would you like to challenge him? And yourself?

I made my works great, I built myself houses, and planted myself vineyards. I made myself gardens and orchards, and I planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. I made myself water pools from which to water the growing trees of the grove. I acquired male and female servants, and had servants born in my house. Yes, I had greater possession of herds and flocks than all who were in Jerusalem before me. I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the special treasures of kings and of the provinces. I acquired male and female singers, the delights of the sons of men, and musical instruments of all kinds. So I became great and excelled more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also, my wisdom remained with me. (Ecclesiastes 2:4-8)

Did you notice that “I” appears ten times and “me” “my” or “myself” appear eleven times? Do you detect a bit of a problem? It sounds a lot like Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:30)!

Our culture often puts the focus on self: self-improvement, self-care, self-awareness, self-esteem. Some go to great lengths to “find themselves.” Perhaps a healthier way to do life just might be to draw so close to our Lord that we unconsciously live in a state of Christ-awareness – fully aware of what He has done, consistently grateful for the joy of being His, and always realizing that anything good in us or any good we accomplish is because of His touch of mercy and grace on our lives.

By Judy Shrout

Pleasure in Laughter

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 07:00:21 GMT

New Title

Recently I had lunch with a friend that I meet up with on an irregular basis (I’ve known her for 40 years) – and every time we get together, we wind up laughing our heads off about something odd. When we were leaving the restaurant, one of the owners smiled and asked, “Do you two always have this much fun?” Actually, we do – but then… sometimes we don’t, because we’ve both faced life challenges that are anything but funny. But the momentary retreat into humor is a sweet and healthy diversion.

Perhaps you’ve read stories of people who firmly believe that laughing as they watched Groucho Marx movies led to their victories over debilitating illnesses. Even their doctors found no other reason for their amazing recovery. For you younger readers, Groucho Marx is considered to have been one of America’s greatest comedians. Some of his slapstick jokes and one-liners caught you so off-guard that you laughed until your sides hurt. Laughter for some very sick people proved to be very good medicine. So, we can conclude that laughter is not necessarily bad.

But now let’s listen in as Solomon gives us his opinion about laughter:

I said of laughter, “It is madness,” and of pleasure, “What does it accomplish?” (Ecclesiastes 2:2)

Solomon probably had a court jester who entertained him and his guests on a regular basis. Jesters were the comedians of Solomon’s day – and employed a wide variety of skills in keeping the royals laughing – no doubt telling jokes that were often questionable or just plain filthy -- or jokes that made fun of other people. Perhaps the jester did this almost every night.

So why did Solomon conclude that laughter was “madness” or just plain silly? Do you think he was energetically entertained by the jester so often that he became bored? Do you think that’s why he concluded that it was a total waste of time?

Or do you think perhaps God was convicting him about the type of humor he was continually being exposed to – and the thoughts and pictures he might be planting in his mind? When he asked himself, What does it accomplish, was he regretting the time he spent laughing at off-color jokes – jokes that were often told at others’ expense?

Let’s get personal. What makes you laugh? Is it healthy? Are you laughing at the things that Jesus Himself would think were funny? If not, is your heart tender enough to recognize that God’s Holy Spirit might be telling you that you’re wasting your time?

By Judy Shrout

Intro to Pleasure

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 07:00:06 GMT

New Title

“Laissez les bons temps rouler!” If you are familiar with French or Cajun, you know those words mean “Let the good times roll!!”

You may be thinking that sounds quite unspiritual for a devotional thought, and I guess it is. But the passage of Scripture we’re visiting this week indicates that “letting those good times roll” was something Solomon had fully embraced and was now reflecting on – with some interesting conclusions.

Today we find King Solomon talking to himself. Admit it – you’ve done some talking to yourself too, so don’t act like it’s something strange.

Let’s eavesdrop on his chat with himself:

I said to myself, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure and gratification, so enjoy yourself and have a good time.” But behold this too was vanity (futility, meaninglessness). (Ecclesiastes 2:1 Amp)

I checked out my great-grandmother’s Noah Webster pocket dictionary from 1870 to find the definition of pleasure – just so we could all be on the same page. But it only indicated that pleasure was something that pleases.

Then I checked a more modern dictionary (Merriam-Webster) that defined pleasure as: desire or inclination, a state of gratification, sensual gratification, frivolous amusement, and a source of delight or joy.

From that definition, I hope you’ll see that not all pleasure is bad. There are and should be things that delight you or give you joy. God has created us with a desire to experience delight and joy. But from the content of his continuing conversation with himself, we’ll see that he is reflecting on the futility of living only for pleasure.

As Solomon thinks back on all the time he spent on pleasures, he concludes that it was meaningless – empty, and a waste of time. (Think how much wisdom he could have imparted to his subjects had he not been so consumed with his pleasures! And maybe he could have written a few more proverbs for us!)

Perhaps you can’t relate to Solomon’s situation, because you think you’re not that addicted to wild and worldly pleasures. But think about this: Have you ever sat down to watch one of your favorite programs on TV and then four hours later, you’re still there – and thinking I can’t believe I’ve wasted the whole evening watching stuff I really don’t care about. Or the same thing with playing games on your iPhone or other devices for hours on end, or scrolling through social media for hours keeping up with people you don’t even know – and for what? Might you conclude, like Solomon, that pleasure in excess is meaningless? Think about it.

By Judy Shrout

What's Your Scripture Time?

Sat, 20 Sep 2025 07:00:00 GMT

New Title

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:11 NIV)

“Your screen time was up 41% last week, for an average of 3 hours, 15 minutes a day.” For iPhone users with the screen time feature turned on, this is the type of notification you may see if you’ve exceeded your usage from the previous week. When this happens, I wonder what goes through your mind? Do you shrug it off, feel guilty, or resolve to do better?

We live in an age where phones keep track of how much time we spend scrolling through news headlines, social media feeds, and entertainment. Yet here’s a sobering question: if there was a notification about our Scripture time, what would it show? Psalm 1:2 reminds us that the righteous person’s “delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” God’s Word provides nourishment and stability in a world filled with constant distractions. Just as screen time can shape our thoughts and emotions, time in Scripture shapes our hearts and anchors us in the truth.

Joshua 1:8 (NIV) instructs us to “ Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful .” God links success and strength not to endless information from the world, but to consistent meditation on His Word. Jesus himself modeled this priority. In Matthew 4:4 (NIV), he declared, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Later, he prayed for his disciples, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17 NIV). Scripture doesn’t just inform us – it transforms us.

It's not that our devices are inherently bad; they connect us, inform us, and often entertain us. But too much time on them can leave us spiritually malnourished if we’re not intentional about balancing them with God’s Word. Romans 10:17 reminds us that “ faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”

So, this week, when that screen time notification pops up, let it serve as a reminder. What if you set aside even a fraction of that time for Scripture reading, prayer, and reflection? Imagine how your spiritual ‘average’ would grow.

If your phone recorded your Scripture time, what could your notification say today?

By George Donkor

George and his wife, Christiana, are proud parents of Annajoy and Elijah. They love serving Jesus together and showing Him to the world around them.

Purpose Redeemed: Jesus and the Fear of Death

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 07:00:00 GMT

New Title

“Tell me I have led a good life…Tell me I’m a good man.” The gray-haired grandpa implores as he stands at a cross-shaped tombstone in Arlington National Cemetery. His visit here brought back memories of the six men who died during WWII so he could go home. With his family close behind, he wanted to know if he lived up to the sacrifice of these heroes. Though fictional, this final scene in Saving Private Ryan captures what the Bible calls “the fear of death.”

This fear echoes throughout Ecclesiastes with the repeated refrain of ‘vanity’ for so many of life’s ambitions. You see, the fear of death works in two directions. Some might fear what comes after our last breath; others fear they may have wasted the years before. Thankfully, Jesus came to our rescue.

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. (Hebrew 2:14-15)

The book of Ecclesiastes should cause us to reflect on how we live our life. Are we chasing after the wind or living a life of God-centered joy? Are we receiving each day as a gift or focused on selfish pursuits? We are all guilty of wasting days with sinful passions, worrying about small stuff, laziness, or simply not appreciating the time given by God.

And that is why I love Hebrews 2:15. There are two ways Jesus delivers us from the fear of death. One, He promises redemption so our next life will be better than anything we experience here. The thief on the cross trusted Jesus with his dying breath but was redeemed like all others who trust Jesus.

Two, He brings purpose to all our circumstances. We measure our days based on our faithfulness to Him and His work through us. If you faithfully follow Jesus, He makes sure your life isn’t wasted whether you end up at the bottom or top of the corporate ladder, whether you retire early or work past 80, whether you travel the world or simply enjoy the area around you.

“Tell me I have been faithful. Tell me I have lived for Jesus,” will be my plea when my hair is gray and days are few. And by God’s grace I will one day hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Live for Jesus, He promises you won’t regret it.

By Philip Jones

Carpe Diem? Living as More than Worm Food

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 07:00:00 GMT

New Title

Robin Williams was known for his comedies and crazy antics. But he also delivered great dramatic performances. In Dead Poets Society , he plays a high school English teacher with unorthodox teaching methods. In one such lesson, he brings the class to the hallway where trophies and pictures of previous classes reside. He uses this moment to challenge the class to consider their fleeting life. “Because we are food for worms, lads,” he tells them before introducing the Latin phrase “carpe diem.” It means “seize the day,” which is what he believes leads to an extraordinary life.

Solomon also brings our attention to the risk of letting the days pass us by haphazardly. I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind (Ecclesiastes 1:14). As he nears the end of his book, he also has words for the youth: Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth…Remember also your creator in the days of your youth (Ecclesiastes 11:9, 12:1).

Life goes by too fast for us not to make the most of what of God has given us, no matter our age. Though our eternal destiny is more than food for worms, Father Time is undefeated. God has numbered our days so we should see them as a gift. I can’t claim to have mastered this, but here are ways I try to seize each day as a gift from God:

1) Appreciate the small, everyday gifts from God. This can be a fresh cup of coffee, a hug or kiss from a loved one, a peaceful evening on the porch, a nice meal with those you love, or laughter with your family.

2) Learn Christ-centered contentment the way Paul describes in Philippians 4:10-13.

3) Serve and love others. I can’t imagine I will look back and regret times I helped those in need or loved the ones closest to me. Live a life that will be missed one day.

4) Follow Jesus. This is obviously most important, else we are just fertilizer for daisies. So really follow Him, don’t just attend church a few times and say a few prayers. Trust Him. Obey Him. Be devoted to Him.

5) And finally, follow these words from missionary Jim Elliot.: “Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.”

Carpe diem.

By Philip Jones

Man's Accomplishments: Chasing the Wind

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 07:00:00 GMT

New Title

In the middle of his career, quarterback Tom Brady gave an answer during an interview that echoes Solomon’s words in Ecclesiastes. At this point, Brady had won 3 of his 6 Super Bowl rings. “Why do I have three Super Bowl rings and still think there is something greater out there for me? I mean, maybe a lot of people would say, ‘Hey man, this is what it is. I reached my dream, my goal, my life is...’ Me, I think ‘God, it’s got to be more than this! I mean this, this can’t be what it’s all cracked up to be. I mean, I’ve done it. I’m 27 and what else is there for me?’”

He had overachieved his life goals up to that point but still felt something was missing. Solomon had a similar experience as he pursued his ultimate goals: wisdom and knowledge.

I said in my heart, “I have acquired great wisdom, surpassing all who were over Jerusalem before me, and my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.” And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind. (Ecclesiastes 1:16-17)

If you were giving the interview to Tom Brady, what answer would you have offered? Better yet, what answer do you think Solomon would offer from Ecclesiastes? I think it would sound something like this: I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13).

Notice how Solomon talks about our toil as God’s gift to us. Even jobs that are hard might end up on an episode of Dirty Jobs . Even jobs that don’t come with a paycheck can be considered a gift as they give us opportunities to use our hands and contribute to society. But also take note of what Solomon doesn’t say. He doesn’t say to focus on achievements or success in our work. Certainly, we should strive for excellence but if we always wait for the next raise or promotion before we are satisfied, we will be chasing the wind.

Instead of focusing on accomplishments to bring us fulfillment, find joy by working as Paul describes in Colossians 3:17: Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

This is more fulfilling than 100 Super Bowl rings. I hope Brady figures this out. Have you?

By Philip Jones

One Thing: God-Centered Joy

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 07:00:07 GMT

New Title

“One thing.” Curly, the white-haired cowboy, held up his index finger while trying to explain the secret to life to city boy Mitch Robbins. They were together on a cattle drive and Mitch was eager for the answer. Curly simply tells him, “That’s for you to figure out.”

This is a scene from City Slickers , a 1990’s comedy about some friends who sign up for a week-long cattle drive while they each deal with their own mid-life crisis. Mitch is the main character who spends the rest of the movie trying to figure out the secret to life, that ‘one thing’ Curly mentioned.

Mitch’s search is like Solomon’s throughout Ecclesiastes. Is there a secret to life or is it really like he says in verse 1:14: I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after the wind.

Solomon’s answer has been a tremendous help in my life. Although he says this in numerous ways throughout the book, I particularly like the way he words it in Ecclesiastes 5:

His ‘one thing’ is to receive and enjoy life as a gift from God. Enjoy the things He provides and the days He gives. Accept ‘your lot’ and don’t compare yourself to others. Be occupied with joy in God and from God. Joyfully serve others. Solomon’s secret is God-centered joy.

There is a key difference between God-centered joy and the selfish pleasure Solomon described as vanity (2:1). God-centered joy understands it is in God’s character to give us good things just like he gave Adam trees that were pleasant to the sight and good for food (Genesis 2:9). He gave good tasting food; he painted the world in color; he gave friendship and family and laughter.

How do you experience God-centered joy?

Are you seeking pleasure in the wrong things, thus robbing you of joy in the gifts of God?

How does your salvation in Jesus bring you joy?

“One thing,” might be simplistic, but I dare you to find a better secret to life than God-centered joy.

By Philip Jones

Man’s Accomplishments: Chasing the Wind

He had overachieved his life goals up to that point but still felt something was missing. Solomon had a similar experience as he pursued his ultimate goals: wisdom and knowledge.

This is more fulfilling than 100 Super Bowl rings. I hope Brady figures this out. Have you?

By Philip Jones

Solomon’s Experiment and Our Search for Meaning

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 07:00:01 GMT

New Title

“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” You may have heard this quote from Thomas Edison to encourage you through life’s setbacks. In his pursuit of the light bulb and other inventions, this mindset helped him persevere. This can also be helpful as we consider non-scientific experiments such as hobbies, new recipes, or careers.

King Solomon took this experimental approach to the meaning of life. After his opening poem, he begins with these words:

I the Preacher have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven. It is an unhappy business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind. (Ecclesiastes 1:12-14)

If we are honest, we might not be certain verses 13-14 belong in the Bible. They seem more like the words of an atheist who has lost all hope, not someone who claims to be a preacher. To understand what he means, we need to see this as the start of his experiment. He begins with observation and experience while God is minimized. With such a view, the conclusion is bleak.

In his quest to discover the meaning of life, he acquires great wisdom and knowledge (1:16-17). He tests his heart with pleasure and joy apart from God (2:1-2), even to the extreme, and whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them” (2:10). He tried more work, only to be left wanting (2:18).

All these experiments led to two key conclusions. One, joy and meaning is only found in living life as a gift from God. To help you see this pattern without reading the entire book, take some time to read 2:24-26, 3:12-13, 5:18-20, 8:15, and 9:7-10. The second conclusion is the end of the book: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man (12:13).

Hopefully this brief overview of Ecclesiastes helps you understand King Solomon’s pessimism at the start. The book is full of wisdom and helps us understand the meaning of the life God has given us. Although we have more chapters to investigate and many questions to ponder, we can begin by reflecting on the questions below.

What brings meaning to your life?

What brings you joy?

By Philip Jones

Finding Passion Where God Has Placed You

Sat, 13 Sep 2025 07:00:11 GMT

New Title

Not long ago, I had a conversation with one of my employees who was really discouraged in his job. He told me he didn’t think this could be God’s will for him because he wasn’t passionate about it. His thought was,  “If God called me here, wouldn’t I enjoy it more?”

I get where he was coming from. I’ve asked myself similar questions at times - especially when I was younger. But I encouraged him to look at it from a different angle. Our passions aren’t always the best guide - Scripture says,  The heart is deceitful above all things (Jeremiah 17:9). That doesn’t mean our desires don’t matter, but they can’t be the final word that dictates our direction in life. Sometimes God plants us in places that don’t feel exciting at all, and He calls us to bring passion there rather than wait for passion to find us.

That conversation got me thinking about God’s will and how it really plays out in our lives. One thing the Bible makes clear is that God’s will is personal. He isn’t distant or detached—He sees us where we are.  “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you”  (Psalm 32:8). That’s not a generic promise - that’s personal!

God’s will also unfolds step by step. I wish He would just hand me the map sometimes, but instead He promises to light the path  just far enough for the next step  (Psalm 119:105). Psalm 37:23 says,  The steps of a man are established by the Lord.  Not the miles, not the whole road—the steps. I think that’s on purpose.

And here’s the hard one: God’s will isn’t first about my happiness; it’s about my growth and His glory. Paul said it plainly:  This is the will of God, your sanctification  (1 Thessalonians 4:3). That means God is shaping me to look more like Jesus, even when I’d rather just have an easier assignment.

The truth is, passion doesn’t always come from chasing the perfect role. More often it comes from leaning into God’s presence right where He has us. His will may move us on, or His will may ask us to stay. But either way, we can trust it’s personal, step by step, and always working for His glory and our growth.

By Paky Kramer

Fresh Set of Eyes

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 07:00:06 GMT

New Title

This week we are in Ecclesiastes Chapter 1.

My job involves a lot of reviewing of engineering specifications, reports, and test results. As with most jobs, a lot of it is routine but some smaller percentage gets complicated and messy. When this happens, it’s common for my coworkers and I to ask each other for a peer review. We often use the phrase “a fresh set of eyes” when asking for help. Our concern is that we’ve been staring at the information for so long that we’re missing a problem that might be obvious to a fresh set of eyes.

Lately I’ve come to appreciate the “fresh eyes” of our six-month old grandson. To a baby, the world is a most fascinating place. He looks at a ceiling fan like I would look at an alien spaceship settling gently on the front lawn. My new favorite hobby is looking at him while he looks at things.

Solomon had some thoughts about seeing things:

All things are wearisome,
    more than one can say.
The eye never has enough of seeing,
    nor the ear its fill of hearing.
What has been will be again,
    what has been done will be done again;
    there is nothing new under the sun.
Is there anything of which one can say,
    “Look! This is something new”?
It was here already, long ago;
    it was here before our time. (Ecclesiastes 1:8-10 HCSB)

Of course, Solomon is correct that with each new day, our eyes will try to see, and our ears will try to hear, and what they find is mostly like the day before. We turn on the news and might feel like we’re hearing of new problems, but really, they are rebooted versions of the same conflicts, disease, and oppression that have plagued humans since the fall.

It is dispiriting to know the same sorts of problems seem to never be solved, yet somehow oddly comforting to know that we’re not the first people to deal with them.

There is nothing new under the sun. Are you weary of what you see?

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

(lyrics by Helen Howard Lemmel)

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley.

Go with the Flow

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 07:00:11 GMT

New Title

This week we are in Ecclesiastes Chapter 1.

Hurricane Erin recently passed along the east coast of the United States. Despite staying at sea, the storm created strong rip currents up and down the coast. Rip currents occur when water that has come ashore gets channeled into a narrow area, creating a powerful, focused current rather than a gentler flow over a much wider area.

The common advice if you’re ever caught in a rip current is to not try to swim against it, but instead to relax and focus on staying afloat until you’re able to swim parallel to the shore to get out of the rip current, then swim back toward the shore. I watched a video recommending that you conserve your energy by floating on your back instead of trying to swim like an Olympian – it might take longer but you’re less likely to succumb to fatigue.

It can be futile or even dangerous to fight the inevitability of the wind or water.

The wind blows to the south
    and turns to the north;
round and round it goes,
    ever returning on its course.
All streams flow into the sea,
    yet the sea is never full.
To the place the streams come from,
    there they return again. (Ecclesiastes 1:6-7 HCSB)

I could dwell on the negatives of aging, but the color will continue to drain from my hair. Instead, I could be intentional about the unique role I have in training up our new grandson. I could obsess about what people think of me, or I could simply treat them right and let their opinions be their opinions.

To be sure, an analogy can only go so far. I’m not suggesting we should passively go along with the crowd by default. Wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction. God teaches us to do the right things in the right ways, and as always, we should lean on the Holy Spirit to guide our decisions.

But the next time I feel forces beyond my control pulling me into a sea of worry, I’m going to try to remain calm and not flail, but instead ride the current strategically until I can get my feet back on solid ground.

Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on the rock.  (Matthew 7:24-25 HCSB)

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley.

Toil

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 07:00:12 GMT

New Title

This week we are in Ecclesiastes Chapter 1.

When I think of “toil” my mind goes to Shakespeare’s play Macbeth :

Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and caldron bubble

Of course, the version I think of is not actually Shakespeare but the Looney Tunes version in which Witch Hazel (and her tiny high heeled shoes) endeavors to get Bugs Bunny into her boiling stew pot. She repeats Shakespeare’s famous line in the cartoon.

“Toil” has a different connotation than “work.” While “work” is more of a neutral word, “toil” implies a laborious, ongoing struggle. Toil comes with a hassle factor. Mowing my lawn is work. Getting the lawnmower to start the first time every spring is toil. Here is Solomon’s take on toiling:

What do people gain from all their labors
    at which they toil under the sun?
Generations come and generations go,
    but the earth remains forever.
The sun rises and the sun sets,
    and hurries back to where it rises.
The wind blows to the south
    and turns to the north;
round and round it goes,
    ever returning on its course. (Ecclesiastes 1:3-6 HCSB)

Solomon here is focusing on how a lot of time and energy can be spent only to end up with everything being the same as it was before. I want to focus instead on what happens in the interim.

I grew up in a rural setting, and the cornfields look pretty much the same every year (weather permitting). Our daughter works in a library, and when she re-shelves books, the shelf looks the same as it did a few weeks before. When I go out for a jog, I always end up back where I started.

Does all of this represent meaningless toil? Solomon asked what people gain from such labors, so I’ll take a stab at answering the question.

People and animals benefit from the annual corn crop. Wisdom and knowledge are imparted by books that are borrowed and returned. The sweat-equity I invest shuffling around my neighborhood but going nowhere are long-term investments in my physical and mental health.

Sure, some toil might be a waste of time, in which case we should consider other options. But work done in God’s name? Press on.

So we must not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, we must work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith. (Galatians 6:9-10 HCSB)

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley.

Meaningful

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 07:00:03 GMT

New Title

This week we are in Ecclesiastes Chapter 1.

The few of you who know me well can attest that I am not the most sociable person. And the rest of you do not know me well because I am not the most sociable person. But I do get out sometimes.

Recently I had lunch with a friend. He’s a former co-worker with whom I last worked twenty-five years ago. We have lunch about once a year to catch up. We enjoy hearing updates about each other’s families, how work is going, and increasingly about our eventual retirement plans. We both have full calendars so it’s not uncommon for us to take three or four tries before we can finally settle on a date for our lunch.

Those calendars hang over our get-togethers. One of us usually can’t stay too long for lunch due to an early afternoon meeting. But our most recent lunch was different for me. As we began talking, I quickly found myself feeling the usual pull of work responsibilities.

But then we discussed a beloved former co-worker who had died young from cancer, and I felt something shift inside me.

What do people gain from all their labors
    at which they toil under the sun?
Generations come and generations go,
    but the earth remains forever. (Ecclesiastes 1:3-4 HCSB)

My work would be waiting for me when I got back to my desk. Anything that had to be done that day could be done later that day. Other things could be done the next day, or the day after that. There is always work to do.

The only thing that mattered in that moment was time with my friend.

I recognize that I am blessed to have a job where I can sometimes make room for a long lunch and catch up on work another time. Not everybody can do that, and I am thankful that I can. But all of us have daily struggles and monotony and responsibilities that we must endure. The challenge is to keep those in perspective.

Generations do come and go. Let’s make the most of our turn in the sun.

I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13:34 HCSB)

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley.

Donuts

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 07:00:39 GMT

New Title

This week we are in Ecclesiastes Chapter 1.

In the 1980’s, Dunkin’ Donuts launched an advertising campaign to emphasize that their donuts were made fresh daily. The commercial featured a beleaguered baker who would say in a tired voice, “time to make the donuts” as he faithfully trudged to work, day after day. Occasionally to this day, I will hear his voice in my head when I roll out of bed saying, “time to make the donuts.”

In Greek mythology, Sisyphus is condemned to eternally push a heavy boulder up a hill, only for it to roll down each time he nears the top. You might relate to Sisyphus or the donut baker - cooking, commuting, working, studying, cleaning - only to repeat it all again tomorrow.

“Meaningless! Meaningless!”
    says the Teacher.
“Utterly meaningless!
    Everything is meaningless.” (Ecclesiastes 1:2 NIV)

The author, referred to as “teacher” or “preacher” depending on the translation, is traditionally believed to be Solomon. He observes repetition in nature and in our lives and asks hard questions about the point of all of it. With all due respect to Solomon, this next bit almost feels like it comes from an angsty teenager:

Solomon’s blunt conclusion is that life can sometimes feel pointlessly repetitive. The donut baker sure seemed to feel that way when he dragged himself to work each day.

But I just rewatched some of those old donut commercials online and noticed something. By the end of the commercial, the baker was fully awake and smiling in front of a happy group of people eager to get their donuts. Of course this is a fictional donut commercial, but bear with me.

If we obsess about the repetitive details of life, like a telescope that is zoomed in too much, we lose focus on the wider view.

You know that young person at work who always seems to need your help? Your patience could change the arc of their career. That grumpy repeat customer? Your kindness might be the only positive interaction in their day.

Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24 HCSB)

Time to make the donuts.

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley.

My Plans or His Plans?

Sat, 06 Sep 2025 07:00:00 GMT

New Title

My Plans or His Plans?

Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guard stays awake in vain. (Psalm 127:1)

At the start of a new semester, I love to sit down and write out my goals and the things I want to accomplish. There is something exciting about fresh plans: graduating from school, excelling in sports, earning a promotion, building meaningful relationships, or learning new skills. Each of us carries the desire for success, but often our own blueprints do not unfold the way we expect. When this happens, we can quickly grow exhausted, striving out of our own strength and willpower. Psalm 127 reminds us that our labor and our watchfulness are empty when they are not rooted in the Lord.

The psalmist uses vivid imagery to make this truth clear. First, he speaks of building a house. Every house begins with a design and blueprint. God, as the Creator, has already written the blueprints for our lives. When we try to take over His role, holding too tightly to our own plans, our efforts are in vain. But when we surrender and allow Him to be the Master Builder, we find strength, guidance, and purpose that cannot be shaken. Building on Christ becomes the foundation for a life of true fulfillment.

The second image is of guarding a city. Watchmen could spend sleepless nights scanning the walls for danger, but if the Lord is not the one providing protection, their work is wasted. In the same way, we often spend our energy trying to control every outcome, guarding against failure or disappointment. Yet God invites us to lay down that burden. His sovereign care provides the peace and security we cannot manufacture ourselves.

As this next season unfolds, let Psalm 127 be a calming reminder: your strength comes not from endless striving, but from the Lord who builds, protects, and sustains. When we entrust our goals and dreams to Him, He transforms our efforts into something lasting and meaningful for His kingdom.

Lord, help me to release control of my plans. Build my life on Your blueprint and watch over me with Your perfect care.

By C.A. Carter

Desperate. Embarrassed. Isolated. Hopeless.

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 07:00:01 GMT

New Title

f we talked with the woman in Luke 8 before she touched the hem of Jesus’ garment, she might have used these words to describe herself.

If, however, we had talked to Jesus before that moment, he would have likely used another word to describe her: LOVED.

No matter how we view ourselves, no matter what others may think, no matter how good or bad we are: we are loved. God loves us.

And nothing can change that fact. Scripture explains:

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? … No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35, 37-39)

Nothing can separate us from God. He still loves us even when we turn our back from Him. He loves us even as we reject Him. He loves us when we are self-righteous. He loves us.

The world may have scorned the woman in Luke 8; but God saw her. She was loved and seen.

Perhaps you are desperate for healing or for answers today; God sees you. Perhaps you are embarrassed by your sin; God accepts you. Maybe you are isolated; God is with you always. You may feel that there is no hope; Jesus is Hope in the flesh.

Today, know that you are loved. Reach out to Him in faith; even if you feel you only have enough faith to reach the hem of His garment. That is enough.

Dear child of God, you are LOVED.

By LaRaine Rice

Hopeless

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 07:00:01 GMT

New Title

“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.“ – Albert Einstein

“The definition of hopelessness is doing everything you can possibly think of for twelve years and getting the same results,” said the woman with the issue of blood from Luke 8.

Most of us would agree with both Einstein and the woman from Luke 8. It’s insanity to keep trying the same thing over and over, and it feels hopeless to try everything with no results.

Life can feel insanely hopeless sometimes. Maybe it’s an illness, or a job search or looking for a spouse. We all face times when we aren’t sure what to do or where to turn. We wear ourselves out trying to fix things or work harder.

The desperate, embarrassed, isolated and hopeless woman, however, serves as an example of what we should do in those times. She had faith. A faith in God that brought healing and a faith that Jesus wanted us to follow.

And what is faith -- the faith that overcomes hopelessness?

Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1)

We are promised that, Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Therefore, Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23)

The true definition of insanity, it seems, may be “not placing our hope in a faithful God who has been our help time and time again.” Today, place your hope in the same Jesus as did the woman who touched the hem of His garment. You will not be disappointed.

By LaRaine Rice

Embarrassed

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 07:00:25 GMT

New Title

Middle school was the worst. It was filled with embarrassing moments as I transformed from child into young adult. The most embarrassing moment of all happened on a youth trip in front of my youth minister -- the youth minister who just happened to be filming the event.

One can only imagine that the woman who had an “issue of blood” for twelve years found herself in many embarrassing situations. She was in those situations for twelve years.

It’s no wonder that she kind of snuck up on Jesus to touch His robe. She probably touched it and then tried to blend into the crowd. She had faith; she knew Jesus could heal her; but she was embarrassed.

Jesus, however, thought this would be a great time to make an example of her. He wanted to know who touched Him because He knew that His power had healed someone.

When the woman saw that she was discovered, she came trembling and fell down before Him. In the presence of all the people, she declared the reason she had touched Him and how she was instantly cured. “Daughter,” He said to her, “your faith has made you well. Go in peace.” (Luke 8:47-48)

In the presence of everyone, the woman shared her testimony. She shared her problem, what led her to touch the garment and her healing. The woman who hid in shame a few moments before, publicly proclaimed her faith in Jesus.

Jesus stated that it was her faith that had healed her. He restored her body in private but restored her reputation in public.

The woman who had been embarrassed for twelve years was now known as a woman of faith. Imagine what would have happened, however, if she had allowed her embarrassment to keep her from Jesus. She may have still believed that He was the Messiah and capable of healing her but held back for fear of what others would say.

If we aren’t careful, we can allow embarrassment over our sin or our situation to keep us from acting on our faith. Jesus might be the Savior of the World, and all that, but we are too embarrassed to reach out.

Throughout Scripture, God reassures us to come to Him.

Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. (Isaiah 54:4)

As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” (Romans 10:11)

Put aside your embarrassment today and reach out to Jesus.

By LaRaine Rice

Desperate

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 07:00:22 GMT

New Title

Twelve years is a long time. A toddler becomes a teenager in twelve years. A pimply teenager can become a doctor in twelve years. If you plan right, you can pay off a 15-year mortgage in twelve years.

Twelve years is a long time -- a very long time to be sick.

Twelve hours of the flu is bad enough. One can only imagine how desperate the woman “with the issue of blood” was to be healed after TWELVE YEARS of being sick.

Seriously. She must have been desperate.

Desperation, thankfully, is an emotion that we don’t feel too often. We feel it when a child is lost. We feel it when we are infertile. We feel it when we are out of money and don’t know whether to pay for food, housing or medicine.

And even though for the most part we don’t feel it often, we know how it feels. Proverbs 13:12 nails it: Hope deferred makes the heart sick. (NIV)

Our “sick” desperate heart causes us to despair, give up, become hyper-focused on what we are missing or sin.

Desperation is common, but it is not a state in which God planned for us to live.

Jesus explained: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10 NIV)

The thief (a.k.a. life, the enemy or desperation) steals, kills and destroys. It leaves our sick and tired heart for dead.

But, Jesus came to give us life. The life He offers is not the life that others offer; it is a full, abundant life. Life was in Him, and that life was the light of men. (John 1:4 HCSB)

Twelve years was a long time for the woman “with the issue of blood” to stumble in the darkness of desperation. Twelve years was long enough for her to catch a glimmer of light as Jesus came by -- and to choose the life that He alone could offer.

The question today, dear one, is: how long will it take you to let go of your situation and reach for the life that Jesus offers?

By LaRaine Rice

Isolated

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 23:14:28 GMT

New Title

solation is hard. We need people. We need touch. We need connection.

We are made to connect with each other. And when we aren’t connected, life is harder.

Feeling isolated in a crowd of people is also very painful. Maybe you’ve been in this situation or watched as a child plays by herself in a pool filled with children.

The woman with the issue of blood in Luke 8 was likely isolated for twelve years. From what we know of Jewish culture, illnesses such as this made people “unclean.” And no one wanted to be around unclean people.

Desperate, embarrassed and isolated, the woman reached for Jesus’ garment in search of healing. And, instantly, she was healed.

But her Creator wanted more for her than physical healing. He wanted to make her whole. So, He told the world of her faith and that she was now clean. She was not to be avoided any longer; she was to be considered a fully functioning member of society.

Today, you may find yourself isolated from people. Perhaps you feel like the child playing by yourself in a pool full of rambunctious children. Know that your Creator sees you, and cling to these words:

Where can I go from your Spirit?
    Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
    if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
    your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
    and the light become night around me,”
even the darkness will not be dark to you;
    the night will shine like the day,
    for darkness is as light to you. (Psalm 139:7-12)

By LaRaine Rice

Forever Home

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 20:58:47 GMT

New Title

Forever Home

We’re moving. Again. David and I have been married for 25 years and this is our 12th move. We’re excited, though, because we will be moving to Georgetown where most of our friends live. We attend the Georgetown campus and lead a Community Group, so it will be easier now that we will be “in town.”

We know several couples that are building their forever homes. I’m thrilled for them; but to be honest, I was a little jealous. We didn’t get to give our children a forever home, and it made me sad for a while. I was in the middle of my little pity party when I felt God remind me that I have a forever home -- just not here on earth. As believers, we all have a forever home with Him in heaven.

Scripture abounds with statements about our place in Heaven.

Jesus told His disciples before His crucifixion: “ In my Father’s house are many rooms, If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:1-3 NIV)
Jesus spoke to the repentant thief on the cross: “ Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43 NIV)
Paul wrote to the Corinthians: For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. (2 Corinthians 5:1 NIV)
And John tells us even more: No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. (Revelation 22:3-5 ESV)

When my dad passed away many years ago, my son, who was about five years old, said that Papa was in heaven building a house for all of us and that there were flowers and trees and butterflies.

Today I look forward to visiting my friends in their forever homes once they are built – along with their flowers and trees and butterflies. But most of all, I look forward to my forever home in heaven that Jesus is already preparing for us.

By Jennifer Preston

Jennifer and David currently serve at IBC Georgetown and are unpacking boxes today.

God's Children Are Heirs With Christ

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 07:00:03 GMT

New Title

When we were kids, we went to our friends’ homes and had a great time playing and getting out toys. And just when we were in the middle of our fun, our parents showed up to take us home. Every time, they said the same thing, “You helped get out all of those toys, so you need to help put them up.” It was a lot of fun getting out the toys, but it was never much fun putting them back up.

In Romans 8:12-17, Paul is writing to the Roman church. He is focusing our sonship through the Spirit of God. Paul writes:

The Spirit himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children, and if children, also heirs—heirs of God and coheirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him. (Romans 8:16-17 CSB)

God does promise that we are heirs of God and coheirs with Christ. We are part of His family through the Spirit of adoption. What a powerful gift!

However, once you’re part of the family, you have to take on the responsibilities of the family – just as a child when visiting in a friend’s home has to take on the rules and responsibilities of that family. Paul mentions both suffering and glory in Romans 8:17. You can’t be part of the family and share in the glory if you don’t also share in the suffering.

In Experiencing God , Henry Blackaby reminds us that God will guide us to our next steps if we ask and listen. But we are frequently sidetracked on this path because we think that the next step is supposed to be easier than our current step. There is no promise of that in the Bible. In fact, we are frequently promised the opposite. 1 Peter 2:21 says: For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

God is welcoming us into His family and guiding us with His Spirit. But we must remember that our next steps are not necessarily a promise of peace. The promise is in our identity as a child of God.

By Jason Grace

Jason is a software engineering manager. He and his wife, Karen, have two children and have been active members at Immanuel for over 22 years. His service includes roles in the deacon ministry, children's ministry, technical team, financial coaching, and leading Bible studies. He loves traveling with his wife and family throughout the US.

God’s Children Have Received the Spirit of Adoption

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 07:00:00 GMT

New Title

God’s Children Have Received the Spirit of Adoption

Most of us started our lives about the same. We were born and we lived with one or more of our birth parents.

But some of you had a different path.

Under some circumstances, you lived with a different set of guardians or parents. Whether formally or not, these people adopted you into their household.

Adoption is a powerful and emotional concept. When you are adopting, you are choosing to take an active role in someone’s life. You are taking responsibility for their well-being. And depending on their age, this person may be fully dependent on you.

In Romans 8:12-17, Paul is writing to the Roman church. He is focusing on the power of the Holy Spirit and its ministry in our lives. In verse 15, Paul writes:

For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear. Instead, you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father!” (Romans 8:15 CSB)

Paul discussed in Romans 8:13 that our inclination is to the flesh. We still tend to make sinful decisions. But in verse 15, God has adopted us into His family.

In verse 15, Paul notes that we cry out “Abba, Father!” as part of His adopted family. God looks at us as His children. Calling Him “Father” is normal as a child of God.

Also, God wants us to call Him “Father.” He doesn’t want us to stop and think, “Well, I know I have been adopted into God’s family, but there must be other ways to get help.” God wants us to know we can depend on Him – completely.

We are not bound by the flesh any longer. We can cry to God and He will help us, because we are part of His family.

By Jason Grace

God’s Children Are Led by God’s Spirit

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 07:00:10 GMT

New Title

When we go to Walt Disney World, we try to get in line before the park opens. As soon as it opens, we go quickly to the first attraction we’ve picked out. I am the tallest in our family, and I always wear a hat, so everyone in our family or group can see me and follow me if the crowd makes staying together difficult. We’ve seen other groups also make sure their groups stay together. One time we saw a very large group from Brazil stay together as their “leader” waved a Brazilian flag above the crowds.

Whether we realize it or not, we are following something. Something is leading us. And we can be identified as part of a “group” of followers based on who our leader is.

What “group” we are a part of may change frequently. Sometimes multiple times a day. We may be team members at work during the day, a fan of one of our kid’s school clubs or sports teams after school, and a fan of another kid’s activity in the evening. (Hopefully they don’t play against each other.)

But there are some areas where what we are following shouldn’t change.

In Romans 8:12-17, Paul is writing to the Roman church. He is focusing on the power of the Holy Spirit and His ministry in our lives. In verse 14, Paul writes:

For all those led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons. (Romans 8:14 CSB)

If we are led by God’s Spirit, God calls us part of His family. Once you’re family, that doesn’t change. It’s just a matter of how big of a priority you make it. But that’s your decision. God is there to lead you if you want His leadership.

If you feel like you haven’t made God a priority lately, start now. God is still there for you. If you’ve ever had a family relationship that isn’t quite right, know that God is there for you – He has been in the business of restoring what is broken for a very long time.

Whose leadership are you following in your everyday life? Are you following the leadership of Christ, or are you distracted by something else?

By Jason Grace
Jason is a software engineering manager. He and his wife, Karen, have two children and have been active members at Immanuel for over 22 years. His service includes roles in the deacon ministry, children's ministry, technical team, financial coaching, and leading Bible studies. He loves traveling with his wife and family throughout the US.

God’s Children Live by God’s Spirit

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 07:00:08 GMT

New Title

Have you ever had a day at home with nothing to do? You had no plans and figured out the day as you went along (or just stayed at home all day). Those are certainly rare days – but usually unproductive!

Or maybe you didn’t stick to much of a diet for a while. At first, it didn’t seem to be much of an issue. But if you have a lot of those unhealthy eating days in a row, you will feel sick.

Or maybe you didn’t stick to a budget on a trip. The trip might have been fun, but the consequences of overspending can certainly be painful as you seek to pay those bills.

Our body knows what it wants. It wants everything all the time. And that’s not a good thing. Adam and Eve had everything they wanted except for the fruit from one tree – so they made the sad decision to eat from that fruit anyway. And it’s been a problem ever since.

We need a better guide than “what feels right at the moment.”

In Romans 8:12-17, Paul is writing to the Roman church. He is focusing on the power of the Holy Spirit and its ministry in our lives. In verse 13, Paul writes:

… because if you live according to the flesh, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. (Romans 8:13 CSB)

Fortunately, the Spirit is available to guide us. Therefore, we should listen to God’s Holy Spirit and let Him lead us toward lives that glorify God.

What motivates you? What makes you excited to live your day? We have more opportunities than any generation in history. But simply living our lives with no purpose does not provide us with the satisfaction we are looking for. We need a larger motivation and direction in our lives.

When people see you, what would they say is your direction or motivation? Is it Jesus or the Spirit? Or is it something more closely tied to the world?

By Jason Grace

God's Children Are Not Obligated By The Flesh

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 07:00:07 GMT

New Title

God’s Children Are Not Obligated by the Flesh

There’s a question that doesn’t get asked as much as it once did: “Wouldn’t it be amazing if it was possible to do that?” We will not recognize the world in 100 years. But at this point, it certainly feels as if more things are possible than ever before. When I was the age of my children, we couldn’t imagine being able to:

Buy any book and get it instantly
Watch any TV show or movie anywhere
Have a video call with any of your friends or your coworkers at any time
Work most jobs from anywhere
Ship almost anything to your house (including fast food)

It’s quite convenient, isn’t it? You can now have access and do pretty much anything you want at any time.

Or is it? Although we have all these things available, many people seem no happier than they were without them. Depression continues to be an issue. The availability of social media tools has left people more isolated.

Maybe having the ability to watch, read, see, and eat anything we want isn’t as fun as we thought it would be after all.

1 John 2:15 says: Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. We have become consumers of the world. And there are consequences for this.

Fortunately, there is a higher purpose for us than the things of this world. This is why the things of this world do not give us the satisfaction we seek.

In Romans 8:12, Paul writes: So then, brothers and sisters, we are not obligated to the flesh to live according to the flesh ( Romans 8:12 CSB).

We are not obligated by the flesh. We are not designed for this world.

By Jason Grace

Are You Training?

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 07:00:06 GMT

New Title

I recently read a story about a man in his fifties who hired a personal trainer because he wanted to get stronger. He met with his trainer weekly and learned proper techniques, then applied what he learned in workouts 3-5 times per week. Over the next year, he became stronger and reached many of his goals. One day, he received some unexpected and terrible news: he had been diagnosed with cancer. He bravely fought through difficult treatments and chemotherapy, eventually beating the cancer and coming out a survivor. The man said afterward that he believed his weight training had helped him survive the disease. At the time, he didn’t know he was strengthening his body to make it through cancer; but when he was diagnosed, he was ready to fight.

I liked that story and think it can apply in spiritual matters. Reading the Bible and remaining in prayer helps us become more like Christ and grow in our faith. But I realized we also need to make these spiritual disciplines part of our lives because like the man in the story above, we often don’t know what we are “training” for.

When tragedy strikes, we can always reach out to God for help, even if we haven’t talked to Him in a while. But how much more peace would we have if His Word were fresh in our mind? How much easier would it be to get spiritual guidance if we already reached out to God daily?

Ephesians 6:10-11 says,  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

What we are preparing for may not be a difficulty but instead a blessing or even a calling. When God blesses you with a leadership position, are you ready to invest in the next generation? When you’re blessed with a raise at work, are you ready to be generous with your money? When you become a parent, are you ready to lead your child to Christ? When you have the opportunity to share your faith, will you have the boldness to do so?

Luke 12:48b says,  From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.

We don’t always know what we are “training” for, but God does. He’s given us all the tools we need to face whatever comes our way, whether it’s a trial or a blessing. Are you “training” daily in God’s Word and in prayer to be ready for whatever is coming next?

by Melissa Landon Schnell

Melissa is an editor at  automation.com , a member of Immanuel Baptist Church, a cyclist, a book lover, and a grammar enthusiast. She lives in Lexington with her husband Daykin, dog Zoey, and cat Scooter.

Straight Through

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 07:00:00 GMT

New Title

This week we’re finishing up our series in Philippians.

He won me over the moment he described himself as a “ham-fisted numpty.”

His name is David Johns, and he is a slightly awkward, very British, former television news reporter who has a YouTube channel called “Cruising the Cut.” The channel is about his life on something called a “narrowboat” which, unsurprisingly, is a long, narrow boat built to navigate a very old canal network in England.

Johns films himself on peaceful boating adventures where he meets fellow travelers and teaches the viewer about the canals. But for me a lot of the fun is watching him perform maintenance or upgrades on his boat. He does a good job with it but is admittedly not a professional handyman - thus his proclamation that he is a “ham-fisted numpty” which as best as I can tell translates in American to “clumsy oaf” but sounds way more colorful.

Do you ever feel like a numpty? I do, especially when facing a problem I’m not sure how to solve. Some problems can feel like mountains, and we have some advice about those:

“Because of your little faith,” He told them. “For I assure you: If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20 HCSB)

But how does a narrowboat canal network manage obstacles like mountains? With painstakingly dug tunnels. Some of the canal tunnels are upwards of a mile long, allowing mere inches overhead and between two boats if they pass one another slowly in opposite directions. Trips through these dark tunnels can take over thirty minutes. Although the trip may be harrowing and even scary at times, the only practical way for a canal boat to the other side of a mountain is to go through a tunnel.

Do you have a mountain facing you? Faith the size of a mustard seed can move it aside; but considering I often use my faith like a ham-fisted numpty wields a hammer, that’s not always an option for me.

But there’s another way. A tunnel through my circumstances. The Way.

I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13 HCSB)

I can get through the mountain, but only through Him. He’s the way, the truth, and the life.

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6 HCSB)

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley.

Bicycle

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 07:00:05 GMT

New Title

This week we’re finishing up our series in Philippians.

Jesus teaches us not to store up treasures on earth, so I won’t call it a treasure; but a favorite possession is my bicycle. It was a high school graduation gift from my parents and has glorious yellow late 1980’s accents. It’s old enough to be President.

I rode it to class through college. After graduation I sold it to a guy, regretted the decision, tracked him down years later, and then bought it back. Now I ride it about three times per week and the wind in my face makes me feel like I’m twelve. I even ride it to church sometimes.

I will never sell this bike again, but now I want a new one to go with it. I want one that’s heavier duty with a bigger pack on it to put the sub sandwich I often bring home with me. Oh, but the new bike choices! Road bike, gravel bike, commuter bike, or mountain bike? Chain drive or belt drive? Traditional or new battery electric assist?

It's too many choices; and friends, I am stuck in an infinite loop of indecision.

If I buy one that can do this, I’ll regret that it cannot do that. If a buy a heavier one, I’ll sometimes wish it was lighter. If I buy a lighter one, I’ll sometimes wish it was heavier. As I continue to mull my decision, this week’s passage, and this verse, is humbling for me to read:

I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content - whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. (Philippians 4:12 HCSB)

It makes sense that while I still love my bike, I would like to get another one. But what does not make sense is that I am already discontent with a decision I have yet to even make.

Have you ever let discontentment ruin something that hasn’t even happened yet?

Instead of obsessing over a decision I haven’t made, I should be more thankful that I’m healthy enough to ride a bike. Or that I’m financially able to have one bike, much less two. Or that if I need to go somewhere and it’s cold, I also have a car that I park at my house.

I can’t decide on my new toy. Bless my heart.

Maybe I need to worry less about what I have, and more on Who has me.

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley.

Fully supplied

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 04:00:08 GMT

New Title

This week we’re finishing up our series in Philippians.

The Simpsons is for sure not a Christian show, but it includes one of my favorite fictional portrayals of a Christian – the endlessly positive and friendly neighbor, Ned Flanders.

Don’t get me wrong. The show does mock Ned and his Christianity. He’s often quick to judge and gets offended easily, but what I appreciate is that he is always portrayed as unfailingly sincere and honest, without a cynical bone in his body. When a stranger shows up at his door, his family fusses over who gets to wash the man’s feet.

There is an episode where a dangerous comet is found to be descending upon the town, and we learn that Ned has a fully stocked bomb shelter in his backyard to protect his family. They go inside the shelter for safety, but then dozens of the town’s residents come knocking, wanting in. At first Ned hesitates because the shelter is small; but he can’t deny his loving and helpful nature and invites them in.

But now the door won’t quite close. Somebody needs to leave, and a debate ensues. Ultimately, they settle unfairly upon Ned as the person the town will need least to recover from the comet strike, so he leaves. From inside the shelter, he can be heard quietly and cheerfully singing outside until those in the shelter can no longer stand it. They decide they’d rather go outside and be with Ned than let him perish by himself. His sacrifice is so compelling they’d rather be with him than worry about anything else – sound familiar?

And then of course the comet ends up breaking apart and the only damage it does is to flatten the now-empty bomb shelter.

There are those among us today who are obsessed with preparing for disasters and have fully (perhaps overly) stocked bunkers intended to help them survive a disaster. I think it’s smart to have some basic supplies on hand in case of bad storm, extended power outage, etc.; but as Christians we are fully supplied for the long term:

But I have received everything in full, and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you provided - a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. (Philippians 4:18 HCSB)

Should we think ahead? Sure. Be prepared? Yes. Be consumed with worry about having enough? No.

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19 HCSB)

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley.

One Less Thing

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 07:00:00 GMT

New Title

This week we’re finishing up our series in Philippians.

Most of you know the character Forrest Gump, played by Tom Hanks, in the movie of the same name. Gump is a slow-witted but good-hearted man whose life journey runs (sometimes literally) straight through remarkable events while he remains unfazed.

He tells his life story to a stranger on a park bench. He made money by endorsing a line of ping-pong paddles, which he used to buy a shrimp boat and hire an Army friend, about whom he says this:

“ He got me invested in some kind of fruit company, and so then I got a call from them saying we didn’t have to worry about money no more. And I said, ‘That’s good! One less thing.’”

The joke is that the “fruit company” investment was Apple computers. His subdued, matter-of-fact response helped me put money and financial concerns into a healthier context. Having lots of money wouldn’t fix every problem, it would just fix that problem. One less thing.

I confess that I think about money more than I should. But once the most basic needs are met, how many problems would more money really solve?

If my salary was just 10% more, I wouldn’t worry so much about my car breaking down or my roof leaking. Or maybe I would buy a fancier car and bigger house and worry about those instead.

It’s often said that a goldfish grows proportionally to its bowl, and we can easily let problems grow to match any budget. It’s Biblical to be good stewards of everything we have, but it’s so easy for us to fall into a trap of thinking money can solve more problems than it really can:

I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content - whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:12-13 HCSB)

Sometimes I put money at the top of my worry list and act like everything else falls underneath that umbrella. But simple Forrest Gump knew better. Having lots of money wouldn’t solve all our problems and might introduce others.

Sure, I’d like to have more money, but would that fix all my contentment issues? Nope. It’d just be one less thing.

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley.

Appreciation of support

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 07:00:19 GMT

New Title

This week we’re finishing up our series in Philippians.

I am a part of a team of engineers at a very large company. Because I’ve been around the block a few times, I often find myself acting as an unofficial mentor or trainer for new employees.

Interacting with newer (and much younger) engineers can be simultaneously delightful and exasperating. I delight in their wide-eyed eagerness to learn and do a good job as they launch their careers. But sometimes I get tired of having to explain certain concepts or procedures again. Didn’t I just teach them how to do this last month? No, that was the other person, and this is a new person who’s never seen this before.

Recently we had an engineer transfer to another team within our company, and he sent me a very thoughtful email thanking me for my (small) role in helping him succeed. Please know I’m not bragging on myself here - I’m bragging on him for being thoughtful. His note was a simple thank you, but the gesture made my week.

And then what I discovered was that for the next several days, teaching young engineers was much less exasperating than it had been before I got his note. That encouragement I received helped me re-connect to the bigger picture. I wasn’t just teaching yet another engineer how to apply yet another engineering principle to yet another customer solution – I was helping launch a hopefully decades long career of an eager and appreciative co-worker. His thank you renewed my energy.

The Philippian church renewed their care for Paul, and he made it a point to thank them and tell him it made him rejoice in the Lord:

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that once again you renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it. (Philippians 4:10 HCSB)

We all have people in our lives who play varying roles in enhancing our relationship with Jesus. Is there somebody today we should call, write, or text a simple word of encouragement? Maybe it’s somebody you’ve never met but has a positive influence on you through social media or a podcast, and you can post a simple positive comment of thanks that others will see.

Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that is increasing to your account. (Philippians 4:17 HCSB)

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley.

Exile Orientation

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 07:00:00 GMT

New Title

My youngest begins college next week!  We are packing and planning and doing all the things. As soon as the new students appear on campus, a series of required orientations will begin as the university does what it can to ensure a strong start for these young people on the higher education journey. A quick glance at my daughter’s itinerary revealed university orientation, freshmen orientation, and separate orientations for on-campus students and commuters. 

An orientation is a kind of introduction, given to guide someone in the process of adjusting to new surroundings, activities, or employment. Did you know God provided an orientation for His people when they were exiled to Babylon? He used the prophet Jeremiah to tell them what He expected of them in this new reality, and how they were to live.

“ Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease.” (Jeremiah 29:4-6)  

Three basic instructions stand out:  

Build and plant.  
Live in what you’ve built and eat what you’ve grown.
Grow. Increase. (Do not decrease.)

He wants them to invest in the place where they are, to be sustained by that work, and to generally live the way they would if they were still in Jerusalem. There’s nothing in these instructions about Survival Mode, about gritting their teeth and getting through it (a method I personally have employed on several occasions). 

“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” (Jeremiah 29:7)

Exile is rarely a chosen reality. It may be a season of grief or trouble, an empty nest, treatment for illness, fallout from a broken relationship, etc. Are you in an exile-like place right now? God has given an orientation for it. Look around. Try to engage. Build and plant and keep going. Seek the welfare of those in place where you are and trust Him to give the increase. 

Growing things in the dark is His specialty.  

If you’re not sure what this looks like in your current season, consider talking through it with a trusted friend or pastor. Pray and ask God for guidance and opportunity. One of the greatest promises we find in the Bible: when we ask God for wisdom, his answer is always YES! (James 1:5)

By Lori Barkley

Lori and her husband Jim attend the Armstrong Mill campus where she serves as a deacon. They have two daughters in college, Brynn and Katy.

Put into Practice What You Learned

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 07:00:19 GMT

New Title

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:9)

We previously addressed how to keep our spiritual balance in the face of tests and trials, weakness, temptation, persecution, and doubt. These are the things that can assail us in this life. How can we be spiritually strong, sturdy, and steadfast? All of us at times find ourselves weak and unable to stand. So, where do we go? We must turn to God.

It’s so important for us to find our spiritual strength and stability. Not only is spiritual instability intolerable in our own life, but it affects others around us. A badly crushed believer is a contradiction to the watching world of unbelievers who can’t understand how you can profess an all-sufficient God, but then live as if your God was not sufficient.

In Philippians 4:1-8, Paul says in order to enjoy spiritual stability, believers must be characterized by peace, joy, humility, faith, and gratitude. These godly attitudes are produced in us by the Holy Spirit as we live a Spirit-led life. The solution to the problems we face is having the right attitudes.

Along with having the right attitudes, however, we must also discipline ourselves to have godly thinking patterns. How you think is vital, since your thoughts will insulate your mind from those things that assault you. And the source for all those thoughts is the Word of God.

But Paul gives us one last vital point in verse 9. He tells us to rise up and put into practice the demands of the Christian gospel. This calls for disciplined Christian living. Obedience to God’s Word should be the regular pattern of our lives. Our spiritual stability finally comes down to the matter of living a life disciplined to obey God’s way for us.

When you have godly attitudes, produced by the Holy Spirit, and godly thoughts, produced by the Word of God, together they act like a policeman that arrests your flesh before it can commit the crime. So, if your attitudes aren’t godly and your thoughts are not biblical, the “policeman” isn’t on duty to arrest you before you indulge your sinful desire.

The Bible speaks of ongoing warfare within every believer between the Spirit and the flesh: For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things you please (Galatians 5:17).

Christians who practice sin will suffer spiritual anxiety. However, purity in your behavior produces peace and stability.

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder and retired director of Lexington Rescue Mission and the author of JesusIsLordBlog.com

We Are the Product of Our Thinking

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 07:00:00 GMT

New Title

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)

So far in our study of Philippians 4:1-9, we have learned that we must develop the virtues of peace, joy, humility, faith, and gratitude in order to become spiritually strong and stable. Our growth in these attitudes depends on being led by the Spirit of God and focusing on these godly virtues. You cannot experience godly virtues unless you focus on them.

The Bible’s emphasis on godly thinking goes counter to the secular world’s focus on remembering and analyzing one’s past sins, old hurts, abuses, mistreatments, and chaos of the past. The Christian focus is away from those things of which it is shameful to speak, for they are the things of the darkness.

So, if we want to be spiritually stable, we need to learn how to think about the right things. This is not a suggestion, but a command to the Christian. It means to meditate and ponder on these virtues. This calls for us to consider the implications of adopting these godly attitudes for our own lives. By doing so, we will develop a habit of dwelling on what is right and good.

The battle today is that our contemporary culture is much less interested in thinking about what is true and what is good than it is in how we feel and what seems to work for us. This is essentially a philosophy of pragmatic existentialism.

Even in the Christian world, it’s sad to say that the issue is not always whether an issue is right or true, but will it divide or will it offend. What is happening in many churches today is that people are going there not to think or reason about the truth, but to get a weekly spiritual high, so they can feel that God is still with them. Consequently, they are spiritually unstable because they live on feeling rather than on thinking.

Friends, we must not be a victim of our feelings. Our minds are the greatest treasure we have in terms of the gifts of human life. And for believers, our minds work together with the Holy Spirit. Let’s protect our mind and the way we think by controlling its influences. Avoid those things which negatively influence your thinking.

So, cultivate the godly virtues of peace, joy, humility, faith, and gratitude. Place your focus on these virtues and let them dominate your thinking patterns -- resulting in a spiritually stable life.

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder and retired director of Lexington Rescue Mission and the author of JesusIsLordBlog.com

Reacting to Problems with Thankful Prayer

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 07:00:20 GMT

New Title

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)

When problems come, God’s people cry out to God for help. It’s a natural response to our circumstances. But what Paul is saying is that instead of crying out to God in your difficulty with doubt, discontent, and blaming God, we should bring our requests to Him with thanksgiving.

Rather than focusing on our problem, we need to remember that God permits it for a good purpose. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28) . Nothing happens to the Christian that is not for God’s glory and for our ultimate good.

God’s will for us is to conform us to the likeness of His Son (Romans 8:28). This sanctifying work in our lives often occurs through the troubles and difficulties we face. So, Jesus told His disciples, “ I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

James emphasizes the necessity of trials for achieving Christian maturity: Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:2-4).

God has also promised that we will not be tempted beyond what we can handle: No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it (1 Corinthians 10:13).

One way we can be assured that we belong to God is when our faith remains intact after going through trials of many kinds. The apostle Peter writes, And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever (1 Peter 5:10).

Therefore, be thankful to God for the available power we know is there and for the promises we know He will never violate. Be thankful for His purposes, His promises, and His providence. For He is doing exactly what He wants to accomplish in your life, and His past mercies are the foundation of future blessings.

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder and retired director of Lexington Rescue Mission and the author of JesusIsLordBlog.com

Be Humble and Trust in God

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 07:00:09 GMT

New Title

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything… (Philippians 4:5-6a).

Spiritual stability and strength for the Christian is produced as we follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit produces within us the virtues of peace, joy, humility, faith, and thanksgiving, which form the right attitudes we need to remain steadfast in our lives. And when these virtuous attitudes are combined with right thinking and a regular practice of doing, our lives will be marked by spiritual strength and stability.

Today’s devotion will focus on the virtues of humility and faith. Let’s begin with the command to Let your gentleness be evident to all (Philippians 4:5b). The word-for-word translation of this command in English has rendered various interpretations. The word gentleness can refer to our contentment, reasonableness, big-heartedness, goodwill, magnanimity, leniency, or charity towards the faults of others. Accordingly, it could refer to our ability to indulge all the failures of others without being personally offended, unkind, bitter, retaliatory, or vengeful.

So, let’s just use the phrase “graciousness of humility.” When you have that sort of virtue, you don’t demand your rights. Rather, you humbly and graciously accept it when you don’t get what you deserve, or when you get what you don’t deserve. When you can bear with the failings of others and overlook how their conduct can adversely affect you, you’re becoming a stable person.

The second virtue is all about our faith and trust in God. Philippians 4:5b says, The Lord is near. The Lord is near to His people in terms of both time and space. When you have a thought, He’s close enough to read it. When you whisper a prayer, He’s near enough to hear it. And when you need His help, He’s near enough to provide it.

We have to understand who this Lord is who is near. How often do we know what the Bible says about God, but we panic when calamity comes? This happened to David when he faced possible death before Achish, king of Gath. Rather than trusting in his God to save him, David took matters into his own hands and faked insanity to rescue himself (1 Samuel 21:10-14).

When doubts and uncertainty arise, remind yourself what you know to be true about God. Isn’t He eternal? He self-exists in unperturbed tranquility, not influenced by anything or anyone. He’s also holy. Therefore, He’s too holy to make mistakes. He keeps His promises; He cannot lie. And He is almighty. Everything He purposes comes to pass. With that kind of God on your side, what is there to fear?

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder and retired director of Lexington Rescue Mission and the author of JesusIsLordBlog.com

Stand Firm in the Lord

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 07:00:09 GMT

New Title

As Christians, we are called upon to be faithful, to be consistent, to be stable, to be strong, to be bold, to be courageous, to be unwavering, and to be uncompromising as the children of God. This truly gets at the very heart of Christian living. We must fight a spiritual battle against the onslaught and the attack of the world, the flesh, and the devil. Persecution, hostility, rejection, testing, trials, and temptations come at us to topple us, to make us unstable; and the call of the New Testament is for us to be stable. 

It's one thing for Scripture to tell us to be strong, but the passage in Philippians 4:1-9, that we will study this week, will also show us how to become spiritually stable and strong. We will see that our stability depends on attaining harmony, joy, humility, faith, thankfulness, and right thinking. Today, we will focus on the virtues of harmony and joy.

As Paul begins this chapter, he points out a problem in the Philippian church between two women, Euodia and Syntyche, who were causing discord in the church. He urges them to find harmony in the Lord and asks a “loyal yokefellow” to help these women agree with each other. Where you have a church environment that is in conflict, you will not only have an unstable environment, but you will have unstable individuals who will be affected by that instability.

But where you have harmony and unity in the church, it strengthens individuals within the church, and they will experience personal stability. Therefore, since harmony in the church is a great stabilizer, let’s do all we can to promote peace that will produce a stabilizing bond among Christians.

Secondly, if we are to be firm in the Lord, we must maintain a spirit of joy. Paul writes, Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Phil. 4:4) Finding reasons to rejoice can often feel like a daunting task. We face challenges, uncertainties, and difficulties that can easily overshadow our joy. Yet, the wisdom of Philippians 4:4 reminds us that our source of rejoicing is not rooted in our circumstances, but in our relationship with the Lord.

The command to " Rejoice in the Lord always " carries a profound message. It calls us to a constant state of joy, irrespective of life's ups and downs. How can we possibly rejoice when the world around us seems to crumble? The key lies in recognizing that our joy is anchored in something unshakable – our faith in Christ.

When we rejoice in the Lord, we are saying, "God, no matter what happens, I trust in Your plan, Your love, and Your faithfulness."

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder and retired director of Lexington Rescue Mission and the author of JesusIsLordBlog.com

Sharing the Love of Jesus

Sat, 09 Aug 2025 07:00:05 GMT

New Title

Sharing the Love of Jesus

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)

It was getting dark as my mom and I were driving home from school. As we exited the interstate, we saw a man who was presumably homeless standing in the middle of the median holding a sign. My heart broke as we drove away. I had a Gospel tract and a few dollars in my purse that I felt a nudge to hand him. My heart felt so burdened on the drive home, because we didn’t turn around. I wanted to show the love of Jesus with him, and I felt overwhelmed with heartbreak that I had passed up the opportunity -- and my heart ached for the man that might not know Jesus.

As disciples of Christ, we are to show love for others just as Jesus has loved us. The most loving thing we can do for others is to tell them what God has done for them. Sending us Jesus and saving us from our sins, giving us eternal life -- the greatest acts of love we have ever been shown. Being a disciple means loving and sharing Jesus with others and making new disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). What a joy it is to know that we can share Jesus with others – knowing that He has the power to change their lives.

It's been several years since that night, and I sometimes think about the man that was standing there off that exit. Thankfully, God gave me another chance to share the Gospel with him. The next night we were once again driving home from school and decided to stop at a drive-thru and get something to eat. The woman handed us our food and told us she had extra food she was giving us. We didn’t think much about it as we started our drive home. As we once again exited the interstate, the same man was standing there with the same sign. I knew immediately that the extra food was for him, so I slipped the Gospel tract into the bag and handed him the fresh food. He was so thankful, and my heart was so full. God loved him so much that he was taking care of him with the extra food and feeding his soul at the same time. We never saw him after that, but my prayer has always been that he became a disciple because of the love that Jesus showed him that night.

Want to make a difference in your world? Share the love of Jesus with one person this week. You never know how God might use you.

By Lauren Hill

Lauren attends IBC-Georgetown Campus. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Adam, and is the mother of Story and Violet .

Fashioned and Refashioned

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 07:00:21 GMT

New Title

Are you amazed with how God designed you? Have you thanked Him lately for your bones? Does it astound you that you don’t have to thump your lungs or your heart to remind them to function? Have you thought about how much went into fashioning your eyes and ears so you can see and hear? And let’s not even get into the making of the human brain!

Several years ago, I broke my leg slipping on ice. I didn’t realize I’d broken it until I checked in with a doctor a week later. When he asked me how I made it to his office. I told him I drove myself and walked myself right into the little examining room. As it turns out, I had broken my leg, and it was already beginning to heal. I am continually amazed with how God made our bodies in such a way that they can heal – from a break, from an illness, or from a broken heart.

I can proclaim with the psalmist: For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful. I know that full well (Psalm 139:13-14).

We know that while we’re on this earth, even though we are “fearfully and wonderfully made,” these bodies are deteriorating and subject to the limitations of this earthly existence. But there is another even more astounding bit of fashioning that is yet to come. I would love to give you lots of details about that, but here is what I know:

… the Lord Jesus Christ Himself will [not only] transform [but completely refashion] our earthly bodies so that they will be like His glorious resurrected body. (Philippians 3:20-21 Amp)

… we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when he appears, we will be like him because we will see him as he is. (1 John 3:2)

This mortal body is ill-equipped for the perfection of heaven; so, in order to be readied for our heavenly home, our bodies must be completely transformed to be like the glorious, resurrected body of Jesus.

Our human minds can’t fathom what that refashioned body will be; but, like Paul, we eagerly await [the coming of] the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ… (Philippians 3:20) -- the One who fashioned this earthly body and the One who will refashion us for our eternal home.

Let’s let our eager and confident anticipation for that day be contagious – the day we will see our Savior face-to-face and finally and eternally reflect His glory in our resurrected bodies.

By Judy Shrout

Judy’s life has taken a winding path of service in the church that led to her writing of devotions – for such a time as this.

We Are Different

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 07:00:01 GMT

New Title

But [we are different, because] our citizenship is in heaven. (Philippians 3:20 Amp)

After describing those who are enemies of the cross, Paul reminds believers that we are different. And we shouldn’t be surprised when people treat us as if we are different – because we are and we should be! And Paul gives us the reason we’re different: it’s because our citizenship is in heaven.

Most of you reading this devotion are citizens of the United States of America. The status of citizenship in our country gives us specific rights, duties, and benefits. Through the years, people have taken great risks and made huge sacrifices to come to America – eagerly desiring to be a citizen of our country and enjoy the benefits of living in a nation that embraces freedom.

Citizens often complain about some of the duties – paying taxes, repaying debts, obeying the laws of the land – and forget that because of those responsibilities, they have the benefit of living in a free country.

In junior high, one of the required courses was “Citizenship.” I don’t remember much from that class, but I do know we had to memorize the Preamble to the Constitution: “ We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

As believers, we have dual citizenship – we are citizens of an earthly country; but, more importantly, we are citizens of the kingdom of Heaven. Do you ever wonder why people are not clamoring to be a citizen in the kingdom of Heaven with the same level of risk and sacrifice of those earthly folks eagerly seeking citizenship in America?

Do others know that your citizenship is in Heaven? Do others know that your priorities are eternal?

Would you join me in affirming this faith statement, sort of a preamble to our citizenship in God’s kingdom:

We, the people, the citizens of Heaven, in order to enter God’s perfect kingdom, to dwell in a place where perfect love has cast out all fear, where sin and lawlessness do not exist, where wars, sicknesses, tears, and hatred no longer have a home, where the mystery of the Trinity is revealed, where the Light of the world is quite literally the light of Heaven, do hereby accept by faith the grace gift of God -- His Son, Jesus Christ -- and put our trust, our joy, and our hope in Him alone.

By Judy Shrout

Judy’s life has taken a winding path of service in the church that led to her writing of devotions – for such a time as this.

Paul's tears

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 07:00:04 GMT

New Title

For I have told you often before, and I say it again now with tears in my eyes, there are many who walk along the Christian road who are really enemies of the cross of Christ. Their future is eternal loss, for their god is their appetite: they are proud of what they should be ashamed of; and all they think about is this life here on earth.  (Philippians 3:18-19)

After encouraging the Philippian believers to follow the pattern of his life and the lives of other godly people, he now gives a rather dire warning: there are people who walk along the Christian pathway but are actually enemies of the cross! These are not necessarily people who are openly opposed to the Gospel – that would be too obvious! These are people who pretend to be followers of Jesus – deceiving others (and perhaps themselves) – showing up at Christian occasions and doing Christian things with Christian people. We might call them non-mentors or mentors who show us how NOT to live as a Christ-follower.

Instead of eternal life, these folks will experience eternal loss – for three reasons that Paul shares:

Their god is their appetite. They have an insatiable desire for those things that give physical pleasure. They want more, more, more – whatever they have, it is not enough.

They are proud of what they should be ashamed of. Instead of feeling shame and sadness for allowing sinful behavior to creep into their lives, these folks puff up their chests and brag about what “they got by with,” smile when reflecting on past sins, or make light of their sin as if it wasn’t a big deal. Dear believers, it IS a big deal -- we should be ashamed of our sin – that’s what leads to repentance and recognition of our need for a Savior.

All they think about is this life here on earth. Instead of fixing their eyes on Jesus and having an eternal focus, these imposters think only about earthly things – recognition, sense of importance, money, possessions, beautiful appearance -- things that will disappear and be totally unimportant in eternity. Their worries are all about their earthly future – not realizing it’s a short-lived future – instead of investing their energy in their eternal future.

Do you know someone who is living the lifestyle of these earth-focused mortals? Please note how Paul felt about those people. He didn’t flippantly imply that they were getting exactly what they deserved. No! He loved them deeply – but their lifestyle and their thumbing their noses at God’s ways made him weep.

Do you love them? Are you interceding for them? Are you weeping for them?

By Judy Shrout

Judy’s life has taken a winding path of service in the church that led to her writing of devotions – for such a time as this.

Godly Mentors

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 07:00:02 GMT

New Title

… and learn from those who follow our example.  (Philippian 3:17 NLT)

After exhorting the Philippian believers to pattern their lives after his life, Paul went on to encourage them to learn from other godly people too.

You often hear our pastor mention people who have mentored him – modeling for him how to pursue the goal of Christlikeness in leadership endeavors.

Some of you may be thinking: “Hmm… I don’t think I’ve had any mentors – people who walk alongside me and intentionally show me how to live a godly life.” I’ve thought that myself, but then I started thinking about it in another way. Many (or most) of my mentors don’t even know they have mentored me.

I’ve never sat across the table from Henry Blackaby, yet he has taught me that my words and my opinions are not as important as God’s – so he taught me to love Scripture memory so I could become familiar with God’s Word and His opinion.

I’ve never had tea with Anne Graham Lotz, yet she has modeled for me how to wait on the Lord and His Holy Spirit for an understanding of His Word.

I’ve never had a personal powwow with Chuck Swindoll, but he has modeled for me a joy and a delight in walking with God and in His Word.

I’ve never had a “purpose-driven” chat with Rick Warren, yet he continues to show me biblical and practical ways to live and love this life – and his wife, Kay, taught me to “Choose Joy”.

I’ve never had an intellectual discussion with Philip Yancy, but he opened my eyes to a “Jesus I Never Knew” – Jesus with a smile on His face and laughter in His voice – a Jesus who enjoys me – not a Jesus who is perpetually disappointed in me.

I’ve never heard Paul David Tripp’s voice, but he has shown me that God’s mercies are new every day – custom-made for me – and ample to give me a fresh start and a clean slate as each day begins.

Like Paul, these “mentors” of mine are imperfect human beings – but not quite as imperfect as I am. So, my prayer for you and for myself is that we will be discerning in whose voices are worth heeding and whose teachings are filling in those gaps in our understanding. And thank God for those who mentor you well – either from afar or in person – thanking Him that we aren’t meant to do life alone.

By Judy Shrout

Judy’s life has taken a winding path of service in the church that led to her writing of devotions – for such a time as this.

A Pattern for Life

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 07:00:10 GMT

New Title

A Pattern for Life

Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine...  (Philippian 3:17 NLT)

When I first read these words, I was struck by the thought that Paul had so much confidence in himself that he felt his life was worth imitating. To be honest, I thought it a tad arrogant! After all, there is only One who is perfect – and perfectly worth imitating.

But then, John MacArthur opened my heart to a better understanding of what Paul was saying: Since all believers are imperfect, they need examples of less imperfect people who know how to deal with imperfection and who can model the process of pursuing the goal of Christlikeness. Paul was that model… Had he been perfect, Paul would not have been an example believers could follow. We need to follow someone who is not perfect so we can see how to overcome our imperfections; someone who can show us how to handle the struggles of life, its disappointments, and its trials; someone who can show us how to handle pride, resist temptation, and put sin to death. Christ is the perfect standard, model, and pattern for believers to emulate. But Christ never pursued perfection; He has always been perfect. Paul was a fellow traveler on the path toward the unattainable spiritual perfection, and thus a model for believers to follow.

Without someone like Paul to show us how to pick ourselves up from our imperfections and move on in victory, we might be consumed by our failures and our guilt – too numb to be useful for God’s Kingdom. Paul told us to forget what is behind (those sins God has already forgiven) and press on in pursuit of Christlikeness.

There are lessons to be learned in our failures – which sadly remind us of our humanity -- but also remind us that we need the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Are we willing to learn the lessons inherent in our failures?

When we fall flat on our faces, do we give up and decide we’re hopeless and unredeemable – or do we look to Jesus for the grace He so freely offers?
When others fall flat on their faces, do we decide they are hopeless and unredeemable – or do we freely offer the grace that we have been given?

Paul certainly had lessons to learn – like ditching his pride and his graceless religion. Yet he didn’t let guilt consume him – he believed this truth: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9) . He put those days behind and chose to live his life in gratitude for God’s abundant grace.

Now that’s a model worth following!

By Judy Shrout

Judy’s life has taken a winding path of service in the church that led to her writing of devotions – for such a time as this.

Are you Connecting?

Sat, 02 Aug 2025 07:00:12 GMT

New Title

All the believers were together and had everything in common. (Acts 2:44 NIV)

A recent conversation with some friends inspired the writing of this devotional. They had visited a church family and tried to get connected by joining a Sunday school class, hoping to build relationships within the body. However, after attending several small group meetings, they still didn’t feel a sense of connection and ultimately decided to seek fellowship elsewhere.

Their experience left me disappointed and made me reflect: What does it really mean to be connected within a church family? How do we define connectedness within the body of Christ? Scripture offers insight into how the early believers stayed connected after Jesus’ resurrection and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2:42-47). These verses reveal a beautiful picture of unity, love, support, and deep fellowship among believers – regardless of background, status, or ethnicity. Jew or Gentile, slave or free – they were all one in Christ Jesus.

As I study scripture more, I see how Jesus consistently initiated connection. He reached out with compassion, healing and inclusion, often breaking through cultural, social, and religious boundaries. Consider the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:7-26), or Zacchaeus, whom Jesus called down from a tree and invited Himself into his home (Luke 19: 5-6). In each case, Jesus modeled how to extend grace and welcome the outcast.

If we are truly ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), we are called to do the same. While we live in a culture marked by individualism, busyness, and distraction, we are called to live contrary to the norms and culture of the world (John 15:19). Our lives should reflect kingdom values, and relationships are central to those values. When guests enter a small group or a church gathering, we should be intentional in creating an atmosphere of warmth, welcome, and belonging. The body of Christ thrives when every member is known, valued, and loved.

Let me encourage you: reach out to someone new this week. Engage genuinely. Step beyond your usual circle. Whether someone is strong in faith or just exploring, from your culture or not – extend the same love and hospitality that Christ extended to you. In doing so, we fulfill the Great Commission – not only outside the church but also within the family of believers.

By George Donkor

George and his wife, Christiana, are proud parents of Annajoy and Elijah. They love serving Jesus together and showing Him to the world around them.

The Path

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 07:00:18 GMT

New Title

Therefore, all who are mature, let’s have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that to you as well; however, let’s keep living by that same standard to which we have attained. (Philippians 3:15-16 NASB)

Paul says that all believers should follow this path or pattern of forgetting the past and pressing on toward the goal. Each of us has had some moment when the past creeps into the present and invites us to turn back or just settle in where we find ourselves. This is one of the favored tools of the enemy.

The idea of forgetting the past, of leaving it behind and pressing on, may seem overwhelming at first, so where should we begin? The first step is to put the past in the past. Consider this quote from John Piper: Occasionally weep deeply over the life you hoped would be. Grieve the losses. Then wash your face. Trust God. And embrace the life you have. Grieving the losses will lead to confession and repentance where necessary. Having dealt with the past, surrender it to Him, and don’t look back.

How do you walk differently from this point forward? The Apostle wrote to the Galatians about living by faith, about living by His power: I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me (Galatians 2:20).

Nearly 40 years ago as an undergraduate, I took a mechanical drawing class as an elective. I still remember the first time the professor picked up a model and began to draw it on the board. Without the aid of a ruler, he repeatedly drew straight lines from one point on the chalkboard to another. Someone finally asked how he managed to do that? His answer was really pretty simple: find the starting point and the end point, place the chalk on the starting point, focus on the end point, and draw the line.

If you try that with a pencil and piece of paper, you’ll find with practice you are drawing a much straighter line. The same is true in our walk with Christ. The starting point is to leave the past in the past. Focus on Jesus and run the toward the goal. With practice and repetition, you will find your life being conformed more and more to His image, the purpose for which you were first laid hold of by Christ.

By Jesse Smith

The Prize

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 04:00:08 GMT

New Title

...but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus . (Philippians 3:13-14 NASB)

In this passage the Apostle Paul utilizes the metaphor of a runner in a race to illustrate the Christian’s pursuit of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. We might identify the prize as the Crown of Glory (1 Peter 5:4), the Crown of Life (Revelation 2:10), the Incorruptible Crown (1 Corinthians 9:25), or heaven itself. The truth is, Paul does not identify the specific prize in this passage.

It is important to understand that the prize mentioned here is not salvation. In verse 12, Paul says, I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. He has already been laid hold of by Christ; the matter of salvation is settled. Paul is not challenging his readers work to obtain salvation, but rather to work in response to the salvation they already possess in Christ.

So, what is the believer to work for? The focus of our work is the goal, or as the KJV says ‘the mark of the prize.” So, what is the goal of the believer? The goal of the believer is to be conformed to the image of the Lord Jesus, to be found complete in Him.

Alexander MacLaren, a Scottish-born pastor and theologian of the late 1800’s, wrote this about the goal of God-like and God-pleasing character in our lives:

For this we were created; for this we have been redeemed. For this Jesus Christ lived and suffered and died. For this God’s Spirit is poured out upon the world. All else is scaffolding; this is the building which it contemplates, and when the building is reared the scaffolding may be cleared away. God means to make us like Himself, and so pleasing to Himself, and has no other end in all the varieties of His gifts and bestowments but only this, the production of character.

As believers, all that we encounter in our lives is utilized by God to develop in us Christ-like character. If you’ve held a Polaroid picture or developed film in a dark room, you know the anticipation of watching the image come into view on the paper; you know it takes time for the image to be fully developed. The same is true of the process of sanctification in our lives.

How is His image developing in your life?

By Jesse Smith

The Pursuit

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 07:00:05 GMT

New Title

...but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14 NASB)

Having put away the past, Paul turns his focus to what lies ahead. Paul, who had spent some time in Ephesus and would have been familiar with, or perhaps even witnessed, the ancient Olympic games, turns in this passage to the familiar metaphor of a runner competing in a race. The picture he paints here is of a runner pressing forward, striving with all his might, leaning with all he has toward the finish line. Consider what Paul wrote to the Corinthians about running the race:

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. (1 Corinthians 9:24 NASB)

The objective is to finish the course, to run through to the end, to be in the game through the final whistle. There is a zeal, a level of commitment demonstrated in Paul’s pursuit of the goal. For the Apostle Paul, formerly known as Saul of Tarsus, it was a non-negotiable that he would pursue God’s calling with his whole being, with every bit as much zeal, and perhaps even more zeal, than he demonstrated in persecuting the church.

When I read this passage, I was reminded of a quote from The Empire Strikes Back . There is a conversation between Luke and Yoda, where Luke says, “ All right, I'll give it a try ” and Yoda responds “No. Try not. Do… or do not. There is no try.” I want to suggest this is the message Paul is communicating here. We ought not just try to pursue the goal for which we have been called; we reach for the goal with the determination to grasp it. The admonition here is not to make a half-hearted effort; it is to pursue the upward call of God with our whole being. There is nothing in our life that should command more attention, be given more focus, than pursuing the purpose for which we have been called in Christ.

Let me leave you with a question today: Are you in it to win it?

By Jesse Smith

The Past

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 06:00:05 GMT

New Title

...but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind … (Philippians 3:13 NASB)

Because Paul understands that he has not yet grasped that for which he has been redeemed, he has a singular practice: to forget what is behind and strive forward to that which lies ahead. At first glance it may seem that Paul is saying he does two things: forgetting and reaching forward. It is important to understand that the forgetting and reaching forward are tied not just in this statement, but in actual practice. It is impossible to strive for what is ahead when you are carrying around a pack loaded with the weight of the past. Likewise, forgetting the past without replacing it with zeal and hope for the future will not yield an outcome of spiritual maturity.

Why is the past such a weight – slowing us down and straining against our forward progress? First, our accuser, the adversary of our souls, works diligently to convince us that we will never be any better than the worst moments of our past. There is a well-known disclaimer that is attached to the prospectus for every investment: past performance is not a guarantee of future results. If you’ve done even a little investing, you’ve learned to accept this principle. If you are struggling with the weight of the past, reach out and take hold of this truth. Your past performance doesn’t have to determine or limit your future, because in Christ Jesus all things are made new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

While we understand the impact of past failures, we would do well to understand the challenges that can be presented by past successes. Pride has a way of slipping in and making us comfortable and complacent. As a result, we are prone to get comfortable where we are, to think more highly of ourselves than we ought. God’s call is never for us to get comfortable, slow down, and take it easy. His call is always onward and upward.

The admonition to forget the past is a challenge to forget what we have done, or perhaps what others have done to us, and to remember all that He has done on our behalf. This is no simple challenge. It is a call to confess where we must, to release that which has been forgiven, to give up our crutches, to quit relying on our own strength, and pursue Him with all our being.

So, what is it from your past that you keep picking up and carrying into today? Will you accept that challenge to forget the past and look with hope and expectation for the future to which you have been called?

By Jesse Smith

The Perspective

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 07:00:01 GMT

New Title

Not that I have already grasped it all or have already become perfect, but I press on if I may also take hold of that for which I was even taken hold of by Christ Jesus. Brothers and sisters, I do not regard myself as having taken hold of it yet… (Philippians 3:12-13 NASB)

One of the best ways to learn how to succeed at a specific task or discipline is to find someone who does it well and follow their example. Even better than following someone’s example from a distance is having the opportunity to spend time with them and learn first-hand the secrets of their success. That is the opportunity that the Apostle Paul provides us here in his letter to the church at Phillipi. Writing from a Roman prison, Paul shares the secret to his success in the race of life and encourages those who hear or read these words to follow his example.

Paul, the most prolific writer in the New Testament, begins by sharing a bit of perspective. It has been some 30 years since the day Paul met the Savior on the road to Damascus. Paul has been stoned and left for dead, imprisoned multiple times, shipwrecked, journeyed throughout the known world sharing the Gospel, established churches, discipled Timothy and others, and the list goes on. You might expect Paul to say, “Enough! I’ve done my part; I’ve had more than my share of hardship; I’m finished.” Perhaps those in Paul’s inner circle would have encouraged him to slow down and let others pick up the slack.

Despite all that he has seen and experienced, Paul offers a very humble, authentic, and perhaps unexpected perspective: I haven’t made it. Paul understood that he had been grasped, or laid hold of by Christ for the purpose of being conformed to His image. The work of redemption is complete, he has been taken hold of by Christ Jesus , but the work of sanctification, or maturity, is not yet complete. So, Paul says, I will press on to the finish.

It is the perspective that would allow Paul to say at the end of his life: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing (2 Timothy 4:7-8 NASB).

By Jesse Smith

Excellent “Compuper” Skills

Sat, 26 Jul 2025 07:00:05 GMT

New Title

Recently, I had to review several résumés for a position we’re filling in our office. As I went through them, I was struck by how many mistakes I found — typos, missing information, inconsistent formatting. It reminded me of that scene from Friends , where one of the characters sent out dozens of résumés proudly advertising their excellent “compuper” skills.

It got me thinking about Philippians 3, where Paul talks about what really matters on a Christian’s résumé.

First, Paul reminds us that our best credentials don’t qualify us. In verses 4–7, he lists his impressive spiritual and cultural “résumé” — circumcised, of Israel, a Pharisee, blameless under the law. But then he says he counts it all as loss compared to knowing Christ. No matter how impressive our spiritual record or good works might seem, they don’t earn us favor with God.

Second, believers trade their résumé for Christ’s righteousness. Verse 9 says Paul wants to be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own… but that which comes through faith in Christ. Our sins and shortcomings make our own record hopelessly flawed — but through faith, Jesus gives us His perfect record in exchange for ours.

Finally, even though Paul knows his righteousness comes from Christ, he keeps striving to grow and fulfill God’s calling. In verses 12–14, he presses on, “forgetting what lies behind” and reaching forward to what lies ahead, pursuing the prize of God’s upward call. His résumé isn’t about proving himself anymore — it’s about pursuing Jesus and living faithfully.

So, as you think about your own “spiritual résumé,” remember this: don’t rely on your excellent “compuper” skills, but rather on the righteousness of Christ as you press on and strive to be Christlike in your walk toward sanctification.

By Paky Kramer

Righteous Brothers

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 07:00:01 GMT

New Title

In the 1960’s, there was a popular musical duo that came to be called The Righteous Brothers. Their name had nothing to do with a faith experience. The name came from a group of black Marines at the El Toro Marine Base who started calling them “righteous brothers.” At the end of a performance, someone in the audience shouted, “That was righteous, brothers!” – using the slang definition of righteous, meaning genuine or excellent. It was a compliment but had nothing to do with a relationship with Christ. Some of the wonderful words of our faith are sometimes oddly repurposed – and often misunderstood.

The Chinese language is a language of symbols – and the symbol in their language for the word “righteous” is such a beautiful visual of what righteousness means to the believer. The word combines two symbols: one of the symbols signifies ME, and the other symbol signifies LAMB. To create the word “righteous,” the symbol for LAMB is placed over the symbol for ME – giving us a visual definition of the term. So, to put it into words, when our heavenly Father gazes upon us in love, what He sees is His Lamb covering all our sins – He sees the righteousness of His Son, not the imperfections of you and me.

That knowledge became Paul’s joy. He wanted to be found in Him [Christ] [believing and relying on Him], not having any righteousness of my own derived from [my obedience to] the Law  and  its ritual, but [possessing] that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith (Philippians 3:9 Amp).

Paul made it clear he now knew that his righteousness was NOT from his obedience to the law nor from his adherence to the traditions of his faith. He had discovered that he could never attain righteousness on his own – through striving, straining, determining, or persevering in his own strength. He had done all that. He now knew that genuine righteousness came only from God on the basis of faith.

Many of you have been striving and attempting to be righteous on your own. Paul’s confession is meant to challenge you to quit that futile effort; and instead, believe the truth: the LAMB of God covers the imperfections of ME. Join with other believers today – others who know we are “clothed in His righteousness alone.” May this be your joy too: because of Christ, we can all be righteous brothers – and sisters.

By Judy Shrout

Garbage Beliefs

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 07:00:02 GMT

New Title

If you have lived for more than a couple of decades, I’m guessing that there are some dearly held beliefs you had when you were younger – some beliefs you’ve since revisited and found lacking in value or truth. Maybe you’ve even wondered where that belief originated! Some beliefs originated from family traditions or cultural biases – but who knows where some of the others came from (such as: only Baptists will be in heaven). Some of our beliefs were based solely on family expectations. Paul had some of those beliefs and expectations too!

But his encounter with the living Christ on the road to Damascus almost gave him whiplash as he did a 180 ⁰ turnaround. The things he believed and valued were upended when Jesus blinded him with a bright light that day so that he could see Truth. Paul tells us about this radical and sudden change in his beliefs in his letter to the Philippian believers:

But whatever  former  things were gains to me [as I thought then], these things [once regarded as advancements in merit] I have come to consider as loss [absolutely worthless] for the sake of Christ [and the purpose which He has given my life]. But more than that, I count everything as loss compared to the priceless privilege  and  supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord [and of growing more deeply and thoroughly acquainted with Him—a joy unequaled]. For His sake I have lost everything, and I consider it all garbage, so that I may gain Christ…  (Philippians 3:7-8 Amp)

Some of Paul’s dearly held beliefs – including the one where he felt compelled to persecute Christians – no longer had a home in his value system. The achievements he formerly thought were quite significant he no longer valued at all. He considered them as loss, absolutely worthless – garbage! Some of his accomplishments were truly noteworthy; it’s just that in comparison with knowing Christ, they were insignificant – absolutely worthless, even garbage!

All those other beliefs and values were NOTHING compared to the priceless privilege and supreme advantage of knowing Christ and continually getting to know Him better. He described it as a joy unequaled.

What are some beliefs that you have held too tightly in the past? Are you willing to take another look at those beliefs? Are you ready to experience joy unequaled – the joy that comes from knowing Christ and finding our worth in Him alone?

By Judy Shrout

Bragging Rights

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 07:00:33 GMT

New Title

Why do people brag? Well, it could be for several reasons:

Some people brag to make others feel “less than.”
Some brag to make sure everyone knows of their accomplishments.
Some do the humblebrag thing – pretending to be modest.
Some brag to hide their insecurities and lack of self-confidence.
And some actually don’t realize they’re bragging!

In his encouraging letter to the Philippians, Paul insists that we are to place no confidence in the flesh – we’re not to brag about ourselves, especially are we not to brag about our superior spirituality. And then he proceeds to list reasons he could boast, if he chose to do so:

Circumcised when I was eight days old
Of the nation of Israel
Of the tribe of Benjamin
A Hebrew of the Hebrews
As to the [observance of the] Law, a Pharisee
As to my zeal, a persecutor of the church
As to righteousness [supposed right living] which [my fellow Jews believe] is in the Law, I proved myself blameless (Philippians 2:5-6 Amp)

He points out that IF he was pursuing salvation by works (which he wasn’t), these are some things he might mention. But he knew that if there was someone at the entrance to heaven – perhaps an angel with a heavenly clipboard – those attributes would not measure up to the standards of heaven. You can just imagine that angel looking at the clipboard after Paul named each item on his list and saying, “Nope, that won’t get you in. Sorry!”

This is what Paul knew, and you and I know: For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

We have no reason to boast except in what Christ has done for us – the gift of salvation – and the privilege we have of knowing God. Jeremiah gives us the go-ahead on that kind of bragging in this passage:

Thus says the Lord:

“Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,

Let not the mighty man glory in his might,

Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;

But let him who glories glory in this,

That he understands and knows Me,

That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth.

For in these I delight,” says the Lord (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

So… let’s get in the habit of doing the right kind of boasting, boasting about knowing God – and seeking to help others do the same, thereby delighting the heart of God.

By Judy Shrout

Think … Before Believing

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 07:00:10 GMT

New Title

I’m not an impulse buyer – I prefer to think before I buy. Too many times impulse buyers get home and think “Why on earth did I buy THAT – or TWO of those!” And if a salesperson indicates that it’s rather urgent for me to make the decision – perhaps this is the very last one of these items, or the sale ends at midnight, or my purchase will help the salesperson win a trip to Tahiti -- I consider the decision made and walk away. Unless it’s gas for an empty tank, it’s probably not urgent.

However, sometimes we can be impulse believers – not taking time to think before we believe. We hear someone say something that has a little bit of truth woven in here and there, and we buy into the whole thing. That’s the way Satan often works in our world – taking some of the truth of God’s Word and dressing it up and accessorizing it with compelling lies that readily deceive. That’s why Paul gave this warning to the believers in Philippi:

Look out for the dogs [the Judaizers, the legalists], look out for the troublemakers, look out for the false circumcision [those who claim circumcision is necessary for salvation]… (Philippians 3:2 Amp)

Paul was seriously concerned that legalistic Jewish Christians were twisting the truth of the gospel and no doubt causing Gentile believers to wonder if they were really saved – since they had not embraced the Jewish practice of circumcision. They were essentially telling the Gentile believers that they had to become Jews first and then they could become Christians – which is actually a lie, since we know that salvation is a gift from God and not from anything we do or don’t do.

When Paul preached the truth of the gospel to the people in the small Macedonian city of Berea, they were captivated and intrigued – after all, Paul was a captivating and passionate orator. Yet they went a step further before buying into the truth of what he preached. I love their response:

… they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. (Acts 17:11)

My dear friends, what are you buying into? Are you searching the Scriptures daily to find the truth? Remember: God has given us a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Let’s use it!

By Judy Shrout

Rejoice…. Again!

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 07:00:05 GMT

New Title

Be careful!

Wash your hands!

Eat your vegetables!

Quit whining!

Don’t roll your eyes!

Remember to say “please” and “thank you.”

If you’re gonna sit with your friends in church, I’d better not catch you giggling during the sermon!

These are words some of us heard repeatedly as we were growing up. My parents knew our adherence to these commands (they were NOT suggestions) would hopefully lead to harmony in the home – as well as respect for their authority. But I also know now that these words were guard rails to keep me on the right path.

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul continually repeated some words too – words that he felt would keep his believing friends on the right spiritual path. He put it this way:

Finally, my fellow believers, continue to rejoice and delight in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble for me, and it is a safeguard for you. (Philippians 3:1 Amp)

He uses the word “rejoice” nine times in this one letter to the people of Philippi! He mentions it SIX times before this particular verse! He is fully aware that he is repeating himself – it is intentional. And he promises the readers that it’s no problem for him to keep repeating himself, because he knows it’s a safeguard for them – guard rails to keep them on the right path.

Why does it bear repeating that we are to “continue to rejoice and delight in the Lord?” Basically, the answer is: it’s spiritually healthy! It changes our attitude when we focus on all the reasons we have to rejoice and delight in the Lord. It takes us from a whiney self-focus to a grateful God-focus.

Throughout the day today, I would like for you to take advantage of every little moment you can. When you have a moment, list on a piece of paper or in the notes section of your phone one more reason you have to rejoice in the Lord. No matter what’s going on around you, intentionally seek to squeeze in another moment of rejoicing – and see what that does to your attitude and your countenance. Let today be a good day for rejoicing!

By Judy Shrout

A Legacy Marked by Grace

Sat, 19 Jul 2025 07:00:10 GMT

New Title

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own.  (Philippians 3:12)

After having a year of college under my belt and a season with my golf team, I have been reflecting on what kind of legacy I want to leave with the three years I have left, Lord willing. How can I leave my campus, locker room and the uniform in a better place than when I got here? This is a question we all have to ask ourselves about our journeys here on earth. In Philippians 3, Paul is encouraging Christ followers to leave a legacy marked by the grace of Christ. We are still imperfect sinners, but with Christ living in and through us we can have a positive impact. So how do we leave a legacy marked by the grace of Christ with the time He gives us? I believe Jesus modeled this beautifully in two ways: through surrender and through sacrifice. 

Jesus lived a life of surrender to the Father and His will. When we surrender our desires to God, we have a heart posture of humility. We give God control of our circumstances and in return have a peace and joy that only comes from resting in Him. Honestly, it’s hard to feel God’s peace in the midst of our difficult seasons. But Jesus modeled this through His prayer life with the Father. Jesus would get away from the noise and stress of the crowds to be alone and talk to His Father. We were made to be in connection with our Heavenly Father, and time in prayer quieting our thoughts cultivates a life of peace. 

Jesus lived a life of sacrifice. He sacrificed His time for “the least of these” in His ministry, He put others’ needs before His own, and He gave His life as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. Jesus’ life transformed the church and the hearts of many. Christ has made us His own and given us the power of the Holy Spirit to be vessels to love and serve others even in our weakness.

When we live as apprentices of Christ and follow His rhythms of daily surrender and sacrifice, we will leave a legacy of impact marked by the grace of Jesus. 

So, as you reflect on your own life and heart, what do you need to surrender to Christ and how can you sacrificially serve someone in need this week?

By C.A. Carte

Hope in the Prison (Part 5)

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 07:00:05 GMT

New Title

Hope in the Prison (Part 5)

“For I have no one like him…how as a son with a father…he has served with me in the gospel…” (Philippians 2:20 & 22)

As we wrap this week up, I want you to look back at verses 22 with me for just one second. Did you catch that little word “with.” Don’t hear what Paul is NOT saying. Paul is NOT saying with regards to Timothy “ how as a son with a father…he has SERVED ME in the gospel.” That’s NOT it at all. Paul IS saying “how as a son with a father…he has served WITH me in the gospel.” Did you catch it?

So much bad parenting and so much bad leadership and poor mentoring stem from a desire from parents, leaders, or mentors to BE SERVED by those beneath them. Not once did I ever get the impression that my parents or my mentor, Max (who I mentioned yesterday) wanted anything FROM me. However, I’ve always known that they’ve wanted all kinds of things FOR me, because I would hear them pray those things OVER me. Yesterday I made the case from Scripture that everyone needs a “Paul.” Today, we look at the other side of that equation and discover that everyone also needs a “Timothy.” After all, the last thing that Jesus said to his disciples was “Go and make disciples.” (Matthew 28:18) That command was not given to super-saints or those specifically called to vocational ministry. That call was to anyone who called upon Jesus as Lord.

So…how is that “make disciples” mandate going for you? Who is your Timothy? For parents, the Biblical mandate to make disciples begins at home. We are commanded in Deuteronomy 6:6-9 to make discipleship a PRIORITY in our homes. Again, NOT so that our children can serve us, but so that our children can grow into young men and women who serve WITH us in our various Christian callings. As you may know, Pastor Ron has a passion for Faith and Work. It could be that your “Timothy” is in your office, or in your classroom, or someone that you call on for business from time to time. If you already have a “Timothy” that you are invested in, call them today and remind them of what a joy it is to serve WITH them in the gospel. If you are currently without a “Timothy” begin asking the Lord to place someone in your path to invest in. That is a prayer that Jesus Loves to answer!

Jimmy serves as the ministries pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church. He is graduate of The University of Kentucky, Covenant Seminary and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Jimmy also received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Regis University while church planting with the Kentucky Baptist Convention from 2010-2019. Jimmy has served as adjunct faculty at Boyce College and Southern Seminary where he taught psychology and counseling. Jimmy is married to his treasured wife, Carrie of 24 years. They have one beloved daughter named Christy Ann “C.A.” who is a Senior at Lexington Christian Academy and will attend U.K. and play golf for the Wildcats next Fall.

Jimmy Carter

Hope in the Prison (Part 4)

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 11:44:51 GMT

New Title

“For I have no one like him…how as a son with a father…he has served with me in the gospel…” (Philippians 2:20 & 22)

It’s often been said in Christian circles: “everyone needs a Paul, and everyone needs a Timothy.” This antiquated little quip has staying power because of its alignment with God’s word and the example that Jesus set for the disciples. Indeed, it is to everyone’s benefit to have a “Paul” in their life. My “Paul’s” name was Max Appel. Max was Area Director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in 1994 when I arrived at the University of Kentucky. My freshman year at U.K. was an absolute train wreck. Athletically I was “red-shirted” which means that I was on the team, but never played in any games. I dressed out and looked impressive to some, but I never made a difference for my team. Academically, my GPA was an abismal 1.7 and my spiritual and relational life was as empty as an abandoned Harlan County coal mine. And then I met Max.

Max welcomed me into an inner circle of athletes that he was discipling at U.K. in 1995. Max provided me with encouragement, new friends, Biblical truth, prayer, and a vision for how God could use my one and only life to be a blessing to others. Everything changed. My circle of influence changed, my use of time changed, my purpose in life changed. By God’s grace I became the starting punter for U.K. and took every snap for four years. That summer I met Carrie Sparrow who would eventually take my name and my heart. (Did I mention that everything in my life changed after meeting Max?!?)

So, here’s the question… who is your Paul? Do you have an experienced Christian brother or sister who is investing in your life? Encouraging you? Praying for you? Helping you to discover God’s purpose for your life? If so, let them know today how grateful you are for their eternal investment in your life! They are absolute “game-changers.” If your missing someone like that in your life, begin praying and seeking the Lord for someone to help guide and direct you in this next season. That prayer for Christian guidance is a prayer that Jesus loves to answer.

(Oh…and by the way…it’s been almost 30 years, but Max reached out to me this morning to encourage me and pray for me. Imagine how excited I was to tell him that my daughter, who is a Senior at LCA, is starting an F.C.A. Bible study for some of the younger girls on her golf team…because after all, everyone needs a Paul!)

Jimmy Carter

Hope in the Prison (Part 3)

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 07:00:19 GMT

New Title

“I hope…in the Lord Jesus…to send Timothy to you soon…” (Philippians 2:19)

If Paul’s hope is first built upon A PERSON (The Lord Jesus Christ) than his hope is secondarily built upon A PEOPLE. His hope extends to other people (who also face discouragement and anxiety) who have equally built their hopes upon Jesus as Lord. In fact, as we continue our reading in Philippians 2, we begin to see exactly what Paul is hoping for “in Christ.” He writes: “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you.” (2:19)

Paul was in a prison in Rome, writing to the first church that he planted, located in Philippi which is modern day Greece. The journey from Rome to Philippi would have taken 7 weeks (Lord willing and the creek don’t rise). Paul reveals to us in this text that his hope was grounded in the wellbeing of the believers at Philippi. So that, regardless of his current imprisonment, Paul would find great encouragement ( so that I too may be cheered) to learn of the ongoing faithfulness of the believers at Philippi. This underscores the importance of living in biblical community with other believers. In 1st Corinthians 12 Paul commands the believers to “ rejoice with those who rejoice” and to “ mourn with those who mourn .” We are commanded in the same chapter to have the same concern for one another.

Paul placed his “eternal hope” in the PERSON of Jesus as Lord, but he also placed his “temporal hope” in A PEOPLE under the Lordship of Christ by living in community with other believers. Jesus is Paul’s hope in death, but Jesus was also Paul’s hope in life through his participation in the “church” which is simply the gathering of believers in a local fellowship. Paul received GREAT encouragement from the believers in Philippi because he made GREAT investments in the believers in Philippi. How invested are you in the lives of other believers? Might the Lord be calling you into greater fellowship through biblical community? What might be your “next step” towards greater connection within the church? Our hope, like Paul’s, is often found in the encouragement of other believers during our seasons of imprisonment!

Jimmy Carter

Hope in the Prison

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 07:00:15 GMT

New Title

“I hope”…” (Philippians 2:19)

In the summer of 1994, I arrived at the University of Kentucky from my hometown of Atlanta, GA, driving my dad’s “hand me down” company car. It was a 1990 Dodge Dynasty that had well over 100,000 miles and wasn’t exactly the epitome of “cool.” I give that car all the credit for my inability to acquire any romantic dates my entire freshman year in college. As a result, I watched a lot of movies with my buddies that summer.

One of the most impactful V.H.S. tapes that we brought back from Blockbuster Video that Summer was a film titled “The Shawshank Redemption.” The film caught me (and most of America) off guard with its gripping drama that cut to the heart of the human condition. The basic plot follows an innocent man who is wrongfully locked up in Shawshank Prison and subjected to the worst expressions of human depravity. The central question of the film (a question we must all answer at some point) is revealed through a heated debate between the two main characters. Here is the question: “ Is there any place for hope in the prison .”

Not all prisons are made from four walls and iron bars. Some prisons are fashioned from a bad season in our marriage. Some prisons are formed from a terrifying medical diagnosis. Some prisons look like a middle school cafeteria with a bully that we can’t shake, the grief from losing a loved one, or credit card debt that has become debilitating. “Prisons” are any unwanted, unpleasant circumstance in life that leaves us feeling stuck with no foreseeable opportunity to escape. This is precisely where we find the Apostle Paul in Philippians 2:19. He is in a prison in Rome, battling anxiety, with no idea how things will turn out. And yet, he begins verse 19 with this life altering phrase “ I hope.. .”

As we begin this new week of devotions, I want you to ask yourself two questions. First, what do the “prisons” in your life look like? In other words, what are the unpleasant circumstances that sometimes leave you feeling “stuck.” And second, what have you placed your hope in? Is your hope in your retirement fund? Is your hope in your spouse or the idea of a future spouse? Is your hope in your education or a drug or your physical appearance? Or, like so many of those in “Shawshank,” are you tempted to believe that hope has no place in your prison? Wrestle with those questions today as we prepare to look at Paul and discover where he found hope in his prison.

Jimmy Carter

Hope in the Prison

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 07:00:15 GMT

New Title

“I hope…in the Lord Jesus” (Philippians 2:19)

Paul is very honest in conveying his emotional state throughout his letter to the believers at Philippi. He is clearly battling discouragement, anxiety, and fear of the unknown. He reveals this throughout this section of the text when he writes “ that I…may be cheered ” (verse 19), “ as soon as I see how it will go with me ” (verse 24), “ so that I may be less anxious” (verse 29). Fear, anxiety, and discouragement are common “cellmates” during the seasons of life that feel confining and hopeless. I would also toss in “boredom” and “apathy” as two other “prison guards” that we contend with. Yet, Paul can say with conviction “ I hope.”

Paul’s hope is not abstract wishful thinking. It is not a groundless, baseless emotional impulse. It is not “hope for hope’s sake.” To the contrary, Paul’s hope is grounded in A PERSON. Paul is quick to qualify his hope in verse 19 “ I hope…in the Lord Jesus .” In fact, Paul uses the word “hope” and “trust” synonymously as in verse 22 when he writes “ I trust in the Lord...” Paul’s hope is not educational, financial, vocational, or political in nature. Instead, Paul’s hope is founded upon the person and work of a Jewish carpenter turned itinerant preacher named Jesus who Paul refers to as his “Lord.” In other words, Paul’s “hope in the prison” is first and foremost a direct result of his submission to Jesus as Lord.

When Jesus becomes our Lord, the prison loses its power to drive us into despair. In fact, Jesus will sometimes allow gut-wrenching seasons to overtake us to lead us into greater submission and dependence upon His love and care for us. Recall Paul’s words to the believers at Corinth: “For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God…” (2 Cor. 1:8-9)

When Jesus becomes Lord, our worldview is transformed. We no longer view ourselves or our imprisoning circumstances in the same light. Yes, we still deal with anxiety and fear and confusion, but we have an everlasting hope that cannot be taken from us. And that changes EVERYTHING! If the Lord can use a scared, anxious yet HOPEFUL inmate like Paul to write the majority of the New Testament from a prison cell, Jesus can certainly meet you in whatever prison you feel stuck in.

Jimmy Carter

Rejoice

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 07:00:08 GMT

New Title

Be careful!

Wash your hands!

Eat your vegetables!

Quit whining!

Don’t roll your eyes!

Remember to say “please” and “thank you.”

If you’re gonna sit with your friends in church, I’d better not catch you giggling during the sermon!

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul continually repeated some words too – words that he felt would keep his believing friends on the right spiritual path. He put it this way:

Finally, my fellow believers, continue to rejoice and delight in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble for me, and it is a safeguard for you. (Philippians 3:1 Amp)

By Judy Shrout

Simplify

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 07:00:00 GMT

New Title

uly 12th is National Simplicity Day -- a day dedicated to stepping back from the busyness of modern life and focusing on what truly matters. July 12th was chosen because it’s the birthday of writer and philosopher Henry David Thoreau who wrote Walden and was known for his advocacy of simple living. Walden emphasized the importance of reducing distractions and focusing on the essentials in life.

As believers, how might we “celebrate” National Simplicity Day?

Simplify to enjoy God’s goodness

Today is a great day to simply enjoy God’s goodness. Take some time to reflect on His blessings, even if you are going through hardship. Take some time to enjoy nature. Although July is HOT, this is a perfect time to stop and notice the beautiful flowers and trees. If you are heading to the beach, marvel in the power of the ocean (and remember me who wishes she were at the beach). If you are headed to the mountains, be in awe of their majesty (and remember me who loves mountains even more than the beach).

In His hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to Him. The sea is His, for He made it, and His hands formed the dry land. (Psalm 95:4-5)

The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of His hands. (Psalm 19:1)

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy. (Psalm 96:11-12)

Simplify our faith walk

Have we made our faith walk complicated? Have we put rules and expectations on ourselves that are not truly from God?

In the book of Matthew, we read what a Pharisee asked Jesus and His response:

“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?”

And He said to him, “You shall love the Lord you God with all you heart and with all your soul and with all you mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:36-40)

Where do we need to simplify and get rid of the noise and distractions that keep us from fully enjoying all God’s blessings? Let’s focus on the essentials, and let’s prioritize taking time with God to just be in His presence – to reflect on His blessings and to breathe.

Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)

By Jennifer Preston

For His Good Pleasure

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 07:00:08 GMT

New Title

Along our Christian journey, we will learn new things about God. I recall a specific example from my early days of following Jesus. Through the ministry of John Piper, I was introduced to the concept of God being pleased with certain things. That might be common knowledge to you, but it was something I hadn’t really considered. John Piper wrote a book titled The Pleasures of God , but you don’t have to read it to learn this concept. We just need to revisit a few verses we looked at earlier this week.

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure . (Philippians 2:12-13)

Notice the key phrase at the end. God doesn’t work in us begrudgingly or out of frustration. His continued work in our lives, no matter how small or slow it may seem to us, is for His good pleasure.

I am not a naturally patient person. Telling someone the same thing over and over again wears me out. But over the years, through the work of God’s Spirit and plenty of practice with my kids, I have grown in patience. I have learned how to show grace when instructing or correcting my kids for the 100th time. I have learned to enjoy the process of watching them grow, knowing I was and still am a work in progress as well. And since God is perfect in patience and grace, He is able to take pleasure in His persistent work in us.

You might be thinking, “why does this matter?” There are numerous applications of this idea but one that can help us in the context of Philippians 2:12-18. We need to know that God is not frustrated with us as we imperfectly work out our salvation. He isn’t frustrated because we do not always resist the urge to grumble and dispute. He isn’t frustrated because we sometimes struggle to trust Him in the midst of a hostile world. No, because we are in Christ, He sees the perfection of Jesus when He looks on us.

This should be an encouragement as we continue to work out our salvation. We may not see the results as quickly as we want, but God is taking pleasure in His work in us. So don’t lose heart. Instead, continue entrusting yourself to the One who justifies the ungodly (Romans 4:5) and faithfully work out your own salvation.

By Philip Jones

Philip and his wife, Stacy, have been attending Immanuel since 2015 and are blessed to be raising four kids. His passion in ministry is to help others follow Jesus through teaching, preaching, and personal discipleship.

Holding Fast to the World of Life

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 07:00:03 GMT

New Title

I love Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Chapter 3 has been the most influential section of the Bible in my life, specifically verses 7-10. This chapter was so important to me that I memorized it during college.

But I also love Philippians for the theme of perseverance. Consider some of the verses below:

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6)

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, striving side by side for the faith of the gospel. (Philippians 1:27)

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own…I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12, 14)

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)

Paul also gives us encouragement to persevere in our passage for this week. We are to be holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. (Philippians 2:16)

Paul knew the difficulties faced by the believers in Philippi. We face similar difficulties as we live “in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation.” In such times, we must be intentional to hold fast to Christ. What does this look like, practically?

One, be reminded of God’s promises. Keep verses such as Philippians 1:6, John 10:28, and Romans 8:37-39 memorized or written down so you can see them regularly.

Two, stay active with your church community. As Hebrews 10:25 says, we should be “encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Three, grow in fellowship with God through prayer and His word. As Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 1:12, it is his intimate knowledge of God that gives him confidence to persevere: I know whom I have believed and am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.

Take some time to evaluate how you are doing with these three ways to hold fast to Christ. And if you have a few extra minutes, read Philippians in one sitting to note all the references to perseverance.

By Philip Jones

Lights in the World

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 07:00:13 GMT

New Title

When we were in the middle of training our new puppy, we made numerous trips outside, we woke up earlier than normal, and we cleaned up a few messes. Let’s just say we were thankful for hardwood floors. If you’ve ever trained a dog, you know the importance of rewarding good behavior while scolding the bad. Eventually, the dog learns the expected behavior but likely never understands why.

I am thankful God doesn’t train us like dogs as we learn to follow Jesus. He gives reasons for His commands, so we understand the ‘why’ behind them. Consider what Paul says in Philippians 2:14-15: Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.

Paul could have simply told the Philippian church to do all things without grumbling or disputing. It isn’t a complicated command. But it isn’t an easy one, which is why it is important to see the reason for the command. Living with a non-grumbling attitude is directly tied to our witness as believers. Why is that?

It’s easy to grumble and dispute with others. It’s easy to find reasons to complain – about a bad boss, rambunctious kids, aggravating neighbors, incompetent leadership, or bad drivers. We live in a broken world with broken people, including ourselves. In this brokenness, grumbling and disputing come naturally.

In contrast to the grumbling world around us, God’s Spirit produces in us the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal 5:22-23). Since grumbling is so easy, displaying the fruit of the Spirit in all things causes our light to shine.

This doesn’t mean we can’t offer legitimate criticism when appropriate. But that shouldn’t be our default attitude. Instead, we look for God’s grace in all things so we can replace grumbling with a godlier response.

What situations bring out the most grumbling in you? Once you identify them, spend time reflecting on God’s grace so you can replace grumbling with the fruit of God’s Spirit. Ask God to change your heart and help your light shine.

Now please excuse me, I may still need to check on the puppy. There is a decent chance she has given me an opportunity to replace grumbling with patience.

By Philip Jones

Fear and Trembling

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 07:00:05 GMT

New Title

Fear can be an effective motivator. If I were being chased by a bear, the fear of being mauled would spur me on to run as fast and as far as I could; or at least faster and farther than others around me.

But fear doesn’t always involve being scared of something bad. I recall a different kind of fear the first time I held each of my kids. In the midst of the excitement, joy, and gratitude, I also felt the great weight of responsibility for what I held in my arms. This type of fear also motivates us as we strive to achieve a momentous task.

Paul seems to have this second type of fear in mind in Philippians 2:12 when he tells us to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling . The fear associated with working out our salvation is not the fear of losing our salvation if we fail to measure up. God has not forgiven us by grace only to require us to keep it by our performance. That is not the gospel.

Instead, the fear and trembling associated with working out our salvation is more like the experience of holding your child for the first time. You know the task at hand is more than you can handle on your own. You know the road will not be easy, but the rewards will be great. And you know you will stand before a holy God to give an account for how you responded to this gift of grace.

The author of Hebrews also makes reference to these two types of fear. When God gave the 10 Commandments, Israel had to approach God with a terrifying fear as they had no mediator like Jesus (Hebrews 12:18-21). But because of Jesus, we now come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem…and to God, the judge of all and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant (Hebrews 12:22-24). We come here with a reverent fear for our God is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29). The gospel changes the type of fear we have when approaching God.

When it comes to working out our salvation, we need consistent motivation. Take some time to ponder the great salvation given to you by God. Let this produce an appropriate fear, reverence, and awe so you continue to run the race before you. And don’t be motivated because a bear is behind you; be motivated because Jesus is before you (Hebrews 12:1-2).

By Philip Jones

Godly Workout

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 07:00:09 GMT

New Title

I am not one for New Year’s resolutions; but when I approached my mid-forties, I did do some resolving. Looking down the road, I want my body to hold up as best as it can. Knowing New Year’s resolutions rarely work, I tried to beat the system and started going to the gym in February. I got off to a decent start, but then life got busy.

Speaking of working out, I love Paul’s challenging and encouraging words in Philippians 2:12-13: Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Paul challenges the Philippian church and us to work out our salvation. To be clear, he isn’t telling us to work for our salvation. Jesus has purchased our forgiveness and acceptance before God, which is free to us by faith. Working out our salvation means we put forth effort to live out the salvation given to us. What does this look like?

We fight sin and resist temptation.
We love those around us, even when they are hard to love.
We stand for truth, even if it isn’t popular.
We show grace and mercy to the undeserving.
We live as humble servants.
We devote time to prayer and Bible study.

Just as a physical workout that benefits our bodies is not easy, working out our salvation isn’t easy either. In fact, it is impossible without the good news that Paul includes in verse 13: for it is God who works in you. God isn’t on the sidelines simply cheering us on or barking commands for us to work harder. No, He is working in us to give us the strength we need. He is working in us to produce endurance. He is working in us to make us more like Jesus, even if the process seems slow.

Now is not the normal time for people to make workout resolutions. But when it comes to working out our salvation, the best time to start is now. Take some time to consider the health of your walk with Jesus. What area needs some spiritual sweat?

And if you haven’t received Jesus’ gift of salvation, start with that simple act of faith today. If you aren’t sure what that means, any leader at Immanuel Baptist Church would love to talk with you.

By Philip Jones

Some Trust in...Chariots

Sat, 05 Jul 2025 07:00:00 GMT

New Title

Some Trust in…Chariots?

When I was a sophomore in high school, I had weekly Bible verse quizzes in my morning Bible class. One particular week, I was surprised with how short our memory verse was. Sometimes we had to memorize many paragraphs, and it could be challenging. But for that quiz day, we had to memorize just one little verse. I almost forgot to study.
 

Here’s the verse: Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will depend on the name of the Lord our God. (Psalm 20:7)
 

Maybe the reason my Bible teacher chose that verse was because it has such an important and timeless message. I still remember it to this day, and occasionally it will pop into my mind when I find myself trusting in something that may fade away – or something unworthy of my trust.

When I was a high schooler trying to understand what the verse meant, I noted that the Egyptians who trusted in their horses and chariots ended up at the bottom of the Red Sea once the Lord closed the path after the Israelites passed through. We don’t have chariots anymore, so I thought perhaps the modern equivalent would be cars. But then I realized that the “chariots” could be anything. We could be trusting in a job, our own intelligence, our family, our friends, our good looks, our money, our possessions. While it’s a good idea to have a trustworthy circle, it’s important to remember that anyone or anything can pass away or fail us -- except Christ.

Often, we discover our trust has been misplaced after we suffer a loss -- like a job or a relationship. Do you remember a time when you lost someone or something that mattered to you, and you realized you needed to lean on God more? He will never leave us, and He’s the only one we can fully count on.

I really like this quote, though I can’t remember where I first heard it: “Trust not in past victories but in the God who gave them.” Remember God is the one who gives us all that we have. He alone is worthy of our trust.

By Melissa Landon Schnell

Growing Together

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 07:00:13 GMT

New Title

Growing Together

This week we’re looking at Philippians chapter 2.

We’ve probably all seen some version of the movie where a detective is determined to solve a crime but is having trouble getting traction and is eventually removed from the case against his will. But instead of moving on to the next assignment, he boldly tosses his badge onto his boss’s desk and walks out to go solve the case on his own time. He’s the “rogue detective” and knows how to get things done; the world cannot stop him.

In our yard we have what I am calling the “rogue petunia,” and I think it’s up to something. We don’t know how or when this delicate pink flower invaded, but we didn’t plant it. Where did it come from? What is it doing?

I’ve watched enough nature shows to know that if a new plant or animal is introduced to an area it can set off a chain reaction. One new flower supports a new fungus, which attracts a new bug, which attracts a tiny bird, which attracts a predatory bird, which attracts nature documentary film crews.

Thinking about the implications of the rogue petunia has me reflecting on how in God’s creation, plants and animals do what they must do to survive and thrive. That’s their main “goal.” As people we are much more complicated, but as Christians we have one primary goal – to share the good news of Jesus to the world:

If then there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, sharing the same feelings, focusing on one goal. (Philippians 2:1-2 HCSB)

The rogue detective will not be stopped until he solves the case. The rogue petunia won’t stop until it eventually spawns a new ecosystem in my yard (or suffers a frost, whichever comes first).

You and I are rogues, too, because God calls us to be “in” the world but not “of” the world. Focus on the goal. Plant seeds with love, and the results just might surprise us.

By Mark Stuart

Based on Your Findings

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 07:00:08 GMT

New Title

Based on Your Findings

This week we’re looking at Philippians chapter 2.

I get a lot of questions from younger co-workers. While I like to imagine it’s because they think I will know the answer, it’s more likely just because I’ve been around the block a few more times. The dirty little secret is that even when they think I have answered their question, I often simply remembered what we did about the problem last time it came up and how we worked around the problem.

Last week a co-worker emailed me some data and asked a very specific question that had me scratching my head. I re-read the email and noticed that at one point he used the phrase “based on your findings” to justify his proposed plan of action. I inquired what specific findings of mine he was referencing, and he produced an email that I had written a few months ago about this issue; and once I read my own old explanation, I was able to answer his question.

It is humbling to tell a co-worker I don’t know the answer to their question, but at least that’s understandable – we can’t know everything. What’s extra humbling is when I need them to remind me of what I told them. It makes me wonder if I’m reaching the age where I need to start considering these verses in a new light:

Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. (Philippians 2:3-4 HCSB)

Of course, these verses apply directly to all of us regardless of age or circumstance – we need to humbly look out for the interests of others. But there are times we need to accept that others may be similarly trying to look out for us, and we need to not stand in the way of fulfilling this goal.

If a family member or neighbor offers us some help, we may not want to admit that we need it. Or maybe we really could manage without it but should accept their offer so they can have the blessing of putting our interests ahead of theirs.

We should not over-indulge on humble offers of support from those around us, but it’s got me to thinking. I know I could do a better job of looking out for those around me, but do I also need to do a better job of letting them look out for me?

By Mark Stuart

Pride, Fall, in that Order

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 07:00:11 GMT

New Title

This week we’re looking at Philippians chapter 2.

I shall tread lightly here for those with delicate sensibilities; but suffice to say, it was the worst diaper-related situation I ever handled. It was a humiliating situation for me, but not because I had to clean up what amounted to a homegrown bioweapon. As a parent you just do what you’ve got to do. What made it humiliating happened the week before.

I was in my late twenties and was helping lead a Bible study class for young couples. I had noticed that over the course of a few months we were starting class later and later because people were arriving late, and it was getting difficult to finish the class in time for our worship service. So finally, I broke down and good-naturedly, but firmly, announced that we really needed to be better about starting class on time. I worried that I had hurt some feelings, but mostly I was proud that I did what had to be done as a leader. But there were two reasons, both of which I was unaware of in the moment, that made my timing poor:

1) My lovely wife would be out of town the next weekend

2) The level of evil of which our toddler’s digestive tract was capable

So, the Sunday following my exhortations, fewer people were late to class than ever, but I was later than any of them had ever been because of cleaning up the mess at home. I was so late that I had no choice but to admit right on the spot that I had been a little insensitive the previous week and had learned a lesson right there in front of them.

Sometimes our feeble attempts at obedience can be humiliating. But obedience out of humility can be life-changing:

Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage. Instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men. And when He had come as a man in His external form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death - even to death on a cross. (Philippians 2:5-8 HCSB)

By Mark Stuart

Look at me Go

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 02:56:36 GMT

New Title

Look at Me Go

This week we’re looking at Philippians chapter 2.

Once upon a time I was on a treadmill in China. I was preparing for a half-marathon in which I hoped to achieve a certain finish time, so I was not going to let a little business trip to the other side of the globe spoil my plans. Spoiler alert: I do not recommend trying to achieve a time goal in a half-marathon mere days after you return from an international trip.

There I was, pounding away on the treadmill, feeling pretty good about myself. This was a nice hotel with attendants at desks at the entrance to the exercise area. I wondered what the odds were that those attendants had ever seen anybody run so fast on their treadmill, or for as long as I was running. Spoiler alert: Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly of spirit with the humble than to divide plunder with the proud. (Proverbs 16:18-19 HCSB)

After maybe thirty minutes of running, a man five to ten years older than I entered the room. He strode to the treadmill next to me without even a pause to stretch, jumped on it and cranked that thing to a higher setting than mine and just went to town. He didn’t even ramp up to that speed; he just went right for it. In my memory it was like having a cartoon character next to me with only his head visible atop a chaotic, whirling ball of limbs.

This startled me, but I was confident that within a few short minutes he’d be off to do something else in the gym – surely he was just showing off and his pace wouldn’t last. But he ran, and he ran, and he ran, and he ran. Eventually my workout ended, and I gave him a well-earned nod of respect when we made eye contact in the mirrored wall in front of us. Game recognizes game, as the kids say (or at least used to say).

As I passed the desk attendants, I remembered wondering if I was maybe the fastest guy they had ever seen in their gym, but now I had an answer. I wasn’t even the fastest guy they’d seen before breakfast.

Do you feel good about yourself today? I truly hope so. God loves you.

Do you feel superior to somebody else? Be careful.

Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. (Philippians 2:3 HCSB)

By Mark Stuart

The Queen

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 02:50:24 GMT

New Title

This week we’re looking at Philippians chapter 2.

I hope they take no offense, but I am generally uninterested in England’s royal family. I have nothing against them personally; I am just not much for ceremony (in high school I was voted least likely to engage in pomp). But I confess that after Queen Elizabeth II passed away, I enjoyed hearing some of the charming stories about her. My favorite one was told by Dick Griffin, the queen’s Royal Protection Officer, and apologies to those of you who already know the story.

The queen liked to hike with Griffin in an area near her castle, and once they encountered two American hikers. Knowing the castle was nearby, one hiker asked the queen, whom he did not recognize, if she had ever met the queen. Versions of this appear in multiple interviews and news stories:

Quick as a flash she said, “I haven’t, but Dick here meets her regularly,” Griffin recounted on Sky News. The hiker then asked Griffin what the monarch was like in person.

Because I was with her a long time and I knew I could pull her leg (tease her), I said, “Oh, she can be very cantankerous at times, but she’s got a lovely sense of humour,” Griffin said.

Delighted, the hiker then put his arm around Griffin’s shoulder and asked if he could have a picture of the two of them together.

Before I could see what was happening, he gets his camera and gives it to the queen and says, “Can you take a picture of us?”

The queen obliged, and then Griffin took the camera and took a picture of her with the pair of hikers.

Later, Griffin said, the queen told him: “I’d love to be a fly on the wall when he shows those photographs to friends in America and hopefully someone tells him who I am.”

It would be difficult to be humble when one is an earthly king or queen. How much more so if One was God?

As a Christian, I am amazed that God knows my name; but that should make me humble, not proud.

By Mark Stuart

A Lesson in the Sanctuary

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 07:00:13 GMT

New Title

Over the years, I’ve had many opportunities to worship in my husband’s home church in Pennsylvania. Late Christmas Eve services were my favorite, but there were also special music services, ministry celebrations, and weekly worship services, of course. On one occasion, my father-in-law was conducting a Christmas cantata, and we drove in from Kentucky to surprise them. I’ll never forget the looks on their faces (my mother-in-law was in the choir) when they say their young granddaughters toddling down the center aisle looking for hugs before the services started. (You can bet they got them too!)

We know The Church is a people not a building; and yet, the magnificent architecture, woodwork, and stained glass reaching high in that space has always been a tangible reminder to me that our God is big. And I am not. Yet somehow, I am His, and He is mine. What a miracle!

We were in that room again a few weeks ago for a difficult occasion. This time I was drawn to the organ pipes at the front of the sanctuary. I’ve seen them a million times, stacked one on top of the other, and front to back as well, with arms stretched from the floor to the rafters. We’ve sung many hymns to their glorious accompaniment, and I think it’s a small taste of what heaven will be like.

I commented to my husband how much I love the music from those pipes. “Not today,” he responded. “The organ isn’t attached. It’s been removed for repair.” I tried to wrap my mind around this. The pipes are there, looking as confident as ever, but they are utterly useless, nothing more than a decoration if the organ isn’t attached.

In that moment, God clearly pressed upon my heart this truth from His word: “Apart from me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Nothing. So why do we even try it? And yet, I know I can slip into the old pattern of not relying on Him.

The good news is… if we’ve placed our trust in Christ for salvation, we don’t have to worry about being separated from Him like the pipes from the organ. He promises to stay, and He promises to “keep” us. Like the organ, His Spirit does the work to produce the fruit He desires.

I pray this encourages you today. Our job is to lean into the things of the Lord. Abide in Him. He is the one who does the work, and He is faithful to complete it.

(Additional scriptures: John 14:4-8, Galatians 5:22-23, Psalm 139, James 4:8, Philippians 1:6, and Jude 24-25).

By Lori Barkley

Lori and her husband Jim attend the Armstrong Mill campus where she serves as a deacon. They have two daughters in college, Brynn and Katy.

Living By the Transforming Power of Christ in Us

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 07:00:05 GMT

New Title

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. (Philippians 1:27)

The apostle Paul imparts invaluable wisdom to the believers in Philippi, urging them to live out their faith with unity, courage, and a deep commitment to the gospel of Christ. These verses in Philippians 1:27-30 resonate with us today, encouraging us to uphold our faith and respond to challenges in a manner worthy of our calling.

Paul's call to "conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ" underscores the importance of aligning our behavior with the message we proclaim. Our lives should be living testimonies of the transformative power of the gospel. When we live in a manner consistent with our beliefs, our actions become a beacon of light, attracting others to the truth of Christ.

Paul emphasizes the unity of the believers, highlighting their responsibility to stand firm in the one Spirit and strive together as one for the faith of the gospel. This unity is crucial, especially in the face of opposition. When believers remain united and unafraid, it serves as a powerful testimony to those who oppose them. It demonstrates the strength of God's presence and promises in the midst of challenges.

The apostle acknowledges that suffering is an inevitable part of the Christian journey. Just as Christ suffered, believers are called to endure trials for the sake of the gospel. Paul reassures the Philippians that their suffering is not in vain; rather, it is a sign of their salvation and God's grace at work in their lives. Our suffering, when endured with faith, points to the reality of our eternal salvation and our trust in God's sovereignty.

Paul also reminds the Philippians that it has been granted to them not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for Him. This teaches us that suffering for His sake is not a punishment, but a privilege that allows us to participate in the fellowship of Christ's sufferings. As we face challenges, we can find comfort in knowing that we are sharing in a unique way in the experiences of Christ and the early apostles.

In our lives today, these verses urge us to maintain unity in the body of Christ, regardless of challenges or opposition. Let us strive to live in a manner worthy of the gospel and stand firm with courage. As we face suffering and trials, may we remember that our response to hardship is a testimony to the transforming power of Christ in us. Let's embrace the privilege of suffering for Christ's sake, knowing that it strengthens our faith and points others to the hope we have in Him.

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder and retired director of Lexington Rescue Mission and the author of JesusIsLordBlog.com

Living With Christ at the Center

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 07:00:26 GMT

New Title

Living With Christ at the Center

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21) .

In verses 21-26 of the first chapter in Philippians, the apostle Paul shares his deep and profound perspective on life and death. He writes about his unshakable commitment to living for Christ and his willingness to embrace death as a gain, as it would lead him into the presence of his Savior.

Paul begins by declaring that for him, life is synonymous with Christ. Every aspect of his existence is intertwined with his relationship with Jesus. His purpose, decisions, and actions are centered around Christ's teachings and example. This is a challenge for us today as well—to consider whether our lives truly reflect this same devotion to Christ.

Paul's statement that "to die is gain" reveals his unwavering faith in the eternal promises of God. He doesn't fear death; instead, he views it as a transition into an even closer communion with Christ. This perspective can inspire us to live with hope and assurance, knowing that death is not the end but a gateway to a glorious future.

Yet, even with this longing for heavenly glory, Paul acknowledges the importance of his earthly life. He recognizes the potential for fruitful labor while he remains in his physical body. He grapples with the tension between his desire to be with Christ and his sense of duty to serve and minister to others. This teaches us that our lives have purpose here on earth as we contribute to God's kingdom through our service and love for others.

Paul's conclusion—that it's more necessary for him to remain and continue his work among the believers—demonstrates his selflessness and commitment to others' growth in faith. He values their progress and joy in Christ above his personal desires. This challenges us to prioritize the spiritual growth and well-being of our fellow believers.

In our journey of faith, these verses encourage us to live with a Christ-centered purpose, viewing our lives as opportunities to serve God and others. They remind us that death is not the end, but a transition to a greater glory. Let's learn from Paul's example, cultivating a deep devotion to Christ and a sacrificial love for those around us. May our lives be marked by a passion for Christ that spills over into every facet of our existence, bringing glory to His name.

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder and retired director of Lexington Rescue Mission and the author of JesusIsLordBlog.com

There Is No Gospel Other Than The One Paul Preached

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 07:00:20 GMT

New Title

 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel… (Galatians 1:6).

There are many brands of religion that may appeal to the self-centered nature of sinful man, but Christianity is not one of them. In fact, the true Christian Gospel is offensive to the sensibilities of man. For it strips us of every excuse we may have that in some way God owes us His favor. Therefore, it takes away all the pride we have to come humbly to Christ. The Gospel tells us that the only thing God owes us is His condemnation and judgment. Anything else is a gift of His mercy and grace and is completely undeserved.

Moreover, we can’t pick and choose which Gospel to believe, because there is only one true Gospel. Paul spoke about this in his letter to the Corinthians. He wrote, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:23-24).

The Jews thought the Messiah would come as the promised King, who would right every wrong being done to the Jews. They couldn’t imagine that their King would first have to appear as a lowly, suffering servant. And the Gentiles thought it was foolish to believe in a dead man, who suffered a humiliating crucifixion, as the promised One who would save the world.

Then, there is the matter of works of righteousness. It only seems fair that God would require us to act righteously before God would treat us as being righteous. But God turns that idea completely upside down. The ones God will save are those who despair over their inability to be righteous. They must know they have nothing good to offer God, and whatever God is pleased to do for them is sheerly out of His mercy and grace. In this way, and this way only, man is indebted to love his Savior and Lord forever, and God receives all the glory!

Though we are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, we are still tempted to mix good works and faith together. And the Judaizers’ false gospel that deceived the Galatians combined the merits of Christ with the merits of those who became circumcised and obeyed the law. This was so egregious to Paul that he set out to write this stern epistle to the Galatian churches for their own eternal good.

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder and retired director of Lexington Rescue Mission and the author of JesusIsLordBlog.com

The Gospel Paul Preached Came Directly from Jesus Christ

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 04:00:19 GMT

New Title

I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ . (Galatians 1:11-12)

Paul, the author of Galatians, began his letter by declaring that he was an apostle sent directly by Jesus Christ and God the Father. It was important for him to establish his apostolic authority so they would pay close attention to his warning against believing what the Judaizers were teaching.

This was a serious matter because their teaching contradicted Paul’s earlier teaching that salvation was by faith alone in the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no room for obedience to the Jewish law in the true Gospel taught by Paul. If the Galatian believers had to be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses, then God’s grace would amount to nothing because it’s something that would have to be earned to be received.

There’s another reason the Galatian reader could improperly dismiss what Paul wrote. It could have been possible for the Lord to send Paul to be taught the Gospel by the other apostles. In that case, however, there would be room for human error as the doctrine was communicated from one person to another. So, Paul made it an important point to declare that the Gospel message itself came directly to him by revelation from Jesus Christ. It did not come by means of any human.

Paul wrote, For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Jesus never pointed to our obedience of the law as a way to gain favor with God. To the contrary, He always pointed to Himself as the way to God. When Thomas asked Jesus about the way to the place He was going, Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

Obedience to the commands of God is not a prerequisite for salvation; it is evidence that salvation has already taken place. For there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God (Romans 3:11). Therefore, “no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again” (John 3:3b). So, obedience follows salvation as a natural response that springs from the love, devotion, and gratitude that naturally flow from a heart changed by God.

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder and retired director of Lexington Rescue Mission and the author of JesusIsLordBlog.com

Paul’s Apostolic Authority Confirms His Teaching

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 04:00:15 GMT

New Title

Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— (Galatians 1:1)

Over the next few days, I will be highlighting several key thoughts from the first chapter of the incredibly rich letter to the people of Galatia. But before we dig into God’s Word, let’s first look at the context in which the apostle Paul wrote this letter.

Galatians is addressed to the churches in the region of Galatia, which is located in modern-day central Turkey. We can’t be sure of the year the book was written, but many believe it was written in the mid-to-late 40’s or early 50’s AD. Under one likely theory, Paul was addressing the churches that he and Barnabas had visited during their first missionary journey, prior to the Jerusalem Council in A.D. 49.

Paul wrote this letter in response to a report that the Galatian churches were suddenly taken over by the false teaching of certain Judaizers who professed Jesus yet sought to place Gentile converts under the requirements of the Mosaic Law. They told the Galatians, “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved” (Acts 15:1).

Paul denounced this idea. He insisted that only one thing is necessary for salvation: faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. (Read Acts 15:1-29 for the concurring decision reached by the Council.) Thus, to become a new person in Christ is to be set free from the requirement of the Jewish law.

Galatians chapter 1 was written as a strong defense of Paul’s apostleship, an affirmation of the Gospel of grace through faith in Jesus Christ and a warning against the false teaching of legalism. Paul passionately addressed the issues at hand, reminding the Galatian believers of the divine origin of his calling, the true nature of the Gospel message, and the freedom found in Christ alone.

Right from the beginning of the letter, Paul establishes his authority as an apostle called by Jesus Christ and God the Father. By doing so, he underscores the divine origin of his message and emphasizes the importance of listening to his teachings about justification by faith. His authority was not appointed by any humans, but he received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

Therefore, Paul’s divine appointment highlights the credibility of his teachings. It assures believers that his words carry spiritual weight and should be taken seriously. Any skepticism about Paul’s divine apostolic appointment can lead to doubts about the reliability of his epistles.

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder and retired director of Lexington Rescue Mission and the author of JesusIsLordBlog.com

All In

Sat, 21 Jun 2025 07:00:08 GMT

New Title

All In

Several years ago, our church had an “ALL IN” sermon series. In his messages, our lead pastor challenged the congregation on what it means to find your place in the church and find ways to dive in and serve in various areas of the church.

In essence, each member of the congregation is called to play a participatory role in our Lord’s Kingdom building agenda. We are not to be spectators but participants. Let’s get off the bench and get in the game!

One way to remember things we’ve read or heard is to generate an acrostic. I came up with one for the phrase, ALL IN, which I’d like to share with you. I encourage you to create your own, and I’d love to know what you come up with. Here we go:

A – Admit our need for Jesus and agree to partner with God and the global church . – For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. (1 Corinthians 3:9)

L – Let go of self and let God lead . In your serving, be humble. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. (Philippians 2:3)

L – Love, love, love . Yes, do everything out of genuine love from your heart and not from compulsion. Do it with the love of God that is in you. Never serve begrudgingly. Do everything in love. (1 Corinthians 16:14)

I – Immerse yourself in the work of the Lord, all for His glory . So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

N – Never look back and keep serving the Lord till the end . I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14)

So, there you have it, dear friends. We have been invited to participate in an ALL IN agenda. So, let’s reflect on how we can dive ALL IN to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the church, in our community, in our sphere of influence, or wherever God has us at this moment. We need to understand this: God moves mightily when believers cooperate and participate with Him. My prayer is that we will find our places to serve during this season of our lives – and beyond.

By George Donkor

George and his wife, Christiana, are proud parents of Annajoy and Elijah. They love serving Jesus together and showing Him to the world around them.

Win-Win

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 07:00:15 GMT

New Title

Win-Win

Valeria popped by my house bringing me a bouquet of birthday flowers from the Sunday School class – it was my birthday! What she didn’t know was that I had just that minute arrived back home from the hospital where my brother had died only an hour earlier. We were both surprised – I wondered how she knew (she didn’t), and she was surprised that the birthday flowers became sympathy flowers. She came in, and we had a sweet visit – an encouraging time for both of us – since she herself was in the process of dying.

Valeria was the poster child of child-like faith – the kind of faith I believe God truly enjoys. That doesn’t imply that she wasn’t biblically sound and smart – it just means that she had an unwavering trust in her heavenly Father -- a deep faith that made sense to her in every way. She was talking with me one time during this season of her life and was wondering why her family was so upset about it all. In her opinion, it was a win-win situation. If she got well, she’d get to enjoy her family and witness for Christ a little longer; if she didn’t get well, she’d see Jesus and her much-loved husband, who preceded her in death. Win-win.

That was Valeria – and that was also Paul! The apostle Paul was determined that Christ would be magnified in his body, whether by his life or by his death (Philippians 1:20).

As he was writing to the people in Philippi, he was in prison and sharing the gospel with those guarding him. Those who imprisoned him hoped to shut him up; however, just the opposite happened.

But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. (Philippians 1:12-14)

What looks to the world as bad news may actually turn out to be good news – as it did in Paul’s imprisonment. Are you willing to embrace the good news even when everything around you looks pretty much like bad news? Do you trust God with your life – and your death?

The end of this earthly life came soon for Valeria; the end also came soon for Paul. But for both, it was a win! Thanks be to God for His beautiful examples of trusting faith.

By Judy Shrout

The One Who Finishes What He Starts

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 07:00:13 GMT

New Title

… being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6)

Throughout the years, high school and college graduates have received cards of congratulations and encouragement – many of which included this important verse from Paul’s letter to the Philippians. It’s meant to encourage and challenge young people to stay close to the Lord and let Him continue to do His mighty work in them. It’s meant to challenge them to make good decisions and use wisdom in choosing their friendships.

And then it dawned on me that Paul was not writing to recent graduates – he was writing to adult believers! No matter our age or season of life, we still need to be encouraged to stay close to the Lord, to welcome His refining work in us, and to seek His wisdom as we make decisions and choose friendships.

Paul had no doubt in his mind about what he was saying. Paul was totally convinced, because He knew God – as he wrote to his precious young friend, Timothy: for I know whom I have believed… (2 Timothy 1:12).

He knew that God would keep on keeping on in the work He was doing in the Philippians. Paul was giving us a strong reminder that being a completed Christ-follower is a process. God is continually in the process of molding and shaping us into His vision. Paul was persuaded that God is able to keep what we commit to Him until the day of Christ (2 Timothy 1:12).

Paul knew the job would get done – God WILL complete it; He always finishes what He starts. But the timing of when it will get done is up to God and God alone. And that time is the day of Jesus Christ – the day when Jesus Christ returns.

Some of you may be mature Christians – you’ve been a Christ-follower for decades; but please know God still has some work to do in you! We are not perfected until He says so! And He hasn’t said so yet! In the meantime, our goal is to remain moldable, shapeable, usable – and joyful -- until God smooths out all our rough spots and brings us home with Him.

By Judy Shrout

A Model Prayer

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 07:00:12 GMT

New Title

Have you ever wondered how to pray for yourself? I’m not talking about praying in times of crisis; I’m talking about regular prayers for a consistent faith walk.

Paul’s prayer for the Philippians could be a good model -- a list of prayer points for our personal faith walk!

And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:9-11)

Point #1: Grow in love – let your love abound!

Question: Is your love for the Lord and His Word growing – even abounding? Do you find it hard to love the prickly people on your path? Are you praying for God’s love to so fill you that it spills out on others?

Point #2: Grow in knowledge - seek to know God more intimately by reading His Word and spending time with Him.

Question: Are you still learning? Are you still surprised and delighted with new insights from God’s Word?

Point #3: Grow in discernment - be sensitive to the convicting of the Holy Spirit.

Question: Are you discerning? Do red flags pop up in your mind when you encounter something that is contrary to the truth of God’s Word?

Point #4: Approve the things that are excellent - align our priorities with what God considers to be important.

Question: Do your priorities reflect the standard that God expects of His followers?

Point #5: Live a life of genuine faith and integrity – sincere and without offense.

Question: Is your weekday life consistent with the life you portray on Sunday?

Point #6: Make room in your heart for the fruits of righteousness – kick out of your heart and mind those things that we would consider “rotten fruit.”

Question: Is your life bearing the right kind of fruit? (Galatians 5:22-23)

Point #7: Examine the motivation for our actions. Who is glorified by what you’re doing?

Question: Do your actions draw attention and glory to yourself or do they point others to God?

Based on these prayer points, let’s pray this prayer for ourselves:

And this I pray, that MY love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that I may approve the things that are excellent, that I may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:9-11, Judy’s Personalized Version)

By Judy Shrout

Old Books

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 07:00:02 GMT

New Title

Recently I came across some books on my bookshelf – books I first read 50 years ago. All that I remembered about the books was that I really enjoyed them when I was in my late 20’s. I decided to re-read them and see if I could figure out why I kept them so long. As I was reading, I rediscovered treasures – profound treasures that mean even more today than they did when I was so much younger.

And that brings us to the book of Philippians, a letter from many years ago – a letter Paul wrote around the year 62. And, like the books I’ve been re-reading, perhaps each time you read this letter, you find a treasure you missed when you first encountered it – treasures that mean even more because of your life experiences and your growing walk with the Lord.

In today’s passage, we see in Paul a grateful, prayerful, and joy-filled heart: I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy… (Philippians 1:3-4)

He’s telling those Philippian saints (Philippians 1:1) that he remembers them, he’s thankful for them, he prays for them in every prayer of his, and he smiles when he thinks of them.

Perhaps you’ve referenced these verses to let someone know how much they mean to you. But today let’s take another look and ask ourselves some convicting questions about our own personal prayer life:

1 – When you’re thankful for someone, do you immediately thank them – and God, the giver of every good gift? Or do you blow off His blessings?

2 – If you say, “every prayer of mine,” how many are we talking about? Are you a Sunday pray-er, an emergency/disaster pray-er, or one who sadly says, “All we can do is pray” – not expecting much in the way of answers. Or do you continue in a state of prayer throughout the day?

3 – Is there anyone that you “always” include in your prayers? Are there some that you SHOULD always include in your prayers?

4 – Do you just ask God to heal that person’s illnesses, or do you pray that God would give that person every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms? Are your prayers for that person too small?

5 – What is your attitude in prayer? Are you smiling – just imagining God’s spectacular answers to your sincere prayers for that person? Do you joyfully enter the throne room of God – excited to be in His presence – anticipating His blessing?

Let’s examine our prayer habits and thank God for inspiring Paul to model a dynamic prayer life for us.

By Judy Shrout

What Kind of Letter are you Writing?

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 07:00:16 GMT

New Title

***** NOTE TO OUR READERS *****

For those of you who have been regular recipients of the IBC devotions, you may find that the devotions over the next several weeks sound familiar. That’s because we are giving our weekday writers a bit of a summer break and posting re-runs from a few years back. We hope you enjoy revisiting these and perhaps finding something in them you missed the first time around.

What Kind of Letter Are You Writing?

After the first day of summer camp, we were all encouraged to write our parents a letter telling them about camp. Apparently, my letter was quite descriptive of the abhorrent and despicable conditions in which I had found myself – having nothing in common with the other campers, musty cabins, suffocating heat and humidity that made little girls drip with sweat, contaminated swimming pool, gag-inducing food, moldy community showers where we showered in our bathing suits, counselors that were too young to “counsel” – along with the tidbit that my three cabinmates and I packed all our clothes in a huge laundry bag, hung it on hook, and took turns all night swinging the bag back in forth in front of our cabin door to keep us safe from perverted prowlers that we heard roamed the camp.

Upon receipt of my letter, my parents hurriedly drove to the camp to rescue me from the pit – only to find that I had acclimated beautifully to camp life, was having a blast, and wasn’t even thrilled to see them! They went back home, and only much later did I learn they had come to rescue me.

Contrast my little girl whiney letter with the beautiful, joyful, and encouraging letter that Paul wrote to the Philippians. And he certainly had reason to whine. For one thing, he still had that pesky thorn in the flesh that he had prayed numerous times for God to relieve. For another thing, he was in his fourth year as a prisoner in Rome. Although he was allowed visitors and was free to preach the gospel to his captors, he was not free to come and go as he pleased, nor allowed to engage with people in the marketplace, nor permitted to embark on another missionary voyage.

And yet… we discover that the theme (and tone) of Paul’s letter to the Philippians is JOY!! We’ll find that joy and contentment are attributes of a mature believer – attributes not related to circumstances, but attributes that flow out of a close relationship with Jesus Christ – the Creator of joy!

Despite his circumstances, Paul found joy-producing confidence when he fixed his attention on reasons to be thankful. And, most importantly, he found joy-producing confidence when he kept his focus on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

Are you apt to be a discontented whiner – bewailing the horrid circumstances of life? Or are you a mature or maturing believer determined to be an ambassador of joy to a world that needs an infusion of the love of Christ? What kind of letter are you writing with your life? It’s your choice.

By Judy Shrout

In Him All Things Hold Together

Sat, 14 Jun 2025 07:00:00 GMT

New Title

And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:17 ESV)

The golden leaves blanketed the ground as the echo of my daughter’s voice carried through the woods exclaiming she found the perfect leaf for her collection. These are the moments I prayed for . She runs to me and lays a red heart-shaped leaf in my hand. As I look at it, I’m reminded of all we have walked through the past several years with my daughter’s medical journey. Many days seem out of control but in this moment, I’m reminded how true the words are Paul writes in Colossians 1:17, “And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

Sometimes the reality of parenting a child who is medically complex brings me to my knees in fear. In these moments, I must remember that in Jesus all things hold together. Just as He created the heart-shaped leaf I was holding in my hand, He made my daughter’s heart too and by His grace gave her a new heart.

I’m reminded that all things exist because of Jesus, and I can trust her life in His hands.

Friends, when our fear wants to try and take control of our emotions, we can remember that He holds all things together when the unexpected occurs. The same God who is holding the universe together is holding you, too.

I’m not sure what your reality looks like today – the worries that keep you up at night, the phone call you are dreading to make or receive, or the day-to-day tasks of trying in your own strength to control your surroundings in hopes of alleviating your anxieties. But one thing I have learned is that Jesus holding all things together is a true reality and something we can rest in. Even before we knew we needed Him, He was taking care of us, dying on the cross, and creating a way for us to be with Him even before we took our first breath.

Is there any area in your life that you need to relinquish into the hands and control of God? Do you need to remember that in Jesus ALL things hold together – even those things that are troubling you today?

By Lauren Hill

Lauren attends IBC-Georgetown Campus. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Adam, and is the mother of Story and Violet .

The Hallelujah Chorus

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 07:00:02 GMT

New Title

After our Sunday School class ended one Sunday, one of the young girls told me she had committed the unforgiveable sin and was going to hell. The fact that she had sinned was not a shock to me (since we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God), but the belief in an unforgiving God was more than a bit troublesome. I asked her if she had repented and asked God to forgive her. She said she did that every day. I then asked her who told her God wouldn’t forgive her, and she said it was her preacher at a previous church (now that was what shocked me). After I gave her my opinion of that misinformed pastor, we missed the worship service and found Scripture proof of a forgiving God – and we prayed together one last prayer of repentance for that sin and chose to believe in a God who loves us and forgives all things (1 John 1:9).

And now… that brings us to the Hallelujah Chorus of Romans 8. Every instrument in the orchestra is now being played with supernatural strength, and the singers are praising God with every breathe – as Paul confidently affirms his strong belief that NOTHING can separate us from the love of God.

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)

Perhaps some false teachers had caused believers to worry that they could lose their salvation. Frustrated, Paul may be thinking, “What about NOTHING do you not understand? Do I need to spell it out for you. Yeah, I guess I do!”

Would you join me in repeating out loud (or loudly thinking) the things Paul listed – along with perhaps a fist-pump “NO!” in response to the big question of what can separate us from the love of God:

Death? NO!
Life? NO!
Angels? NO!
Principalities? NO!
Powers? NO!
Things present and things to come? NO!
Height or depth? NO!
Any… other… created… thing? NO!

Do you think maybe Paul added that one last point because some people were trying to come up with more reasons to believe they could somehow be separated from God’s love? Can’t you just see him throwing his arms up in the air on that last one and shouting to the rooftops:

NOTHING CAN SEPARATE YOU FROM THE LOVE OF GOD WHICH IS IN CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD!

If that’s not a Hallelujah Chorus, I don’t know what is!

By Judy Shrout

Game Over

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 07:00:03 GMT

New Title

The 2025 NCAA Basketball Tournament organizers thoughtlessly scheduled my team’s game during the exact time I was committed to be a part of a Bible study at church. So, not wanting to put basketball ahead of God, I went on to the study and recorded the game for later viewing. After the Bible study session ended, I learned that the game was over, and my team had won!

When I got home, I watched the whole game – fast-forwarding through timeouts, commercials and halftime comments – with a calm smile on my face, no worrying, no beating my head against the wall, no knots in my stomach – totally enjoying my popcorn. Because… I knew how the game would end; I knew my team would win. In fact, they had already won!

And then it hit me. Why are we not smiling? Why are we worrying? Why are we beating our heads against the wall? Why do we have knots in our stomach? Haven’t we already won?

Paul wrote, … in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (Romans 8:37)

We know that there is an evil one who has his own game plan for us – a plan to distract us and confuse us, cause us to doubt that we are enough, cause us to feel defeated and give up. In spite of all that and more, Paul reminds believers that because Christ is in us, we don’t just win – we are “more than conquerors” – over-the-top conquerors! The Amplified version makes an even stronger statement: Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us [so much that He died for us]. In other words, we don’t just win; we win BIG.

Do you think perhaps God wants us to know that He has already won big, so that we’ll quit worrying about stuff and live into our kingdom purpose with confidence, peace, and a calm smile on our face – and no knots in our stomach?

And another thing… did you notice that Paul did not write that we WILL BE more than conquerors – he wrote that we ARE more than conquerors ! The winner has been declared! If you’re wondering how I know, take some time to read straight through the book of Revelation – and you’ll get what Anne Graham Lotz calls “A Vision of His Glory.”

So, dear believer, stand tall, lean into the truth of God’s promises, and live like the victorious over-the-top conqueror that God says you are!

By Judy Shrout

The Love of Christ

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 07:00:21 GMT

New Title

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  (Romans 8:35)

When I first read the question in this passage, I was thinking a list of people or types of people would soon follow that “who” question. However, I discovered that the little word for “who” is also translated “what.” So, let’s consider that Paul is asking us “ What do you think could separate you from the love of God?”

And another thing to note: the question is asking what can separate us from the love of Christ – not our love for Him. We, being more human than we’d like to think, can be wishy-washy in our love for Christ; but NEVER does He waiver in His love for us, His believing children. In Psalm 136, the psalmist tells us TWENTY-SIX TIMES that “His faithful love endures forever.” The psalmist himself experienced many, if not all, of the circumstances named in this passage – circumstances in which God’s faithful love was there for him over and over and over again.

As Paul is writing these words, he too is speaking from experience – having encountered every one of those circumstances – yet in all those situations, he, like the psalmist, discovered that God’s faithful love endures forever.

When the tornado hit just south of us in London, KY, I heard a young man calmly tell TV reporters that Jesus had mercy on him and his family, that he was blessed – even as the cameras showed us the toothpick-like ruins of his home and the obliterated bathtub where he protected his mom. And later, when asked some other questions, he responded, “I have everything I need” – which is reflective of David’s words in Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need (Psalm 23:1, CSB).

Tribulation. Distress. Persecution. Famine. Nakedness. Peril. Sword. All horrible circumstances in our fallen world.

When you experience the tragic circumstances of this earthly life, I hope, even in the midst of them, you will see that the unchanging and faithful love of God surrounds you and you have everything you need – in Him.

By Judy Shrout

The Security of His Provision

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 07:00:02 GMT

New Title

The Hymn of Security (Romans 8:31-39) continues with this verse:

He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? (Romans 8 :32)

Would you stretch your imagination with me? Visualize brand new parents, after welcoming their precious baby into the world, looking at that baby and saying, “We gave you life. Our work is done. Good luck with the rest of your journey – you’re on your own.” And then they neglect to feed, clothe, hug, discipline or encourage that child.

Think about it. Do you think that once we repented, accepted the gift of salvation, and received new life in Christ, God stepped back and left us on our own? This verse is another rhetorical question – with the implied answer being “Of course not!” He gave us life, eternal life, but also promised to never leave or forsake us on our journey (Matthew 28:20).

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

Jesus’ work on the cross is finished, but He is NOT finished with us. And if He did all that for us when we were still sinners (His enemies), how much more freely will He provide everything we, His children, need to fulfill the purpose He has for us?

Some understand Romans 8:32 to mean that God freely “forgives” us all things – referring to every sin that a believer might commit.

If you’ve walked with the Lord very long, you know that He is still in the business of giving and forgiving. He is a good, good Father who wants you to have everything you need – whether it’s a clean slate, fresh start, courage, wisdom, peace, or patience.

Are you lacking anything you need to walk courageously in this world?

Jesus told us exactly what to do, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened… If you then… know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!  (Matthew 7:7-11)

Don’t quit asking, don’t quit seeking, don’t quit knocking. The giver of “every good and perfect gift” (James 1:17) still has some things for you!

By Judy Shrout

The Music of Romans 8

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 07:00:01 GMT

New Title

A few years ago, I was talking with a friend on her landline phone; and while she went to get something, I heard beautiful calming music playing in the background. When she returned, I asked about the music; and she laughed and said, “I have the TV on – it’s just the background music to Matlock.”

When I read Romans 8, I sometimes imagine background music accompanying the message. At the beginning of the chapter is that calming music assuring me that there is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus (v.1).

The music gradually becomes a bit fuller as Paul writes that he considers that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (v.18).

The music continues to build momentum as we are reminded of what we should know: that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose (v.28).

And now as we approach the last part of Romans 8, a portion of Paul’s writing that John MacArthur calls A Hymn of Security, we can imagine the trumpeters and trombonists taking a deep breath for this last stretch and the percussionists getting ready to hit everything they have sticks for!

Let the crescendo begin!

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (v. 31)

These are rhetorical questions – posed to provoke thought. Paul is trying to get the attention of his readers, because he knew there were (and still are today) believers who have been misled in their thinking. They don’t fully believe that God is FOR us. That’s one of the effective ways the evil one uses to cause us to doubt our salvation: causing believers to think God is always mad at them.

The teeny word translated “if” in this verse actually means “because.” Because God is for us, who can be against us?

Dearly beloved of God, do you realize that there is no one anywhere who is more FOR you than God? Do you really think that He who gave His only Son for you would be AGAINST you? There will be people who will be against you in this world, but not God! Would you join me in praying that we live out our faith in supreme confidence that the One who is FOR us is empowering us and cheering us on? Let the cymbals clang!

By Judy Shrout

It's not What You Know...

Sat, 07 Jun 2025 07:00:04 GMT

New Title

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9 NLT)

Around my house, I’m known for being pretty good at solving puzzles on Wheel of Fortune. My family often tells me I should go on the show. I always feel especially proud when I figure out the puzzle before the three contestants know the answer. (Truthfully, that doesn’t happen as often as I would like.) But I’ll be the first to admit I certainly don’t know everything. Not even close. Most of us rely heavily on Google and Siri to answer our countless questions. Yet, even with so much information readily available, we can’t even begin to comprehend why certain things happen as they do. Thankfully, we know the One who does!

God doesn’t just know a lot of things about a bunch of stuff; His wisdom and knowledge are limitless and infinite. Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! (Romans 11:33). What a comfort it is to know that our God is holy, good, loving, wise, and unchanging. Though we cannot see beyond the here and now, our Heavenly Father has known the number of our days from the very beginning (Psalm 139:16). He is perfect in all knowledge (Job 37:16). We can trust him with our uncertainties because he cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).

The Lord’s ways are exceedingly higher than ours—far beyond what we could even imagine (Isaiah 55:8). Even so, our Father invites us to draw near to Him, to know Him more! We can bring our questions to Him when we feel frustrated by what we do not understand. We are incapable of having all knowledge, but we can rest in the assurance and hope that the future is in the hands of our loving Heavenly Father. For who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to give him advice? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things (Romans 11:34, 36a).

Today, let’s ask the Lord to help us remember that though we are limited creatures, we can trust Him completely with what we do not understand because He knows and loves us perfectly.

By Jessica Fox

Jessica is an early childhood teacher and pastor’s wife. She and her husband, Travis, have been married for 23 years and attend Immanuel Baptist Church at Armstrong Mill with their three teenage children.

God Works All Things for Good

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 07:00:00 GMT

New Title

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 NIV)

Life often brings moments of confusion when events don’t seem to make sense. From unexpected trials to deep heartbreak, there are times when we can’t help but wonder why God allows such pain in our lives. It’s in these moments that Romans 8:28 offers one of the most comforting promises in Scripture: God is at work, and He is using every situation—yes, every single one—for good.

Notice that this verse doesn’t say “all things are good.” Grief, pain, and suffering are real, and they hurt. God isn’t downplaying your struggles or dismissing your feelings. But He is assuring us that even the hardest and most painful parts of life aren’t wasted. He can take what is broken and use it for His purpose, weaving it into a bigger and better plan for our lives—one that leads us closer to Him.

This promise is for "those who love Him and are called according to His purpose." That means it’s not a general statement for everyone; it is deeply personal and specific to those who trust in Christ. If you’re a follower of Jesus, you can rest in the assurance that no matter what happens in your life, God is working behind the scenes to bring good out of every situation. Even when you don’t see it or understand it, He is shaping you into the person He created you to be.

Consider Joseph’s story in Genesis. Betrayed by his brothers and imprisoned unjustly, Joseph endured years of suffering. But in the end, he was able to say, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20). God can take even the most painful circumstances and turn them into something beautiful.

Today, entrust your struggles to God. Remember that He loves you and is working every detail of your life into His perfect plan. The road might not always be easy, but you can trust that His purposes are always for your ultimate good and His glory.

Father, thank You for the assurance that You are working all things for good in my life. Even when I can’t see Your hand, help me trust in Your plan and Your love. Give me peace to know that nothing is wasted and that You are always in control. Use my challenges to draw me closer to You. In Jesus name, Amen.

Tomorrow, we’ll explore the security and eternal plan God has for those who trust in Him.

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com, FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

The Spirit Helps Us in Our Weakness

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 07:00:04 GMT

New Title

The Spirit Helps Us in Our Weakness

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. (Romans 8:26–27 NIV)

Life is overwhelming at times. Moments come when we don’t have the strength to keep going, and prayer feels impossible. Words fail us; the weight of our circumstances makes it hard to express what’s in our hearts. But in those moments of weakness, there is a glorious truth: we are never alone. God’s Spirit steps in to help us when we cannot find the words or strength ourselves.

Paul emphasizes that the Spirit works within our deepest struggles, taking our groans and brokenness and turning them into prayers that align with God’s will. This truth is both comforting and empowering. It reminds us that prayer is not about having the "right" words—it’s about the Spirit living in us, connecting our hearts to God’s perfect purpose.

When you’re overwhelmed by grief, weighed down by anxiety, or simply unsure of what to say, take heart: the Spirit understands what you need even when you don’t. He intercedes on your behalf with a wisdom and love far beyond your own. God doesn’t just hear your prayers; He listens to the Spirit’s groaning for you, ensuring that your needs are brought before Him perfectly.

This means that in your weakest moments, your connection to God is still strong—not because of your ability to pray but because of the Spirit’s power and faithfulness. All you have to do is be present with God, even if all you can offer is silence or tears. The Spirit does the rest.

Today, bring your burdens to God, no matter how messy or inarticulate they feel. Rest in the assurance that the Holy Spirit is interceding for you, translating your pain and needs into the language of heaven. Let weakness drive you to dependence on the God who carries you through.

Holy Spirit, thank You for being my helper in times of weakness. When I don’t know what to say, when I don’t have the words or the strength to pray, I trust that You are speaking for me. Teach me to rely on You and to rest in Your presence, knowing that You guide me in accordance with God’s perfect will. In Jesus name, Amen.

Tomorrow, we’ll reflect on how God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.

By Jim Connell

God's Plan is Secure and Eternal

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 15:56:29 GMT

New Title

For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. (Romans 8:29–30 NIV)

One of the most comforting truths in Scripture is that God’s plan for us is not only eternal but also unshakable. In these verses, Paul lays out what has been called “the golden chain of salvation.” From beginning to end, our salvation is a work of God—foreknown, predestined, called, justified, and glorified. Every step is secure because it’s held by God’s sovereign hand.

Paul reveals a breathtaking reality: our story with God didn’t begin when we responded to Him in faith. It began before the foundation of the world, when God foreknew and predestined us to be His own (Ephesians 1:4). His purpose? That we would be “conformed to the image of His Son.” God’s ultimate goal isn’t just to rescue us from sin but to transform us, making us more like Jesus in character, love, and obedience.

Not only did God foreknow us, but He also called us. This is not a vague, general invitation—it’s a personal and effectual call that brought us into a saving relationship with Him. And those He called, He also justified, declaring us righteous through faith in Jesus. Finally, He glorified us. Notice that Paul speaks of this in the past tense—it’s as good as done. Even though we haven’t yet experienced glorification fully, God views it as completed because His plan is absolutely certain.

This truth brings incredible security and peace. Our salvation doesn’t depend on our performance but on God’s grace and sovereignty. Though we may stumble, He will carry us through to the end. From eternity past to eternity future, God’s plan is unfolding, and it cannot fail.

Today, live with the confidence that your future is secure in God’s hands. No trouble, struggle, or weakness can separate you from His eternal purposes for your life. He is faithful to finish the good work He has begun in you (Philippians 1:6).

Father, thank You for Your unshakable plan and the assurance that my salvation is in Your hands. Help me trust in Your faithfulness, knowing that You are working to make me more like Jesus and that my future with You is secure. Give me peace and confidence in the reality of Your eternal love and purpose. In Jesus name, Amen.

End your week reflecting on the certainty of God’s plan for your life and how it brings peace and hope in every circumstance.

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com, FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

Creation's Longing for Redemption

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 01:45:12 GMT

New Title

For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration... in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. (Romans 8:19–21(NIV)

Have you ever noticed how the natural world reflects both breathtaking beauty and deep brokenness? A sunrise over a mountain range can fill us with awe, yet natural disasters remind us of the chaos and pain in creation. This tension speaks to a truth that Paul illuminates in Romans 8: creation itself is longing for renewal, waiting for the day when God’s children are glorified and all things will be made new.

Paul describes creation as being "subjected to frustration," bound to decay because of human sin that disrupted God’s perfect design. But this frustration is not the end of the story. Just as believers anticipate the fullness of their redemption, creation as well groans in expectation of its own restoration. It eagerly looks ahead to a future where it too will be set free from its bondage.

This truth reminds us of two things. First, the brokenness we see around us—whether in nature or in our own lives—is not permanent. The suffering and decay we witness are temporary because God has a plan to redeem not just humankind but all of creation. Second, our lives are intricately connected to God’s cosmic purposes. When God brings His children into their full glory, it will signal the renewal of everything He has made.

This hopeful vision encourages us to see the world through God’s eyes. While we grieve the brokenness around us, we have the privilege of stewarding creation in ways that reflect God’s care and His redemptive purposes. Whether it’s tending a garden, cleaning a polluted space, or simply marveling at the beauty of creation, we can honor God by anticipating the renewal He has promised.

Today, as you go about your daily routine, take a moment to notice the natural world. Let its beauty and brokenness remind you that God is working to make all things new. He is not only redeeming you but His entire creation.

Father, thank You for the beauty of creation and the promise of its renewal. Help me see Your hand at work in both the beauty and brokenness around me. Give me hope for the day when all will be restored, and teach me to be a good steward of Your creation in the meantime. In Jesus name, Amen.

Tomorrow, we’ll look at the Spirit’s role in helping us through times of weakness.

By Jim Connell

The Glory That Awaits

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 01:34:59 GMT

New Title

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18 NIV)

This week, we invite you to journey with us through Romans 8:18–30, a passage overflowing with hope, comfort, and assurance for every believer. In these verses, the apostle Paul lifts our eyes above the struggles of daily life to a sweeping vision of God’s purpose—a purpose that includes our future glory, the renewal of creation, the Spirit’s help, God’s loving sovereignty, and the unbreakable security of His plan. Each day, we’ll explore a life-changing truth from these verses, drawing strength for today and hope for tomorrow in the promises of God.

Life is undeniably filled with struggles. Sickness weakens us, relationships break, and grief often feels too heavy to bear. As believers, we cling to the promise that our pain is not meaningless. In Romans 8:18, Paul reminds us of a truth that carries us through: our current suffering is temporary, and it pales in comparison to the eternal glory that lies ahead.

Paul, no stranger to suffering himself, is not dismissing our pain. He knew what it was to face hardships—physical persecution, emotional burdens, and spiritual battles. Yet, he also knew something far greater: that all the suffering of this life would one day fade in the glorious presence of God. The “glory” he speaks of refers to the full realization of our salvation—when we are glorified, fully redeemed, and dwell with God in a new heaven and new earth forever.

This perspective doesn’t minimize our pain but draws our eyes heavenward to what God has promised. It reminds us that no matter how dark the valley we’re walking through, there is an indescribable joy and peace awaiting us. This future hope doesn’t erase the difficulty of today but gives us strength to endure it. It allows us to persevere, knowing that every trial is refining us and preparing us for something far greater.

Are you weary today? Take heart in this promise: your suffering will not last forever. Hold on to the hope that comes from knowing what is ahead—an eternal, unshakable reality where sorrow will be no more. Let this eternal perspective shape how you navigate today’s challenges.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the hope of eternal glory. In the midst of my struggles, help me keep my eyes on You and the promises of what is to come. Strengthen me to endure today, knowing that my present suffering will pass, and Your glory will shine forever. In Jesus name, Amen.

Tomorrow, we’ll explore how all creation joins in anticipation of redemption.

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com, FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

Change

Sat, 31 May 2025 10:00:08 GMT

New Title

Change

The last 3 months have been a whirlwind. In March, I stood for 24 hours supporting pediatric cancer and raising money for the DanceBlue Clinic at the University of Kentucky Children’s Hospital. In April, I had a dream internship at Keeneland and was there around 60 hours. This May, I completed my degree in Finance and Accounting, graduated, moved out of my college house, and said goodbye to the only city I have ever lived in: sweet Lexington.

Let’s just say, I am not very good with change. And yet, change came anyway. Fast, overwhelming, and all at once.

In the middle of this season, I’ve been reminded of the one thing that hasn’t changed – God’s faithfulness. When everything familiar was packed away – my schedule, my routines – I found myself clinging to the only constant I have ever truly had: Him.

Hebrews 13:8 reminds us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Those words have never been more true. My life today is nothing like 3 weeks ago, and my life 3 months from now will be different from my life today. Jesus Christ is the same throughout it all. He is good. He is faithful. He is a provider. And so much more.

When I’ve felt anxiety about what’s next or nostalgia for what I’m leaving behind, I remember that I’m not walking into the unknown alone. The God who was with me in the classrooms and library study sessions, the God who gave me strength during DanceBlue, the God who opened the door at Keeneland – is the same God walking with me into this new chapter.

Change may be hard, but it’s also holy. It’s where God stretches our faith, reminds us of our dependence on Him, and shows us that He is enough – even when everything else shifts. So today, I’m learning not just to cope with change, but to praise God in it. Because if I trust the One who never changes, I can walk boldly into whatever comes next.

Where in your life are you resisting change? Do you think God might be inviting you to trust Him more deeply in that area?

By Raegan Peterson

This is Raegan’s final devotion for us. She is moving to Ohio and will no doubt soon be blessing others with her words. She has been writing for our IBC readers for four years.

Heirs with Christ

Fri, 30 May 2025 07:00:13 GMT

New Title

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. (Romans 8:16-17)

Much of our understanding of what it means to be an heir and receive an inheritance centers around what happens when someone dies. But what does it mean to be a fellow heir with Christ? After all, God is eternal; He is not going to die.

There is an expectation throughout Scripture that God has prepared a marvelous future for His children – those who have been born again through Christ and adopted into the family. Jesus himself said “ I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2). We catch other glimpses of the future God has prepared for us, but we do not even begin to comprehend what that future will be.

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (1 Corinthians 2:9)

This promised inheritance provides the child of God with hope and assurance.

Paul has utilized the picture of adoption in this passage, and it is helpful to consider how his initial readers would have understood an inheritance as it relates to adoption. While a biological child could be disowned or disinherited, historians tell us that a Roman could not disown or disinherit an adopted child. Once adopted, the future was secured.

This promise of an inheritance, and other promises that follow, are not general promises to everyone. They only apply to the child of God. So, how do you know if these promises apply to you?

1 - Paul says The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit . The Spirit dwells within each believer to instruct, to convict, to comfort, to remind, to sanctify, to lead, and to assure us of our position as a child of God. The work of the Spirit within will be reflected in the way we live.

2 - The apostle says that we will suffer with him. There are bumps in the road, difficulties, and growing pains after an adoption. The same is true for us after we come to Christ. Paul says there will be suffering, but it is for His glory. The evidence that we are indeed heirs with Christ will show up in the way we handle suffering. The promise of our inheritance is not only hope for the future; it is help for today as we navigate through the challenges of life.

Adopted

Thu, 29 May 2025 07:00:11 GMT

New Title

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God… (Romans 8:15-16)

It was March 31, 2003, when we found ourselves in a courtroom in the city of Kemerovo, Russia for an adoption proceeding. My first memory of that proceeding was seeing the paperwork we had completed, had notarized and apostilled sitting in a large binder on the judge’s bench – a reminder that we had met all the requirements and done all we could do to bring us to this moment. I was allowed to address the court, which of course was interpreted by Lena, who was both our interpreter and our advocate that day. Finally, the judge announced her decision, after which Lena turned to us and said “Congratulations, he is your son.” The adoption was complete, but the adventure had just begun.

We were able to pick Zak up from the orphanage the following afternoon. Melanie quickly changed him into an outfit we had brought from home. In just a few minutes we left behind old clothes and the orphanage and walked out the door into a brand-new life. The next day I returned to Kemerovo to pick up the final paperwork. In that packet was a birth certificate with our names listed as the parents. It was as if it had always been so. While the adoption was granted in a moment, it would take time for our son to realize what all that meant.

The same is true for those come to Christ. There is no requirement to understand all the theological details to be adopted into God’s family. All that needed to be done was accomplished by Christ in His death and resurrection. We need only confess our sin, believe in His finished work, and confess Him as Lord. At that moment, the Holy Spirit begins the work of sanctification, conforming us to the image of Christ, making it real to us that we have indeed been adopted into the family, that with all the redeemed of all the ages we can now cry out “Abba! Father!”

Perhaps you are reading this today and find yourself still wearing an ill-fitting life, living in the orphanage of sin. Let me assure you that God has a new life prepared for you, a life you cannot even begin to imagine – just on the other side of the door. Would you open the door to Him today and walk into a brand-new life? It’s a good day for an adoption.

By Jesse Smith

Spirit of Adoption

Wed, 28 May 2025 07:00:15 GMT

New Title

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” (Romans 8:15)

After landing at Domodedovo in Moscow around 8:30 in the morning, we found ourselves in a cab making our way across the city to the KLM Airlines office. Traveling by car in Moscow is an anxiety-producing experience. There is a line or barrier to divide the sides of the roadway, but aside from that, there did not appear to be any definite rules. I eventually shifted my focus from the erratic driving and traffic to the surroundings: the architecture, the buildings, the people, and to the purpose that had brought us to Moscow.

It was in these moments that I was reminded of this verse, and it really came into focus. We had just returned from the city of Novokuznetsk where we had met a sixteen-month-old boy that had spent his entire life in the hospital or the orphanage. Just prior to our second visit with him, we were able to meet with the orphanage personnel to learn all that we could about this child. During the subsequent visit with this little boy, I leaned over to my wife and said, “Whatever the obstacles… whatever it takes… we are going to adopt this little one.” The decision was made; we had chosen to love him.

In this verse, as well as other passages, Paul uses the picture of adoption to describe how we become God’s children. Before we could be adopted into the family, knowing all about us, the Father purposed to do whatever it took to redeem humankind. The cost was that He gave His Son in our place (John 3:16).

To be set free from slavery in Roman times was no small thing. While you might be free, you were still marked with the stigma of slavery. To be adopted was quite another thing. It was to be chosen. To take on the name, the heritage, the status, and the promise, and the security of a new family. In all reality, it was to become a new person no longer identified by your old life.

Sounds familiar does it not? It is a beautiful picture of what happens when we come to Christ.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

This is a familiar verse, but I suspect we sometimes, or perhaps often, read it without grasping the weight of its meaning. In Christ, you have become a new person; you have been adopted into His family.

By Jesse Smith

Led by the Spirit

Mon, 26 May 2025 22:42:21 GMT

New Title

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. (Romans 8:14)

Paul’s assertion here is simple: those who are led by the Spirit are God’s children. Being led by the Spirit is evidence of genuine faith, evidence of the redemptive work of Christ. The opposite is also true. Those who are not being led by the Spirit are not the children of God. Being led by the Spirit is not an option that the believer can choose or decline; it is essential to the child of God.

So, what does it mean to be “led by the Spirit?” We tend to think of this in a very task-oriented or transactional way. We have a decision to make that we do not feel we can make on our own, so we turn to God for guidance. We are trying to decide what house to buy, whether we should relocate for a job, or make some other decision where we realize that our choice will have long-lasting consequences. We want to know God’s will in making these big decisions. We want Him, through His Spirit, to lead us (or, honestly, just to give His input) in making the decision.

The problem with this approach is not that we seek God’s direction in big decisions. The problem is that we do not seek to follow the Spirit’s leading in all decisions. This sort of transactional approach to being led by the Spirit keeps us in charge. It allows us to determine where, when, and perhaps even if we follow the Spirit’s lead.

In writing to the church at Galatia, the apostle Paul would describe the Spirit-led life this way:

But I say, walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be responsive to His guidance], and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature [which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts]. (Galatians 5:16 Amplified Bible)

In Christ, we have been given the Spirit, who perfectly knows the Father’s will, to walk alongside us, to comfort, to instruct, to convict, to remind, and to lead us. The challenge for you and me, as it was for the believers at Rome and Galatia, is to consistently walk in the power of the Spirit, and according to His direction. We are to follow His direction in all things, not just seek His input as one voice amongst many.

By Jesse Smith

Freed to Serve

Mon, 26 May 2025 07:00:20 GMT

So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. (Romans 8:12-13)

This Apostle Paul draws a conclusion here based on the preceding passage, which begins with the declaration that there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ and that we have been freed from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:1-2). That is quite a declaration of freedom. Now we have this conclusion that we are debtors. If we are free, what are we debtors to?

At some time or other, most of us have gone into debt for a home, a vehicle, a business, etc. We have taken on this debt because of our choices, both good and bad choices. We are familiar with the impact debt can have on our lives and prospects for the future. The same is true spiritually; the choices we make have consequences. The freedom we have in Christ is not liberty to do whatever we want. Rather, in Christ we are free to serve something other than the lusts of our old, sinful nature.

So, to what then are we debtors? But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code (Romans 7:6). We are debtors to Grace, to live a life of holiness, a life that is being conformed to His image and purpose. Paul would later amplify this point in Romans 12:1 when he wrote I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Paul is not offering an option here of the best way to follow Christ. This is a command for every believer to, by the power of the Spirit, crucify the deeds and lusts of the flesh and follow Him with our whole being. The hymn writer Robert Robinson captured this idea perfectly when he penned these words in “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.”

Oh, to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let that grace now, like a fetter,
Bind my yielded heart to Thee.

In Christ you are free. How are you walking in that freedom?

By Jesse Smith

Countercultural

Sat, 24 May 2025 07:00:00 GMT

“You are not of the world…” (see John 17:14-17)

“It’s when we go deeper that we go higher. What the vision is, his Kingdom instead of my empire, his will over my desires, his lordship over what I believe the industry requires. It’s an upside-down Kingdom, and we go higher when we go deeper – deeper than the world’s metric for success, where the culture would rather keep people impressed with the superficial, obsessed with what is temporal, stressed over gaining material wealth, and settling for less than what is eternal. We are called to go deeper.”

These words were delivered by Spoken Word artist Jarrel Flowers at a recent Christian business leadership conference. His message was a convicting and hope-filled call to action, reminding marketplace leaders that their work is not secular or second-class, but sacred.

Romans 12:2 (MSG) echoes this truth: Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out.

It shouldn’t be a surprise that world systems are rapidly shifting, and the pressure to ‘go-with-the-flow’ is rising. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are not called to conform but to stand apart, just as Jesus did.

The apostle John exhorted early believers overwhelmed by worldly challenges with these words, Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – comes not from the Father but from the world (1 John 2:15-16 NIV).

Daniel 3 tells us that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to worship the golden image King Nebuchadnezzar set up, declaring: “But even if he [God] does not [deliver us] , we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up” (Daniel 3:18). Can we be bold enough to speak these words to the gods of our culture that so easily entangle us?

Friends, we have been redeemed to live differently, set apart for Kingdom impact and God’s glory. As 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) reminds us, but you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Let us not forget this truth about Christ followers as we navigate the pressures of our culture: we are not just ordinary men walking the face of this earth, but we are ones donning priestly garments and called to be countercultural for Christ!

By George Donkor

George and his wife, Christiana, are proud parents of Annajoy and Elijah. They love serving Jesus together and showing Him to the world around them.

The Spirit Lives in You

Fri, 23 May 2025 07:00:12 GMT

This week we are in Romans 8:1-11.

I have noticed that if there is a local news story about a house fire, I immediately try to figure out what street I am looking at on the screen. Sometimes I’ll even miss important details such as whether anybody was injured while I’m trying to figure out how close the fire was to our house. I already know that there was no fire on my street that day, so why am I distracted trying to figure out whether this awful event happened close to me? The same phenomenon applies to other events as well. Tornado damage in my own state tugs harder at heartstrings than damage multiple states away. Even a disaster in a faraway place I’ve visited hits harder than a disaster in a place I have not been. Why is that?

If I’m honest, one reason for this is simple selfishness. Sure, it’s a tragedy, but how does this situation affect me? A more charitable reason could be that I get more emotionally involved if I might be close enough to know somebody affected and/or possibly help in some way.

But what about a news story that is far away in both time and distance, yet still very close to home?

Now if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then He who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through His Spirit who lives in you. (Romans 8:10-11 HCSB)

The resurrection of Jesus is the most powerful and impactful news event in history. It happened about two thousand years ago on a different continent. I have caught myself sometimes thinking about events in the Bible and that if I had witnessed some of Jesus’s miracles myself, I would be a much more “energetic” Christian.

But I am missing something important in that line of thinking. The disciples lived daily with Jesus. They spoke with Him, caught fish with Him, ate with Him, walked with Him, and prayed with Him. But despite these very personal experiences, they didn’t truly become “energetic” Christians until the Holy Spirit came to be with them.

What fully made Jesus’ love for them personal is available to, and inside of, you and me today.

Let’s not simply remember and reflect on this story from a distance. Let’s live it.

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley.

Choose the Right Path

Thu, 22 May 2025 07:00:14 GMT

This week we are in Romans 8:1-11.

Years ago, I was driving through unfamiliar territory and mostly relying on Google maps to get me where I was going. I was on a mostly rural highway which I knew should take me to a right-hand turn onto a second highway. A couple miles from my anticipated turn, my phone told me to take a right. It didn’t feel correct, but I followed the app. I spent the next ten minutes on a road across which you might expect to find a shepherd leading a flock of sheep and eventually turned right onto the anticipated second highway.

What I later discovered was that my app was set to prioritize routes that maximize fuel economy, and apparently this ten minute “shortcut” through the countryside at twenty-five miles per hour did just that. I gained a few cents in gasoline in return for quintupling my risk of colliding with livestock.

Everything worked out OK, but the lesson here is that we often face a choice between two paths; and while sometimes the decision is trivial, other times it most certainly is not.

For those who live according to the flesh think about the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, about the things of the Spirit. For the mind-set of the flesh is death, but the mind-set of the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind-set of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit itself to God’s law, for it is unable to do so. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. (Romans 8:5-8 HCSB)

What’s described here are literal choices between life or death, Spirt or flesh, obedience or defiance. While those of us who have chosen to follow Jesus made that very important decision one very important time, we still must continue choosing what path we’re following every day.

I allow myself to get stressed by the busyness of a workday without consideration of what path I’m walking. I don’t have a mindset of life and peace. I’d be better served to call timeout when I feel this way, take a deep breath, and pray for help in returning to the right path.

I have learned now that before I take a long trip, I should double-check the settings on my app to ensure I will follow the path I want. Before walking into a difficult situation, I need to get better at checking the settings of my heart.

The mind-set of the flesh is death. The mind-set of the Spirit is life and peace.

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley.

Free Indeed

Wed, 21 May 2025 14:08:32 GMT

This week we are in Romans 8:1-11.

One of my very favorite movies is The Shawshank Redemption . In addition to the shocking and famous plot twist I won’t spoil here, I love how the movie portrays people and relationships and motivations.

(Public service note: this is a very gritty prison movie, so please do not go watch it without being fully aware of what you’re doing.)

In the movie there is a character named Brooks who, by the time we meet him near the end of his fifty years in prison, has become a kind, gentle, old man who pushes a cart from cell to cell offering books to his fellow inmates who love him. Brooks learns he is going to be paroled and instead of being overjoyed he starts acting erratic and lashing out, which confuses some of his friends. Later these friends are discussing his behavior in the prison yard, and the wisest character explains to the others that the reason why Brooks is troubled by his imminent parole is that he’d become “institutionalized” which he described like this:

“This is all he knows. In here he’s an important man. He’s an educated man. Outside he’s nothing. Just a used-up con with arthritis in both hands. Probably couldn’t get a library card if he tried…

I’m telling you these walls are funny. First you hate 'em, then you get used to 'em. Enough time passes, you get so you depend on them. That's institutionalized.”

Over time Brooks had grown so comfortable in his confinement that freedom terrified him.

Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus, because the Spirit’s law of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. What the law could not do since it was limited by the flesh, God did. He condemned sin in the flesh by sending His own Son in flesh like ours under sin’s domain, and as a sin offering, in order that the law’s requirement would be accomplished in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. (Romans 8:1-4 HCSB)

Sin’s power over us has been broken, but if we’re not careful we can live as though we’re still under its control. Our prison doors have been destroyed but we remain in our cell with our familiar companions: guilt and shame.

It was sin that was defeated. We’ve been paroled. Let’s go outside.

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley.

No Condemnation

Tue, 20 May 2025 07:00:11 GMT

This week we are in Romans 8:1-11.

I have never been much of an aggressive driver, but I for sure have slowed down as I’ve aged. Part of it is a natural decline in reflexes, and part is that I don’t feel much in a hurry anymore. And part is the realization that if I’m driving slower than most people around me, very seldom is anybody in my way.

But there was a time long ago when I was returning to college and failed to see a school zone sign and was rightfully ticketed for speeding. The heart races when those flashing lights appear in the rearview mirror. This happened in a town so small that when approaching it from the 55 MPH zone on one side of the town, one could see clear through to the 55 MPH zone on the other side of town.

This event rattled me as a teenager for quite a while, but with time I put it behind me and moved on. For sure some mistakes are bigger than others and harder to forget, but as Christians we are taught to move on.

Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus, because the Spirit’s law of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. (Romans 8:1-2 HCSB)

To be sure, being free of the eternal consequences of our sins does not mean it was good that we committed them in the first place, nor is it a free pass to do whatever we want in the future. And the freedom from eternal consequences does not mean that mistakes we make won’t have immediate consequences, as evidenced by my humble college bank account after paying for that speeding ticket.

We should always be on the lookout for the warning signs telling us to change our behavior and attitudes, but sometimes we’re going to mess up either by accident or willful disobedience and need to seek forgiveness from a God willing to grant it to the repentant.

And then it’s time to start looking out the windshield again instead of the rearview mirror.

For the mind-set of the flesh is death, but the mind-set of the Spirit is life and peace. (Romans 8:6 HCSB)

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley.

No Condemnation

Mon, 19 May 2025 08:00:12 GMT

This week we are in Romans 8:1-11.

If given the opportunity to choose a “last meal,” what would you pick? It’s a question I’ve heard as an icebreaker in a group setting. Some people really get into describing their favorite foods, prepared a specific way by a family member or restaurant.

I have a hard time answering this question for a couple reasons. First, I really like a lot of different foods so it’s just not obvious to me which I would call my single favorite. Second, I get distracted when thinking about this question because, while not the intent of the exercise, it elicits thoughts of a condemned prisoner awaiting execution. Instead of focusing on that juicy cheeseburger or big bowl of Cajun chicken pasta, I imagine a guard handing it to me through an opening in my cell door where I am counting down my final hours. I breathe deeply the aroma of the meal before me, but the spell is broken by the echoing footsteps of the executioner somewhere out there in the spartan, concrete hallway.

I realize this is a dark thought. (As a quick aside, this is an example of why we introverted over-thinkers are not great at icebreakers). My difficulty in answering this as a fun question is partially due to my introversion and partially due to the emotional weight of condemnation, even if only imagined.

But sometimes the condemned are granted pardons.

Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus, because the Spirit’s law of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. What the law could not do since it was limited by the flesh, God did. He condemned sin in the flesh by sending His own Son in flesh like ours under sin’s domain. and as a sin offering, in order that the law’s requirement would be accomplished in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. (Romans 8:1-4 HCSB)

The harsh footsteps of the executioner have been replaced by the gentle footfalls of nail-pierced feet.

From the hymn “I Stand Amazed in the Presence”, written by Charles Hutchinson Gabriel:

I stand amazed in the presence
Of Jesus the Nazarene,
And wonder how He could love me,
A sinner condemned, unclean.

How marvelous! How wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:
How marvelous! How wonderful!
Is my Savior’s love for me!

OK, now hand me that bowl of Cajun chicken pasta.

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley.

Investments with Eternal Value

Sat, 17 May 2025 07:12:13 GMT

When I was in college, I hit a rough patch spiritually. I was making poor life choices, running from the Lord, and, in general, heading for disaster. Thankfully, right when I needed it most, God placed a professor in my life who came alongside me and spoke biblical wisdom into my situation and helped guide me back to deeper waters in my faith. He went above and beyond what most professors would have done. He wasn’t just a teacher; he became a real spiritual mentor, investing in me personally. He poured into my life, offered counsel, and modeled what a faithful walk with God looked like. For that, I am eternally grateful.

Now, years later, as I’ve grown older and matured in my faith, I’ve come to understand something vital: what my professor did for me is part of the calling God has for all of us. We’re not meant to just walk the path of faith alone—we’re meant to walk it together. Scripture is full of examples of people who took this call seriously, investing in others and helping to shape their spiritual journeys.

One of the clearest pictures of this is Moses and Joshua. As Moses prepared to pass the leadership baton, he didn’t leave Joshua to figure things out on his own. He encouraged him, reminded him of God’s promises, and prepared him for what was ahead (Deuteronomy 31:7-8).

Moses’ words of wisdom steadied Joshua, modeling for us how to intentionally support those in our sphere of influence.

Paul’s relationship with Timothy further exemplifies this. Paul didn’t just teach; he empowered and affirmed Timothy by reminding him of God’s promises and urging him to cultivate the spiritual gifts the Lord had given him (2 Timothy 1:6-7).

Discipleship involves speaking truth and purpose into others, enabling them to mature in the calling that the Lord has for each person.

The account of Paul and John Mark offers a lesson in grace for those in our care. Despite John Mark abandoning an early mission (Acts 13:13), Paul later recognized his growth and deemed him “useful” (2 Timothy 4:11). This highlights that spiritual mentorship sometimes means offering grace with the end goal of restoration after failures . Jesus is the ultimate example of grace and a reminder that grace should always be our first response.

As you think about your sphere of influence and those God has placed on your path, who is it you can pour spiritual maturity and wisdom into? Seek out these relationships and be intentional.

By Paky Kramer

What? I'm a Shepherd?

Fri, 16 May 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Each time Peter affirmed his affection for Jesus, Jesus gave Peter an important assignment.

First, He said: “Then feed My lambs ” (John 21:15),

Then He commanded: “Shepherd My sheep” (John 21:16).

And finally, He told Peter: “Feed My sheep” (John 21:17).

Some naturally assume that feed my lambs means that Peter was told to feed (or teach Truth to) little children. But because of the way the conversation continued, it more than likely referred to new believers – new lambs in the faith.

Since we know that sheep are grown-up lambs, we can readily assume that Jesus was telling Peter to also feed (or teach Truth to) more experienced believers – a reminder that no matter how long we’ve been a follower of Jesus, there will always be more Truth to feed upon.

And when Jesus said shepherd My sheep , it may mean to take care of both the new believer and the more experienced believers. But it also may mean to discipline and disciple the grown-up sheep; because if the grown-up sheep are joyfully and obediently doing what the shepherd wants them to do, the little lambs (the new believers) will follow the path of the grown-up sheep (the more mature believers).

Peter must have thought to himself, If Jesus is commanding me to feed His lambs, shepherd His sheep, and feed His sheep, isn’t that the work of a shepherd? What? Does that mean I’m a shepherd?

In his book, A Million Little Miracles , Mark Batterson made this statement that I want you to sit with for a bit: “Don’t let anyone label you that didn’t make you.” And that includes you – you didn’t make you, so you have no right to label yourself either.

Peter went into this conversation with the label “betrayer” or “denier” – and perhaps with some self-labels like “hopeless,” “failure,” “disappointment.” But note that he came out of this conversation with a new label, a label given him by the One who actually created him -- a label that would stick: shepherd.

The Lamb of God was entrusting into Peter’s care the lambs and sheep He would soon be leaving behind. Not only did Jesus cover Peter’s shame, He also restored him to a purpose far beyond himself. Let’s listen to Peter’s words as he continues to shepherd us in the 21st century:

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9 NIV)

Chosen. Royal. Holy. Special. Live into the label God has given you, and don’t let anyone else (including yourself) label you differently.

By Judy Shrout

Perfectly Perfect, Completely Complete

Thu, 15 May 2025 07:00:13 GMT

“Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?”

He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You. ” (John 21:15)

When Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him, He was using the Greek word for love, agape , asking Peter if he had a totally committed love for Him – the highest kind of love.

When Peter answered Jesus, he used a different word for love, phileo , meaning the deep personal affection as for a close friend. Do you think perhaps Peter is remembering the moment when he boasted, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away” (Matthew 26:33) – followed by the moment when he denied Jesus three times? Do you think he has been humbled by those denials and is not about to declare a kind of love he’s not sure he can give?

Jesus posed the question a second time, and Peter responded in the same way once again.

Jesus asked the question a third time; but this time, He asked Peter if he could at least say he had phileo love for Him – a deep personal affection as for a close friend.

Peter was deeply hurt because Jesus’ third question to him was “Are you my friend?” (John 21:17b Phillips)

Again, Peter responded with “Yes, Lord; You know that I am Your friend.”

At this point, I believe Peter finally gets it. Three times I denied my Lord – three times I did something I thought I’d never do. And now He has given me the opportunity three times to declare my love for Him – He is covering over the shame of my denials – covering that shame three times with His grace. He still loves me!

Dear friend, have you ever done something you thought you’d never do? We are all Peter at some point – yet as we come to Jesus in repentance, we too, like Peter, can experience His grace and His love. Be assured that our Lord does not want us parked in the parking lot of shame – He died to cover our sin, our guilt, and our shame. Let’s leave it all at the foot of the cross and quit picking it back up again. Let today be the day you put your full trust in His perfectly perfect love and His completely complete work on the cross – and live in the freedom and joy He intended for you.

By Judy Shrout

We Need to Talk

Wed, 14 May 2025 07:00:23 GMT

After breakfast on the beach, we can imagine Jesus making eye contact with Peter and saying, “ We need to talk” – and then Peter thinking to himself, “I knew this was coming- He’s going to tell me I’m not cut out for all this – and for me to go back to what I know -- fishing.”

Maybe Jesus then says something like, “Walk with me, Peter ” – or maybe He just moved a little closer to Peter as they sat on the beach so the conversation could be private. Maybe He gently but firmly put His arm around Peter.

In reading the Bible, we often misunderstand what’s being said, because we assume a certain tone of voice. You and I both know that tone of voice matters. And it really matters in this conversation between Jesus and Peter – because it greatly impacts our understanding of a loving God.

Do you hear Jesus talking with Peter in a harsh and commanding voice, embarrassing him in front of his friends (although Peter had no doubt heaped plenty of shame on himself)? Or do you hear Jesus talking privately, softly, clearly, and lovingly with Peter as He begins the process of restoring Peter to his purpose in God’s Kingdom?

Let’s listen in – and imagine Jesus’ loving tone with the friend He loved dearly:

“Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?”
He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” (John 21:15)

Did you notice that Jesus called his friend Simon – not Peter, not the Rock, the name He had given him earlier (Matthew 16:15-18)? Peter probably wasn’t feeling much like a rock on this day, much less feeling he should be called by that name. Even still, I imagine it hurt.

When Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him “more than these,” He could have meant “more than these other followers do” or He could have meant “more than these things” – implying the things of this world – such as fishing and hanging out with the other guys. Either way, Jesus is asking Peter if there is anything in the way of loving Him fully.

Before we continue listening in on the conversation, let’s put ourselves in Peter’s sandals and hear the conversation as if we were there instead of Peter. What would your answer be if Jesus asked you if you loved Him more than anything – more than any person, more than your success, more than your fitness, more than any comfort, more than any possession? Ask God to show you where you are focusing your priority love – and then ask Him to help you love Him the most. He is so worth it (Revelation 5:12).

By Judy Shrout

The Smell of Burning Coals

Tue, 13 May 2025 08:00:05 GMT

One morning, my husband came down the hall with a vaguely familiar aroma wafting in his wake – an aroma that took me back many decades. I asked him, “WHAT are you wearing?” And he told me, “I saw some Old Spice on sale, and I bought a bottle of it – what do you think?” To which I replied, “You smell like my grandfather!” Some smells bring back memories of people or places. And I think that might have happened to Peter on this day that John is recording for us.

The header for the beginning portion of John 21 in my Bible is “Breakfast by the Sea” – but I decided to temporarily rename it “The Smell of Burning Coals” – because I imagine that’s one of the first things Peter noticed about this day.

Peter and his friends had gone back to fishing, since they did not yet have their commission from Jesus – and Peter might have believed that Jesus no longer had a purpose for him. While they were fishing, they heard a voice calling out from the shore. (It was Jesus, and John was the first to quickly figure that out.) As soon as Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, dove into the sea and swam quickly to the shore – where he saw Jesus cooking fish and bread over a charcoal fire.

The smell of those burning coals must surely have been a reminder of the night not that long ago when Peter, warming himself by the fire in the courtyard of the high priest, denied that he knew Jesus – not just once, but three times. He no doubt wished he could stay away from charcoal fires, because they would forever be a reminder of his denial of Jesus.

However, on this day, something was going to change. That same smell would become a new memory – a new reminder – a memory of the time when Jesus would forgive Peter not once, but three times – and restore him to his purpose.

I hope you too have a memory of the time when you fully realized that Jesus had forgiven you – completely – not once, but many times over. Cherish that memory and fully embrace the joy of being forgiven – and then let the rest of your life be a big thank you note for His grace.

By Judy Shrout

The Great P.S.

Mon, 12 May 2025 08:00:07 GMT

Back when letter-writing by hand was a thing, the letter-writer might finish a letter and then suddenly think of something else that needed to be included – so a P.S. was added – a postscript, which meant “written after what has been written.” And maybe a P.P.S. if there was even more.

This may be what happened as John was finishing up his writing about Jesus. In chapter 20, John pretty much wrapped up his amazing gospel account by clearly stating his purpose in writing: that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name. (John 20:31). What a perfect ending to The Gospel According to John!

But then we have John 21, the P.S. of John’s writing – an important addition that John included because there was something else he knew we needed to know: the reality of the resurrection of Jesus.

In this chapter, we find Jesus in a real physical body standing on the shore – not an ethereal spirit or an angelic form floating above humanity.

In this chapter, we find Jesus calling out to the fishermen with a real voice – not some booming faceless voice coming from the clouds. A real man with a real voice.

In this chapter, we find Jesus using real eyes (not spiritual insight) -- seeing that the fish were on the right side of the boat, not the left side where they had been fishing – and telling them to try fishing on that side. That’s what often happened with fishermen fishing in the black water of night fishing – someone on the shore could often better see where the fish were -- it was just what real fishermen did for each other.

In this chapter, we find Jesus preparing a seaside breakfast for His friends – He wasn’t suddenly commanding cooked food to appear – He was actually cooking fish and bread over a charcoal fire, just as anyone else might do.

In this chapter, we find Jesus having a real heart-to-heart face-to-face conversation with Peter – and offering what Charles Martin calls “the most beautiful do-over in the history of do-overs.”

As we venture into the depths of this beautiful P.S., join me in thanking God for inspiring the gospel-writer to write just one more chapter – so we can know beautiful do-overs aren’t just for Peter. They’re also for us!

By Judy Shrout

The Light of the World

Sat, 10 May 2025 07:00:05 GMT

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.” (Matthew 5:14-15)

One of my favorite shows the past couple of years has been American Idol. It is amazing getting to see talented people with different stories grow into artists and performers throughout the show. This year has been extra special. In Hollywood, one of the most secular parts of the world, God’s name has been glorified through the singers and judges. For Easter, they had a faith themed night where performers sang worship songs and included special guests like Brandon Lake and CeCe Winans. This was powerful watching from home and brought me back to Matthew 5 where Jesus reminds us that we are the light of the world. There are three ways we can do our part in displaying the light of Jesus in our dark world.

1. “A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” I love Jesus’ imagery here. When you picture a city on a hill, it stands out and people notice it. In the same way we all have unique talents and abilities that allow us to have influence on other people. Jesus calls us not to hide our gifts, but to use them to glorify His name. What an amazing opportunity we have every day to use our platform to share the Good News we just celebrated at Easter.

2. “Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand.” The second part of Jesus’ message is about purpose. The purpose of a lamp is to shine light, not cover it up. This is very convicting to me – convicting me to stay true to my purpose around my friends that are not believers, having the boldness to pray before our meal or invite them to church. But we serve a God so much bigger than ourselves, and He has put us right where we are to look different from our world – to be the light in the darkness.

3. “And it gives light to all who are in the house.” When we use our gifts for God’s purpose, it changes the culture around us. Now this is important: we are not called to save people; it is Jesus who does that, but we are called to live out our faith and share our testimonies. When we live with the light of Christ in us, it impacts those around us, and they can tell our joy is different. Have you ever been around someone that you gravitate toward because they radiate the love of Jesus? Those people in my life are so influential in my walk with Jesus and inspire me to live out my faith on my team and in my sport.

My encouragement and my questions for you to reflect upon are: what areas of your life are you hiding the light, and how can God use you in this season to be the light of the world?

By C.A. Carter
C.A. is the daughter of Jimmy and Carrie Carter – and has just completed her freshman year and first year on the golf team at the University of Kentucky.

The Word: From Creation to Eternity (as recorded by John)

Fri, 09 May 2025 07:00:06 GMT

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. (John 1:1-3)

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:1-4)

[Jesus said], “I have come that you may have life and have it in abundance. ” (John 10:10)

“Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:1-3)

When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then bowing his head, he gave up his spirit. (John 19:30)

Jesus said to her, “Mary.” Turning around, she said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!”—which means “Teacher.” “Don’t cling to me,” Jesus told her, “since I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them that I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” (John 20:16-17)

The revelation of Jesus Christ that God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, whatever he saw… When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid. I am the First and the Last, and the Living One. I was dead, but look—I am alive forever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and Hades.” (Revelation 1:1-2,17-18)

When he took the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb... And they sang a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slaughtered, and you purchased people for God by your blood from every tribe and language and people and nation.” (Revelation 5: 8-9)

Then I saw heaven opened, and there was a white horse. Its rider is called Faithful and True, and with justice he judges and makes war… He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his name is called the Word of God. (Revelation 19:11-13)

By LaRaine Rice
LaRaine serves as the communications coordinator for Orphan Care Alliance. She is married to Jeff and the mother of Christopher and Elizabeth. Her favorite season is spring and the new life it brings.

The Disciple That Jesus Loved

Thu, 08 May 2025 07:00:08 GMT

John had a nickname for himself in the Gospel of John. He called himself “the disciple that Jesus loved” five times in the gospel of John.

Perhaps he did so out of humility. Maybe he didn’t want to write in the first person in order to make the account sound more historical.

Perhaps after spending time with Jesus, watching Him die, entering the empty tomb and talking with Jesus after the resurrection, there was only one conclusion to be made: Jesus loved John. And John chose to refer to himself in context of his relationship with Jesus.

Other people who knew Jesus came to the same conclusion. In John 11:1-3, we read, “Now a man was sick—Lazarus from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. Mary was the one who anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped his feet with her hair, and it was her brother Lazarus who was sick. So, the sisters sent a message to him: “Lord, the one you love is sick.”

Mary and Martha recognized that Jesus loved Lazarus and used the same “nickname” for him.

Jesus truly loved John and Lazarus. He wept with Mary and Martha because He loved them.

Jesus loved His mom, and He loved Judas. He wasn’t a big fan of the Pharisees and Sadducees, but He loved them too.

You also are “The One that Jesus Loves.”

You might not feel worthy of His love but know this truth: there’s nothing that will stop Him from loving you.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? … For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35,38-39).

Beloved, do you accept His love? Do you truly understand the depth of His love for you?

Today, refer to yourself as the “One that Jesus Loves.” For that is who you truly are.

I AM/He Is

Wed, 07 May 2025 07:00:39 GMT

The Gospel of John reveals essential truths about Jesus written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah (John 20: 31).

God revealed His name to Moses in Exodus 3:14, God said to Moses, “I AM who I AM.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”

Jesus, God in Flesh, revealed more about what it means to be I AM. Jesus told us:

“I AM the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst” (John 6:35).

“I AM the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12).

“I AM the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture” (John 10:7-9).

“I AM the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep… I am the good shepherd; and I know my sheep, and am known by My own” (John 10:11,14).

“I AM the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live” (John 11:25).

“I AM the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).

“I AM the true vine and My Father is the vinedresser… I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:1-5).

Jesus also revealed His true identity in the garden:

Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I AM” (John 18:4-5).

His statement was so powerful that the soldiers fell down.

This name for God (“am”) is in the present tense just as the word “is.” This means that God is all of these today. He IS the bread of life. He IS the light of the world. He IS the way, the truth and the life. God is all of these and so much more.

Take time now to look back through these statements. Ask God to show you in what ways you need Him today. Are you feeling lost? He IS the Good Shepherd.

Use one of the “I AM” verses above as a prayer. Ask God to guide you.

By LaRaine Rice

LaRaine serves as the communications coordinator for Orphan Care Alliance. She is married to Jeff and the mother of Christopher and Elizabeth. Her favorite season is spring and the new life it brings.

The Sequel

Tue, 06 May 2025 07:00:01 GMT

If a lot can happen in 3 years, an infinite amount can happen in 2000 years!

While Jesus walked the earth, there were also many other things that Jesus did, which, if every one of them were written down, I suppose not even the world itself could contain the books that would be written (John 21: 25).

Jesus, the man, was evidently busy those three years. And He has not stopped since then.

Yes, we know that in John 14, He told the disciples that He was going to prepare a place for us to be with Him. But that is just part of it.

His presence resides in those who believe on His name. Those of us who know Him, know that He continues to work in lives.

Illnesses are healed. Marriages are saved. Hearts are mended.

When we open our eyes, we can see Him at work everywhere around us. And it’s been this way since Pentecost.

His work is like the grains of sand; we can’t count what He has done over the last two millennium. It’s truly unfathomable.

But, for just a moment, right now, think about ALL that He has done in your life and maybe the life of your family and friends. Surely you can think of ten things He has done. Maybe even 20.

Today spend time remembering what He has done for you. Praise Him for it. And tell someone that Jesus is alive and at work in your life.

By LaRaine Rice

LaRaine serves as the communications coordinator for Orphan Care Alliance. She is married to Jeff and the mother of Christopher and Elizabeth. Her favorite season is spring and the new life it brings

Enough Said

Mon, 05 May 2025 07:00:14 GMT

A lot can happen in three years. A newborn can turn into an energetic three-year-old. Some can finish high school or college in three years.

If we can accomplish so much in three years, just imagine how much God incarnate could do. John was there for most of it. In the closing of his Gospel account, John states, There are also many other things that Jesus did, which, if every one of them were written down, I suppose not even the world itself could contain the books that would be written (John 21:25).

So, how then did John (and the other Gospel writers) narrow down the story? Why not give us all the details?

No one can be sure why exactly. Perhaps after Jesus’ resurrection, when He explained everything to the disciples, these were the stories and teachings He used. Maybe after a few years passed, John realized that while much of the ministry was exciting, it was the teachings of Jesus, His crucifixion and the events of Holy Week that deserved primary focus. After all, Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins and His resurrection are the cornerstones of our faith.

While we cannot be sure, the fact that there weren’t enough books to contain all that He did serves at least two wonderful purposes.

First, it aligns with the rest of scripture helping to make the Bible one story of God’s redemption. The story begins with creation, is spotlighted through God’s chosen nation (the Hebrews), reaches the pinnacle with God’s presence on earth, continues through the Church and will culminate in Heaven. Had every last detail of Jesus’ life been recorded, we might have missed the most important week of all.

Secondly, John’s gospel is compact. It highlights the most important events and teaches the reader just who Jesus was, or more correctly, is. It makes it easy to remember and to share with others.

John stated in chapter 20, Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name (30-31).

John wrote what he wrote under direction of God so that we might believe.

Today, as you have time, skim through the Gospel of John. See what is written there, ask the Lord for help in sharing His story with others so they may believe that Jesus is the Messiah.

God's Plans and Purposes

Sat, 03 May 2025 07:00:06 GMT

Do you have plans for today? The Kentucky Derby? Prom? A wedding? A graduation? Fun plans – but not all weekend plans are fun. Some are chores -- yard work, house cleaning, grocery shopping. And is Spring Cleaning still a thing?

Even if you don’t have plans this weekend, God has a plan for you: “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). God has a plan for each of us!

The lyrics of the song, If It Was Up to Me , by Ben Fuller (featuring Carrie Underwood) speak of how we don’t like going through difficult times but then remind us that “He always has a purpose through the joy and suffering. I’d be crazy not to trust Him with everything... I’d never know how good Your plans could be if it was up to me.”

In my own life, I can look back on the hard times and see His hand over all of it, and I can now appreciate the growth that came from those experiences. Psalm 33:11 tells us, The plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations. It is comforting to know that His plans and His purpose never change – ever!

Sometimes we may think God can’t use us for anything. We might feel like Esther who thought she was powerless and useless when the Jewish people were threatened. Her uncle reminded her: “Perhaps you were born for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14).

When we feel purposeless, we can reflect on this verse: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you” (Jeremiah 1:5a). According to Merriam-Webster, the word “consecrate” means to dedicate to a sacred purpose. Yes, we all have a sacred purpose – that’s His plan!

Are you seeking to know God’s plan for your life? First, surrender your will to His will and walk with Him in prayer and Bible study. Second, seek godly counsel from and fellowship with faithful Christ-followers who know you and know Him. Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. (Proverbs 11:14)

The church is a place where we can find community – community that helps us discern God’s will for our lives and where we can be encouraged and counseled in our faith walk. Hope to see you at church tomorrow!

By Jennifer Preston

Blessed Are Those Who Believe

Fri, 02 May 2025 07:00:01 GMT

Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)

Thomas’ confession, “My Lord and my God,” was a powerful declaration of belief, but it came after seeing Jesus physically and touching His wounds. It was a significant moment of realization for Thomas, but in John 20:29, Jesus directs attention to an even greater kind of faith — the faith of those who believe without seeing.

Jesus affirmed Thomas for his belief, but He also pointed beyond the need for physical evidence. He highlighted the blessing reserved for those who trust Him based solely on His Word instead of personal, visible proof. This statement was not just for Thomas; it was meant for every believer who would come after him — including us. We are among those who have not physically seen Jesus, yet through the testimony of Scripture and the work of the Holy Spirit, we believe.

Believing without seeing is challenging. In a world that often demands evidence and proof, faith requires trusting in things unseen. Hebrews 11:1 says, Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Faith is not about ignoring logic or reason but about trusting the promises of God and the reality of His presence, even when we cannot see Him.

Jesus’ words in this verse remind us that faith is not dependent on physical experience but on the trustworthiness of God’s promises. It is not merely wishful thinking but confidence in His unchanging character and His revealed truth. The blessing Jesus speaks of here — “blessed are

those who have not seen and yet have believed” — is one of deep intimacy with God. It’s rooted in a relationship built on trust, rather than sight.

For many of us, there are times when we might long for tangible proof of God’s presence or work in our lives. Like Thomas, we might cry out for something we can see or touch. Yet Jesus reassures us that believing without seeing carries a special blessing. Faith strengthens us, draws us closer to God, and anchors us in His promises even when circumstances seem uncertain.

We can take comfort in knowing that Jesus Himself acknowledges the difficulty of believing without seeing, yet He celebrates those who trust in Him regardless. Through the gift of His Spirit and the testimony of His Word, we have all we need to live a life rooted in faith.

Believing without seeing is a gift of trust, rewarded with a deeper connection to God and His unshakable promises, even in the absence of visible proof.

By Jim Connell
Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com, FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

My Lord and My God

Thu, 01 May 2025 07:00:07 GMT

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!" (John 20:26-28)

Thomas had waited a full week since declaring his need for physical proof of Jesus’ resurrection. For seven long days, he must have wrestled with conflicting emotions—hope stirred by the testimony of the other disciples, yet doubt keeping him tied to his skepticism. But despite Thomas’ uncertainty, Jesus didn’t avoid him or write him off. Instead, Jesus returned specifically to meet and address Thomas’ doubts.

When Jesus appeared, His greeting of “Peace be with you” once again set the tone. He came not to rebuke or humiliate Thomas, but to restore him. Jesus turned directly to Thomas and invited him to touch His wounds: “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side.” These were the exact words Thomas needed to hear, meeting his request for proof in a deeply personal way.

By allowing Thomas to touch His wounds, Jesus emphasized the significance of His sacrifice. These were not just marks of suffering but evidence of victory over sin and death. Through this encounter, Thomas’ faith was transformed. His response, “My Lord and my God!” is one of the most powerful confessions in Scripture. In just a few words, Thomas affirmed both the lordship and divinity of Christ, proclaiming his complete surrender and faith.

What’s beautiful about this interaction is that Jesus didn’t chastise Thomas for his doubt. Instead, He lovingly guided him from a place of hesitation to belief. This shows us that Jesus understands our struggles and meets us where we are. He is not threatened by our questions or uncertainties. He invites us to a deeper faith, just as He did with Thomas.

Thomas’ story reminds us that Christ is both personal and patient in His dealings with us. Though we may not physically see or touch His wounds, we are still invited into that same intimacy of faith. Jesus’ wounds continually testify to His love, His sacrifice, and His victory over the grave.

For anyone wrestling with doubt or longing to encounter God more deeply, Thomas’ confession speaks hope: when we encounter the risen Christ, the only response is worship. "My Lord and my God" becomes an expression of faith and surrender for every believer who truly sees Jesus for who He is.

By Jim Connell
Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com, FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

The Reality of Doubt

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 07:00:25 GMT

Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

(John 20:24-25)

Thomas is often remembered as "Doubting Thomas," but his skepticism echoes a reality we all face at times. Doubt is not uncommon in the Christian walk, especially when faith collides with fear, disappointment, or things we cannot fully understand.

In this passage, we find Thomas absent during Jesus’ first appearance to the disciples. Imagine his situation for a moment: his friends were rejoicing in utter disbelief, proclaiming that Jesus, who had died days earlier, was alive. For Thomas, who had just experienced the loss of his Teacher, this must have seemed impossible. He heard their testimony, but it was not enough for him to believe.

Thomas’ response might feel jarring: "Unless I see the nail marks…and put my hand into his side, I will not believe." His words reflect a heart grappling with disappointment and despair. He’s saying, "I need evidence before I trust again." Perhaps you’ve been there—having lost hope, asking God to show you something tangible before you can believe again.

It’s important to note that Thomas was not condemned for his doubt. Rather than dismissing him or rebuking his lack of faith, Jesus later met Thomas exactly where he was. But before that encounter, Thomas represents an aspect of faith that many are reluctant to acknowledge – the need to wrestle with doubt.

Doubt isn't necessarily the opposite of faith; instead, it is often a stepping stone toward deeper trust. Thomas’ courage to voice his skepticism highlights the importance of honesty in our

relationship with God. Faith isn’t pretending to believe when we struggle to; faith often involves bringing our struggles, questions, and uncertainties before the Lord.

Though his insistence on seeing Jesus’ wounds might appear stubborn, it also reveals Thomas’ longing for truth. He didn’t want to believe blindly—he wanted his faith to be grounded in something real. In this, his doubt becomes a pathway to understanding.

For us today, Thomas’ story is a reminder that God is not frightened by our doubts. He invites us to bring them to Him, trusting that He can meet us in the middle of our questions. Rather than run from doubt, we can press into it, knowing that faith grows not by avoiding doubts but by engaging with them honestly, just as Thomas did.

By Jim Connell
Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com, FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

Sent with a Purpose

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 07:00:09 GMT

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit." (John 20:21-22)

After calming the disciples with His declaration of peace, Jesus quickly pivoted to their calling. He didn’t just reassure them of His presence; He gave them a purpose. "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." These words reveal the heart of Christ’s mission for His followers – a continuation of His work to proclaim the good news of salvation, bring healing, and demonstrate the love of God.

Jesus’ "sending" of the disciples isn’t a random task but one anchored in the eternal plan of the Father. Just as He was sent to reveal God’s love through His life, death, and resurrection, the disciples were now being sent to carry forward the good news. Their fear and confusion didn’t disqualify them; instead, they became the very people Jesus entrusted with the mission.

Notice also that Jesus didn’t leave the disciples to work in their own strength. He breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit." The "breath" echoes the creation story in Genesis 2:7, where God breathed life into Adam. Just as God breathed physical life into humanity, Jesus now breathes spiritual life into His followers. The Holy Spirit didn’t just equip them for their mission; He transformed them completely from fearful disciples into bold witnesses.

Through this breathing of the Holy Spirit, Jesus prepared the disciples for their future ministry – one marked by forgiveness, reconciliation, and the work of sharing God’s kingdom. This moment is a reminder that the Christian life is not simply about receiving Christ’s peace and promises but stepping into the responsibility of sharing them with the world. The peace Jesus gave wasn’t simply to calm them; it was to prepare them.

This passage calls us to embrace both the peace of Christ and the mission of Christ. As His followers today, we are sent out with the same purpose: to continue the work of the gospel. And just like the disciples, we are empowered by the same Holy Spirit.

The mission is not always easy – like the disciples, we may feel unprepared or fearful at times. But Jesus equips those He sends. His presence, His peace, and His Spirit are enough to sustain us as we step into our callings with confidence.

Lord Jesus, thank You for sending us with purpose and empowering us with Your Spirit. Help us overcome fear and step boldly into the mission You’ve called us to. Fill us with Your peace so that we can carry it to those around us. Amen.

By Jim Connell
Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com, FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

From Fear to Peace

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 07:00:09 GMT

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. (John 20:19-20)

Have you ever found yourself hiding behind locked doors that we create out of fear? Perhaps it’s fear of failure, the unknown, rejection, or the pain of past experiences. These barriers give the illusion of safety, but all too often they trap us in isolation and keep us from stepping into the fullness of what God has for us. The disciples knew this well. That night, just days after Jesus had been crucified, they locked themselves in a room, fearing for their lives.

The disciples' fear is highly relatable. They had seen their Teacher arrested, brutalized, and crucified by the same authorities they feared would come for them next.

What’s beautiful about this passage is that Jesus didn’t wait for the disciples to muster the courage to come out of hiding. Instead, He met them right where they were – behind locked doors, paralyzed by fear. Locked doors were no obstacle for Him. He entered their space, literally and emotionally, bringing the exact message they needed to hear: "Peace be with you."

This peace Jesus announced wasn’t just a polite greeting; it was an authoritative declaration. Jesus’ peace was a gift rooted in His victory over sin and death. Because of His resurrection, they no longer had to live enslaved by fear.

Then, Jesus showed them His hands and His side. The scars on His resurrected body were definitive proof of His identity. Jesus’ scars tell a story: He knew what it meant to suffer deeply, yet His suffering had resulted in triumph. This resonated with the disciples, who had seen those same wounds days earlier as a symbol of death — and now, they saw them glorified, a testament to life.

Jesus’ presence transformed their fear into joy. Consider this: the situation hadn’t changed. The Jewish leaders still threatened their safety. Their fears weren’t baseless, yet something fundamental had shifted – they had encountered their risen Savior. Fear loses its power when it’s met with the reality of Christ’s presence.

For us today, this story reminds us that Jesus is not deterred by the walls or barriers we put up. Whether fear, doubt, pain, or shame has erected walls in your heart, Jesus can and will meet you right there. When Jesus shows up, fear gives way to His peace, and sorrow turns to joy.

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com, FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

How to Know God's Will

Sat, 26 Apr 2025 07:00:29 GMT

When I was about to finish college, I remember feeling very nervous about all the decisions I would have to make following graduation. I had to figure out where to live, where to work for the next 40 years, how to pay off my student loans… and a hundred more conundrums. I was very concerned about discovering God’s will and making the right choices.

Life presents many decision points similar to college graduation that make us ask: How can we know God’s will?

Sometime in April 2013, just before I walked across the stage at Asbury University and claimed my diploma, I heard a very important sermon that has stuck with me even now, 12 years later. The thesis of the sermon was “Do the next right thing.” We often can’t see the whole bridge, staircase or pathway in front of us. But God won’t leave us in the dark; He will show us the next step, and that’s what we need to do.

Something about that phrase “Do the next right thing” introduced a measure of peace to my heart. It was such great news, because it meant I didn’t have to have all the answers at the same time. For example, I didn’t have to decide where to work for the next 40 years. I just had to pick my first job. Someone told me that it was OK to quit if the job didn’t work out and that it wouldn’t ruin my resume forever. I really didn’t know that, so luckily someone told me.

Often, the “next right thing” means simply following the general commands God gives us in the Bible. We need to make sure we are attending to the “basics.” It will be easier for us to discern the more specific will of God in our lives if we are making sure that we obey His commands that we already know of. The Bible commands us to pray, read His Word, forgive our enemies, care for our families, and confess our sins, to name a few.

Here is a good prayer to pray about discovering God’s will that comes from Psalm 25:4-5. “Show me your ways, Lord. Teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”

By Melissa Landon Schnell

Melissa is an editor at automation.com, a member of Immanuel Baptist Church, a cyclist, a book lover, and a grammar enthusiast. She lives in Lexington with her husband Daykin, dog Zoey, and cat Scooter.

Jesus Gives Mary a Command

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 07:00:00 GMT

In John 20, Mary Magdalene went to the empty tomb looking for Jesus. She discovered He had risen from the grave! She saw Jesus face-to-face.

When you seek and encounter Jesus, your life will be changed. You cannot stay the same. Mary went to find Jesus, and she found Him. And she now had a mission.

Jesus was not finished with His ministry. He gave a command to Mary:

“Don’t cling to me,” Jesus told her, “since I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them that I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” (John 20:17 CSB)

Jesus did not want Mary to linger with Him any longer. There was work to be done! Jesus wanted Mary to continue to share this good news!

And she did!

Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them what he had said to her. (John 20:18 CSB)

It had to be hard for Mary to leave Jesus right after finding Him. But Mary had good news! And she knew she needed to share that good news with Jesus’ followers.

We too have the greatest news! Jesus is alive and provides salvation to all who accept it, and this is news we need to share with others.

When Jesus sent the disciples out in Matthew 10, He sent them out with urgency. He told them to move quickly between towns, especially if people did not accept Him. This can be hard, but there is a lot of work to be done.

The good news of Jesus’ resurrection almost 2000 years ago is still good news today – so let’s go forth in faith and share this great news with those that need to hear it!

By Jason Grace

Jason is a software engineering manager. He and his wife, Karen, have two children and have been active members at Immanuel for over 22 years.

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 07:00:00 GMT

In John 20:1-2, Mary Magdalene had visited Jesus’s tomb. Once she found the stone had been moved from the opening, she decided to enter the tomb, where two angels asked her why she was crying. Mary said:

“Because they’ve taken away my Lord,” she told them, “and I don’t know where they’ve put him.” (John 20:13 CSB)

Mary didn’t have to look for long!

Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know it was Jesus. “Woman,” Jesus said to her, “why are you crying? Who is it that you’re seeking?” Supposing he was the gardener, she replied, “Sir, if you’ve carried him away, tell me where you’ve put him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” Turning around, she said to him in Aramaic, “ Rabboni !”—which means “Teacher.” (John 20:14-16 CSB)

Mary had a wide range of emotions while looking for Jesus. Grief. Fear. Confusion. Doubt. And now excitement. She is seeing Jesus! And He is alive!

Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount:

“Seek, and you will find.” (Matthew 7:7 CSB)

Mary was seeking Jesus, and she found Him. She was the first witness to the resurrection.

We can feel far apart from Jesus. We can feel disconnected. And our spiritual life can feel dry at times. But Jesus does not change.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8 CSB)

Even through the crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus was always God. And when Mary sought Him with all her heart, she found Him – her Savior and her Lord.

By Jason Grace

Jason is a software engineering manager. He and his wife, Karen, have two children and have been active members at Immanuel for over 22 years.

Mary Magdalene Enters the Tomb

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 09:30:01 GMT

In John 20:1-2, Mary Magdalene had visited Jesus’ tomb and found the stone had been moved. She then hurried to tell the disciples, and they came to investigate for themselves. And now Mary has decided to visit the tomb again.

She did not look inside the tomb the first time, but this time she decides to look inside. When the disciples looked inside, they only saw burial cloths. Mary sees something else:

But Mary stood outside the tomb, crying. As she was crying, she stooped to look into the tomb. She saw two angels in white sitting where Jesus’s body had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you crying?” (John 20:11-12 CSB)

Angels were God’s messengers, and they had some news to share with Mary. She is still overwhelmed and begins a conversation with them:

“Because they’ve taken away my Lord,” she told them, “and I don’t know where they’ve put him.” (John 20:13 CSB)

Mary is still doubtful and confused. She’s concerned that something awful has happened to Jesus’ body. She refers to Jesus as her Lord, but here she is trying to save Him (or at least His body). Instead of relying on Jesus as her Savior, she is trying to save Him!

How often do we play the role of Savior? We say that Jesus is our Lord or our Savior, but then we do the work ourselves. We show our fear and doubt. We let our fear and doubt consume us, and then we take it upon ourselves to try to remove the possibility of anything going wrong. We don’t give Jesus free rein to be our Savior.

In this story, Jesus didn’t need to be saved! He was alive! And Jesus doesn’t need to be saved by us either. He’s here to save us too. We need to focus more on relying on Him to do just that.

By Jason Grace

Jason is a software engineering manager. He and his wife, Karen, have two children and have been active members at Immanuel for over 22 years.

The Disciples Investigate the Empty Tomb

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 04:45:01 GMT

In John 20:1-2, Mary Magdalene was confused that Jesus’ body was missing from His tomb. So, in her confusion, she rushed to seek out Peter and another disciple. When we are confused, we should not hesitate to reach out to others for help.

These two disciples then began to investigate the tomb:

At that, Peter and the other disciple went out, heading for the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and got to the tomb first. Stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then, following him, Simon Peter also came. He entered the tomb and saw the linen cloths lying there. The wrapping that had been on his head was not lying with the linen cloths but was folded up in a separate place by itself. The other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, then also went in, saw, and believed. For they did not yet understand the Scripture that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to the place where they were staying. (John 20:3-10 CSB)

When the disciples ran to the tomb, they had a similar reaction to Mary. At first, they were afraid – as they wondered why Jesus’ tomb was disturbed and where His body was.

But when they went inside and found the linen cloths folded up in a separate place, they believed something was happening; but their grief and confusion prevented them from fully comprehending – even though Jesus had told them this would happen. In Luke 18, He said:

“See, we are going up to Jerusalem. Everything that is written through the prophets about the Son of Man will be accomplished. For he will be handed over to the Gentiles, and he will be mocked, insulted, spit on; and after they flog him, they will kill him, and he will rise on the third day.” (Luke 18:31-33 CSB)

So why weren’t they excited or concerned about His words when He first told them? In the very next verse, Luke says:

They understood none of these things. The meaning of the saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said. (Luke 18:34 CSB)

Sometimes we quickly rush to figure out and understand what’s going on. Do we ever consider that perhaps God knows when the timing is right and when we are ready to understand?

By Jason Grace

Jason is a software engineering manager. He and his wife, Karen, have two children and have been active members at Immanuel for over 22 years

Mary Magdalene and the Empty Tomb

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 07:00:01 GMT

It had only been a couple of days, and Mary Magdalene and all of Jesus’ followers were still processing the recent events. They could not believe what had happened. Hadn’t Jesus said He was the Messiah? He was the one they had waited for! How could this happen? And now He was gone. Betrayed and crucified in less than a day!

Mary Magdalene was still mourning Jesus. She decided to go to the place where Jesus was buried. She went while it was dark. She knew the tomb was being guarded, so she was very careful – not wanting to draw attention to herself.

On the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark. (John 20:1 CSB)

When she arrived, though, she saw something she didn’t expect.

She saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. (John 20:1 CSB)

This had to be even more discouraging! Someone had disturbed Jesus’ grave! Mary then decided to go investigate and found out what we all know - Jesus was not in the tomb!

This was very confusing to her, so she reached out to others in her confusion:

So she went running to Simon Peter and to the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said to them, “They’ve taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they’ve put him!” (John 20:2 CSB)

God was unveiling His plan. He had already raised Jesus from the dead. However, Mary, so full of her grief, could not see that God was moving.

When someone is grieving or suffering, we cannot necessarily expect them to see God’s plan. Their judgment and understanding might be clouded by their tears. Grief heals over time, but we don’t need to rush that process. Grief will resolve in God’s timing as He reveals Himself. Trust Him.

By Jason Grace

Jason is a software engineering manager. He and his wife, Karen, have two children and have been active members at Immanuel for over 22 years.

Jesus Has Risen

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 07:00:00 GMT

You could feel the joy in the church as my mom and my uncle sang the lyrics to Glorious Day by Casting Crowns,

Living, He loved me
Dying, He saved me
Buried, He carried my sins far away
Rising, He justified freely forever
One day He's coming
Oh glorious day, oh glorious day

The lyrics of this song are a powerful reminder that we serve a risen Savior! Watching and hearing them sing on Easter Sunday will always be one of my favorite memories – not just because I love the people that were singing it, but also because of the truth about the One they were singing about. As we gather tomorrow, we will again celebrate the foundation of our faith – Jesus rising from the dead.

Matthew records the angel’s pronouncement for us: But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” (Matthew 28:5-7)

The angel wanted them to know that Jesus was not only not there but that He had risen!

The women didn’t keep this life changing news to themselves; they were instructed to go tell the disciples. And not only did they get to tell Jesus’ disciples the great news, but we as believers also have the responsibility and honor of telling others about Jesus and the empty tomb!

We need to tell others about the resurrection and point out that Jesus longs for a relationship with each one of us. It’s the greatest news we have ever been told, and it’s the greatest news we can share with others.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your one and only Son to die on the cross for our sins and rising again so that we may not be separated from You. Thank You for the cross and the blood that Jesus shed for our sins. We ask that You give us courage and confidence to go and share the great news of the cross and the empty tomb with others. We love You, Lord. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

By Lauren Hill

The King with Stripes

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 07:00:01 GMT

“Little princess.” I may or may not sarcastically give my immediate family members this title when they are being overly picky or wanting some extra attention. We have come to think of royalty as those who are pampered, don’t relate to the commoners, and have a rather easy life. But if you think about the really great kings, leaders, and rulers, a common trait emerges. They identified with their people, usually to the point of suffering or being put at risk with them. Alexander the Great led his armies to battle. George Washington suffered the cold with his men at Valley Forge. David fought Goliath even before he was king.

As you would expect, Jesus falls on the side of great leaders who get messy with their people. As He said Himself, “the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). Though this may be familiar to us, we may not realize this was part of His assignment as king. Read what God said about David’s descendent who would reign forever.

“I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, but my steadfast love will not depart from him.” (2 Samuel 7:14-15a)

I struggled to understand how this applies to Jesus. Jesus never sinned so there is no need to discipline Him. But it is obvious that God’s promises to David are only partially fulfilled in Solomon and completely fulfilled in Jesus, so what does this mean? Another prophecy, this one from Isaiah, helps.

Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:4-6)

Jesus was disciplined not for His sin, but for ours. The stripes He received were not for His iniquity but ours. As the greatest king, He identified with His people all the way to taking on our sin. The innocent bore the punishment of the guilty when He died on the criminal’s cross.

As we ponder this amazing grace on Good Friday, aren’t you glad Sunday is coming? How will you show Him gratitude today?

By Philip Jones

The King and God's Steadfast Love

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 07:00:00 GMT

I wish the English language had more words to express love. We are stuck with one word to describe our strong preference for certain foods and the affections we feel for those closest to us. I love steak and I love my wife, just with a different type of love.

Though you may have heard of the different words for love in the Greek language, you may not be as familiar with a special word for love in the Old Testament. ‘Hesed’ is used throughout the Bible and is normally translated as ‘love.’ But the word doesn’t have a direct translation to English. In other contexts, the word is translated as kindness, mercy, loyalty, and steadfast love. When translated as ‘steadfast love,’ it is meant to communicate God’s covenant love. That is His solid, committed, sacrificial love for those He is committed to. As Sally Lloyd-Jones says in The Jesus Storybook Bible , it is His “never stopping, never giving up, unbreaking, always, and forever love.”

Marriage is the closest example we have of this type of love. And I am not talking about the happy couple walking out together on their wedding day. That is nice and all, but it doesn’t illustrate hesed. Hesed is shown as the couple grows old together, perseveres through trials, forgives when wronged, supports when needed, and cares for each other until one or both draw their last breath. Hesed is more often found in the ICU than in the wedding chapel.

With that type of love in mind, I appreciate God’s promise to the future forever King.

“But my steadfast love (hesed) will not depart from him.” (2 Samuel 7:15)

This is not a complicated verse, but it is an enormous promise. God showed hesed to His people, but they kept rejecting it. The same would soon be true for the kings after David. But God’s hesed would not give up. In His great plan, He sent Jesus to bring His hesed to the world. Jesus, as the promised king descended from David, is where God’s hesed is perfectly given and perfectly received.

Why is this good news for us? Because we are in Christ, all the hesed given and received by Jesus is accounted to us. When we don’t feel like loving God, His hesed will not depart. When we fail, His hesed will not. When we doubt or face discouragement, His hesed will remain close by.

Whatever trials you are facing, take heart that God’s “never stopping, never giving up, unbreaking, always, and forever love” will never depart from those in Christ. Rest in Him today.

By Philip Jones

The Promised King

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 07:00:01 GMT

If you hate vegetables, I might have good news for you. Researchers at the University of Kentucky have found a gene that causes some people to taste extreme bitterness in some veggies. If you cried while your parents forced you to finish your broccoli, brussels sprouts, or cabbage, you might have a legitimate complaint. On the flip side, some people have genetics that are tuned to sweets. Though not tested, my dietary preference puts me here.

When it comes to the Bible, I think some people are given a prophecy gene during their new birth. Just like the genes that can give some people a sweet tooth, the prophecy gene gives some an intense curiosity for all things prophecy. They know various timelines, can easily map historical events to God’s Word, and probably consider Daniel and Revelation to be their favorite books of the Bible. This isn’t a bad thing, but it isn’t where most Christians land.

I don’t study prophecy to this extent, but I do enjoy seeing how God’s promises are fulfilled. A key Old Testament prophecy that doesn’t get enough attention is 2 Samuel 7. In His promise to King David, God gives us the clearest prophecy concerning the kingship of Jesus. For us to properly understand Jesus’ triumphal entry in John 12, we must know what God said to David. Consider these promises.

“I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth.” (v. 9)

“Moreover, the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house. When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom.” (vv. 11b-12)

“He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” (v. 13)

“My steadfast love will not depart from him.” (v. 15)

“And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.” (v. 16)

Some of these promises were partially fulfilled in Solomon, but he was not the ultimate fulfillment. The One who completely fulfilled these promises entered Jerusalem on a donkey, on the way to the cross.

Take a few moments to read 2 Samuel 7:8-17. Identify the promises of God and how each one gives you hope. And may you have the genes to taste the sweetness of this prophecy.

By Philip Jones

He Has All Authority

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 07:00:02 GMT

He Has All Authority

Royalty captures our attention. The Netflix series The Crown was watched by over 73 million households as they dramatized Queen Elizabeth’s life. Two billion people watched the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. And though it occurred 14 years earlier, Princess Diana’s funeral also drew a worldwide audience of 2 billion. The British royal family fills headlines and imaginations, which can give us a skewed view of royalty when we open our Bibles. We are accustomed to kings and queens being figureheads with no real authority in many countries. Things have not always been this way.

Kings played a significant role in Israel’s history, usually for the worst. From the moment they rejected God as their king in favor of an earthly king (1 Sam 8:7), Israel’s fate was largely determined by royalty. With absolute authority, the king could send them to war, lead them in worship to God or idols, raise taxes, build a temple, steal land, and many more things that would have significant impact on the people.

To simplify things, their experience went like this:

Good king = good authority = God’s blessing

Bad king = bad authority = God’s curse

Israel knew their hope depended on a good king to rule with godly authority and lead them to God’s blessing. We can hear the excitement in their voices as they recognized Jesus as this king.

So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” (John 12:13)

As we consider Jesus coming as king, it is good to reflect on His authority. He was not a figurehead or celebrity; He came to reign over God’s people. He didn’t come to hold an election so we all get our say in how God’s kingdom should be run. He came to rule. And this is a good thing.

We have a king who rules with righteousness and justice. He liberates His followers from sin so we can know and worship the one true God. He does not abuse His authority but lovingly serves His people, even to the point of death.

Do you rejoice in the authority of Jesus? Sure, His authority over us constrains us but only in good ways. He is a good king with a good purpose. Trust Him. Submit to Him. And rejoice with the crowd who welcomed Him.

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9)

By Philip Jones

Do We Understand These Things?

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Let me tell you a brief love story. Stacy and I will celebrate our 21st wedding anniversary this May. God has blessed us with an amazing life, but it almost didn’t happen. You see, we met while attending the same church. We were in our 20’s so a lot of that time was spent serving in the youth group. Within a few years, most of the kids accused us of secretly dating. We were that close, but we were really just friends. Call me slow, but the love of my life was right in front of my face and I didn’t see it. Thankfully, God and Stacy were patient.

I don’t know if you can relate, but I think the disciples can. John records Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, then adds an almost humorous line. Read it for yourself:

The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written, “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!”

His disciples did not understand these things at first… (John 12:12-16)

These were the same people that had seen Jesus calm a storm, turn water into wine, heal the sick, give sight to the blind, and just recently had raised Lazarus from the dead. Jesus had revealed His identity and mission to them numerous times. And now when it is time for Him to fulfill the prophecy from Zechariah concerning the coming of Israel’s king, “they didn’t understand these things.”

It’s easy to pick on the disciples. But are we that different? We hear the stories of Jesus. We see Him work in our lives. We enjoy fellowship with Him through the Spirit. We have heard the Easter story time and time again. Yet there are times we may not understand these things we so often see.

Life gets busy. We get distracted. The worries of life weigh us down. We’ve heard the story before.

This is why it is good to reflect on what it means for Jesus to be king. We may not encounter new information, but we can make sure we understand and apply what we know.

Take a few moments to ponder what it means for Jesus to be king. And ask yourself, “Do I understand these things?”

By Philip Jones

Get Dressed!

Sat, 12 Apr 2025 07:00:01 GMT

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. (Romans 13:14 ESV)

We wear clothes that fit our activities, don’t we? We put on sweats for a workout, a jersey for a game, maybe a collared shirt with the company logo for our job, a formal suit or dress for a wedding, and comfy pajamas for a good night’s sleep. We would probably get strange looks if we wore our gym clothes to a wedding or our pajamas to work. Likewise, when we follow Jesus, we should also look like Jesus. So, what does it mean to “put on” Christ?

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ…

When we trust in Jesus, we are no longer under the rule and reign of sin. We are in Christ, bought with His blood. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds . (Titus 2:14 NLT). If we claim to identify with Christ by calling ourselves Christians, we should also identify with Him in right living. How do we do this? Well, there’s no better way to look like Jesus than to spend time with Jesus. The more we know and love Him, the more we desire to obey Him. We must choose to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” by displaying a Christlike character, showing our devotion to Him.

…and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

Although sin no longer controls us, it is still at war within and around us. If we are not living for Christ, we are living for something else. We must actively turn away from our sinful desires, leaving no room for darkness because we have the light of life (John 8:12). Paul tells us in Romans 6:2b-3, How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We are dead to our sin and have been given new life in Him – so we need to act like it! Let’s remember who we are “wearing” and show a lost and broken world that we serve the Lord Jesus Christ by how we live.

Would others recognize that you belong to Christ by how you live? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to be clothed in the presence of Christ and cast off the sin that has entangled you.

By Jessica Fox

Mission Possible

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 07:00:00 GMT

This week we are in John 17.

"Your mission, should you choose to accept it..." This iconic phrase from Mission Impossible, both the original television series and the subsequent movie franchise, introduces viewers to seemingly impossible tasks that a team of agents is asked to undertake. The message would self-destruct to maintain confidentiality as the agents decided whether to accept their assignment. While it never affects the plot, it always troubles me that the message self-destructs before anybody writes anything down, and that there is apparently no feedback mechanism informing management that the mission has been accepted. How do they know when they need to send the same mission to another agent? These are the kinds of unnecessary details I think about.

(And of course, the Mission Impossible theme song is fantastic. If you can’t remember it, I’ll wait here if you want to go look it up).

As Christians, we too are called to accept a mission.

As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. (John 17:18 HCSB)

Just as the Father sent Jesus with the divine purpose of providing a path of salvation, Jesus commissioned us to go into the world and continue His work and bring others onto the path we’re traveling. This is reinforced in the Great Commission:

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:19-20 HCSB)

Just as I can get distracted by unnecessary details in a movie, we might similarly question just how God expects us to reach a world of over 8 billion people with the gospel, especially considering how restrictive and violent some nations are about Christianity. I personally get discouraged when I see high profile Christians behaving in ways that, and I say this with all humility about myself, sure seem counter-productive to our mission.

But I must remember not to despair; it’s not up to me to figure it all out.

When the disciples heard this, they were utterly astonished and asked, “Then who can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:25-26 HCSB)

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley.

Force Field

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 07:00:01 GMT

This week we are in John 17.

Once upon a time I was teaching a Sunday School class for three-year olds. I would like to say that my classes were a well-ordered full hour of Bible study; but between bathroom time, snack time, second bathroom time, arrival and departure time, and three-year old attention spans, my real goal was five or ten minutes of actual Bible study time. All this is to say that there was time for three-year-olds to do three-year-old things.

One day two boys started pretending they had guns. I was not going to have a kid leave my class and tell his or her parents that another kid was chasing them around with a gun. I stopped their game quickly, but they kept starting up again every few minutes.

And then a church staff member named Eric walked in our door; and to my dismay, the boys proceeded to “shoot” him. But then something remarkable happened. Eric has lots of experience with little kids. He widened his stance, puffed out his chest, put his hands on his hips and declared, “Force field!” He held that pose for a long time, dismissively looking off to the side like he couldn’t even be bothered to countenance his “enemies.” He was impervious. And it worked!

The boys wandered off and didn’t play guns in class ever again. They had encountered an “enemy” with protection they could neither comprehend nor overcome.

I have given them Your word. The world hated them because they are not of the world, as I am not of the world. I am not praying that You take them out of the world but that You protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, as I am not of the world. (John 17:14-16 HCSB)

The Bible teaches us that following Jesus does not mean that our problems will come to an end. In fact, we might encounter new and dangerous problems because of our faith in Jesus. But we should never forget that Jesus Himself asks God to protect us.

I have recalled Eric’s force field many times over the years since, so let me say to you what I was not clever enough to teach my young students back then. We are going to be attacked. We are going to have hard times. As Christians we don’t have a magical force field to protect us from everything. But we are impervious.

The one who lives under the protection of the Most High dwells in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:1-2 HCSB)

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley.

Refining

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 07:00:03 GMT

This week we are in John 17.

My understanding of gold prospecting was shaped by television. I learned that in prospecting, excitable, bearded fellows like Yosemite Sam from Looney Tunes , or Yukon Cornelius from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer run around seeking their fortune with pickaxes. Now that I’m an adult, I know better. In the modern world, the excitable bearded fellows use metal detectors.

When gold is extracted from the earth it is mixed with impurities such as minerals that reduce its quality and usefulness. For gold to be purified, the internet tells me that it must go through a refining process involving combinations of heat, chemical treatment, and filtering. It sounds like an intense process.

Like impure gold, our hearts need some work as well. Jesus prayed the following:

Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. I sanctify Myself for them, so they also may be sanctified by the truth. (John 17:17-19 HCSB)

Our hearts are sanctified and purified by God’s Word.

For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the ideas and thoughts of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12 HCSB)

It sounds like an intense process.

But we don’t have to figure it out alone. The Bible teaches us that Jesus isn’t standing in the distance waiting for us to complete this lifelong sanctification process; He goes through the process with us. He doesn’t shun us until we achieve some threshold of refinement; He shows us how it’s done.

He is the Word and was with God in the beginning, and He’s with us at every one of our beginnings. He’s there refining through our many victories and failures. And speaking for myself, there’s a lot of impurity that needs to be heated and continuously filtered. And every time I turn around there are more impurities that I too easily let infiltrate.

The Word of God is living and effective, sharper than any sword, and I need to let Him do His work.

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley.

Finish the Race

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 07:00:01 GMT

This week we are in John 17.

In my youth I was a competitive runner. I ran track and cross country in high school and college, and the time spent with teammates was a very impactful time in my life. Running was tough and took discipline, but I came to love it. Thirty-plus years later, every October there is a day when the weather and smell is just so, and I get the urge to go run a cross-country race. I know that sounds weird to a lot of you. I still run today but have devolved into that guy who shuffles around the neighborhood whether it’s extremely hot or cold, and whose neighbors likely question his decision-making.

But there was a brief period in between youth and not-so-youth in which I dabbled in running marathons. I completed three before my body informed me that it was retiring from such nonsense. The mind was still willing, but the flesh became weak.

One of my marathons went particularly poorly. I am not exaggerating when I say that in the last couple of miles, my thighs hurt so much that I contemplated what depth of stab wound would be comparable. But a funny thing happened when I crossed the finish line. Pain and despair turned to euphoria in one lurching step.

The journey was tough, but completing it changed everything.

This is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and the One You have sent - Jesus Christ. I have glorified You on the earth by completing the work You gave Me to do. (John 17:3-4 HCSB)

A marathon is 26.2 miles, and I’m here to tell you that while my body didn’t feel much different at 26.1 versus 26.2 miles, my perspective was incomparable. The same screaming muscles that wailed in despair immediately became a Hallelujah chorus. My limping walk back to the hotel might as well have been dancing.

Jesus said He had glorified God the Father by completing the work given to Him. Jesus completed His work perfectly, but we don’t have to be perfect. While I never ran my marathons as fast as I wanted, you better believe I am glad that I finished them instead of giving up and quitting when I realized my target time was out of reach.

God has given us work to do here on earth. We know we can’t do it to perfection, but we can glorify Him nonetheless by finishing it. The most important step in finishing a marathon isn’t the first one or the last one.

It’s the next one.

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley

Getting to Know You

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 07:00:00 GMT

This week we are in John 17.

Has somebody ever surprised you? I don’t mean like a surprise party - I’m thinking here about a situation where you thought of somebody one way, but once you got to know them you thought of them much differently.

Years ago, I was part of a work team that interfaced regularly with another team. We managed different phases of a project and in between was a hand-off period. The other team had a guy I hadn’t worked with before. He was gruff and foul-mouthed; and I confess to you here that right off the bat, I didn’t like him. Many of my co-workers rolled their eyes when talking about him.

You can see where this is going. Over time I came to learn that while some of his demeanor was just his personality, a lot of it was because he had a difficult job and not enough help. What came across as gruffness was because he was super-focused and just trying to get things done. And what a couple of my coworkers didn’t like was that he was holding them to an appropriately high standard on our part of the project. Working with him ultimately made me better at my job. Much to my surprise, I came to truly like and respect him.

We’ve all heard we should not judge a book by its cover, and we should remember it takes time and effort to really get to know somebody. Jesus prayed this:

This is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and the One You have sent - Jesus Christ. (John 17:3 HCSB)

There is a big difference between knowing about God and knowing God. If we’re not careful we can let our relationship with Him be more like our relationship with some famous person we admire but don’t really know. Through this prayer, Jesus is reinforcing that eternal life comes from knowing both God and Him.

Knowing God requires time and intentionality, just like any deep relationship. Occasionally my wife will order a meal for delivery when I am tied up in a late-day work meeting; and despite not asking me what I want, she has a perfect track record of ordering something I enjoy. She can do that because she’s spent so much time with me that she knows the kinds of things I like.

There are a lot of good and bad distractions in this world. This is a good reminder to me that any time I am feeling distant from Jesus, I just need to spend more time with Him.

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley.

What is Fruit?

Sat, 05 Apr 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Most of us know what fruit is – although there is some debate about whether a tomato is a fruit or a vegetable. Botanically tomatoes are considered fruit; but in cooking, tomatoes are treated as vegetables.

As with the tomato, there may be some confusion about what fruit is in Jesus’ conversation with His followers about fruitful branches – or fruitful believers.

Because I have never filled an arena with people hungry for the message of the Gospel, and I have never had hundreds accept Jesus because of something I shared, I might very well consider myself unfruitful – a failure as a believer. Because there are people I love who have not yet opened their hearts to Jesus, I might consider myself an unfruitful branch.

Leading people to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ is definitely an indication of a fruit-producing believer – but there are other indications of a fruitful life in addition to evangelism – as noted by Titus 3:14: Let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.

In his little book called Secrets of the Vine , Bruce Wilkinson writes this:

In practical terms, fruit represents good works – a thought, attitude or action of ours that God values because it glorifies Him… You bear inner fruit when you allow God to nurture in you a new, Christlike quality… You bear outward fruit when you allow God to work through you to bring Him glory… Whether you’re chopping wood for a widow, taking care of an ill neighbor, or spending a lifetime as a missionary in the jungle, outward fruit appears when your motive is to bring God glory.

The fruitful life is a life that shows evidence of Christ in you – what you do, what you say, how you live, how you deal with challenges, how you treat others – a life focused on bringing God glory.

Closing thoughts:

Some branches are “out there” leading people to Jesus
Some branches are “in there” doing amazing things that perhaps no one sees (except God)
Both are fruitful branches
If you think you’re not being fruitful, doublecheck your connection with the Vine. But even with a secure connection, there may be times when the fruit isn’t obvious… to you.
If you have a season when you are producing abundant fruit, don’t let yourself become prideful; instead, thank the Vine for providing you with everything you need to produce that fruit!
And while you’re thanking, thank your Vinedresser for His tender loving care of your branch.

By Judy Shrout

Abiding

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 07:00:01 GMT

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5 NKJV)

After every big storm, my husband goes out and picks up branches that have fallen from the trees in our backyard. Perhaps the wind was terribly strong, and perhaps the branches were already losing their connection. These branches that once produced green leaves can now do nothing because they are no longer connected with their tree.

In the vineyard, the branch, along with its leaves, converts sunlight into energy that is used by the vine for growth and fruit-bearing. The branch must stay securely connected to the vine with a clear path for nutrients to flow freely from the vine into the branch. Just like the fallen branches in my yard, branches that are no longer attached to the vine can’t do anything but dry up – there’s no life in them. I could duct-tape them back on the vine, but they would still dry up.

Jesus calls us branches because He knows that unless we stay connected to Him (the Vine), we can do nothing – absolutely nothing! We can’t “branch out” on our own and survive. We must stay connected with our Vine.

Jesus calls this “abiding.” In fact, in John 15:1-7, He uses the term SEVEN times – an obvious indication that He considers “abiding” very important.

The term abide means to remain or to stay closely connected. Jesus knows that we cannot bear fruit, if we aren’t abiding in Him. And remember this: hanging around close to the Vine is not the same as being connected to the Vine.

Abiding may also mean where you’re living, where you’re making your home – in this case, abiding with our Lord. Sometimes we branches think we need to do more and more for Him – when maybe what He really wants the most is for us to be at home with Him – abiding in His Presence.

Why do you think Jesus, in this teaching moment with His disciples, stressed the importance of abiding? Do you think maybe with all the confusing events that would soon occur, this was something they really needed to know?

Like the disciples, we don’t know what challenges lie ahead for us; but Jesus is telling us that no matter what the challenge, if we abide in Him, He will be all we need. My dear branch friend, will you abide with Him during the ups and downs of YOUR life?

By Judy Shrout

Let Me Introduce You to the Vine!

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 07:00:01 GMT

For you non-vineyard-owning people (like me), you may need to scrap your visual of a vine. And for those of you who think you know what a vine looks like because you have a grapevine wreath, think again! What we call a grapevine wreath is actually a grape “branch” wreath – it’s made of the branches, not the vine.

The vine is the thick trunk of the plant that grows out of the ground and ends in a large gnarl with branches growing from it in opposite directions. The vinedresser usually keeps the vine at waist height; so, if the average height of men in Judea during Jesus’ time was 5’5”, the vine would have been around 3’ tall. The vine provides nourishment for the branches that grow from it – supplying the branches with water and nutrients absorbed from the soil through its root system.

Now that you have a visual of a vineyard’s vine, let’s move on to the more important issue: why did Jesus call Himself the true vine?

God, the Vinedresser, “planted” His Vine (Jesus) on the earth in the likeness of men to live among the branches (us) and close the gap between our sinfulness and the perfectly holy nature of the Vinedresser. The figure of a vine was used perhaps because it shows the life-giving union between the vine and the branches. Jesus is the true vine because He is God, the source of all we need.

Are you thirsty? Your Vine is the living water (John 4:14).

Are you hungry? Your Vine is the bread of life (John 6:35).

Do you long for a home? Your Vine is preparing a place for you (John 14:20).

Do you need hope? Your Vine offers you a living hope (1 Peter 1:3).

Do you need a clean slate? As we surrender ourselves to the Vine, we become a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Do you need someone to show you the way? Your Vine IS the way (John 14:6).

Do you need someone to love you – forever and always? He loves us with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3).

Let’s put it this way (it might sound a little familiar): For the Vinedresser so loved His vineyard that He gave His only begotten Vine, that every branch that believes and abides in His Vine should not perish but have everlasting life. Are you trusting in the Vine?

By Judy Shrout

What About Those Branches That Don't Bear Fruit?

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 07:00:01 GMT

What About Those Branches That Don’t Bear Fruit?

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not produce fruit he removes…” (John 15:1-2)

In the past, I have been disturbed by the last part of this passage – where Jesus says that every unproductive branch He removes, takes away, or cuts off. Jesus states that the branch is “in me” (or in Christ) – so I take that to mean the branch represents a believer. I could not imagine Jesus tossing out or cutting off a true believer – even one that wasn’t bearing fruit. Most believers have experienced a day – or even a season – when they weren’t bearing fruit – for any number of reasons.

So, I investigated the actual Greek word used in this verse: airo or airei – which is better translated “to raise,” “to take up,” or “to lift up” and was also the word used when the disciples “took up” the baskets of food after feeding the five thousand.

Then an account by a modern-day vineyard owner further enlightened my understanding in a way that reflected my belief about the character of God. He said that the owner or the person tending the vineyard (the “vinedresser”) walks up and down the rows of the vineyard checking to be sure all the branches are healthy. Sometimes new branches start trailing along the ground where they get muddy and dusty, where the sun doesn’t get to the leaves, and where they can’t bear fruit.

When someone asked the vineyard owner if he tossed out those unfruitful branches, the owner said, “No, every branch is important to me!” So, when the vinedresser comes across one of those branches, he takes a bucket of water, leans down, “lifts up” that dirty branch off the ground, gently and thoroughly cleans the dirt and mud off its leaves, then lifts it up higher and attaches it to a trellis where the light of the sun can reach it and where it can bear fruit.

I can almost picture my Vinedresser walking down my row, finding me on the ground with the dust and mud of sin blocking the Son from my life, stooping down, then tenderly cleaning me up and restoring me to the light so that fruit can freely come from my life (my branch).

If you think you just might be that unfruitful branch coated with the mud of sin and the dust of distractions, would you right this minute ask God to come into your life, clean you up, and let the Son shine on you? And if you know of someone else in that situation, would you sit with them and give them the hope of the Vinedresser’s tender touch?

By Judy Shrout

The Story Board

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 07:00:01 GMT

An author often creates a story board to keep track of the characters in a novel – with additional notes so no detail gets mixed up in the writing of the book. If Jesus pulled out a story board for John 15, here would be His cast of characters and their faith counterpart:

The Vinedresser represents God
The Vine represents Jesus
The Branch represents believers
The Fruit represents… fruit

Today let’s meet with the vinedresser and see how he tends his vineyard. His task is clear-cut: to make sure the vineyard is productive. For this to happen, he positions the branches where they will produce the most fruit. Sometimes he cleans up those branches, sometimes he prunes them a little bit, sometimes he prunes them a lot. Some vinedressers prune back as much as 90% so that the next season will be abundantly fruitful!

Tomorrow we’ll find out what the vinedresser does with those branches that do not bear fruit -- but right now let’s think about what the vinedresser does with those that do bear fruit, whether it’s a little or a lot; because God, our vinedresser, created us to bear much fruit!

“My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be my disciples.” (John 15:8)

But what if we’re not bearing much fruit? What does our vinedresser do? Like the vineyard owner, God prunes us – sometimes painfully, to get rid of the distractions that keep us from bearing more fruit. It could be frenzied activity (even in the church) that looks good but isn’t fruitful – just like a beautiful green leafy branch that looks good but never produces fruit because all the energy goes into the leaves. It could be that your own (or someone else’s) plan for your life has taken precedence over God’s plan for your life. Sometimes He prunes back some relationships that are unnecessarily consuming all your energy or taking up too much space in your heart.

And just as a side note: branches don’t prune other branches. Think about that for a minute.

If you sense the pain of pruning right now, it’s because God loves you more than you can imagine and wants you to be even more fruitful.

As we submit ourselves to God’s painful pruning, let’s trust Him with the shears and look forward to our best and most fruitful season ever!

By Judy Shrout

Jesus Connected

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Our focal passage this week is Jesus’ teaching in John 15.

Since not too many of us have a vineyard out back, Jesus probably would not have used the illustration in today’s Scripture to best connect with us. For people in Kentucky, He might have used illustrations from the tobacco or thoroughbred industries – or maybe even from U.K. basketball traditions.

Walking in the dusty footprints of their Rabbi, the disciples of Jesus were no doubt quite accustomed to His method of teaching them important truths – in ways that resonated in their culture – ways they understood and could relate to – and often visual. They didn’t have fill-in-the-blank notebooks. In fact, Matthew and John may have been the only disciples who took notes!

This teaching occurs sometime between the Last Supper (the Passover meal) and Jesus’ prayer in the place called Gethsemane – where He would soon be praying so earnestly that His sweat became like great drops of blood falling to the ground (Luke 22:44).

Even with the weight of the world’s sin about to be placed on His shoulders, Jesus continued to share vital lessons with His disciples. Perhaps as they were walking toward Gethsemane, they passed a vineyard or two along the way – and may even have been walking through one as He taught.

Can you just imagine Him placing his hand on a thick gnarled vine and asking, “Brothers, what is this?” To which they would eye each other knowingly and respond, “Rabbi, that’s a vine!”

Now that He had their attention focused on that gnarled vine, He looked them at them intently and spoke these words, “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser” (John 15:1).

You and I need to brush up on life in the vineyard to fully understand this teaching of Jesus, but the disciples were right there with Him – they knew about vineyards.

Before we move on into the vineyard, let’s think about something. If we want to reflect Jesus and effectively relate with our fellow travelers on life’s journey, we need to get to know them where they are – not where we assume they might be. When you are eager to share Bible truths with someone, are you taking time to discover the culture of that person before trying to relate with them according to YOUR culture? And will you acknowledge with me that a different culture might be one that could teach US a few things?

By Judy Shrout

Zealous for God

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. (Romans 12:11 NIV)

Zeal. How often do you hear this word in everyday conversation? How would you define this word, and how can you apply this word to your spiritual walk?

To be zealous for God could be interpreted as having a deep passion, eagerness, and devotion to Him and His work. It is an intense love that fuels our faith and drives us to live in obedience, serve wholeheartedly, and share His truth boldly. Scripture is filled with many examples of godly zeal. One striking figure is Elijah, who stood alone against the prophets of Baal, declaring, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty” (1 Kings 19:10). His unwavering commitment to God in a time of spiritual compromise shows the power of godly zeal.

However, zeal must be guided by knowledge and wisdom. Apostle Paul speaks of the Israelites, saying, For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge (Romans 10:2). Passion without truth can lead to misguided actions. True zeal aligns with God’s Word, leading to righteousness and love rather than self-righteousness or destruction.

Jesus himself demonstrated perfect zeal when He cleansed the temple, declaring, “Zeal for your house will consume me” (John 2:17). His passion was rooted in a deep love for the Father’s holiness. Likewise, our zeal should come from a heart that desires to glorify God, not for selfish ambition or personal gain.

How do we keep our zeal for God alive?

1. Stay in God’s Word – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

2. Pray Continually – “Never stop praying.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NLT)

3. Serve with joy – “Serve the Lord with gladness!” (Psalm 100:2)

4. Surround yourself with passionate believers – “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)

It is the season for college basketball tournaments, horse racing and all things spring. While we may enjoy these activities, let us be mindful of our zeal for them; and instead, channel our primary passion toward God and our spiritual growth.

Brethren, let us be on fire for God, not just in moments of excitement but in steadfast, enduring faith. May our lives reflect a zeal that glorifies Him in all we do. Pray: Lord, ignite a passion in my heart to serve You faithfully. Let my zeal be rooted in Your truth and love. Amen.

By George Donkor

George and his wife, Christiana, are proud parents of Annajoy and Elijah. They love serving Jesus together and showing Him to the world around them.

No One

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 12:06:45 GMT

I love just about everything that Jesus said. But I must admit there are some things that can make me uncomfortable, if I’m honest. Perhaps you feel that way too.

One of those truths is found in John 14:6: Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Don’t get me wrong; I find great comfort in knowing that Jesus is the Way to come to the Father. It’s just that the reality that NO ONE can come to the Father except through Jesus makes me sad.

There are millions and millions of people who have never heard of Jesus. There are thousands of unreached people groups. There are billions of people who believe in false religions. If I take Jesus at His word, then I am confronted with the terrible reality that most of the world is not going to spend eternity with the Father. On the contrary, they will be eternally separated from Him.

This truth makes me cringe when I allow myself to be confronted by it.

Jesus told us to make disciples of all people as we are going about our lives. We were commissioned by Jesus to go to all the nations “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20).

It’s been 2000 years since that small band of Jesus’ first followers heard those words; and yet, the world is lost. We have technology capable of sharing breaking news live throughout the world; and yet, billions are without Jesus.

Today, dwell in the uncomfortable truth that no one comes to the Father except through Jesus. Ask God to show you who needs to know about Him. And share.

By LaRaine Rice

The Life

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 12:47:38 GMT

The Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life , and the man became a living creature. (Genesis 2:7)

Sin came into the world because of what one man [Adam] did. And with sin came death. So, this is why all people must die—because all people have sinned. (Romans 5:12)

God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life . (John 3:16)

Jesus, the Son, said:

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life . (John 8:12)
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life . He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life . (John 5:24)
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life . No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true… He is the true God and eternal life . (1 John 5:20)

I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore, choose life ! (Deuteronomy 30:19)

By LaRaine Rice

The Truth

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 07:00:00 GMT

We are fortunate; there is a lot of truth floating around out there these days. In fact, it seems that we live in a time when everyone has their own truth, and we are to respect that truth.

Even if it makes no sense or is partially based on lies.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could just know what the truth is about a matter?

Once again, we are fortunate. We can know the Truth. Jesus calls Himself the Truth.

Jesus did not claim to know truth. He didn’t state that He speaks truth. He said He is the Truth.

1 John 1:5 (Amplified) defines it like this: This is the message [of God’s promised revelation] which we have heard from Him and now announce to you, that God is Light [He is holy, His message is truthful, He is perfect in righteousness], and in Him there is no darkness at all [no sin, no wickedness, no imperfection] .

When we are confused and uncertain of the truth, we can ask God. As Jesus promised the disciples, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come” (John 16:13 ESV).

Are there situations you face today that seem murky? Rely on the holy, pure light that is found in God alone. Are you confused by half-truths and what others consider their truth? Seek the Spirit of Truth. You are promised that “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32 ESV).

Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness. (Ephesians 6:14 ESV)

By LaRaine Rice

The Way

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 07:00:01 GMT

Sounds like a great idea. People don’t want to miss God. If there are multiple ways to God, then everyone who wants to find Him can follow whatever path they choose and get to Him. All paths lead to God.

Sounds like a good idea to a lot of people. But it doesn’t sound like a good idea to God.

God wants to be found. He didn’t want to make it hard to find Him. So, He became a human, invited everyone to follow Him and instructed His followers to tell everyone else how to find Him.

Problem solved. By God.

God made a way. Jesus. He is the Way.

So, why does this lie that there are multiple paths to God still exist?

Simple. The Enemy of God does not want people to be reconciled to God. He confuses people just like he confused Eve. He pretends that there are ways to God. He distracts Christians and convinces them that they will sound judgmental if they say that there is only one Way to God. So, they remain silent in the world even while praising God with lifted hands at church.

The very earliest followers of Jesus identified themselves as belonging to the Way (Acts 9:2; 19:9,23; 22:4; 24:14,22). Perhaps if we intentionally remembered that we are followers of the Way, we would remember Jesus’ instructions to point everyone to Him.

Today, ask God to remind you that He is the Way and to give you the opportunity to tell other people that God made a Way to Him.

By LaRaine Rice

No Trouble

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Children are taught basic facts as they begin their education. The first letter of the alphabet is A. The primary colors are red, blue and yellow. One plus one is two. The basics are an important foundation for our education.

At the Last Supper, Jesus shared such a basic fact: “ Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me” (John 14:1 CSB).

Read that again:

· Don’t let your heart be troubled.

· Believe in God.

· Believe in Jesus.

If there are earthquakes, fires, storms and countless natural disasters, don’t let your heart be troubled . If you strongly disagree with a political leader or platform, don’t let your heart be troubled . If the world seems to be in chaos, don’t let your heart be troubled.

Believe in God. God created this world. God directs the “king’s heart” (Proverbs 21:1). God controls the clouds (Job 37:15).

Believe in Jesus. Jesus calms storms (Mark 4:39). Jesus heals. Jesus conquered death.

Faith is simple. It is not complicated. It should be childlike (Matthew 18:3).

We make it complex. We take on worry.

Ask yourself if you are troubled. Ask God to reveal areas where you lack faith.

Child of God, don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe in Jesus.

By LaRaine Rice

A Reminder of God's Faithfulness

Sat, 22 Mar 2025 08:00:00 GMT

There’s a story that during World War II, a young soldier carried a small pocket Bible his mother had given him. In a fierce firefight, a bullet struck his chest, but the Bible in his pocket absorbed the impact, saving his life. In this man’s life, that Bible became more than a keepsake—it was a powerful reminder of God’s protection and presence in his darkest moments.

In a similar way, the sword of Goliath became a reminder for David of God’s care and protection over his life. As a young shepherd, David faced Goliath armed only with a sling and five stones. With reliance on the Lord, he triumphed, and Goliath’s sword became a trophy of that victory (1 Samuel 17:50-54). David later gave the sword to the priests, who kept it as a memorial of God’s deliverance.

Years later, the sword reappeared at a critical moment in David’s life. Fleeing from King Saul and fearing for his life, David arrived at Nob, desperate, unarmed, and in need of food. When he asked the priest Ahimelech for a weapon, the priest told him, “The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the Valley of Elah, is here; it is wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod.” David took the sword, saying, “There is none like it; give it to me.” (1 Samuel 21:9)

In that moment, the sword wasn’t just a weapon—it was a divine reminder of God’s faithfulness. Years earlier, God had given David victory over Goliath, proving that His power could overcome any obstacle. The sword symbolized this for David and reminded him that God had equipped him for whatever challenges lay ahead.

Do you have a physical object in your life that reminds you of God’s provision? It could be a worn Bible, a baptism certificate, or a note of encouragement given to you during a difficult time. These items can serve as reminders of this truth: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). When you see that object, let it remind you of a specific moment when God met your need, provided for you in an unexpected way, or carried you through a challenge. Hold onto that memory as evidence of His faithfulness and as a promise that He will continue to supply everything you need.

By Paky Kramer

Glory to God & the Son of Man

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 07:00:00 GMT

When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself and will glorify him at once.” (John 13:31-32)

In this poignant moment, Jesus speaks to His disciples about the events that will soon unfold—the betrayal, crucifixion, and ultimate resurrection. This moment marks a pivotal transition in the narrative of the Gospel. It signifies that the culmination of Jesus’ earthly ministry is at hand; and through His death, burial, and resurrection, both He and God the Father will receive glory.

Jesus’ death on the cross was the ultimate act of love and sacrifice. It was through this act that He bore the sins of humanity, fulfilling the divine plan of salvation. His resurrection affirmed His victory over sin and death, demonstrating His divine authority and the promise of eternal life for all who believe. In this, Jesus is glorified as the Savior who not only suffered but triumphed over the grave.

The glorification of Jesus also reflects the glory of God the Father. By sending His Son to die for humanity, God revealed His immense love and justice. The resurrection showcased God’s power, affirming His sovereignty over life and death. In glorifying Jesus, God the Father is glorified, as it is through Jesus that the fullness of God's nature is revealed—His mercy, grace, and holiness.

Understanding the glorification of Jesus and the Father has profound implications for believers today. It calls for a response of gratitude, worship, and commitment. The sacrificial love demonstrated by Jesus should inspire believers to live lives that reflect His character. This means embracing a life of service, humility, and love towards others, just as Jesus exemplified.

Moreover, the resurrection offers hope and assurance. In a world filled with challenges, uncertainties, and suffering, the promise of resurrection reminds believers that death is not the end. It encourages a perspective rooted in hope, knowing that God’s power is at work in every situation.

As followers of Christ, the challenge is to glorify God in our own lives. This can be achieved through acts of kindness, sharing the Gospel, and living out our faith authentically. When believers embody the love of Christ, they reflect His glory to the world around them.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for the glory revealed through His death and resurrection. Help each believer to live in a way that honors You and reflects Your love to others. May our lives be a testament to the hope and victory found in Christ. Amen.

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com, FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

Mary's Profound Act of Devotion

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 11:36:23 GMT

Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. (John 12:1-3)

In this beautiful passage, we witness a profound act of devotion by Mary, the sister of Lazarus. As Jesus reclines at the table, Mary approaches Him with a jar of pure nard, an expensive perfume. Her act of anointing Jesus’ feet is not merely a gesture of hospitality; it is a powerful expression of love, reverence, and recognition of His impending sacrifice.

Mary’s act of devotion is significant for several reasons. First, it demonstrates her deep understanding of Jesus' identity and mission. Mary recognizes that Jesus is more than a teacher; He is the Messiah, worthy of honor and sacrifice. The extravagant nature of her offering—using a costly perfume—highlights the value she places on Jesus. This was not a mere token gesture; it was a heartfelt response to the love and grace she had received from Him.

Moreover, Mary’s act challenges societal norms. In a culture where women were often relegated to the background, Mary steps forward boldly, using her hair to wipe Jesus’ feet, a sign of humility and surrender. This act of devotion speaks volumes about her character and her willingness to serve Jesus in the most intimate way possible.

Mary’s anointing of Jesus serves as a powerful lesson for believers today. It invites reflection on the nature of true devotion. Are believers willing to offer their best to Jesus, regardless of societal expectations or personal sacrifice? (Judas questioned the value of Mary’s act, but Jesus defended her.)

The act of pouring out the perfume symbolizes the pouring out of one’s life in service to Christ. What “expensive” offerings can you bring to the Lord—whether that be time, resources, or talents? Mary’s example encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with Christ and to express their love through acts of service and worship.

Dear Lord, thank You for the example of Mary and her profound act of devotion. Help each believer to recognize the value of offering their best to You, regardless of the cost. May our lives be filled with acts of love and service that glorify Your name. Teach us to prioritize our relationship with You and to respond to Your grace with extravagant love. Amen.

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com, FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

Faith in Jesus as the Resurrection and Life

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 07:00:01 GMT

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25–26).

When Jesus arrived in Bethany after the death of Lazarus, He wasn’t just bringing words of comfort—He was offering life itself. In His response to Martha, grieving the loss of her brother, Jesus didn’t simply say that He could bring resurrection. Instead, He declared, “I am the resurrection and the life.” In this statement, He revealed His ultimate power over death and His ability to transform despair into hope.

Faith in Jesus means much more than waiting for a distant promise of life after death. It is placing our trust in the One who brings life here and now—spiritual life, eternal life, and the assurance that even death cannot separate us from His love. The resurrection of Lazarus was more than one family’s miracle; it was a sign that Jesus has the power to bring life where there was once death, both physically and spiritually.

This truth invites us to ask ourselves the same question Jesus posed to Martha: “Do you believe this?” Do we believe that Jesus is greater than the finality we associate with death? Do we trust Him to hold both our lives and our eternity in His hands? For those who believe, there is no fear of death. Though we may face physical death, Jesus promises that it will not have the final word for those whose faith rests in Him.

In moments when life feels uncertain or when death and loss feel overwhelming, Jesus’ words anchor us in the hope of the gospel. Faith in Him offers more than just comfort—it offers victory. We are reminded that because Jesus Himself overcame death through His resurrection, we too can live with confidence in the eternal life He promises to all who trust Him.

Let us live today in the hope and assurance of Jesus’ words. He is the resurrection and the life—not just in the future, but right here, right now.

Jesus, thank You for being the resurrection and the life. In You, I have hope that goes beyond the grave and life that is full and eternal. Help me to trust in Your promises, especially in moments of fear and doubt. Strengthen my faith as I live in the light of Your victory over death. Amen.

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com, FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

Jesus's Compassion and Humanity

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Jesus wept. (John 11:35)

It’s one of the shortest verses in the Bible, but “Jesus wept” speaks volumes. Jesus, the Son of God, who has the power to heal the sick and raise the dead, pauses at the tomb of Lazarus and weeps. Why would He cry when He knows He is about to restore Lazarus to life?

This small but powerful moment reveals the heart of our Savior. Jesus enters into the grief of Mary and Martha, sharing their sorrow and feeling the weight of their pain. He does not rush past their tears, nor does He dismiss their anguish with a hollow reassurance. Instead, He stands beside them in their brokenness and mourns with them.

This shows us that Jesus is not distant or detached. He is fully divine, yet fully human. He understands what it means to grieve deeply, to feel sadness, and to weep over lost relationships and the brokenness of this world. Even though He holds the ultimate power over life and death, He lovingly enters into our human experience and bears our burdens with us.

What comfort to know that Jesus doesn’t expect us to face our pain alone! Whether you are walking through grief, wrestling with unanswered prayers, or feeling crushed by the weight of life’s hardships, Jesus is with you. His tears at Lazarus’ tomb remind us that we worship a God who is intimately acquainted with our suffering. He sees your pain, cares about it, and stands with you in it.

This act of weeping also reminds us of Jesus’ compassion for a broken world. While He came to bring hope and life, He grieves the impact that sin and death have had on creation. When storms of suffering overwhelm us, we too can rest in the assurance that Jesus mourns with us—and that He will not leave us there.

God is always at work, bringing good out of even the darkest circumstances to fulfill His ultimate purposes. Through trials and suffering, He is restoring His creation, weaving every moment into His grand plan of redemption and renewal. In His perfect sovereignty, all things work together for His glory and our good.

Take a moment today to reflect on Jesus’ tears and His nearness in your pain. You are not alone. The One who wept at Lazarus’ tomb weeps with you and offers His peace and healing.

Jesus, thank You for being a Savior who understands my pain and stands with me in my sorrow. Your compassion brings me comfort and hope. Help me to trust in Your presence and find rest in Your care. Thank You for Your steadfast love, even in my brokenness. Amen.

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com, FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

God's Sovereignty and Purpose in Suffering

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 07:00:00 GMT

This week we will explore the profound truths revealed in the days leading up to Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice, focusing on the events surrounding the raising of Lazarus, Mary’s act of devotion, and the glory of Christ’s victory over sin and death.

When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” (John 11:4)

When Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus about their brother Lazarus’ critical illness, they likely expected Him to come immediately, to heal him before it was too late. But Jesus didn’t rush to their side. Instead, He delayed, and Lazarus died. To Mary, Martha, and those mourning, this must have seemed like a tragic, senseless loss. “Where was the Savior we called for?” they may have wondered.

Yet Jesus’ response reveals something profound about the way God works in suffering. He told His disciples that Lazarus’ illness would not lead to ultimate defeat but would be used for God’s glory. Jesus saw the bigger picture—one in which His power over death would be displayed, faith would be strengthened, and God’s purpose would unfold in unimaginable ways.

This challenges us to view our own struggles through the lens of God’s sovereignty. In seasons of suffering, we often find ourselves asking “why?” Why didn’t God intervene? Why does this hardship persist? In our limited understanding, it’s hard to see beyond the pain of the moment. But this passage reminds us that even when God’s actions seem delayed or unclear, He is always working for a greater purpose—His glory and our ultimate good.

Lazarus’ story teaches us that our suffering is never wasted. The glory of God shines brightest in the darkest of times; and through our struggles, God refines us and draws others to Himself. What feels like a delay or absence is often God’s preparation for something greater than we could ever imagine.

Are you in a season of waiting or pain? Take heart. The same God who brought life from death in Lazarus’ story is present in your life today. He sees beyond what we can comprehend, and He promises that no tear, trial, or loss will go unnoticed. Trust Him to use even the hardest seasons for His glory.

Lord, I confess that I don’t always understand why suffering occurs. In my pain, it’s easy to feel abandoned or confused. Help me to trust that You are sovereign and loving, even in my darkest moments. Strengthen my faith and remind me that You are using every circumstance for Your glory and my good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com, FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

God's Love

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 08:00:00 GMT

We recently added a new member to our family, a miniature Australian labradoodle named Nelly. We picked her out from the litter and waited 6 long weeks before we could bring her home, already planning the adventures we would take her on, the people she would get to meet and how excited we were to welcome her home. Nelly has been with us for several months now, and it’s hard to remember life without her. I love her so much even when she bites my face or leaves a mess in the house. This picture of love is just a small reflection of God’s infinite love for us and the beauty of the gospel. There are three parts of Ephesians 2:4-5 that remind us of the depth of God’s love and the assurance of our already-written future.

Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved. (Ephesians 2:4-5)

1 - Because of his great love for us, God who is rich in mercy... (v. 4)

God loves us so much that He created us in His image and has had a good plan for our lives even before we were born. God designed us to spend time in His presence and experience His mercies every day.

2 – Made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions… (v. 5a)

Since the fall of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3, sin has separated us from our Creator. We were dead in our sin and lost in this broken world, but God did not give up on us. The most beautiful picture of love was Jesus taking our sin to the cross, dying the death we deserved, and rising again so we might experience new life with Him.

3 – It is by grace you have been saved. (v. 5b)

The most amazing part of the Gospel is that we did nothing to earn salvation; and even though we still fall short of God’s righteousness, we are covered by grace. Through God’s grace we have been set free from the bondage of sin and welcomed into His arms of love.

Have there been times when you have doubted God’s love for you? Please let the truth of this passage clear up that doubt, and let the assurance of His love impact the way you do life.

By C.A. Carter

The Good Shepherd Cares for All Sheep

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 08:00:00 GMT

Anyone who has brought a new pet into their home knows there is an adjustment period. You must watch it closely, clean up some messes, and train it to know where it can and cannot go. If you have another pet, the transition can be even more complicated while they learn to coexist. But the time invested pays off. Once the pet becomes part of the family, it’s hard to imagine life without it.

In John 10, as Jesus discusses with the Pharisees how He is the “good shepherd,” He points out that one of those ways is by caring for ALL His “sheep.”

“But I have other sheep that are not from this sheep pen; I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. Then there will be one flock, one shepherd.” (CSB 16:10 John)

It’s amazing that sheep can identify and follow the commands of their shepherd above all the noise around them. But what happens when sheep get a new shepherd? The shepherd has to train the sheep to recognize the new voice. This process can take weeks or months. After that adjustment, the sheep will learn and then follow the commands of the new shepherd.

Jesus talks about being a “new shepherd” for all people in John 10:16. He was bringing a new covenant to everyone. Everyone would recognize Him first as the Messiah for the Jews. But He was also coming for the Gentiles. The Gentiles were not currently in His “sheep pen.” They had no knowledge of His teachings. They would be the ones that would need to learn to recognize His voice and follow His commands.

Although we may never fully see the impact of Jesus being a shepherd to “all sheep” in this life, eventually we will see it when we are gathered as “one flock, one shepherd” in eternity. John caught a vision of this glorious moment and shared it with us:

After this I looked, and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hands. (Revelation 7:9)

By Jason Grace

The Good Shepherd Provides an Abundant Life

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 08:00:00 GMT

We all want to be safe. We take many measures to demonstrate that safety is a top priority. We install locks on our doors. We set up security systems. We install fences and gates around our yards. Sometimes we don’t even know what we’re guarding against. But that doesn’t really matter. We want to be prepared for whatever happens. We can spend so much time focused on what could happen that we don’t actually move on and live our lives.

In John 10, as Jesus discusses with the Pharisees how He is the “good shepherd,” He points out that one of the ways He shepherds is by protecting His “sheep” from the intentions of thieves. Jesus tells them:

“A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.” (CSB 10:10 John)

There are so many ways our world that can rob us of the full life God has planned for us. Sin is one of those ways. Although we do need to strive for a life like Jesus, we will always have issues with sin to some degree because of our sinful nature. We need to continually reorient ourselves to focus on Jesus and away from these sinful desires.

But there are more ways that the “thief” can rob us. We can get so focused on other areas in our lives that we do not fully serve Him with what we’ve been given. How are we taking care of our body? How are we taking care of our mind? How are we guarding our time? How are we spending our money? God has given us all these things to use to honor Him. We need to model healthy habits for others – and avoid the distractions that lure us into unhealthy behaviors.

And in addition to all that, many of us worry. We worry about everything. We worry about ourselves or our families. We worry about the “what ifs.” We worry that we are not doing enough with what God has given us. We need to step back and remember that Jesus has delivered us from the “thief” of worry too. He has commanded us not to worry (Matthew 6:34).

Don’t let these thieves rob you of the abundant life Jesus promised. Instead, “… seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” (Matthew 6:33). That’s how we have a life of abundance.

By Jason Grace

The Good Shepherd's Sheep Know His Voice

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 08:00:00 GMT

Every May, there is a Sheepdog Festival in Masterson Station Park in Lexington. If you haven’t been there in person, you might want to watch videos of how the shepherds, sheepdogs, and sheep work together. It is very impressive how the sheepdog and shepherd work together in an open and noisy environment. There are plenty of distractions, including soccer games and other activities. But when the shepherd gives the command, the sheepdog listens to the familiar voice of the shepherd and responds with obedience.

In John 10, as Jesus discusses with the Pharisees the fact that He is the “good shepherd,” He makes an important point about the “sheep” He shepherds. He makes it clear that His “sheep” know His voice; His voice is easily recognized by His “sheep.” They aren’t distracted by other voices. Jesus tells His listeners:

“The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought all his own outside, he goes ahead of them. The sheep follow him because they know his voice.” CSB 4-3:10 (John)

Jesus points out that you don’t follow someone unless you recognize their voice. And why would you? Any parent can surely relate when they have gone to daycare or school and heard the familiar voice of their own child calling out – even amid the voices of all the others.

Once Jesus calls His followers, He goes ahead of them. This is an important model in leadership. Anyone can say they are a leader. Anyone can put together a team. But does your team know what to do? Followers need a leader to guide them. A true leader will do that by “leading” from the front. If followers have questions or are unsure, then all they have to do is “follow the leader.” As Jesus said, they “know his voice.”

As believers and followers of the leadership of Jesus Christ, we may not physically see Him, but we can listen to His voice speaking to us through the written Word -- and follow in obedience.

By Jason Grace

The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life for the Sheep

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 08:00:00 GMT

First responders have received a lot of positive attention in recent years. They have endured through difficult circumstances and long hours. And because they have been deemed “essential” through all these times, they have had no “downtime.” We are extremely thankful for what they do.

Some may wonder why first responders keep working in these jobs. The hours are long, and the breaks are short. Many times, they are putting the safety of others as their main priority. Why not work somewhere else? But for them it’s an easy answer; for them, it’s a calling. There is a need, and they are called to meet it. How can you not help in that situation?

In John 10, Jesus, in a conversation with the Pharisees, tells them that He is the “good shepherd.” One of those ways He shepherds is by providing protection for the sheep. Jesus tells them:

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” ( 11:10 JohnCSB)

If shepherds saw a threat or wanted to keep the flock safe at night, they would lie down in front of the gate or “door” and block the entrance. This would keep the flock safe, and the shepherd would be the first to know whenever there were any problems.

What a beautiful and courageous picture of sacrifice! The sheep had no way to protect themselves, so the shepherds took on that responsibility. The shepherds were putting themselves in danger.

Jesus has provided protection for us too, as He carried to the cross the burden and the penalty for all our sins. We had no other way to be with God because of the depth our sin. Jesus ultimately gave His life so we could be with Him in eternity.

Find comfort in these words: “I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me, just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep.” ( JohnCSB) 15-14:10

By Jason Grace

The Good Shepherd Is the Door

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 08:00:00 GMT

Have you ever walked through a maze? Many of us have gone through a corn maze, but some may have also gone through a mirror maze or another indoor maze. The goal is the same. We enter, and then we need to find the exit. The maze is designed to make it as difficult as possible to do that.

In John 10, Jesus discusses with the Pharisees how He is the “good shepherd.” One of those ways He shepherds is by being the “door” or “gate” for the sheep. Jesus tells them:

“Truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn’t listen to them. I am the gate. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture.” (CSB 9-7:10 John)

The Pharisees were viewed as authorities on the law; the Jewish people looked to them as their authority figures. If the Pharisees placed heavy legal burdens on the people, the people would try to abide by them. And if the Pharisees required people to follow what was against God’s law, the people would follow that too.

Jesus is providing a clearer and simpler solution. The people can come to Him and find salvation. Not only that, but Jesus is also saying that He is the only way to enter and find salvation.

Jesus is making a strong statement here. He is not only saying He is providing a new way for people to come to God, but He is saying that the way they have followed is wrong! If Jesus was right, then the Pharisees would be out of a job!

Fortunately for us, we know that Jesus is right. All we have to do is follow Him. Jesus has made a way to God through His sacrifice for our sins.

By Jason Grace

Change

Sat, 08 Mar 2025 13:01:21 GMT

Change. How does that word make you feel? Anxious? Excited? I am looking forward to the changes that let us know Spring is on its way. The trees start to bud and spring flowers start to peek from the ground. I know what to expect when I see these changes.

Generally, people don’t like change unless we know what to expect. Sometimes change can bring bad things. We don’t know what to expect or how to prepare. We can be afraid of the unknown. But we can take comfort in knowing that God and His Word never change.

Throughout Scripture we can read about the unchanging nature of God. Here are some verses we can cling to when everything else seems chaotic and changing.

The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of our God remains forever. (Isaiah 40:8 HCSB)

This was one of the first verses I memorized as a kid in Sunday School. Honestly, at the time, I chose to memorize this one because it’s short. It also made sense to me, and not all of Scripture is as simple and straightforward. But this verse makes a profound statement: the Word of our God remains forever! There’s comfort in knowing that.

For I the LORD do not change; (Malachi 3:6a ESV)

We all change, right? People don’t stay the same. Children grow up. We get older. I tell new parents that the most difficult stage of parenting is whatever stage you are in now, because you haven’t done it before. Even if you are not a parent, this is the first time you have been in this stage of your life, right? We are trying to figure it out as we go. But the LORD doesn’t change. We can count on Him and His unchanging nature for stability and for better guidance than what I have to offer.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8 ESV)

The Jesus we follow today is the same Jesus that walked on water and fed 5000! He’s the same Jesus that John wrote about in John 1:1-5. Jesus was there before Adam was created and will be there when our earth is destroyed. We can take comfort in knowing that He knows all about us yet still loves us enough to die for us. That will never change!

Amid the changing nature of our world, are you trusting in the unchanging character of the Almighty God? Have you found peace in the One who is the same yesterday, today, and forever? If so, would you join me in sharing the source of our hope and our peace with a world that needs Jesus?

By Jennifer Preston

I AM

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 08:00:00 GMT

In the sports world, there is a constant debate over the GOAT (greatest of all time) in each sport. In my teenage years, Michael Jordan took that mantle in basketball. I lived through the Tom Brady era in football. In each case, the players involved were polarizing. Greatness will attract your bandwagon fans but also produce detractors who want to see you fail. For example, I have no shame in admitting I have never cheered for Tom Brady. Call me petty.

These can be fun conversations that have no moral relevance for our lives. The same cannot be said of Jesus. While He walked this earth, very few people had a neutral opinion of Him. He was loved, adored, and followed by many. Yet others despised Him and planned His downfall, even if it meant killing Him. Consider the height of the conflict in John 8:

Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple. (John 8:56-59)

The Jews didn’t just think about stoning Jesus, they picked up the rocks. What made them so mad? It was Jesus’ claim to greatness. When He said, “before Abraham was, I am,” He made a claim to be God. “I am” pointed back to God’s revelation to Moses from the burning bush when He revealed his name as “I am who I am.” This sounds strange but the idea is that God simply exists. He is not dependent on anyone or anything. He has always been and will always be. Jesus makes this same claim to greatness about Himself.

To really grasp the identity of Jesus, we must look beyond John 8. We look beyond the gospel of John and the New Testament. We look from Genesis to Revelation because Jesus is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

He is the God of Moses, the deliverer of Israel.

He is the greater David, the true King.

He is the child in the manger, born to rescue His people.

He is the lamb of God, hung on criminal’s cross for us.

He is the roaring lion, resurrected from the dead.

He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and end.

He is the One we will praise for eternity.

And now, we have the privilege to worship Him. Do that today.

By Philip Jones

The Fighter

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 08:00:00 GMT

We’ve sanitized Jesus. Yes, He was the kindest human to ever live, always willing to extend God’s mercy to those in need. Yes, He welcomed children and was humble enough to wash His disciples’ feet. He brought grace to the woman at the well, healing to the blind, and removed the shame of many sinners. We could go on and on with His displays of love to those He encountered. But He was more than just Mr. Rogers with miracles.

He fiercely attacked sin; He stood his ground against bullies; and He wasn’t afraid of a fight. Yet in all of this, He never sinned. We see a clear example of this when fatherhood is brought up in His argument with the Pharisees. Listen for yourself:

They answered him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works Abraham did, but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. You are doing the works your father did… You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires.” (John 8:39-41, 44)

Don’t skim over verse 44 too quickly. He just called devout, religious leaders sons of the devil. He didn’t tiptoe around the truth or concern Himself with their feelings. There was not a ‘nice’ way to say what needed to be said.

And let me say this once again, this was not sinful. He was always motivated by perfect holiness and love, even if that doesn’t fit the sanitized version of Him we sometimes have.

Why does this matter? We need that same fighting spirit in our lives at times. This isn’t a call to physical violence, vigilantism, or verbal attacks toward those who disagree with us. It is a call to fight the sin we see in our own lives first, and then lovingly confront it in others when appropriate. It is a reminder that we “wrestle against the spiritual forces of evil,” (Ephesian 6:12) so we must be ready for battle.

Are you being passive with the sin in your life? If so, repent and fight.

Are you staying silent at the injustices you can fix or influence? If so, loving confront the evil.

Take heart that Jesus was a fighter in the best way. And remember, He is still fighting to this day. Be courageous, knowing “the LORD your God fights for you” (Deuteronomy 3:22).

By Philip Jones

The Truth that Sets Us Free

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 08:00:00 GMT

When it comes to all the information available to us, I believe these famous words apply: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” We have more data, more access to news, and easier ability to communicate than any other time in history. For example, if you are wondering about the book and author of my previous quote, you can find it in about 30 seconds. You might not even need to type if you have Siri, Alexa, or your AI of choice close by.

Amid all this information we hear things like “fake news,” “alternative facts,” and “misinformation.” In addition to that, our culture is full of outright lies about God, man, and righteousness. This world of lies leads to confusion, destruction, or godlessness for many. If we are not careful, even good people can be led astray.

In such a world, Jesus gives us hope.

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)

In this context, Jesus was talking about the truth of who He is. He isn’t directly addressing our need to identify fact from fiction on our newsfeed, but His words do help. Let me explain.

First, we begin with a fundamental understanding that what God has revealed in the Bible is true. Anything that contradicts that is a lie. With the Bible as our guide, we should not be confused about male and female, marriage, godly conduct, or how to treat others. As Jesus says, we must abide in His word if we want to know truth.

Second, we can see the close connection between abiding in His word and being His disciple. If being a disciple of Jesus is our highest priority, we can keep other pursuits or concerns in their rightful place. I see many people led astray when they care too much that a politician or political position is right. This disordered desire makes one quick to believe the latest headline or social media rumor with little regard to discernment.

And last, true freedom comes when we understand that truth is not just an abstract concept. Truth is a person, and His name is Jesus (John 14:6). He is the One we follow and listen to above all other voices. As we walk in fellowship with Him and His people, lies have a harder time getting into our hearts and minds.

Are you abiding in Him?

By Philip Jones

The Light of the World

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 08:00:00 GMT

A recent storm reminded us how much we appreciate electricity. Our younger girls thought we were living in the Stone Age due to the lack of internet, lights, and the other niceties of life. We somehow survived until the power came back on.

With the proliferation of electricity, we don’t always appreciate having light at the flip of a switch. The same can be said for spiritual light and darkness. If we have been following Jesus for a while or have been raised in the church, the darkness in the world may not always be apparent. But just like a storm that knocks out electricity, a news story or personal experience reminds us that sin and darkness do exist. In these moments, we can better appreciate these words of Jesus.

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

Throughout the Bible, darkness refers to the absence of God and His influence in the world. This void leads to a focus on one’s own selfish desires, confusion about right and wrong, and a lack of justice for the powerless. A world in darkness is a world that “doesn’t know their right hand from their left” (Jonah 4:11).

It is into this world that Jesus shines. He the light that lifts our eyes from ourselves and onto God; He is the light that leads us on the path of righteousness; and He is the light to bring peace to those in need. How do we obtain this light? Jesus makes it clear; we follow Him.

We don’t have to outsmart the world, be better than others, or gain power. We simply follow Jesus. When we do, we not only receive ‘the light of the world’ but we get to shine His light for others. As He tells us in Matthew 5:14, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”

How can you share the light of Jesus today? Will you tell someone about the grace He offers? Will you reach out to someone going through a personal storm to offer encouragement or help? Will you give so the gospel can reach those who have never heard?

Let’s live bright lives so this verse can be said of more and more people. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone” (Isaiah 9:2).

By Philip Jones

Who Is Jesus?

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 08:00:00 GMT

“They’re gr-r-r-eat!” I’ll bet you know exactly what cereal I’m talking about. What you may not know is how conflict led to the popularity of this breakfast staple. John and Will Kellogg were brothers who didn’t always get along. You can read the details for yourself, but it was their conflict that led Will to mass produce John’s invention, Corn Flakes. (P.S. - It was over 50 years later when they were coated with sugar to become Frosted Flakes, which is the preference in our home.)

Most of us don’t like conflict. However, it can often lead to positive results. War produces heroes; problems lead to inventions; and confronting sin can lead to grace. Jesus was a master at handling conflict and always used the opportunity to teach His followers the truth about God and His kingdom. John captures a significant conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders in the eighth chapter of his gospel. It gets so intense that the religious leaders try to stone Jesus.

In the midst of this heated confrontation, Jesus shares some of the most glorious truths about the Father, Himself, and the gospel. The conflict really centers on the disagreement between Jesus and the Pharisees over a simple yet fundamental question: “Who is Jesus?”

He (Jesus) said to them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins.” So they said to him, “ Who are you? ” Jesus said to them, “Just what I have been telling you from the beginning.” (John 8:23-25, italics mine)

“Who is Jesus?” This simple question has changed history. It has led to reformations, revolutions, and countless lives being changed by God’s grace. It is a question simple enough for a child to answer yet so profound we can’t fully fathom its depths. It is the central question that motivated John to write his gospel.

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. (John 20:30-31)

Answering this central question always leads to conflict. Jesus confronts our sins, our selfish desires, and any other ungodliness we have. Yet in this conflict we will ‘have life in his name’ if we believe. Read John 8 to be reminded of who Jesus is. And wherever you are in your faith journey, believe.

By Philip Jones

Love Language

Sat, 01 Mar 2025 08:00:02 GMT

When our youngest granddaughter came for Grandmom Camp, she made sure there was no confusion about her love language. At the age of five, she came through the front door saying, “Grandmom, my love language is receiving gifts, so I need to get a toy from Walmart and an outfit from Justice (a clothing store for young girls).”

In 1990, Gary Chapman published a book entitled The Five Love Languages , which quickly became quite popular – especially in expressing love appropriately with one’s spouse. The book has been adapted for men, for singles, for the military, for communicating love to your teenagers – and probably more. The five love languages developed in the book were: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch.

The premise is that we need to take time to understand the people we love and what feeds their soul. One could break the bank buying expensive gifts for a loved one and get no response, because all that loved one really wanted was a hug – or hearing you say, “I’m SO proud of you!” And if you’re having trouble determining what someone’s love language is, ask them!

And that leads to my bigger point: since God is love, do you ever wonder what His love language is? Have you asked Him?

This may be a round-about way of getting there, but I first checked out what God doesn’t like – and even found a list in Proverbs 6:16-19. These are seven things he actually hates: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.

Therefore, if we want to embody the love language God most appreciates, we will live with humility, honesty, goodness, and peace – and be a valuer of human life and a seeker of that which is good. And just in case you think you can’t do that perfectly, you are correct – you can’t, unless you are filled with the fruit of His Spirit. Only then can you speak God’s love language: living a life filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Take some time to talk with God about how you are expressing your love for Him – and if it’s in a way that pleases Him? Are you working really hard trying to earn your salvation? Are you wearing yourself out pleasing people rather than God? OR are you relying on God’s Holy Spirit to be your strength as you seek to joyfully speak the love language that pleases Him most?

By Judy Shrout

Jumping to Conclusions

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 08:00:00 GMT

This week we’re looking at John chapter seven.

In 1938, a radio theatre show performed an adaptation of “The War of the Worlds,” a science fiction novel about an alien invasion. It was cleverly (and perhaps ominously) set up to sound like a normal radio broadcast. Instead of a dramatic radio play, it was presented like a real radio broadcast with music interspersed with “news” reports of the alien invasion. At the beginning of the show, it was announced that they were about to perform a radio play; but if you missed that part, you could easily have believed that aliens had invaded Earth.

As a kid I once listened to the full broadcast for fun (on cassette tape!) and despite knowing it was fiction, it still gave me the creeps. When it first aired, listeners flooded police stations with calls of concern, some fled the town where the “invasion” was happening, and many began arming themselves to battle the aliens.

Partial or misinformation is bad these days, and I suspect it will only get worse. Computers can now realistically make it appear that anybody has said or done anything. If an old radio broadcast can cause a localized panic in the 1930’s, I can easily imagine a high-quality, manufactured video leading to a terrible loss of real lives today.

Believing or acting on information that you don’t fully know to be true can lead to bad outcomes.

Others said, “This is the Messiah!” But some said, “Surely the Messiah doesn’t come from Galilee, does He? Doesn’t the Scripture say that the Messiah comes from David’s offspring and from the town of Bethlehem, where David once lived?” So a division occurred among the crowd because of Him. (John 7:41-43 HCSB)

There were people who knew prophecies and were waiting for the Messiah, but who rejected Jesus because He came from Galilee – not realizing that He had indeed been born in Bethlehem and from the line of David as prophecy foretold. They jumped to the wrong conclusion based on partial information.

We live in an age where we cannot even trust our own eyes and ears, so my suggestion is: let’s pay more attention to our hearts.

He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive Him because it doesn’t see Him or know Him. But you do know Him, because He remains with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you. (John 14:17-18 HCSB)

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley.

Power in the Name

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 08:00:00 GMT

This week we’re looking at John chapter seven.

I was coaching our son’s soccer team in a league organized by our church when one of his young teammates asked a good question. As part of this soccer league, we would pause during practice to have a short devotion each week. His question was of course completely unrelated to the devotion I was sharing. He wanted to know why people would use God’s name when they were cussing. He was confused why somebody trying to say bad words would throw God’s name in there.

I did not have a good answer ready for him, but as I flailed around, I think just maybe the Holy Spirit nudged me in the right direction. I told him that I wasn’t sure, but maybe there is just so much power in God’s name that even somebody far from Him can’t help but acknowledge it. When somebody trying to act rebellious and tough uses God’s name in vain, what they’re admitting is that deep down inside they know there is power there, even if they are actively rejecting it.

Bless their hearts, for all their determined efforts to have nothing to do with Him, some people can’t even lash out in anger without calling on the power of Jesus. In John chapter seven, the chief priests and Pharisees were frustrated that the temple guards had not seized Jesus and brought Him to them.

Then the temple police came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why haven’t you brought Him?” The police answered, “No man ever spoke like this!” (John 1:45-46 HCSB)

The temple police, who I assume seldom refused to follow the chief priests’ orders, were incapacitated by His words. There was and is power in His words. There was and is power in His name. Bill Gaither put it like this:

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus; there's just something about that name
Master, Savior, Jesus, like the fragrance after the rain;
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, let all Heaven and earth proclaim
Kings and kingdoms will all pass away
But there's something about that name

I don’t like hearing the Lord’s name taken in vain – we are clearly commanded not to do that. But next time I hear somebody do it instead of focusing on how it offends me, I’m going to try to remember to pray for them. They’re calling on the name already, so maybe they’re getting close to understanding why.

And while I’m huffy about that speck in their eye, I need to humbly remember that much of my own sin is worse than their flippant words.

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley.

Division

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 08:00:00 GMT

This week we’re looking at John chapter seven.

Would you agree with me that we are living in a divisive time? If I asked for an example of a divisive issue, you (and I) would probably think of some recent political issue, and it would be related to the United States.

But we’re just not that special. To borrow a phrase from Mrs. Potts in Beauty in the Beast, it’s a tale as old as time. Divisive times? How about that time when the youth murder rate was 50%?

Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. (Genesis 4:8 HCSB)

Our nation had a Revolutionary War and a Civil War. Those were divisive.

The United States of America, which I love, is approaching two-hundred fifty years old. That sounds like a long time until you consider some modern people have lived almost half that long. I have personally lived 20% of US history myself – not a trivial amount. My rough math indicates that since Jesus walked the earth, the USA existed for just 12.5% of it. Reflecting on this reminds me that what might seem like a big deal to me today is probably not that important relative to human history, much less God’s eternity.

When I’m tempted to say something dramatic like times have never been so divisive, I need to have a little humility and perspective.

When some from the crowd heard these words, they said, “This really is the Prophet!” Others said, “This is the Messiah!” But some said, “Surely the Messiah doesn’t come from Galilee, does He? Doesn’t the Scripture say that the Messiah comes from David’s offspring and from the town of Bethlehem, where David once lived?” So a division occurred among the crowd because of Him. Some of them wanted to seize Him, but no one laid hands on Him. (John 7:40-44 HCSB)

It is difficult to escape people arguing about politics or sports or religion, and much of it is on par with a tired toddler throwing himself on the ground and having a fit. I need to remind myself that most of the noise around us is just people clamoring for attention and instead focus on the day unity will come.

For it is written: As I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow to Me, and every tongue will give praise to God. (Romans 14:11 HCSB)

By Mark Stuart
Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley

Authority

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 08:00:00 GMT

This week we’re looking at John chapter seven.

You may have heard that babies born starting January 1, 2025, will be part of “Generation Beta.” This sent me on a brief internet investigation about generational names. Not all sources agree on what follows here, but that’s OK.

The earliest name I found was the Greatest Generation (1901-1927). This led to the Silent Generation (1928-1945), followed by the Baby Boomers (1946-1964). Then came my compatriots in Gen X (1965-1980), followed by Millennials (1981-1996) and Gen Z (1997-2012). This was followed by Gen Alpha (2011-2024) which, no offense to them, is a name I’m not even sure I’d heard of before now, and finally Gen Beta (starting 2025).

Groupings like this don’t say much about individuals, but are useful in helping define the historical events, culture, and shared experiences in which these groups came of age. What got me interested in this topic was wondering who comes up with these names? Who has the authority to “name” a whole generation? Is it some government designation used for the Census, or an influential demography trade group who makes these proclamations?

I was amused to learn that nobody has this authority, formal or otherwise. Somebody will write or comment about it and start using a name. Depending on the strength of their argument, combined with the scope of their influence and the attention it happens to get at the time, sometimes it just catches on. Newscaster Tom Brokaw coined the term Greatest Generation in a book about them. It turns out we’re just making this stuff up as we go, and somehow that makes me happy. Will new babies this year really be called Generation Beta in twenty years? We don’t really know, but I doubt it.

Some decisions come from general consensus, and it works out OK. But eternal truths are not swayed by the times – they come from a permanent authority.

Jesus answered them, “My teaching isn’t Mine but is from the One who sent Me. If anyone wants to do His will, he will understand whether the teaching is from God or if I am speaking on My own. The one who speaks for himself seeks his own glory. But He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and there is no unrighteousness in Him. (John 7:16-18 HCSB)

A lot of what goes on around us is on shifting sand and changes quickly. That may be OK for what we call a generation, things like new inventions, technology, fashion trends, or even inexplicably using “literally” to mean “figuratively.” But eternal things are built upon firmer things.

On Christ the solid rock we stand.

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley.

Timing

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 08:00:01 GMT

This week we’re looking at John chapter seven.

You have heard it said that “timing is everything” – which is yet another phrase made famous by William Shakespeare. I submit that it would be more accurate to say “timing is really important” but acknowledge that Shakespeare’s version is catchier.

One way timing affects my life is in my management of avocados. My grandmother had a technique for thumping a watermelon to estimate its ripeness by sound; but with avocados, while you can get an idea by color, really you must read their minds. Each week I perform a delicate avocado ballet to ensure that none are eaten too early or too late. I lay them out in the order I expect them to ripen; but if two appear to be in sync, I’ll redshirt one by moving it to the refrigerator to slow its progress. It’s become a low-key hobby.

Timing may not be everything, but it is important.

I have seen the task that God has given people to keep them occupied. He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also put eternity in their hearts, but man cannot discover the work God has done from beginning to end. (Ecclesiastes 3:10-11 HCSB)

In John chapter seven we see Jesus and His brothers discussing the timing of their travel to the Jewish Festival of Tabernacles.

Jesus told them, “My time has not yet arrived, but your time is always at hand. The world cannot hate you, but it does hate Me because I testify about it - that its deeds are evil. Go up to the festival yourselves. I’m not going up to the festival yet, because My time has not yet fully come.” After He had said these things, He stayed in Galilee. (John 7:6-9 HCSB)

Jesus indicated that the timing of His arrival was key, but that His brothers could go anytime. As Christians we believe that God’s timing is perfect even if we don’t always understand it. But notice that Jesus said that while His time had not yet arrived, “your time” is always at hand.

I think there are times God is not ready to intervene in a situation for us but expects us to proceed with our role in His plan. We pray for miraculous healing when sick but should be good stewards of our health and get screened for conditions early while they are treatable. We pray for salvation for friends and family but should not wait for them to show up at church before letting them see how our faith directs our words and behaviors.

Are you waiting on God? His time is coming, but your time is always at hand.

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley.

"A Time to Mourn"

Sat, 22 Feb 2025 09:00:00 GMT

I used to feel anxious when a friend cried in front of me or shared something sad. I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to think of the right thing to say. But now that I’ve been through some sad and difficult events for myself, I feel differently. While there certainly have been times when I shared sadness and a listener came up with a deeply profound statement that made me feel better, most of the time, what really helped was the person’s willingness to listen to me.

I think, as Christians, we sometimes rush right past the “though the weeping may last for a night” part of the verse and speed right into “joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5). We are quick to remind each other that “All things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28) and that we will be reunited with our loved ones who died holding onto the hope of Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Those promises in God’s Word are absolutely true, but it’s normal to grieve our losses.

In John chapter 11, Mary and Martha find Jesus to tell Him that their brother Lazarus is sick. Jesus responds: “This sickness will not end in death” (vs. 4). From the beginning, Jesus knows how the story will end. By the time Jesus travels to see Mary and Martha, their brother has been dead in a tomb for four days.

When Jesus saw Mary weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” He asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. Jesus wept. (John 11:33-34)

Even though Jesus knew He was about to call Lazarus out of his grave (vs. 43-44), He still wept, grieving His friend’s death and commiserating with those who loved Lazarus. Though He is God, Jesus is also human, just like us.

Being a Christian does not mean we stop being human. Though we know someday God will “wipe every tear from every eye,” (Revelation 21:4), that hasn’t happened yet. Until then, don’t skip the grief step. It’s OK to grieve when you lose a loved one or go through something difficult. It’s OK if you don’t have all the right words to say when someone in your circle is going through something tough. Just be there for them.

There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens . . . a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. (Ecclesiastes 3:1,4)

By Melissa Landon Schnell

The Bread of Life

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:36:57 GMT

This week we’re looking into John, Chapter 6 with our focus today being on John 11:35-39.

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day.” (John 6:35-39)

Apparently, the crowd did not consider the miraculous feeding of the 5000 to be a sufficient sign, so they asked for another sign in order to believe in Jesus as the Son of God. After all, their fathers had eaten bread from heaven (Psalm 78:24) for years in the desert (6:31). Jesus doesn’t respond with another a sign, but He begins to teach them about the true bread of God – the bread that gives life.

In verse 35, we find the first of seven “I Am” statements found in the Gospel of John: “I am the bread of life.” For those who hadn’t been following along or who didn’t understand, Jesus states clearly that He is the true bread, come down from heaven, bringing life that endures to eternity. Just as he had done with the woman at the well, Jesus lifts the conversation from the physical to the spiritual.

Jesus speaks of the Father’s will, that everyone who believes in the Son should have eternal life, and that they will be raised on the last day. He repeatedly speaks of eternal life for those who come to Him (vv. 37, 44), those who believe in Him (v. 47), and those who eat of the living bread.

“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” (John 6:51)

This points us to the cross. It was necessary for Jesus to offer himself as the sin-bearing Messiah, to bear our punishment, to rise again in victory over the dark domain. Without His obedience to the Father’s will, He could not offer us bread that endures to eternal life.

It’s not enough to follow the miracles. Life that ensures is found only in coming to Him, in partaking of the bread of life.

By Jesse Smith

Come to Jesus

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 08:00:01 GMT

This week we’re looking into John, Chapter 6 with our focus today being on John 6:25-29.

Some of those who had eaten with the five thousand had remained on the seashore until morning. When they discovered Jesus was no longer there, they secured passage across the sea on boats that had arrived after the disciples set sail. This encounter took place in the synagogue (John 6:59), likely on the sabbath.

This crowd had made much effort to follow and find Him, first as He went away with the disciples to a solitary place, and now back across the sea to Capernaum. But all this toil had little to nothing to do with faith. They first followed the signs and now they were following the meal that had satisfied their hunger a day earlier. Jesus strikes at the heart of their chief need, to lift their eyes from their temporal, physical needs to that which endures to eternal life. This remains man’s chief need: to find that which endures for eternity.

Now the question becomes “what must we do, to be doing the work of God?” This crowd had in mind any number of works in which they could habitually engage to earn and keep God’s favor. Surely, if they just had the list of requirements, they could meet them and earn God’s favor. They already had a list – The Law – which neither they nor we have ever been able to keep.

Jesus boiled it down to one thing – to believe in Him whom the Father has sent. That’s not really a work for us; it is an act of faith in response to the work of the Father in drawing us to Jesus (v. 44). We come by faith alone, not of ourselves (Ephesians 2:9), and that faith becomes the foundation for our obedience to Him, for a life of good works that have been prepared for us (Ephesians 2:10). A genuine coming to Christ will produce a new creation that endures to eternal life.

Consider this admonition from the Sermon on the Mount:

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 seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you. (Matthew 6:31-33)

By Jess Smith

The Storm

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 08:00:00 GMT

This week we’re looking into John, Chapter 6 with our focus today being on John 6:16-21.

After the crowd had been fed and the disciples had gathered the leftovers, Jesus perceived that the crowd was ready to take Him by force and make Him king (v. 15). In Matthew 14:22-23 and Mark 6:45-46, the writers tell us He compelled the disciples to get into the boat and go ahead of Him, while He dismissed the crowd and went again to the mountain to pray.

These were fishermen, familiar with the sea even at night. They had just witnessed a great miracle in a situation that was impossible for them. Now they are crossing back over the sea, a task entirely within their skill set; no miracle required here.

On this occasion a storm arises from the west, blowing against the boat. This is not the first storm these men have encountered on the sea (Matthew 8:25). These storms can be sudden and violent, turning the calm surface into a roaring cauldron. These men are following the command of the Lord, yet they are buffeted by a storm.

When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and Jesus was alone on land. He could see that the disciples were straining to row, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea... (Mark 6:47-48)

It was between 3 am and 6 am, during the fourth watch, and these experienced fishermen had not yet reached their destination. They had been rowing against the wind for hours but only made it halfway across the sea. And then Jesus, who had been watching them as they strained to row against the wind, came walking to them on the water. Don’t miss this: even amidst the storm, Jesus has not lost sight of you. If you are faithfully following Him, don’t give up or turn back in the face of the storm.

When you find yourself in the middle of a storm, remember these words from the “Eye of the Storm.”

In the eye of the storm

You remain in control And in the middle of the war

You guard my soul You alone are the anchor

When the sails are torn Your love surrounds me

In the eye of the storm

By Jesse Smith

Little Is Much

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 08:00:01 GMT

This week we’re looking into John, Chapter 6 with our focus today being on John 6:11-13.

Jesus then took the loaves, and after giving thanks He distributed them to those who were reclining; likewise also of the fish, as much as they wanted. And when they had eaten their fill, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the leftover pieces so that nothing will be lost.” So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with pieces from the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. (John 6:11-13)

There is an old song that says, “little is much when God is in it” -- and we see that truth on grand display in the feeding of the 5000. Let’s take a few minutes to consider how little the supply and how great the provision in this miracle.

It was Andrew that reported a lad (a young boy) who had five loaves and two fishes. These were not loaves of bread as we might think of them. They were small cakes made of barley. Barley was not the grain of choice; it was a grain of necessity. What about the two fish? The original language indicates these were small fish. Most commentators suggest these were small, smoked fish – think anchovies or sardines. This was a meagre meal for the lad, not enough to share with one other person, let alone 5000. Is it any wonder that Andrew asks, “but what are they among so many?”

In the hands of the Lord, and with His blessing, the meagre provision becomes a vast supply. They ate as much as they desired (v. 11) until they were filled (v. 12). But what about the leftovers; the twelve baskets that were collected by the disciples? It is the Apostle Paul who reminds us in Ephesians 3:20 that he is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.

There are moments when His provision exceeds our vision, but not His purpose. We are called to be good stewards of His gifts, never wasteful or neglecting the Father’s provision.

What is it that you have deemed too small or insignificant to have an impact? Where have you, or perhaps someone in your circle, been called to serve but it doesn’t seem practical? Can I remind you that He is our source, the gift is from Him and the work belongs to Him. Our best response is to be obedient, to surrender what we have, and join Him in His work.

By Jesse Smith

A Miraculous Meal

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 08:00:00 GMT

This week we’re looking into John, Chapter 6 with our focus today being on John 6:5-11.

In this passage, which took place at the time of the Passover, we read that the crowds had been following Jesus from place to place as He healed the sick. The Gospel of Mark (6:30-34) tells us the crowd had followed Jesus and the disciples as they withdrew to a solitary place for rest. Seeing the crowd, Jesus had compassion on them and began to teach them. As evening approached, the disciples suggested that Jesus should send the crowd away to find food and lodging. Jesus had another plan (Matthew 14:15-16). He instructed the disciples to feed the crowd, which sets the stage for the only miracle recorded in each of the four gospels.

Jesus asks Philip where they can buy bread for the crowd, and Philip responds with a practical common-sense answer: 200 denarii (200 days wages) will purchase only a little for each one. Aside from the cost, where were they going to find food for 5000 -- not counting the women and children? Andrew reports there is a young boy with five loaves and two fishes, but what is that in the face of such a crowd?

Jesus had questioned Philip as a test, knowing what He was about to do; and Philip had whiffed on the answer. The only answer here was to recognize the task was impossible with them, but possible with Jesus. How often, under the cover of being practical, do we frustrate the work of God in our lives and miss His blessing? May we be people who get our eyes off our limitations and focus on Him with whom all things are possible.

After instructing the disciples to have the men sit down, Jesus proceeds to bless the loaves, and give them to the disciples to distribute to the crowd. Likewise with the fish. We don’t know all the details of the miracle, but we do know the entire crowd ate till they were filled.

John tells us that Jesus questioned Philip, already knowing what He was going to do. Jesus involved the disciples in the distribution; but the work, the miracle, belonged solely to Jesus. When God chooses to use you, don’t be limited by what is impossible with you and remember that the work belongs to Him.

By Jesse Smith

This Is Love

Sat, 15 Feb 2025 08:30:00 GMT

What comes to your mind when you hear the word love? We love so many things in so many different ways. I love the Lord. I love my family. I love the mountains. I love tortilla chips. This time of year, love is the theme all around us. The store aisles are filled with pink and red gifts, from clothing to sweets. All our favorite movies celebrating romance and friendship are a click away on every streaming service. Yet even the best love stories could never compare to the most perfect love of all.

God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. (1 John 4:9-10 NLT)

Wow! Did you catch that? The Bible is clear that before we ever had a loving thought or feeling toward our Heavenly Father, He demonstrated real love for us by sending His Son to rescue us from our sin and shame so that we might live with Him forever! What could we do to earn or deserve this kind of sacrificial love? Nothing.

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (Romans 5:8)

It is not because we were exceptionally good or supremely lovable. It was while we were still against God. He loved first. The Greek word agape is used in Scripture to describe the love of God. Agape is a willful action, not simply an emotion. It is not based on the object’s worthiness, nor does it change with a mood or feeling. The perfect love of God is given without expecting anything in return.

In The Jesus Storybook Bible , Sally Lloyd Jones beautifully describes God’s love as a “ Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love.” Friends, God’s love for you is unconditional and steadfast. Praise Him today for His faithfulness and respond to the greatest expression of true love the world has ever known—or will ever know. For if we have been loved so extravagantly by our Heavenly Father, how can we not love Him with all our heart, all our soul, and all our strength?

By Jessica Fox

Jessica is an early childhood teacher and pastor’s wife. She and her husband, Travis, have been married for over 23 years and attend Immanuel Baptist Church at Armstrong Mill with their children, Kaleb, Journey, and Sadie. (And she really does have an unhealthy affection for tortilla chips.)

Some Final Thoughts

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 08:00:00 GMT

But Jesus responded to them, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working also.” (John 5:17)

We know from the book of Genesis that God created on six days and rested from His creative work on the seventh day. And then in Exodus, we find Him giving the commandment to Moses and the Israelites to “Remember the Sabbath to keep it holy… the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.” (Exodus 20:8,10). God’s desire was for man to work for six days and have a time of refreshing on the seventh. God intended for the Sabbath to be of benefit to mankind and to draw mankind closer to the Creator.

Although God rested from His six days of creation, He NEVER quit working. He is always at work around you. If you’re thinking He takes Sabbath breaks, think again! Have you ever prayed for Him to do something amazing on your Sabbath? Have you asked Him to bless your pastor as he preaches – on our Sabbath day? Have you asked Him to heal your sick friend – even though it’s Sunday? Can you just imagine the constant buzz of a gazillion prayers that reach His ears in every moment of every day and every night?

When confronted by the religious leaders about Sabbath rules, Jesus challenged them by asking them if their son or their donkey or their cow fell into a hole, wouldn’t they pull them out – even if it was the Sabbath (Luke 14:5)?

You and I are or have been at some time that donkey in the ditch – and aren’t we thankful that God was at work drawing us toward Him. We are mere human BEINGS. But God is the Divine DOER – He is always at work.

And when He gave the command to rest on the seventh day and deepen our connection with Him, He never intended for mankind to take a rest from compassion or compassionate acts.

The Jewish leaders had taken what God intended for good and customized the law with lots of other details that only muddled what God had made perfectly clear.

So, here’s a question: Are some of the expectations you place on other believers a lot like those expectations placed on the Jewish people by their religious leaders – man-made standards that don’t reflect the heart of God – but complicate the simple truth of God’s perfect and gracious provision?

By Judy Shrout

The Scene at the Temple Complex

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 08:00:01 GMT

Years ago, when I was dealing with a chronic illness, someone approached me and asked, “Do you think perhaps it’s because there is some sin in your life?” I was a bit taken aback by the question, and the only thing I could think to say was, “Probably.”

We know that all illnesses are not the result of sin in a person’s life, but there are some cases where an illness is a direct result of moral depravity or physically damaging sins. And that seems to be the case in the one who was healed at the pool of Bethesda.

After this, Jesus found him in the temple complex and said to him, “See, you are well. Do not sin anymore, so that something worse doesn’t happen to you.” The man went and reported to the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. (John 5:14-15)

The encounter with Jesus at the temple complex offered a challenge and an opportunity for the man to put a sinful life behind him – and also answered the man’s question about who had made him well – so he reported that back to the Jewish leaders.

The Jewish leaders had already reprimanded the healed man rather royally for carrying his pallet on the Sabbath – to which he responded that he just did what the One who healed him told him to do!

This scene is the moment when things began to turn in the earthly ministry of Jesus. Now that the religious leaders knew it was Jesus who healed on the Sabbath, they sought ways to end His life. And there was no room in their hearts for a change of mind or change of focus from that time forward.

When Jesus told the religious leaders that “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working” (John 5:17), that was the last straw, because Jesus was implying that He was God. Blasphemy… unless, of course, He was actually God!

Jesus didn’t heal all the people at the pool of Bethesda that Sabbath day – but one day several years later, as Jesus was being nailed to the cross, those religious leaders no doubt thought they had won. Little did they know that He was in that very moment giving His life… for them!

And for you!

Oh, what joy for those whose rebellion is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! (Psalm 32:1)

By Judy Shrout

May I Have Your Attention?

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 08:00:00 GMT

One man was there who had been sick for 38 years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew he had already been there a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to get well?”

“Sir,” the sick man answered, “I don’t have a man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I’m coming, someone goes down ahead of me.” (John 5:5-7)

You may think it a bit odd that Jesus asked the man if he wanted to get well. But I think, as Jesus often did, He used this moment as an attention-grabber. For years, the sick man’s eyes had been totally focused on the pool of water – feeling that his only hope was in those stirring waters. When Jesus asked the question, I can just see the man’s head jerking around to see who on earth asked such a ridiculous question. And that was exactly what Jesus wanted – He wanted the man to focus on Him and not on that pool of water.

Yet as the man looked into the face of Jesus, he still maintained a mental focus on that pool, as he explained he needed someone to help him get in the pool when the water was stirred – hoping Jesus was that helper. As he hopefully gazed at the face of Jesus, he heard an unexpected command come from the lips of this stranger:

“Get up,” Jesus told him, “pick up your mat and walk!” Instantly the man got well, picked up his mat, and started to walk. (John 5:8-9)

The strong voice of authority and the eyes of compassion in this stranger left no room for doubt or distrust. The man immediately did what he was commanded to do -- he got up, picked up his mat, and walked away from his old life.

What has been your focus for far too long? Are you willing to focus your eyes on the One who sees you, the One who knows you, and the One who wants to do something amazing in and through you? Are you willing to leave behind the old way of life and let God do something new in you?

… let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. (Hebrews 12:1-2 CSB)

By Judy Shrout

The One

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 08:00:00 GMT

During the Vietnam Conflict, I was visiting a friend at Walter Reed Military Hospital when I was asked if I would be willing to visit one of the wards filled with severely injured Vietnam veterans. The enormous room had at least 10-15 beds on each side of a long walkway – around 30 patients in all. Their injuries were profound and yet their spirits were high! It was Christmas, and they were brothers in arms with the shared experience of war trauma. As I talked with the guys, they were yelling across the room at each other, teasing each other and laughing together – just like family.

After my visit with our brave and wounded warriors, the Today Show camera crew came in to interview and film the guys for an upcoming Christmas special. A few days later when the special program aired, I couldn’t quit crying for those precious young men – knowing that the happiness and camaraderie in that ward would not last – that the cruel world would not welcome them home. The cruel world would spit on them, ignore them, and fail to care for them.

The multitude of sick and injured lying around the pool at the Sheep Gate no doubt experienced that same kind of ostracizing. After a time, hopelessness would set in, so they put their hope in a pool they believed had special healing powers. Intermittent springs fed into the pool and caused the water to be disturbed, but some thought it was an angel stirring up the waters.

Within these [colonnades] lay a large number of the sick—blind, lame, and paralyzed [waiting for the moving of the water, because an angel would go down into the pool from time to time and stir up the water].

(John 5:3-4)

Although there were plenty of people around the pool that needed healing, Jesus focused His attention on one man.

One man was there who had been sick for 38 years. When Jesus saw him… (John 5:5-6)

One man. Was this the first time in a very long time that anyone had taken time to really look at this man? What did Jesus see in him? And what did the man see in the face of Jesus?

Let’s take a moment to slow down and quit being overwhelmed by the multitude of hurting people in our world. Instead, let’s lock our eyes and our prayers on ONE person that needs the hope that we have in Jesus. Who is your one person? What do you see in that person? And what do they see in you?

By Judy Shrout

Do You See What He Sees?

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 08:00:00 GMT

After this, a Jewish festival took place, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. By the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem there is a pool, called Bethesda in Hebrew, which has five colonnades. Within these lay a large number of the sick—blind, lame, and paralyzed… (John 5:1-3 NKJV)

We don’t know the specific festival Jesus was attending in Jerusalem, but it was probably Passover, Pentecost, or the Feast of Tabernacles. These Jewish religious festivals were celebrations in remembrance of how God had provided for His people. Can you imagine the Son of God attending these festivals knowing that one day He would say these words, “This do in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19 NKJV)?

As Jesus was making His way to the festival, he came to the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem -- a small entrance in the northeast corner of the city wall and probably the entrance used to bring in sheep for the temple sacrifice. I find it to be a rather tender moment as the Lamb of God walked into the city through the Sheep Gate – with no one around Him being aware that THIS Lamb would be the ultimate sacrifice.

Although one might expect the area around the Sheep Gate to smell somewhat sheepy, that’s not the smell that permeated the air. Instead on this day, one would have noted the smell of sickness and disease – and the smell of hopelessness.

Around this area, Jesus saw “a large number” of sick people lying around – some with diseases, some blind, lame, or paralyzed. Some had been there a very long time. The pool near the Sheep Gate was said to be red with minerals, so it might have had some medicinal value. The people lying around and tucked into those arched and probably covered porches may have held onto a teeny bit of hope just being near that pool.

But when Jesus saw all those people crowded around that pool at the Sheep Gate, He no doubt saw sick and hurting sheep that needed a shepherd – people who needed healing and the hope only He could give. He saw not a mass of humanity, but individual people with real needs.

When we encounter hurting people in our world, what do we see? Do we lump all the hurting people into a category – the homeless, the addicts, the mentally ill? If we are believers and Christ is in us, we need to step back and see others as He does – not lumping them into categories – but seeing each one as God’s special and unique creation – a person with a name. Do you see what He sees – people in need of hope and a Savior’s healing -- just like us?

By Judy Shrout

All Things

Sat, 08 Feb 2025 08:00:00 GMT

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

It was the summer of 2013 when I first heard the words, “There is something wrong with your baby’s heart.” I wasn’t sure how God could take this situation and bring something good from it. The future we had planned for now seemed so unknown, and my broken heart wept for my daughter’s broken heart.

Thankfully, our broken hearts do not catch God off guard.

During these times I must remind myself of God’s promises. One of my favorite verses I have kept close by over the past several years is Romans 8:28: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

The good things, the hard things, the unexpected things – all things work together for good when you love God.

My family and I may have walked through a time we didn’t expect, but it was one filled with hope, faith, and a perspective on life that wouldn’t have come without going through a valley. Of course, I would never have wanted my daughter to endure the pain she has had to experience. But she is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), and I want her to look for God in all things and embrace the unique calling He has placed on her life.

Friend, you may be walking through a season you didn’t expect, and you are wondering how God can bring good out of it. Please take comfort in knowing that God can heal broken hearts, turning them into masterpieces. He can ignite new hopes and dreams within us – ones that we didn’t know existed until our faith was held to the flame.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the hope we have in You and Your Word. Thank You for letting us know that You can take any situation and bring good out of it. And one of the ways You do that is by drawing us closer to You in those seasons that seem unknown to us – but known by You. We love You, Lord. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

By Lauren Hill

FOOD

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 08:00:00 GMT

Food is awesome. Eating together creates community. It sustains us. It satisfies us.

There has to be something really terrible or really great if we are going to forget or forgo eating. That is just not something people do.

Therefore, the disciples were really confused when they came back to the well where they had left Jesus. They were bringing back food, but Jesus didn’t want to eat. After all, what was the point of sitting down at the well while everyone else went for food if not to take a rest and then eat? So…

The disciples kept urging him, “Rabbi, eat something.”

But he said, “I have food to eat that you don’t know about.”

The disciples said to one another, “Could someone have brought him something to eat?”

“My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work,” Jesus told them. “Don’t you say, ‘There are still four more months, and then comes the harvest’? Listen to what I’m telling you: Open your eyes and look at the fields, because they are ready for harvest.” (John 4:31-35 CSB)

Jesus, being fully human, knew hunger. He needed to eat just like the rest of us. But there was something far greater that filled Him at this point.

Jesus, being fully Divine, knew what was happening when the Samaritan woman entered town. And it was delicious to His entire being.

His food was to do the will of the Father. It was to fulfill His mission. His eyes were wide open, and He saw all who needed to be reconciled.

We were given the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:11-21). But let’s be honest. When was the last time we were so excited to do God’s will and finish His work that we weren’t hungry?

Today, listen to Jesus: open your eyes and look at the fields, because they are ready for harvest.

By LaRaine Rice

Everything I Ever Did

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 08:00:00 GMT

The woman at the well has one of the best testimonies ever! And maybe, just maybe, that is why the whole town believed.

After talking with Jesus, The woman left her water jar, went into town, and told the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” They left the town and made their way to him (John 4:28-30 CSB).

She told everyone she could that Jesus told her everything she ever did. It was that simple.

Jesus was clearly a prophet, a man of God. He knew EVERYTHING she had done. Yet, He didn’t condemn. He didn’t avoid her or treat her like an outcast.

He sought her out, gently told her the truth and accepted her for who she was.

This same Jesus continues to do the same today. He KNOWS us. He gently tells us where we are wrong – not to judge us but to help us. He LOVES us UNCONDITIONALLY.

Dear one, if you feel judged, condemned and worthless, KNOW that is not from God. God’s enemy is seeking to keep you from Unconditional Love. Unconditional Love is Jesus.

Child of God, you don’t need eloquent words to tell other people about Jesus. Follow the Woman at the Well’s example. Tell everyone that God knows all of your wrongs and shortcomings, that He loves you just as you are, and He loves them too.

And maybe, just maybe, your town’s story will end the same as her town’s:

Now many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of what the woman said when she testified, “He told me everything I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. Many more believed because of what he said. And they told the woman, “We no longer believe because of what you said, since we have heard for ourselves and know that this really is the Savior of the world.” (John 4:39-42)

By LaRaine Rice

Mountain Top Living

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 08:00:01 GMT

Lately, the worship service has been especially powerful and moving. It has truly been worship; and I don’t know about everyone else, but I can’t wait to go. Jesus spoke about such worship with the Samaritan woman in John 4:

Jesus told her, “Believe me, woman, an hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know. We worship what we do know, because salvation is from the Jews. But an hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and in truth. Yes, the Father wants such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and in truth.” (John 4:21-24 CSB)

Many, many people are worshipping in Spirit and in truth. It’s amazing. Sometimes, I just don’t want it to end.

But it must.

It must end -- and not just so there’s time for the offering or announcements.

The reason it must end is well summarized in an early contemporary Christian song by Amy Grant.

“I'd love to live on a mountain top fellowshipping with the Lord; I'd love to stand on a mountain top 'cause I love to feel my spirit soar. But I've got to come down from the mountain top to the people in the valley below; they'll never know that they can go to the mountain of the Lord. Now praising the Father is a good thing to do, to worship the Trinity in spirit and truth. But if we worshipped all of the time, well, there would be no one to lead the blind.” (from the 1977 album “Amy Grant”)

You see, our times of corporate worship must end because everyone of us was made to worship God in Spirit and in truth. We leave our houses of worship to bring more with us the next week.

Today, prayerfully consider who you can invite to worship with you. Bring them with you. Then, rejoice in and worship the Lord with reckless abandon not worrying about what your friend thinks. Mountain top living is better when there are others with you to enjoy the View!

By LaRaine Rice

Associates

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 08:00:00 GMT

“How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” she asked him. For Jews do not associate with Samaritans. (John 4:9 CSB)

Sometimes we look back on Biblical times as if they were the good old days. This verse alone, however, reminds us that people had a hard time getting along then just as they do today.

It is very easy to not associate with people today. We unfollow, block and cancel those that don’t agree with us. If we don’t want to listen to them, we don’t have to. And if we want to tell everyone else how wrong they are, we hide behind our keyboard and post our opinions.

So, how was it that Jesus, a Jew, asked a random Samaritan woman for a drink? Why did He choose to associate with her? Couldn’t this association cost Jesus His reputation so early in His ministry?

Jesus answered, “If you knew the gift of God, and who is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would ask him, and he would give you living water.” (John 4:10)

Simply put, Jesus was there to give her Living water; He was there to give Life. He saw her for who she was and initiated the conversation. The Kingdom of God was near, and He knew she belonged in the Kingdom.

Why did He associate with her? She was worthy of God’s love and redemption.

Why is it then, that we choose NOT to associate with others? Why do we choose to alienate others, even Christians? Why do we think that our political opinions and our beliefs deserve to be shared even if it hinders the Kingdom of God?

Christ Follower, you are called to associate with everyone. You are called to share the Living Water with a thirsty world. You are meant to view everyone through Jesus’ eyes; all are worthy of God’s love and redemption.

Today, ask God if you are alienating people or associating with people.

By LaRaine Rice

Follow the Planner

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 08:00:01 GMT

There always seem to be monumental, insurmountable tasks in the movies. Soon, a hero will emerge with a plan and inspire people to face the challenge to carry it out. The hero may do most of the work but still needs others to reach their goal. Everyone follows the plan because they trust the planner.

Jesus did not leave this world without a plan. Just before He ascended into heaven, He gave the 11 apostles and other followers directions:

“All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20 CSB)

He even gave them some specifics, ^“ You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8 CSB).

I wonder if John had these directions in mind when he penned the story of the lady at the well. You see, Jesus had just come from Jerusalem. As John 4 opens, the disciples are busy baptizing more disciples, and He leaves Judah. On the way to His destination, He went through Samaria. He stopped at the well and began to share the news that the Kingdom of God had arrived – sharing it with the first Samaritan that He met.

From the beginning of His ministry, Jesus followed the same plan He would later give John and the other disciples. Perhaps, like me, you wonder if John shared the details of this story knowing that Jesus, the Planner, lived out the plan.

Jesus laid out a plan for the disciples and for us to follow in the monumental, seemingly insurmountable task of telling the world about Him. Will you follow the plan and the Planner today?

By LaRaine Rice

Seasonal Fruit

Sat, 01 Feb 2025 08:00:02 GMT

Seasonal Fruit

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,

nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;

but his delight is in the law of the Lord,

and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit

in its season, and its leaf does not wither.

In all that he does, he prospers. (Psalm 1:1-3)

I’m so grateful that God’s Word is living and active. Though I’ve read this passage many times, something new captured my attention when it came up in my reading plan. It was the phrase “in its season” – referring to the bearing of fruit. As I read those words, and even now as I write, several inches of snow and ice have buried much of our state under a blanket of glistening white, forcing a halt to many activities and an abrupt shift for most of us into a slower gear.

Nothing outside is bearing fruit at the moment.

As believers with the Holy Spirit inside us, we are rightfully expected to bear fruit. It’s what identifies us as followers of Christ, and it’s the natural effect of abiding in Him. In the passage above, the psalmist is describing one who is blessed, walking in wisdom, delighting in and meditating on the law of God continually. He says this person is like a healthy tree planted near water. And yet, even in these ideal circumstances, the fruit comes in its season . There’s a cycle to it, and that’s by design.

I see this pattern in my own life. When we joined a new church family, it was ages before I understood what my purpose was in that space. In deep suffering or trial, there were times when the most I could manage was to get out of bed and stumble through the day. What if those times of trial or hard waiting are like snow on top of the green? The promise is that He will bring the fruit in season , at the right time.

What about you? Are you in a season of fruitfulness in your walk? Thank God for this! We should never take for granted the opportunity He gives us to participate in His kingdom work. But if your answer is no or you’re unsure, let me encourage you to continue to walk in faithfulness. Get up, be with God’s people, lean into His Word, ask Him for direction. He is faithful. Things are happening under the ground, even if there’s snow on top. Plant yourself by a stream of living water and trust Him… the fruit will come.

By Lori Barkley

Lori and her husband Jim attend the Armstrong Mill campus where she serves as a deacon. They have two daughters, Brynn and Katy.

The Urgency of Responding to the Light

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 08:00:00 GMT

In John 3:19-21, Jesus presents a profound truth about human nature: “ And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. ” These words reveal a critical urgency for us to examine our response to the light of Christ. As believers, understanding this dichotomy between light and darkness is essential for our spiritual growth and relationship with God.

In this passage, Jesus explains that the inherent nature of humanity prefers darkness to light. Dark deeds, hidden away from scrutiny, are often seamless and comfortable, providing a false sense of security. However, when the light of Christ enters our lives, it illuminates our sin and offers a path to redemption. The light represents truth, holiness, and the transformative power of God’s grace, while darkness embodies sin and rebellion against God. The unfortunate reality is that many choose to cling to the darkness because it allows them to avoid confronting their wrongdoings.

Those who respond positively to the light of Christ experience a radical transformation. When we choose to accept Christ and walk in His light, we are empowered to live in truth. Our actions begin to reflect our faith, demonstrating that we are not merely recipients of grace but active participants in God's kingdom. We start to confess our sins and seek obedience to His Word. This journey of living in the light involves daily choices to align ourselves with God's truth, both in our thoughts and in our actions.

Persisting in darkness, however, can lead to spiritual hardening, making our hearts calloused to God’s truth. Over time, repeated rejection dulls our discernment and distances us from repentance, jeopardizing our relationship with Him and the light we desperately need.

The urgency of responding to this light cannot be overstated. Each one of us must take time for self-examination: Are we walking in the light of Christ, or are we clinging to areas of darkness in our lives? It requires honest reflection and, at times, uncomfortable confession of sin. The good news is that Christ invites us into His light, offering forgiveness and the opportunity for renewal.

In conclusion, the invitation to walk in the light is an urgent call to action. Embracing the light of Christ not only brings salvation but also transforms our lives, enabling us to reflect His goodness to the world around us. Let us examine our hearts today, confess our sins, and commit to living in obedience to God. The choice between light and darkness is one we make every day, and responding to the light of Christ is essential for a thriving faith.

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com, FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

God's Love Is the Basis for Salvation

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 08:00:01 GMT

One of the most well-known verses in the Bible is John 3:16, which states: “ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. ” This powerful verse highlights the immeasurable love of God and sets the stage for a discussion about those whom Jesus died to save. We’ll discuss the two major theological perspectives on Christ’s atonement that are prevalent within the Christian faith.

Unlimited Atonement is a commonly held view that emphasizes the universality of Christ's sacrifice. Proponents of this perspective believe that Jesus’ atonement is sufficient for all people and is available to everyone. They interpret “For God so loved the world” as an indication of God’s desire for all individuals to receive His grace. According to this view, while salvation is a gift that requires personal acceptance through faith in Christ, the opportunity for salvation is extended to every person. This understanding embodies God's love as boundless and available, inviting all to partake in the promise of eternal life.

In contrast, the reform view of Limited Atonement posits that Christ’s sacrifice was specifically intended for the elect—those whom God has chosen for salvation (John 10:14-16). Advocates of this view argue that while God’s love is profound, its gracious saving power is directed toward a specific group, ensuring that Christ’s atonement effectively covers the sins of those chosen. They highlight the assurance it brings to believers, as the promise of eternal life is not just available but guaranteed for those whom God has called (John 6:37-40, 65). This perspective emphasizes the intentionality of God's plan, viewing Christ's death as a means to secure salvation for the elect specifically.

Both viewpoints are held by sincere Christians, reflecting the richness and diversity within the body of Christ. While the unlimited atonement perspective focuses on the universal offer of salvation, the limited atonement viewpoint underscores God’s specific design for those He has chosen.

As you reflect on John 3:16 and its implications for salvation, consider how God’s love manifests in your life. Whether you resonate more with the idea of universal grace or appreciate the certainty of being among the elect, it is important to recognize that both perspectives stem from a place of deep faith and love for God.

In conclusion, God’s love is foundational to our understanding of salvation, inviting us to explore these important theological perspectives. Consider the biblical support for both views, allowing the Spirit to guide you in understanding how His love is at work in your life and in the world.

Jim Connell

Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com, FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

Jesus Is the Source of Salvation

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 08:00:01 GMT

In our journey through the gospel of John, we arrive at the powerful words of Jesus found in John 3:14-15: “ And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. ” In this profound statement, Jesus unveils a powerful truth: He is the sole source of our salvation.

To fully appreciate His declaration, we must turn back to the Old Testament and the story of Moses and the bronze serpent in Numbers 21:4-9. The Israelites, weary from their journey through the wilderness, began to grumble against God and Moses. In response to their ingratitude and sin, God sent venomous snakes among them, and many were bitten and died. Yet God, in His mercy, provided a means of healing: He instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent and lift it up on a pole. Those who looked at the bronze serpent were miraculously healed from their snakebites.

This story powerfully foreshadows the work of Jesus. Just as the bronze serpent was lifted up for the salvation of the Israelites, Jesus, the Son of Man, was destined to be lifted up on the cross for the sins of humanity. The act of looking at the bronze serpent symbolized faith—an acknowledgment of need and a response to God’s provision. Today, Jesus calls us to look to Him in faith, understanding that He is the ultimate solution to our sin and alienation from God.

The critical implication here is that our salvation rests squarely on Jesus alone. He was “lifted up” for our sins, bearing the weight of our transgressions so that we might receive the gift of eternal life. As Jesus stated in John 14:6, “ I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ” There is no other path to salvation; faith in Christ is the only way to experience the fullness of life He offers.

As you reflect on this powerful message, consider your own life. Are you looking to Jesus alone for salvation? In a world rife with distractions and false securities, let us remember that true healing and eternal life come only through faith in Him.

Jesus is not just a historical figure or a moral teacher; He is our Savior. As we gaze upon the cross, let us remember the bronze serpent in the wilderness and recognize that by looking to Jesus in faith, we can experience the transformative power of His grace. Trust in Him, for He alone is our source of salvation.

Jim Connell

Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com, FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

Salvation Is God's Work Through the Spirirt

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 08:00:00 GMT

As we continue our exploration of spiritual truths in this week's devotional series, we focus on
John 3:8, where Jesus illustrates the nature of salvation through a profound metaphor. He says,
"The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it
comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit." This
analogy encapsulates the mysterious and sovereign work of the Holy Spirit in our salvation.

Jesus' comparison of the Holy Spirit to the wind highlights a crucial aspect of the new birth: it is
not something we can contrive or control. Just as the wind moves freely, without our intervention
or understanding, the Spirit operates according to God's will, transcending human efforts and
limitations. This emphasizes that the new birth is a divine act of grace initiated by God, not a
product of human achievement or manipulation.

The wind itself is elusive; we can feel its effects, but we cannot see it directly. Similarly, the work
of the Holy Spirit in a person’s life is often subtle and mysterious. Yet, like the wind, the impact
of the Spirit is undeniable. We observe lives transformed by faith, hearts softened, and souls
revived. The Holy Spirit ignites a relationship with God and cultivates the fruits of faith, love, and
hope.

This understanding should lead us to a profound dependence on the Holy Spirit in our lives and
the lives of others. Recognizing that we cannot manufacture spiritual change, we must turn to
the Spirit in prayer, asking for His guidance and work in us. It’s vital to create space in our lives
for the Spirit to move; this could involve seeking quiet moments of reflection, inviting communal
prayer, or studying Scripture with an openness to the Spirit’s leading.

Moreover, as we witness the transformations around us—whether they manifest in personal
victories over sin, renewed relationships, or individuals coming to faith—we should praise the
Spirit’s work and pray fervently for His continued influence. When we commit to depending on
Him, we align ourselves with God's purpose and invite His life-changing power into our midst.

Let us embrace the mystery of salvation as a work of God's Spirit. Just as we trust the wind to
carry us, let us trust that the Holy Spirit is actively at work in our lives and those around us,
guiding us toward new life and deeper faith. By depending on the Spirit and inviting His
transformative work, we step into the fullness of what God desires for us.

Jim Connell

Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com, FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

The Necessity of Being Born Again

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 08:00:00 GMT

Welcome to this week's devotional series as we explore the truths found in John 3:3-21. Today,
we're diving into verses 3-7, where Jesus introduces one of Christianity's most fundamental
concepts: the necessity of being born again.

Picture this: Under the cover of darkness, Nicodemus, a respected Pharisee and member of the
Jewish ruling council, seeks out Jesus for a private conversation. Despite his extensive religious
knowledge and adherence to the law, something about Jesus has captured his attention.
However, before Nicodemus can fully express his thoughts, Jesus cuts straight to the heart of
the matter with a statement that must have left this learned teacher bewildered: "Truly, truly, I
say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

Why would Jesus use such a striking metaphor when speaking to a religious expert? The
answer lies in the revolutionary nature of what He was teaching. Just as physical birth brings us
into the natural world, spiritual rebirth brings us into God's kingdom. This wasn't about adding
religious practices or accumulating more knowledge – it was about complete transformation.

When Nicodemus struggles to understand this concept, Jesus elaborates by speaking of being
"born of water and the Spirit." This powerful imagery connects to the prophet Ezekiel's words
(36:25-27), where God promises to cleanse His people with clean water and give them a new
spirit. The water symbolizes purification from sin, while the Spirit represents God's
transformative power creating new life within us.

Moreover, it's essential to recognize that this spiritual transformation is only possible through
God's prevenient grace, as affirmed in John 6:44: "No one can come to me unless the Father
who sent me draws him." This grace precedes our ability to respond; it initiates our awareness
of our need for spiritual rebirth, enabling us to respond to God’s call.

This teaching revolutionizes our understanding of salvation. It's not achieved through
heritage—Nicodemus' Jewish lineage couldn't save him. It's not earned through religious
devotion—his position as a Pharisee was insufficient. It's not attained through intellectual
understanding—his knowledge of Scripture alone couldn't transform his heart. Instead, salvation
comes through a supernatural work of God's Spirit, creating new life where there was spiritual
death.

What does this mean for us today? First, we must acknowledge that regardless of our
background, achievements, or religious knowledge, we need this spiritual rebirth. Just as we
didn't cause our physical birth, we can't manufacture this spiritual transformation. However, we
can respond to God's invitation. When we recognize our need - through His enabling grace - to
turn to Christ in faith, God's Spirit does the transformative work of making us new.

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com, FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app).

Setting up Markers to God’s Faithfulness

Sat, 25 Jan 2025 08:00:00 GMT

In Genesis 28, we find Jacob on the run, fleeing from his brother Esau whom he had cheated

out of his birthright. Exhausted and alone, and unsure of what lay ahead, Jacob stopped in a

desolate place for the night where he used a stone for his pillow. It was here, in his vulnerability

and uncertainty, that God met him. While Jacob slept, he dreamed of a ladder reaching from

earth to heaven, with angels ascending and descending, and God standing at the top. In this

moment, God reaffirmed the covenant He had made with Abraham and Isaac, promising Jacob

land, descendants, and that all nations would be blessed through him. God also spoke directly

to Jacob, assuring him of His presence and protection wherever he went.

When Jacob awoke, he was filled with awe, realizing that this seemingly ordinary place was holy

ground. He named it Bethel, meaning “House of God,” and set up the stone as a memorial of

God’s presence and promises. Jacob’s response was worship and commitment. He

acknowledged God’s faithfulness and vowed to honor Him as Lord. What began as an ordinary,

even uncomfortable, stop along his journey became a life-changing encounter with the living

God.

Like Jacob, we often find ourselves in moments of uncertainty or desperation, wondering how

God will lead us forward. Yet it is often in these very places that God reveals Himself to us,

reminding us of His faithfulness and purpose for our lives. Bethel became a marker in Jacob’s

journey, a reminder of God’s presence and promises. In the same way, God gives us “Bethel

moments”—times when His presence is undeniable, and His promises feel personal and real.

These moments remind us that He is always with us, even in the most unexpected places.

Take time to reflect on your own journey. Where has God met you and marked your life with His

faithfulness? These markers serve as reminders to trust Him, worship Him, and move forward in

faith, knowing that His promises are sure. God is with you, just as He was with Jacob, and He

will guide you every step of the way.

By Paky Kramer

The Wedding Feast at Cana, Part Five

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 08:00:00 GMT

This week’s devotions are about the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee. Today’s devotion focuses

on John 2:11.

I was recently solving a jigsaw puzzle with my nephews and nieces. My youngest nephew was

looking for a piece and found it in the box, and it was already connected to the adjoining piece.

He held them up and said, “God put these pieces together!” My nephew believed he had seen a

miracle!

This week we’ve studied a miracle in Cana; Jesus had turned water into wine at the wedding in

Cana, and this is what happened next: Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of

Galilee. He revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him. (John 2:11)

Jesus’ miracle was very significant, and it convinced some of his closest followers to fully

believe in Him and join Him as His ministry began.

As we discussed in yesterday’s devotion, if 750 bottles of wine suddenly showed up, I think we

would all be convinced something was going on. Or would we? We now have wine

“superstores” with over 8,000 bottles of wine in each one. And in Kentucky, we currently have

over 11 million barrels of bourbon. Maybe we wouldn’t notice an extra 750 bottles of wine as

easily as we would think. But at Cana, it was impossible not to notice the sudden appearance of

such a quantity of the finest wine!

We frequently pray for God to intervene in our life circumstances. He doesn’t intervene every

time; but when He does heal a sick friend, restore a marriage or improve a seemingly hopeless

financial situation, who gets the credit? Sometimes we just think, “It’s a good thing we have

talented people who know what to do in these situations.” We often forget to give credit and

glory to God.

We could all use a faith lesson from my nephew. God can and does intervene, and He does it

when He chooses. We need to recognize and appreciate it when He does. Jesus treasured that

childlike faith when He said, “Let the little children come to me, and don’t stop them,

because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, whoever does not

receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Luke 18:16-17)

By Jason Grace

Jason is a software engineering manager. He and his wife, Karen, have two children and have

been active members at Immanuel for over 22 years. His service includes roles in the deacon

ministry, children's ministry, technical team, financial coaching, and leading Bible studies.

The Wedding Feast at Cana, Part Four

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 08:00:01 GMT

This week’s devotions are about the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee. Today’s devotion focuses

on John 2:9-10.

We have lots of choices in our lives today, and many of them focus on the level of quality we

want. We no longer just go to dinner. We choose the type of food, service, and atmosphere we

want. If you’re buying a car, it is hard to buy “a car.” After you decide between a Truck, SUV,

Plug-In, or Hybrid, you then pick out your options. What material and temperature features will

your seats have? How many cameras will your vehicle have? How many ways will you start

your vehicle? And don’t forget the color. The list seems infinite for something we just need for

driving.

Today we are looking at the quality of the wine Jesus created at the wedding in Cana. Just as

today, there was “better” wine and “cheaper” wine. At parties, the “better” wine was served first.

This was to impress the partygoers. Once there were fewer partygoers (and the ones still there

wouldn’t remember as much about the party), the “cheaper” wine was served. It’s no surprise

that the wine Jesus created was the best quality, as John notes in this passage:

When the headwaiter tasted the water (after it had become wine), he did not know where

it came from — though the servants who had drawn the water knew. He called the groom

and told him, “Everyone sets out the fine wine first, then, after people are drunk, the

inferior. But you have kept the fine wine until now.” (John 2:9-10)

Jesus had only one option as he turned the water into wine. Jesus made the water not just turn

into wine, but into the best wine! And that certainly impressed the party hosts.

We have lots of options on how to approach our work and attitude towards others. As we see

from Jesus, though, He had only one option. He expected the best and offered the best.

The apostle Paul reminds us of the importance of doing our best when he writes: Whatever you

do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people . (Colossians 3:23)

If someone sees your name attached to something, what is their reaction? Do they know it’s

going to be an example of quality? Or do they need to look elsewhere? Are you offering your

best?

By Jason Grace

Jason is a software engineering manager. He and his wife, Karen, have two children and have

been active members at Immanuel for over 22 years. His service includes roles in the deacon

ministry, children's ministry, technical team, financial coaching, and leading Bible studies.

The Wedding Feast at Cana, Part Three

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 08:00:00 GMT

This week’s devotions are about the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee. Today’s devotion focuses

on John 2:6-8 – how Jesus performed His first miracle.

Now six stone water jars had been set there for Jewish purification. Each contained

twenty or thirty gallons. “Fill the jars with water,” Jesus told them. So they filled them to

the brim. Then he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the headwaiter.” And

they did . (John 2:6-8)

Jesus asked the servants to do something rather ordinary, and they complied. Most

extraordinary feats start out with simple obedience. We will see the actual miracle in the next

devotion.

Before we get there, we must examine one important detail: each water jar held 20-30 gallons!

That’s a lot of water!

The six water jars held a total of about 150 gallons of water. 150 gallons is the size of a large

home aquarium. Our faucets today flow at 2 gallons per minute. If we filled that aquarium using

our homes today, it would take over an hour to pour 150 gallons. However, the servants at the

wedding probably filled up all those water jars by lowering them into a stream or well. Even so,

each jar would still weigh around 150 pounds – which means this was neither an easy task nor

a quick one.

Also, it’s unclear if Jesus changed ALL the water into wine. But if He did, that would be about

750 bottles of wine by today’s standards -- 750 bottles of wine that would amply meet the needs

of the wedding guests!

Failure to provide enough food and wine for the wedding party would have been an

embarrassment for the host family. Jesus’ miracle provided what was needed for the party –

and may have had wine left over.

When you have a need, do you reach out to Jesus – knowing that He can provide – and provide

abundantly?

By Jason Grace

Jason is a software engineering manager. He and his wife, Karen, have two children and have

been active members at Immanuel for over 22 years. His service includes roles in the deacon

ministry, children' ministry, technical team, financial coaching, and leading Bible studies.

The Wedding Feast at Cana, Part Two

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 08:00:00 GMT

This week’s devotions are about the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee. Today’s devotion focuses

on John 2:4-5.

When we try something for the first time, it is scary, uncomfortable, and maybe exciting all at the

same time. Maybe it’s a new restaurant or a trip to a new place. It may even be a new

experience we have wanted to try that pushes us out of our comfort zone. But just because we

want to try it doesn’t make it easier when the roller coaster is going up the hill or when it’s time

to jump out of the plane and pull the ripcord.

Jesus was fully human. It is weird to think of Him as having these emotions. Many of us think

He’s supposed to have no fear and be calmly prepared for every moment -- ready to jump in

and help in any situation. But we see in this story that’s not always the case.

Jesus is attending the wedding in Cana when His mother Mary sees the need for more wine and

informs Him about that need – knowing He is fully capable of doing something about it. Still, we

find Jesus hesitating. “What has this concern of yours to do with me, woman?” Jesus

asked. “My hour has not yet come.” (John 2:4)

For some reason, Jesus doesn’t immediately respond to Mary’s implied request. So, she does

what any good mom does and nudges her Son – not by telling Him what to do, but by telling the

servants at the wedding to pay attention to what Her Son tells them to do! “Do whatever he

tells you,” His mother told the servants . (John 2:5)

Mary took the initiative and told the servants He would be helping. God may have given her the

sense that His hour had indeed come. So, just like eagles and other birds make their nests

uncomfortable so the baby birds “choose” to leave, Mary gave her Son a “nudge” in the right

direction.

Jesus was going to have an amazing earthly ministry, and He knew it. We don’t know why He

hesitated here. But after His mother’s prompting, He went into action and performed His first

miracle.

We all need a nudge in the right direction from time to time. Who has given you a nudge in the

past? Who do you need to nudge today?

By Jason Grace

Jason is a software engineering manager. He and his wife, Karen, have two children and have

been active members at Immanuel for over 22 years. His service includes roles in the deacon

ministry, children's ministry, technical team, financial coaching, and leading Bible studies.

The Wedding Feast at Cana, Part One

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 08:00:00 GMT

This week’s devotions are about the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee. Today’s devotion focuses

on John 2:1-3.

There has been much speculation about the unrecorded activities of the characters in the Bible.

This is especially true of people that performed miracles or other significant acts. A The Far

Side comic strip depicted Moses getting ready in the morning – waking up, parting his hair like

he did when parting the Red Sea and he was ready for the day!

These comics seem silly, because we know God’s power is needed to perform miracles.

However, there was one person that was fully God and fully human and therefore had the power

to perform miracles: Jesus, the Son of God. He grew up with a family, including parents and

siblings. It is tricky enough to be a family at times – but much more interesting when your divine

half-sibling is Jesus – and you witness some unforgettable moments.

The beloved disciple (John) documents the beginning of Jesus’ earthly ministry. The scene is

set:

On the third day a wedding took place in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and

Jesus and his disciples were invited to the wedding as well. When the wine ran out,

Jesus’ mother told him, “They don’t have any wine.” (John 2:1-3)

Mary is quickly made aware that the wine has run out at the wedding (which would have been

horribly embarrassing for the host), so she comes to Jesus. She knows who He is, and she

knows the hand and heart of His Father are always with Him – so she knows He can fix this!

She has no idea exactly how He might do it, but she has seen in Him the divine hand of God.

So, she calmly encourages Him to take action.

We don’t have the ability to perform miracles ourselves, but we do encounter problems in our

world that need a miracle. When we encounter a challenging problem, do we invite God to do

what only He can do? Or do we stumble along and try to resolve it ourselves?

By Jason Grace

Jason is a software engineering manager. He and his wife, Karen, have two children and have

been active members at Immanuel for over 22 years. His service includes roles in the deacon

ministry, children's ministry, technical team, financial coaching, and leading Bible studies.

Practicing God’s Presence in the New Year

Sat, 18 Jan 2025 08:00:00 GMT

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are

new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

One of my favorite things about the new year is the opportunity to reflect on my goals from the

previous year and set new daily habits. The past six months have flown by and for many of us

could be described simply as busy. Busy work schedule, family commitments, shopping, holiday

parties, and the list goes on. I have learned in 2024 that when I get wrapped up in the busyness

of my own life, I become more anxious and lose connection with God. So, one of my goals for

2025 and one that should always be our goal is to grow deeper in my relationship with God.

Lamentations 3 is such a great reminder of God’s faithful love for his people during a time of

chaos and disconnection.

Lamentations was written as a lament for the people of Jerusalem who were turning away from

God and facing destruction. However, there is hope in seasons where we are overwhelmed and

at times feel distant from our Heavenly Father. There are three things the passage from

Lamentations teaches us about focusing our eyes on God when it seems like life is a never-

ending to-do list:

1. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end… Declare the

truth! It can be so hard to know what is true these days with social media and all the voices

around us. The Bible is Truth, and it is important to stay rooted in God’s promises.

2. They are new every morning… One practical way to grow closer to God is to start your

morning in His Word and look for His love and mercy all throughout your day. I recently took a

run and was in awe of the beautiful morning sky that God had created. Look for God’s mercies

in the simple moments throughout your day!

3. “Great is your faithfulness.” Live with a heart of worship. Worship of who God is and anxiety

cannot coexist. One of the most influential books I have read, The Ruthless Elimination of

Hurry by John Mark Comer, says, "to walk with Jesus is to walk with a slow, unhurried pace.

Hurry is the death of prayer and only impedes and spoils our work. It never advances it."

As you prepare your heart for this new year, what daily habits do you need to adopt or improve

so you can slow down and grow closer to the Lord in 2025?

By C.A. Carter

Your Daily Missions Moment:

Pray for these missionaries today:

Lucas and Faith Henegar working with Balkan people and Southeast Europe.

Brodie Craig in Valledupar, Colombia

Tess and Lee Sharp serving at Camp Nathanael in Eastern Kentucky

Following the Way, Part 2

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 08:00:01 GMT

Our oldest son is graduating from high school this year. Like all other parents who approach this milestone, there is a lot of reflection. In our case, an abundance of digital pictures has allowed us to easily reflect on his growth over the last 18 years. As expected, he has grown physically, mentally, and emotionally.

As followers of Jesus, we should all be growing spiritually. Although this will look different for each of us, Nathanael is an early disciple with a lesson to teach us. When he was first told of Jesus, Nathanael sarcastically replies “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46) Were you skeptical or slow to believe the first time you heard of Jesus? Thankfully, Jesus does not give up on skeptics.

Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no

deceit!” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you,

when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You

are the King of Israel! ” (John 1:47-49)

Nathanael quickly changed from skeptic to believer when he encountered the grace and knowledge of Jesus. Jesus showed him grace as He complimented him, even though Nathanael’s comment about anyone from Nazareth was an insult. Jesus displayed His knowledge by sharing information only God could know. Upon this encounter, Nathanael transformed into a worshipper and follower of Jesus.

Not every change in our life will be this drastic. Sometimes, growth is slow like that of a newborn becoming a young man. Other times, it will be dramatic as God overcomes a significant obstacle to our faith. In every case, we change by encountering Jesus. His grace changes us. His love transforms us. His patience helps us persevere. His power gives us strength.

As we begin a new year, make sure you are prioritizing time with God. This should be with the larger church

gathering, in your small group, and personally. Make church attendance a priority. Commit to being involved in a

community group. Set up rhythms in your life so you have time for Bible study, prayer, and meditating on Scripture. If we all do that, I am confident these words will be true of each of us:

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image

from one degree of glory to another. (2 Corinthians 3:18)

Let’s commit to growing together until we meet our graduation day.

By Philip Jones

Philip and his wife Stacy have been attending Immanuel since 2015. They are blessed to be raising four kids. His

passion in ministry is to help others follow Jesus through teaching, preaching, and personal discipleship.

Your Daily Missions Moment:

Is your group looking for a way to volunteer, go to our website to discover ways your group can help: https://www.ibc.family/localmissions

Following the Way, Part 1

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 08:00:01 GMT

Who are you? This seems like a simple question, especially if asked during informal introductions. But this simple

question can have a profound impact on your life, if you go beyond the simple answer of your name. Consider these probing questions:

What are your passions?

What life experiences have shaped you?

What do you fear?

What are your dreams?

What are your talents and skills?

The list of questions you could ask to answer the simple question “Who are you?” could go on and on. At its core,

this simple question gets to your identity. What makes you, “you”?

Simon is confronted with his identity when he met Jesus. If you have read much of the New Testament, you are

probably familiar with Simon. He is a prominent character in many of Jesus’ stories, plays one of the most important roles in the early church, and writes two letters in the New Testament. At this point, you might think I am confusing Simon with someone else because this isn’t a name we are familiar with. To understand why, listen to his encounter with Jesus.

He (Andrew) first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means

Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John. You shall

be called Cephas” (which means Peter). (John 1:41-42)

We are not familiar with Simon because he is known as Peter from this point forward. His encounter with Jesus

changed the answer to the simple question, “Who are you?” to more than just changing his name. This new name

was tied to a new identity. Peter means stone or rock, so it was fitting for Jesus to give this name to the disciple used to establish the church (Matthew 16:18).

Most of us don’t get new names when we start following Jesus. However, we all get a new identity. Jesus transforms our passions and dreams. He gives our talents and skills new purposes. He allows us to overcome fear. He becomes the filter through which we interpret all our life experiences. He makes us new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Take a few moments to answer the question, “Who are you?” Consider how the reality of Jesus impacts that answer. If you don’t see how He has changed your life and identity, it is never too late to submit your life to Him.

By Philip Jones

Your Daily Missions Moment:

Circles is a program of the Lexington Rescue Mission. They are helping people who have a desire to climb out of poverty by providing friends (they call the Allies) to walk alongside and be an encouragement to those participating in the program. You can be an ally or your group could sign up to provide a meal. Contact Jeff Story for details: jeffs@ibclex.com

Declaring the Way, Part 2

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 08:00:02 GMT

FOMO (fear of missing out) has existed throughout all generations. The rise of social media has made this even

more difficult to manage. Friends and influencers can present a nearly flawless life by selectively posting the perfect pictures and status updates. Though what is shared rarely captures reality, the FOMO in all of us can be triggered.

We should fight against FOMO for superficial things. However, there are some things, such as the birth of a child, we should do everything we can to not miss. At the top of the list of things we should fear missing out on is God’s

salvation, which is why I love the full sentence of John’s declaration of Jesus. “Behold, the Lamb of God, who

takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29b)

Jesus didn’t come to take away the sins of just the Jewish people. He didn’t come to rescue only those who

personally knew Him while He walked this earth. He didn’t come to save only the ‘good people.’ He came to take

away the sin of the world! What does this mean for us?

One, we don’t have to fear missing out on God’s salvation due to a lack of qualifications. Jesus came “for whoever believes in him” (John 3:16). His salvation is available to everyone regardless of skin color, nationality, status in life, or past sins.

Two, we don’t have to worry about missing the right religious activities for salvation; we just have to believe. John

makes this clear earlier in chapter 1: But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right

to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but

of God” (John 1:12).

Three, we don’t have to worry about losing God’s forgiveness. As “the Lamb of God,” Jesus entered once for all

into the holy places, not by means of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an

eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:12).

I love the phrase ‘once for all’ as it captures the finality and universal aspect of what Jesus accomplished for all who believe. We don’t have to fear missing out on God’s salvation; instead, we can worship Him for all He has done. It is often hard for us to express this worship, but I have found the song Once for All by City Alight helps me reflect on the finished work of “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” It is a great worship song – don’t miss out.

By Philip Jones

Philip and his wife Stacy have been attending Immanuel since 2015. They are blessed to be raising four kids. His

passion in ministry is to help others follow Jesus through teaching, preaching, and personal discipleship.

Your Daily Missions Moment:

Would you be willing to help someone who is seeking a job and trying to climb out of poverty? Jobs for Life is a program of the Lexington Rescue Mission and has multiple ways you can volunteer to help. Contact: Jeff Story if you want more information. Jeffs@ibclex.com

Declaring the Way, Part 1

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 08:00:00 GMT

If you were to write a story, how would you describe your hero? Courage, strength, wisdom, and toughness are

some of the qualities many would choose. What if your story needed an animal to embody the characteristics of your hero? You might choose a lion, eagle, bear, or warhorse. If we are being honest, I doubt many of us would choose a lamb.

Lambs have no defensive or offensive mechanism. They are completely reliant on their shepherd for survival, which makes them unlikely candidates to be heroes. Yet to our surprise, “Lamb of God” is the exact title John gives Jesus.

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin

of the world!” (John 1:29)

The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and

said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” (John 1:35-36)

John’s repetition of “Lamb of God” as Jesus’s title makes sure we don’t miss the point. The prophet sent to prepare the way of the Lord is making a clear declaration about the hero of God’s story; He is the Lamb of God.

To understand how a lamb can be a hero, we can’t skip over the main task of this Lamb. As John says, he “takes

away the sin of the world.” Jesus was not sent to be a military conqueror or overpower physical enemies. He came to bring forgiveness and victory over sin, which is the role of a lamb.

Throughout the Old Testament, lambs were used to cover sin. When God sent the tenth plague on Egypt, those

whose doorposts were covered with the blood of the lamb were saved from death (Exodus 12:21-23). Lambs were

also one of the acceptable sacrifices for a sin offering (Leviticus 4:32-35). Although this is foreign to us today, the Jews who heard John’s declaration would have clearly known what it meant for Jesus to be “the Lamb of God.”

In identifying as a lamb, Jesus laid down His right to defend Himself. He lived a life of perfect obedience to God so He could offer Himself as the perfect, spotless Lamb of God to take away our sin. As the prophet Isaiah said, “like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth” (Isaiah 53:7). Though silent on the cross, He roared in victory through the resurrection and reigns today.

Because the lamb was victorious, we can live with faith, courage, and love. How will you do that today?

By Philip Jones

Philip and his wife Stacy have been attending Immanuel since 2015. They are blessed to be raising four kids. His

passion in ministry is to help others follow Jesus through teaching, preaching, and personal discipleship.

Your Daily Missions Moment:

On February 9, you will have the opportunity to help provide Bible Translation for a people group in Central Asia that does not have a Bible in their language. Watch for more information about “Adopt a Verse” coming inFebruary.. You can make a difference for $40 per verse.

Preparing the Way

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 08:00:01 GMT

During her life, Queen Elizabeth II visited Lexington 5 times. I wasn’t around for any of those visits, but I can imagine the preparations were intense. To get an idea of the work required to plan for such a visit, you can find an itinerary for some of her visits to Queen’s University in Canada. Every detail is planned -- the travel routes, minute-by-minute schedule, and stops for public pictures. Preparing for royalty is an immense and important task.

God chose an interesting prophet to prepare the way for Jesus. John the Baptist (not to be confused with John who wrote the gospel of John) probably wouldn’t have been our first choice. He lived away from society in the wilderness. His outfit consisted of camel’s hair while he ate locusts and wild honey (Mark 1:4-6). He spoke with authority and was not afraid to call people, including religious leaders, to repentance (Matthew 3:7-12). Winning a popularity contest wasn’t his concern.

What was his focus? Preparing the way for Jesus.

And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who

are you?” He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” And they asked him, “What

then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” So they said to

him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” He

said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet

Isaiah said.” (John 1:19-23)

John could have tried to make a name for himself. His peculiar ministry was starting to get noticed, yet he never

wavered in his main objective. As I reflect on John’s response to the leaders in these verses, two applications stand out.

One, be comfortable with who God made you to be. John was comfortable in his own skin (but maybe not the camel hair), so he didn’t need to impress anyone. He didn’t pressure himself to take on a title or role other than what God had given him.

Two, be faithful to the assignment God has given you. John was sent to prepare the way for Jesus. He was

committed to doing nothing more and nothing less than that.

None of us have the same role or life circumstance as John (no complaints here). But all of us have been fearfully

and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) and have been sent on mission (Matthew 28:19-20). Are you being faithful

with the gifts and assignment God has given you?

By Philip Jones

Philip and his wife Stacy have been attending Immanuel since 2015. They are blessed to be raising four kids. His

passion in ministry is to help others follow Jesus through teaching, preaching, and personal discipleship.

Your Daily Missions Moment:

How do you plan to be on mission in 2025? Will you go on a mission trip? Will you start volunteering for a local mission partner? We want to help. Plan on attending the Missions Preview on January 19 at 12:15 pm in the Sending Center. We will preview the 2025 mission trips as well as local mission opportunities. Sign up here: https://registrations.planningcenteronline.com/signups/2652726

And now… it’s January!

Sat, 11 Jan 2025 08:00:00 GMT

The holiday celebrations are over for another year. The manger scenes and nativity sets are

packed away, and Valentine candy is already on display at Walmart – although I try to avoid the

candy aisle.

But let’s not pack God away for another year. Even though the man-made reminders of His perfect

gift, Jesus, are packed away, He is still with us and should be celebrated all year long! Continue

worshipping in church, not just on special occasions. Sing the songs, read your Bible. Pray.

Reflect the joy of your salvation. Be kind and generous.

Now is when we get to experience all the reminders of His presence that come directly from Him. We

can see beauty all around us, if we choose to look for it.

Maybe this time of year is hard for you because it’s quiet and cold. The days are short, and we

don’t see the sun a lot. But God is still with us. Just like Elijah, we can experience God’s

whisper.

And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the

sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and

went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him

and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (1 Kings 19:12-13 ESV)

Personally, I really like this time of year. It is quiet, and the snow looks beautiful as it falls and

covers the grass and shines in the trees. Have you ever noticed how the world sounds different

when snow is on the ground? You are not imagining it; everything IS quieter! Freshly fallen snow

absorbs sound that is normally reflected off hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt. I think of

snow as God’s way of muffling some of the distractions that get between Him and us.

When it snows, the world gets quieter -- a perfect time to listen for God’s whisper. Let’s not miss

it!

By Jennifer Preston

Jennifer used to live in Vermont where it always snows and gets VERY cold-- but is a native

Kentuckian and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. She worships and serves at the

Georgetown campus with her husband David.

The Looking Glass

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 08:00:00 GMT

This week we’re starting a new series in the Book of John.

Through the Looking-Glass is a novel published in 1871 by Lewis Carroll and is a sequel to Alice’s

Adventures in Wonderland . Alice discovers that she can climb through a mirror, or looking glass, into the

world she can see beyond. In that world things work backwards from the normal world because a

reflection in a mirror is reversed. I must confess here that I personally have not read the book, but I love

the literary device of the world in a mirror being backwards.

Every day I see a clear reflection of my physical self in my bathroom mirror, and decades on I am still

surprised to see that in photos my hair is parted on the opposite side of what I see in my mirror. While

it’s only a left-right swap and it’s only my physical appearance, it is still somehow unsettling to know

that everybody else sees me exactly the opposite way I see myself in that mirror.

A truer way to observe something would be not with a mirror, but instead with a lens that will bring it

into clearer focus without reversing the image.

The Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We observed His glory, the glory as the One

and Only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14 HCSB)

But even those who walked with Jesus physically still were not fully seeing God:

No one has ever seen God. The One and Only Son - the One who is at the Father’s side - He has

revealed Him. (John 1:18 HCSB)

Alice discovered that the world inside her mirror was backwards, and Jesus taught us that we are living

some things backwards ourselves.

The greatest among you will be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever

humbles himself will be exalted. (Matthew 23:11-12 HCSB)

If I want to determine whether I’m having a good hair day, a mirror will do just fine. But if I want to

observe how God sees me and loves me, I need to look at a cross.

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob, and father-in-law of Bailey.

Terms and Conditions

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 08:00:00 GMT

This week we’re starting a new series in the Book of John.

Confession time. Not only do I seldom read anything in an online Terms of Service agreement, but

sometimes I will eagerly see how quickly I can click the “agree” button and move on without digesting a

single word. I am not recommending you do the same, but there are just so many such agreements now

that I’ve gotten jaded.

Now, if it was something important like life insurance or a mortgage, I’m going to pay a lot more

attention. What I’m talking about here are things like a free online account, or a streaming service that’s

not very expensive and would be national news if they started doing something outrageous that I

needed to be aware of.

And in fairness to companies that continuously update their Terms of Service, often they’re just

complying with privacy disclosure laws or protecting themselves from wacky customer lawsuits. But still,

if somebody showed up at my door and said, “I’m from Netflix, and I’m here to confiscate your water

heater” part of me would know it can’t be true, but another other part would think, “Well, I probably

should have read the Terms more carefully - I better go shut off the water valve.”

And some changes in terms are a much bigger deal than others.

Indeed, we have all received grace after grace from His fullness, for the law was given through Moses,

grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1:16-17 HCSB)

Moses brought the law which defined righteous living, but we were unable to fully meet those terms, at

least not on our own. But thankfully God changed the terms and provided another way.

Don’t assume that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.

For I assure you: Until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or one stroke of a letter

will pass from the law until all things are accomplished. (Matthew 5:17-18 HCSB)

So now we have a way to meet God’s terms without having to do it all ourselves, because Jesus has

signed on to the agreement with us. We’ve moved beyond a checklist and into a relationship.

Oh, and did I accept this change in terms? Yes. And it’s good for a lifetime.

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob, and father-in-law of Bailey.

Light

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 05:00:10 GMT

This week we’re starting a new series in the Book of John.

What happens when you shine a flashlight at a wall? If you’re using my cheap flashlight, nothing at first

because you must gently smack it to make it come on. But what eventually happens is you get a bright

spot on the wall where the light is shining. But how does the light get over there? Let’s do a quick

physics overview.

If you set up a certain type of experiment, you will conclude that light travels like it’s made of little

particles - imagine your flashlight is shooting little grains of sand at the wall, but instead of sand it’s light.

But if you set up a different type of experiment, you will conclude that light travels like it’s made of

waves - imagine support poles on a pier at the beach. Waves hit the poles and split, but then the

resultant waves will interact with each other and make a new pattern when they rejoin.

(Physicists spend much time studying things like this when they aren’t appearing in Far Side cartoons.)

To understand light, you must accept that it can somehow behave like two different things at the same

time.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God . (John 1:1 HCSB)

Another way to understand light is to witness the effect that it has on the world, because where light

goes, darkness flees:

Life was in Him, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness

did not overcome it. (John 1:4-5 HCSB)

Physicists can (and should!) study light and other phenomena to help us understand God’s creation. As

Christians we can (and should!) contemplate the deep theological implications of the nature of God as

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. But I don’t think we should ever expect to fully understand such things on

this side of eternity.

Even still, when we need wisdom, inspiration, or comfort, even though we cannot fully understand an

infinite God, we can still follow the Light.

But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in

His name, who were born, not of blood, or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, but of God.

(John 1:12-13 HCSB)

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob, and father-in-law of Bailey.

Beside Myself

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 08:00:00 GMT

This week we’re starting a new series in the Book of John.

Have you ever had an “out of body” experience? I’m not talking about a spiritual, near-death type

experience, but more like a time when something is happening that’s so unusual that you feel like you’re

watching yourself in a movie rather than experiencing it yourself. I’ve had this feeling a few times when

I’ve been walking around in a big, famous city, or on the few occasions where I’ve spoken in front of a

large group.

A related phenomenon is if you’ve ever been “beside yourself.” The phrase seems to be used the most

in contexts like being beside yourself with worry, anger, joy, excitement, or grief. Our emotions can

make us feel like we’re pulled out of our body and are observing ourselves reacting instead of truly

reacting. Being “beside yourself” might feel like a relatively recently popularized expression, but it’s not:

And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much

learning doth make thee mad. (Acts 26:24 KJV)

Paul responded to Festus:

But he said, “I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.”

(Acts 26:25 KJV)

I got to thinking about being beside oneself because of this passage:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God

in the beginning. (John 1:1-2 HCSB)

Jesus, the Word, was with God at the same time He was God. In my mind I can’t help thinking He was

and is beside Himself.

Please know I’m not trying to be glib about the nature of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. But there

are times that my limited mind struggles to put it all together. But then I remember that if God could be

fully understood by the likes of me, then He would not be much of a God.

But the next time I am beside myself, I am going to try to remember Who else is walking beside me.

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob, and father-in-law of Bailey.

Origin Story

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 08:00:00 GMT

This week we’re starting a new series in the Book of John.

If you’ve ever given serious thought to becoming a superhero, I’m confident you’ve considered your

origin story. Every superhero needs an origin story. Superman was born on the planet Krypton and was

sent to earth by his parents to save his life. Spider-Man was bitten by a radioactive spider which gave

him spider qualities. Wonder Woman has ties to Greek mythology. Batman, Iron Man, and MacGyver

were born with mechanical resourcefulness and a general willingness to help.

For the record, I have yet to determine how to parlay my affinity for Microsoft Excel and carefully think

things through into superhero status. Seriously - just imagine that costume.

Let’s consider a much more compelling, and important, and real, origin story.

Having just finished Christmas season, it’s natural for us to reflexively think of a manger in Bethlehem as

the starting point for our relationship with Jesus. While that moment in Bethlehem was a history-

altering beginning of God living physically among us, it really wasn’t Jesus’ origin story.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God

in the beginning. All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created

that has been created. (John 1:1-3 HCSB)

Jesus has always been with God and has always been God. But just because He’s eternal doesn’t mean

there aren’t specific new beginnings throughout history. While the manger in Bethlehem wasn’t Jesus’

true origin, it marked the beginning of something new.

And so it is with us as we are now beginning a new calendar year. We’re mostly the same people with

the same personalities, skills, and worries as last year. But we can have a new start in a new year. Jesus

may not have an origin story, but He is for sure big on second chances.

Indeed, we have all received grace after grace from His fullness, for the law was given through Moses,

grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1:16-17 HCSB)

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob, and father-in-law of Bailey.

Happy New Year!

Sat, 04 Jan 2025 13:41:45 GMT

January 2025 is here!

As the new year begins, it’s natural to feel inspired by a clean slate. Gyms are full, planners are

purchased, and resolutions abound as many strive to create new habits and routines. While

these efforts are valuable, they often follow the world’s rhythms rather than God’s timing. What

if, instead of letting the calendar dictate our goals, we allowed space for God to set the agenda?

What if God's next move for you in 2025 isn’t until June? For me, I will graduate college in May,

move to Cincinnati in June, and start a job at GE Aerospace in July. Instead of trying to initiate

change on my timing, I am going to spend January preparing my heart and myself for the

change to come.

God's timing, your timing, and the calendar timing are possibly all different. But know that God's

timing is the right timing.

The psalmist writes: But I trust in you, Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your

hands.

January and the new year often come with new beginnings, bettering yourself, bettering your

relationships, etc. But this year make your goal to strengthen your relationship with the Lord.

I would love for you to sit and meditate on the following questions. Perhaps write them down

along with your answers.

1. How am I going to challenge myself to grow more like Christ?

2. What am I praying that God might bring me in the new year?

3. How can I prepare my heart for the plan the Lord has for me in 2025?

Now pray over your answers and allow the Lord in. Know that the next 365 days are already

written down in the Lord's book and nothing is a surprise to him. Prepare your hearts and let the

Lord work!

Happy New Year, IBC family! I can't wait to hear what all the Lord is going to do!

By Raegan Peterson

Your Daily Missions Moment:

Pray for these missionaries today:

Pray for Abel and Naomi serving in the Horn of Africa.(Real names withheld for their security)

Pray for Brodie Craig serving among unreached people groups in Valledupar, Colombia.

Pray for Will and Jordan Becknal and Michael and Rachel Koch serving in Bogota, Colombia

Keep Your Heart Part 5: Keep Your Heart, Toss Temptation (to despair)

Fri, 03 Jan 2025 09:00:00 GMT

Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil. Proverbs 4:27

Our daughter “C.A.” plays golf for The University of Kentucky and she’s gearing up for

an exciting Spring season. She spends numerous hours, every day, practicing her sport.

But golf (like life) is hard and especially stressful at the division 1 collegiate level where

the competition is so stiff. One of the greatest challenges for any athlete is keeping

positive self-talk and fighting off the temptation to sulk when things don’t go our way.

Yes, there will always be the worldly temptations of indulgence towards power, money

and sex that we mentioned yesterday. However, there is an “evil” that seeks to destroy

our hearts in the opposite direction and that is the evil of self-pity, self-absorption and

despair. We are especially susceptible to this temptation when we face trials or witness

our friends and loved ones deal with intense suffering. So how do we “keep our hearts”

in the midst of intense sorrow and confusion? How do we “turn our foot away” from this

kind of evil? How do we keep from “swerving into despair?”

It’s interesting, as I’ve watched C.A. practice this winter, she’s started taking our new

puppy dog, “Nelly” with her to practice. Typically, between swings, C.A. would be

walking to the next shot with just her thoughts. However, she’s started carrying Nelly

with her on the course. Instead of being alone with her self-talk, C.A. has started

receiving puppy kisses between each shot. And let’s be honest, it’s just hard to feel bad

about yourself when you getting licked in the face by an adorable miniature Australian

Labradoodle. C.A’s newly found discipline of “giving and receiving love” between each

shot has helped keep her from negative self-talk and self-pity when she is playing

poorly.

Equally impossible, is feeling bad about ourselves when we are constantly giving and

receiving love with the God on the universe who created us in His image. We keep our

hearts by abiding daily in the love of Jesus through His Word and by sensing His Holy

Spirit within us. Take some time this week and read Psalm 42 and look at how King

David handled his “downcast soul.” It is a roadmap for keeping our heart in the midst of

deep sorrow.

Q: How consistent is your daily giving and receiving of love with God each day?

Q: Read John 15:5. What can you do to abide more consistently in Christ?

By Jimmy Carter

Your Daily Missions Moment:

Pray for these missionaries today:

Pray for Joel and Beth: who are working in Central Asia (Last names withheld for their security)

Pray for Drake and Haley: who are working in the middle east and north Africa.(Last names withheld for their security)

Pray for Carol Spears: medical missionary in Kenya.

Keep Your Heart Part 4: Keep Your Heart, Toss Temptation

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 08:02:45 GMT

Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Proverbs 4:25

After making a connection between our heart and our mouth (which we looked at

yesterday), Solomon then makes an equally important connection between our heart

and our eyes, “ Let your eyes look directly forward .” It’s interesting that Jesus make a

very similar comparison in the Gospels. Listen to our Savior’s words in Matthew 5:27-

29:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that

everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with

her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away.”

Now, clearly Jesus is not commending us to physically harm ourselves. Removing an

eye would do us no good as we are perfectly capable of lust with our eyes tightly shut.

However, he is warning us about our propensity to dabble in temptation and the impact

that has on our heart. He is also reinforcing Solomon’s warning that sinful, destructive

behavior originates in our heart, so we must “keep it with all vigilance.” And one way

that we do that is by tossing all temptation. But how do we toss temptation? Solomon

doesn’t leave us guessing, look at the second part of verse 25:

“Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure.”

Solomon knows the strong lure of temptation in this fallen world and one key strategy

for fighting temptation is self-examination or “pondering our path.” This requires honest

reflection “where will this path take me if I indulge this, watch this, drink this, or fall prey

to this?” Temptation has a clear and predictable path that Jesus’ brother James unpacks

for us:

“each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire

when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth

death.” (James 1:13-15)

Un-checked temptation takes us farther than we want to go, teaches us more than we

want to know, costs us more than we want to pay and keeps us longer than we want to

say. Un-checked temptation will eventually take our hearts!

Q: What are some of the current temptations you sometimes allow into your life?

Q: What path might some of these temptations take you down and what needs to be

tossed, so that you might not lose heart in the coming year?

By Jimmy Carter

Your Daily Missions Moment:

In February you will have the opportunity to help provide Bible Translation for a people group in Central Asia that does not have a Bible in their language. Watch for more information about “Adopt a Verse” coming in 2025. You can make a difference for $40 per verse.

Keep Your Heart Part 3: Keep Your Heart, Toss the Trash Talk (Towards Yourself)

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 09:00:01 GMT

“Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you.” Proverbs 4:24

Yesterday, we looked at the verse above and noted the connection between the mouth

and the heart that both Solomon and Jesus make in Scripture. We also recognized that

when life scares us, or angers us or confuses us, the mouth often provides a window

into the heart, revealing areas of sin that require God’s sanctifying touch of grace. But

when we think about corrupt talk we often falsely assume that God is most concerned

with the words we use towards others. And while that’s important, He is equally

concerned with the words that we use towards ourselves.

Later in the book of Proverbs, Solomon writes: “ Death and life are in the power of the

tongue.” Proverbs 18:21 Here, the wise King is drawing attention to the power that our

words have; power to either sustain us or destroy us, power to keep our heart or crush

it. Our internal self-talk (that unseen record playing in our heart that only we can hear)

reflects what we believe most deeply about God and what we believe most deeply

about ourselves. And we can complain about the things other people say or post about

us online but the reality is no one is ever going to say more damaging things to us than

the things we often say to ourselves. In Ephesians 4:29, Paul writes:

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building

up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

And you know who hears our words more than anyone else….OURSELVES! Paul is

commending us… TOSS THE TRASH TALK…and this begins with the way that we

speak to the man or woman in the mirror. Keeping our heart and cultivating mental

resilience begins by monitoring our mouth and aligning our internal self talk with God’s

word. We need to wake up and make daily declarations of truth concerning God and

concerning ourselves. We need to hear ourselves declare, out loud: “God is always

good, God is deeply involved in the circumstances of my life, God is always in control.”

And concerning ourselves we need to hear: “I am loved, I am a chosen son/daughter of

God, my future is absolutely beautiful.”

Q: If we could mic up your heart, and listen to your self-talk, what might we hear?

Q: Of the declarations I’ve listed above related to God and related to self, which ones do

you find most difficult to believe?

By Jimmy Carter

Your Daily Missions Moment:

Do you have time to serve? Assuming you sleep 8 hours per day and work 8 hours Monday through Friday, that leaves 40 hours during the week, and 32 hours on the weekend that are not spoken for. Many of our volunteer opportunities only require one hour per week. Consider giving at least one hour per week in 2025 to serve in the church or in the community. We would love to help you find a place.

Keep Your Heart Part 2: Keep Your Heart, Toss the Trash Talk

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 15:27:39 GMT

“Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you.” Proverbs 4:24

In 2012, our family started a new Christmas tradition. We had recently discovered a

wonderful, family owned Christmas Tree Farm that was only a couple miles from our

house and decided that each year we would go and pick out our family Christmas Tree,

filling the house with the beautiful smell of a freshly cut Evergreen.

On the way home, our daughter decided to bring her mom and dad in on an event that

had taken place earlier that day in her first grade classroom. As she explained it, one of

the boys in her first grade class had gotten in trouble for saying a “bad word.” It quickly

occurred to me that our family outing to the Barker Tree Farm had just morphed into an

important parenting moment on the the importance of words and the way in which our

words reflect what exists within our heart. This was “Fatherhood 101” and I was ready to

go with a small devotional/parenting moment complete with biblical references.

First, to confirm that the word was actually in the “bad” category I asked C.A. what word

did ( we will call him Timmy ) use in class. C.A. replied: “Timmy used the four letter word

that begins with “s.h.” I then began my lesson by quoting Luke 6:45 “from the overflow

of the heart, the mouth speaks” and unpacking the connection of our heart and our

mouth. I could feel my daughter leaning in to her Father’s wisdom as she acknowledged

the truth in what I was explaining to her. As far as parenting goes, it was one of my finer

moments. In fact, I was so impressed with myself that I completely forgot I had a

Christmas tree on top of my 1998 Ford Expedition. As I pulled into the garage the

Christmas Tree stand hit the garage door and split the tree trunk which sounded like a

gun shot. It was terrifying. In fact, it startled Carrie so much that she blurted out the

same word that Timmy had said earlier that day in class. In 25 years of marriage I think

it’s the only time I’ve heard my wife say a “bad word.”

When the circumstances of life frighten us or make us angry or confuse us, our words

provide a glimpse into our hearts, revealing places that require God’s grace and

sanctification.

Q: What words do you use when stressed or scared? What does this “overflow” reveal

about your heart?

By Jimmy Carter

Your Daily Missions Moment:

The Amachi mentoring program ministers to hundreds of kids whose lives have been affected by parental incarceration. You can make a difference by becoming a mentor for one of these kids. All they ask is one hour per week for one year. Consider giving just 52 hours in 2025 to help kid. lexlf.org/amachi

Keep Your Heart Part 1: What to Keep, What to Toss?

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 15:35:39 GMT

“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” Proverbs 4:23

Every new years eve, some of us stay up to watch the crystal ball in times square

descend on the final few moments of the past year. And with coming of a new year

there is a natural, almost, instinctual moment of reflection that transcends age and race

and culture. It’s a moment where all of humanity (even if just for a moment) asks some

big questions. Questions like…

“What kind of year did we have?” "What did we accomplish?” “How are we doing

physically, financially, relationally, spiritually?” “What should I start this year?” “What

should I stop this year?” “What should I keep in my life and what should I toss?” Now of

all these questions, the last one is the one that I wrestle with the most… “What should I

keep and what should I toss?” Because I am a recovering “Clutter-Holic.” At first it was

just the one drawer kitchen, then I tried to organize everything from the drawer into a

large bin. But that didn’t last long, and before long an entire bedroom was dedicated to

the clutter! At some point I had to recognize I had a problem. I needed to get serious

about what to keep and what to toss.

Interestingly, Scripture is filled with commands where God calls us to keep certain things

and toss others. Wisdom is the process of knowing what to keep in our lives and what to

eliminate. David kept his sling but tossed Saul’s armor. Mary tossed Martha’s chores but

kept something better. Peter tossed the boat but walked on water. Matthew tossed his

business but became an apostle. James and John tossed their nets but kept their

Savior. Yet, of all the things Scripture implores us to keep, there is one thing that stands

above everything else. One thing we can’t afford to lose. One thing that King Solomon

qualifies with the phrase “all vigilance,” which simply means “above everything else.”

We can lose our health, we can lose our financial security, we can lose certain

relationships, we can lose our home, but Solomon pleads with us to protect one thing

above all else… “our heart!” And he doesn’t leave us guessing as to why the heart is so

important. He writes, “for from it flow the springs of life.” This week we will look at ways

we can “keep our heart” and the things in life that threaten to take our hearts from us.

Q: What tends to cause you to “lose heart?”

Q: Have you ever considered what it means to “keep your heart?” If so, what are ways

you have intentionally sought to protect, guard or keep your heart?

By Jimmy Carter

Your Daily Missions Moment:

Reaching people in Lexington. Did you know that our public elementary schools have as many as 55 nationalities represented in just one school. God literally has brought the nations to us. You can help us begin to reach some of them by just volunteering one hour per week in one of our elementary schools. Contact Jeff Story if you are interested: jeffs@ibclex.com or 859-685-3215.

Have You Eaten Enough?

Sat, 28 Dec 2024 09:00:00 GMT

Recently a friend and I were talking through a passage in Acts 27 when my mind went flying in

an odd direction. The passage addresses Paul’s stormy and perilous journey sailing toward

Rome to be tried by Roman authorities. Paul urged his shipmates to eat something (they hadn’t

eaten in two weeks!) and assured them they would eventually arrive safely at their destination.

Scripture tells us they were encouraged by his words, and then…. When they had eaten

enough, they began to lighten the ship by throwing the grain overboard into the sea (Acts 27:38).

And then… I got totally distracted by the phrase, “When they had eaten enough…”

As the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons come to an end, I think you would agree that most

of us have eaten more than enough! But how did those men on the ship know when they’d had

enough? After 14 days without food, eating a feast would have no doubt made them sick. They

obviously listened to their bodies and recognized when they had eaten enough.

In our culture, the holiday tables are overflowing with a variety of deliciousness – and we often

eat so fast we don’t have a clue when we’ve had enough. We don’t even enjoy what we’re

eating – neglecting to savor the flavors – because we’re downing it so fast – or looking forward

to dessert!

And then… I started to think about our consumption of God’s Word. Have you eaten enough of

His Truth? The psalmist encourages us to: Taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8).

Like the food on our holiday table (or a Baptist potluck), we have so much from which to choose

in God’s Word – 66 books! What a feast!

But like our speedy eaters, do we zip through our reading of God’s Word so fast that we fail to

savor the precious Truth we hold in our hands? Do we fly through our “Read Through the Bible”

program like it’s a race? Or do we prayerfully enter the Presence of God – opening His Word

and eagerly anticipating that perhaps today He has a special and personal word for us? Do you

enjoy being with Him in His Word? Does just the thought of your time alone with Him put a smile

in your heart – and maybe on your face?

Have you eaten enough of His Word?

By Judy Shrout

Judy is the wife of Tom, the mom of Heather (and Jim), and “Grandmom” to T.J., Piper, Ainsley,

and Maggie. One of her favorite parts about this season of life (retirement) is that she no longer

has to hurry. And if someone tries to hurry her, she lets them go on without her.

Your Daily Missions Moment:

The Lexington Rescue Mission ministers to inmates in the local detention centers. They look for people to help inmates after they have been released to walk through some materials to help them with re-entry. Training is provided and you can be a real help to someone trying to re-enter life after incarceration.

https://lexingtonrescue.org/volunteer/

What's Next?

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 09:00:00 GMT

This week we are looking at the shepherd’s response to the news of the birth of Jesus,

according to Luke 2:8-20.

In today’s verse, we discover what the shepherds did after their visit to the manger: The

shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had seen and

heard, which were just as they had been told. (Luke 2:20)

The shepherds had been out in the fields doing their shepherding on a quiet, ordinary night in

the small village of Bethlehem – when they received from the angels the most important

message in history. This message was delivered to them alone in those fields – no one else

heard the angels. When they came to Bethlehem, everyone was amazed by their message. No

one else knew about it until they shared what they had encountered.

The shepherds saw the Messiah face-to-face. What an experience!

Then the shepherds returned to their work; but as they did their work, they were praising God!

They had had an encounter with God – and when you encounter God, you are going to be

changed!

The same Messiah that the shepherds saw grew and became an adult and said these words

about a cheering crowd one day as He entered Jerusalem: “I tell you, if they were to keep

silent, the stones would cry out.” (Luke 19:40)

As you might know, the leaders in Jerusalem were less than pleased.

When people encounter Jesus, they are going to have to “deal with it” -- they are going to have

a reaction one way or the other.

The Christmas season is the time of year when we encounter Christianity the most. There are

religious songs and messages in the media, new movies about the birth of Jesus, and people

are more willing than usual to accept religious well-wishes. Although the Christmas season will

end, we will have had an encounter with Jesus – especially if we are intentional and take

advantage of the opportunities to fully embrace this gift from the heart of God. What will we do

about it? Will we, like the shepherds, continue to obediently do our work glorifying and praising

God? Or will we return to our duties and pretend nothing happened?

By Jason Grace

Jason is a software engineering manager. He and his wife, Karen, have two children and have

been active members at Immanuel for over 22 years. His service includes roles in the deacon

ministry, children's ministry, technical team, financial coaching, and leading Bible studies. He

loves traveling with his wife and family throughout the US.

Your Daily Missions Moment:

If you have a group that would like to serve, the mission needs volunteers to sort donations. You can come as often as you like to help with this. They also look for volunteers willing to help move furniture for homeless clients moving into their first permanent home. https://lexingtonrescue.org/volunteer/

The Treasurer of Moments

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 09:00:00 GMT

This week we are looking at the shepherd’s response to the news of the birth of Jesus,

according to Luke 2:8-20.

In today’s verse, we hear about Mary’s response to the events, including the visit from the

shepherds: But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on

them. (Luke 2:19)

Mary had experienced so much change in her life in a very short time. She was having a child

she hadn’t planned on – which wasn’t exactly well-received in her community. Joseph married

her, and then they had to go to Bethlehem. Soon after they arrived in the tiny village of

Bethlehem, she gave birth to Jesus – with no support from family or even the community –

giving birth in a stable. She had dealt with a lot.

After Jesus was born, the shepherds came and affirmed her and Joseph’s understanding about

the significance of this little one. Her baby would be a Savior! Exciting news! The Messiah that

the people had been waiting for had finally arrived!

But in this moment, Mary’s reaction was unusual. She didn’t rejoice or celebrate. She simply

thought about everything taking place. She handled the moment in her own way – quietly,

humbly.

God impacts people in different ways in His timeline. We should not expect everyone to have

the same reaction that we do to Him. Some people unfortunately reject God or do not respond

to Him. Some people are very vocal and passionate when they encounter God. And some take

a while to think about what their encounter with God means and what to do with it.

When we minister to others, we may not see the immediate impact of our efforts. We may not

even see the impact of our ministry at all – yet we are still called to do it!

Paul writes this encouraging word to the believers in Philippi: He who began a good work in

you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)

Who in your circle of friends is still meditating on what to do with the gospel message? Are you

continuing to joyfully share the Gospel and give others something to ponder?

By Jason Grace

Jason is a software engineering manager. He and his wife, Karen, have two children and have

been active members at Immanuel for over 22 years. His service includes roles in the deacon

ministry, children's ministry, technical team, financial coaching, and leading Bible studies. He

loves traveling with his wife and family throughout the US.

Your Daily Missions Moment:

Another ministry is “Jobs for Life” helping clients get a job and learn essential skills in seeking and keeping a job. They look for volunteers to be mentors for clients in the Jobs for Live classes, facilitators for the class as well as volunteers to help conduct mock interviews. Sign up at https://lexingtonrescue.org/volunteer/

Unexpected Visitors

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 09:45:19 GMT

This week we are looking at the shepherd’s response to the news of the birth of Jesus,

according to Luke 2:8-20.

When the shepherds received the angelic message about the birth of Jesus, Luke records that

they were “terrified” because of the presence of the angel -- and who can blame them? In

today’s passage, we see how the shepherds responded: When the angels had left them and

returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem

and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” (Luke 2:15)

The shepherds chose to share this news with their community in Bethlehem – and they chose to

share it immediately! They were given instructions, and they obeyed – and they obeyed

immediately. The shepherds were obedient in their work, and we see this continue as they

sought Jesus.

The shepherds then hurry to visit Mary, Joseph, and the baby in Bethlehem. The gospel writer

puts it this way: They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was

lying in the manger. After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about

this child. (Luke 2:16-17)

After the shepherds found Mary, Joseph, and the baby, they shared why they came. This clearly

impacted those shepherds as well as the community of Bethlehem: And all who heard it were

amazed at what the shepherds said to them. (Luke 2:18)

In a small community like Bethlehem, it’s no surprise that the shepherds’ message became big

news. Mary and Joseph weren’t expecting the shepherds - the shepherds came seeking Jesus!

Jesus’ ministry was already beginning!

Clearly many miracles were taking place here. But let’s not look for miracles to tell us what to do

for people to be impacted. Everyone in the story - Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds - were

doing what they were asked to do. They were obeying God. And they were blessed because of

it.

In what ways does our obedience need to be more like that of Mary, Joseph, and the

shepherds? What blessings are we missing because we fail to take that next step of obedience?

By Jason Grace

Jason is a software engineering manager. He and his wife, Karen, have two children and have

been active members at Immanuel for over 22 years. His service includes roles in the deacon

ministry, children's ministry, technical team, financial coaching, and leading Bible studies. He

loves traveling with his wife and family throughout the US.

Your Daily Missions Moment:

The mission has a strong ministry of helping the homeless to find their way to sustainable living. One way they do that is through their “Circles” program. Circles provides mentors who can support people as they do the hard work of climbing out of poverty. Contact the mission by phone or through their website for more information. 859-381-9600 or https://lexingtonrescue.org/volunteer/

An Unexpected Message

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 09:00:00 GMT

This week we are looking at the shepherd’s response to the news of the birth of Jesus,

according to Luke 2:8-20.

In today’s passage (Luke 2:9-14), the shepherds are in the fields by themselves taking care of

Bethlehem’s sheep – when suddenly something unexpected happened! Then an angel of the

Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were

terrified. (Luke 2:9)

For a quiet community and a quiet profession, this had to be quite a surprise! No wonder the

shepherds were terrified!

The angel recognized this and tried to put their fears to rest by saying: “Don’t be afraid, for

look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” (Luke 2:10)

The angel then delivered to the shepherds the most important message in history: “Today in

the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be the

sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:11-12)

As if the importance of the message wasn’t clear enough, more angels appear! Suddenly there

was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to

God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors!” (Luke 2:13-14)

Even though they spent a lot of time outside of the community, the shepherds were part of

Bethlehem and served it in an important way. They had received an important message and

had to decide what to do with this “good news of great joy.”

We too have received this “good news of great joy.” What are we going to do with it? Will we

keep it to ourselves? Or will we share it with others?

By Jason Grace

Jason is a software engineering manager. He and his wife, Karen, have two children and have

been active members at Immanuel for over 22 years. His service includes roles in the deacon

ministry, children's ministry, technical team, financial coaching, and leading Bible studies. He

loves traveling with his wife and family throughout the US.

Your Daily Missions Moment:

One of the ways you can volunteer at Lexington Rescue Mission is to help serve a meal. Meals currently take place at their outreach center on Glen Arvin Ave. They serve breakfast and lunch everyday, Monday through Saturday. Sign up here: https://lexingtonrescue.org/volunteer/

Just Doing My Job

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 08:00:00 GMT

This week we are looking at the shepherd’s response to the news of the birth of Jesus,

according to Luke 2:8-20.

In today’s verse (Luke 2:8), we see that the shepherds are at work on an ordinary night in

Bethlehem: In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping

watch at night over their flock.

Bethlehem was a small town of fewer than 1000 people. There were likely fewer sheep. The

sheep would have been kept outside the small town, and that’s where the shepherds spent their

time caring for them. It had to be a lonely and boring job at times. (Remember the term

“counting sheep?”) There would have been nothing going on, and they would not have

expected anything about that to change.

Most of us never expect to have something special happen as we’re just doing our “normal” job

– that’s what we’re called to do. Some of our jobs may get more attention than others, but

they’re all important to God.

In this case, the shepherds were taking care of the animals that were providing food, warmth,

and sacrifices for the community. The sheep needed to be protected, and that’s what the

shepherds did – sometimes going to great lengths to provide that protection.

God certainly thought highly of the task of shepherding. Many times in God’s Word, we find the

analogy of God as a shepherd and us as His sheep. Here are a few examples:

The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need. (Psalm 23:1)

I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me. (John 10:14)

He protects his flock like a shepherd; he gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them

in the fold of his garment. He gently leads those that are nursing. (Isaiah 40:11)

Since God thought highly of the shepherds who served well in their normal shepherding tasks, it

makes sense that He would bring them the important message of the birth of Jesus.

How can we be an example to others by serving well in our normal tasks -- and perhaps

anticipating a special message from God in the midst of our ordinary days?

By Jason Grace

Jason is a software engineering manager. He and his wife, Karen, have two children and have

been active members at Immanuel for over 22 years. His service includes roles in the deacon

ministry, children's ministry, technical team, financial coaching, and leading Bible studies. He

loves traveling with his wife and family throughout the US.

Your Daily Missions Moment:

This week we are highlighting one of our Partners: Lexington Rescue Mission.

As you consider volunteering with them, it might be helpful to go down to their facility to take a tour. They are located at 535 W. Second St. You can call them at 859-381-9600 or go to their website at lexingtonrescue.org

O Holy Night – A Call to Worship

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 09:00:00 GMT

Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor

rests. (Luke 2:14 NIV)

"O holy night! The stars are brightly shining; it is the night of our dear Savior’s birth" These

opening words from the beloved hymn “O Holy Night” transport us to that first Christmas – a

night that changed the world forever – the moment God’s plan of redemption began to unfold in

a stable in Bethlehem. Reflecting on this sacred moment, we are reminded of the immense love

of God, who sent His Son to bring hope to a weary world.

The hymn continues: “Long lay the world in sin and error pining, till He appeared, and the soul

felt its worth.” This line speaks of humanity being trapped in sin, and longing (pining) for

redemption. Without Christ, we are burdened by sin, but His arrival brings freedom and reveals

our worth. This truth of God’s love is confirmed in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that

He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have

eternal life.” Jesus’ birth marked the beginning of an earthly journey that would lead to His

ultimate sacrifice for our salvation.

The hymn’s refrain, “Fall on your knees; O hear the angel voices!” invites us to worship, just as

the shepherds and wise men did. In the presence of such a gift, our response can only be one

of awe and adoration. Philippians 2:10-11 proclaims, “that at the name of Jesus every knee

should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge

that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

This Christmas, let the message of “O Holy Night” draw you closer to the heart of God. Amid the

festivities and traditions, pause to reflect on the miracle of Christ’s birth. Let the night He came

to earth remind you of the lengths God went to bring light into darkness. Truly, “Christ is the

Lord! O praise His name forever!”

By George Donkor

George and his wife, Christiana, are proud parents of Annajoy and Elijah. They love serving

Jesus together and showing Him to the world around them.

Your Daily Missions Moment:

Today be in prayer for our missionaries serving in Vancouver, British Columbia:

Hoover and Karen Lee

Luke and Maudie Watson

Christian and Laura Bowman

Anthony and Danielle Hatchell

All of these are engaged in planting churches among a very diverse population. Pray for people’s hearts to be open to hear the gospel.

Obedience? Of Course!

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 09:00:00 GMT

Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your

word.” (Luke 1:38)

This was Mary’s response to Gabriel when he told her she would conceive in her womb and

give birth to a son who would be the Messiah: “Let it be to me according to your word.”

We know very little about Mary when Gabriel pays his visit, other than a few facts: she was a

virgin, lived in the little village of Nazareth, had a relative named Elizabeth, and was betrothed to

a young man named Joseph.

Why was she able to make such a humble, yet confident, response to Gabriel’s message?

Here are some possible reasons:

1 – Growing up in a Hebrew home, she and her family would have been looking for the coming

of the Messiah. They would have learned about the prophecies from their rabbi. Some families

might have been praying that their young daughters would be the one chosen to be the mother

of the Messiah. Perhaps some were even Intentionally raising their daughters to be godly young

women for that very purpose!

2 - She knew who she was. She knew she was a servant of the Lord – nothing more, nothing

less, but quite enough – that was her identity.

3 – She knew who her Master was. The gospels don’t record the names of her parents –

apparently that doesn’t matter. But she knew she had a Heavenly Father – her Master – the

One who sent Gabriel with this amazing message.

4 – In her young heart, she knew obedience was the only way to respond to God’s messenger.

Because she knew who she was and because she knew her Master, her response was almost

matter of fact: “Obedience? Of course! How can I not obey my Master?”

Does obedience come as naturally for you as it did for Mary? Do you feel the need to consult

with others before stepping out in obedience? Do you count the cost and choose not to obey?

What would it take for you to be as humble and confident in your decision to follow God in

obedience?

Father, I love the simplicity of Mary’s response to Gabriel. I pray that You would give us the

assurance that our identity is in You – and that is quite enough. I pray that You would remind us

Your plans for us are better than anything we could plan for ourselves. Make our hearts tender

toward You and Your will for us, so that our response, like Mary’s, will be “Obedience? Of

course!” Amen

By Judy Shrout

Your Daily Missions Moment:

New mission opportunity beginning in January. We are seeking 15 volunteers to help with program in the Fayette County Schools. It is called 4KIds leadership academy. The program will be starting at Lansdowne elementary school. Consider giving one or two hours per week to help us teach Biblical leadership principles to kids in the 4th and 5th grade at Lansdowne. Contact Jeff Story for more information: jeffs@ibclex.com or 859-685-3215.

I Don't Quite Understand

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 09:00:02 GMT

Are there some things you don’t quite understand? I’m still amazed that I can flip a switch, and

light appears in the darkness. I’m still amazed that an airplane filled with people can float

through the air! I’m still amazed that I can text someone, and my words appear on their phone in

mere seconds. I don’t quite understand, but I still flip switches, fly in airplanes, and text friends. I

am aware that experts could explain all that to me in technical terms – but I still don’t think I

would quite understand.

Hold that thought as we look in on Mary who has just been told she’s going to have a baby:

Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin and have no intimacy with

any man?” (Luke 1:34)

Young Mary is basically telling the angel, “I don’t quite understand.” She had probably been

around other young women in her family or in the village of Nazareth who were married and had

babies – she was fully aware of the biological situation. But she didn’t quite understand how a

pregnancy could occur without the biology part.

Gabriel understood the heart of this young woman – he knew her heart was not filled with doubt

(as Zechariah’s was when he was told he and his wife would have a baby in their twilight years)

– he knew she just didn’t quite understand, so he said these words of explanation to her:

“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow

you [like a cloud]; for that reason the holy (pure, sinless) child shall be called the Son of

God.” (Luke 1:35 Amp)

Then Gabriel proceeded to tell her that her formerly barren relative (Elizabeth, the one in her

twilight years) was also going to have a son – another bit of news that would have been hard for

Mary to wrap her mind around. And then… the angel said these important words: “ For with

God nothing [is or ever] shall be impossible” (Luke 1:37 Amp).

The angel no doubt knew that the explanation he had given Mary had no precedent – nothing

like that had ever happened – ever! I think perhaps that’s why he explained to her – probably

clearly and distinctly articulating the words - that our God is the God of the impossible – letting

that statement float down over her like a soft blanket.

When we don’t quite understand God’s ways, let’s open our hearts to Him and admit that we

don’t quite understand. Let’s ask Him to help us entrust Him with the impossible situations of

life. We believers call that “faith!”

By Judy Shrout

Your Daily Missions Moment:

What are your plans for 2025. Consider going on mission with us. We will have a 2025 Missions Preview on Sunday, January 19 at 12:15 p.m. in the Sending Center.We will be giving out information about our 2025 mission trips as well as ways you can be involved in local missions.

It's A Boy!

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 09:00:01 GMT

Centuries ago, long before the invention of the ultrasound, a young girl from the small town of

Nazareth (population less than 200), was told she was going to have a baby boy. There was no

big gender reveal for family and friends – not even the one to whom she was betrothed was

present for the announcement. Only two people are pictured in this poignant scene: the young

girl and an angel named Gabriel, who brought her this message:

“… you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son, and you shall name Him

Jesus.” (Luke 1:31)

Not only was she going to have a baby boy, but she was also told what to name the child:

Jesus. So, there would be no family meetings to bat around some suggestions for a name; it

was already predetermined, not by Gabriel, but by God Himself, the true Father of this child.

The name was derived from the Hebrew name Yeshua , which means “Yahweh saves” or “God

is salvation” – a name that had a special depth of meaning for the Hebrew people who had long

been awaiting the arrival of the Messiah.

Many new parents look at that first ultrasound and try to imagine the future for their child – a

future filled with hope and possibility. But it is only a dream at that time – the future Is unknown.

But for the young girl named Mary, the angel Gabriel described the future for her child:

“He will be great and eminent and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord

God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of

Jacob (Israel) forever, and of His kingdom there shall be no end.” (Luke 1:32-33 Amp).

Can you imagine hearing those words about the importance of the life of the son you have been

entrusted to raise? Can you hear yourself asking, “And how on earth am I supposed to mother

such a special little guy – who isn’t just important to our little family, but important for all of

humanity for all eternity?”

Overwhelmed? Me too! As we revisit the foretelling of the birth of Jesus, allow yourself to be

overwhelmed by the precious gift of our Savior – overwhelmed with joy, with gratitude, with

hope, and with peace.

By Judy Shrout

Your Daily Missions Moment:

Christmas for Christ is our annual missions offering. This year’s goal is $220,000. These funds will help support missions right here in Lexington as well as missions all over the world. This offering was founded on the premise of giving our first and best gift to Jesus. Please consider giving over and above your normal tithe to support missions at Immanuel.

Listen Carefully

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 13:47:13 GMT

The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Listen

carefully…” (Luke 1:30-31a Amp).

When angels drop in on someone in the Bible, the first words they often speak are “Fear not” or

something along that line. Angels do not look anything like our cute figurines – they are strong,

masculine, and fearsome beings! It was not a routine thing for angels to appear to people – just

as it isn’t today. We might think it was more common than it was, since earlier in this same

chapter we find Gabriel paying a visit to Zechariah, the future father of John the Baptist.

True to form, Gabriel first tells young Mary not to be afraid. He needed to help get her pounding

heart under control and restore her normal breathing pattern so she could absorb what came

next.

First, he told her she had found favor with God. The Phillips translation of this verse has Gabriel

telling her, “God loves you dearly” (Luke 1:30). I love that! Don’t you just know that Mary

probably needed to recall those words throughout her time of mothering the Messiah. Even

when her heart would one day be torn apart in grief, she would need to remember that God

loved her dearly.

Second, Gabriel told Mary to “Listen carefully.” Imagine Gabriel stooping down on Mary’s

level, making perfect eye contact with her -- gently holding her hands, encouraging her to take a

deep breath and focus on him – letting the world around them become a big blur. After he said

those words (and perhaps took a deep breath himself), he prepared to give her a message that

would change not only her world – but our world too!

Before we get to the message, let’s get personal:

1 – Do you realize that God loves you dearly too – in good times and in terribly tough times?

When everything is smooth sailing and also when the storms roll in?

2 – When you sit with God’s Word or listen to a sermon or spend time alone in prayer, are you

taking time to listen carefully? Imagine God Himself holding your hands in His, making strong

eye contact with you, and urging you to listen – listen for affirmation, listen for conviction of your

sin, listen for what He’s calling you to do next.

Like Mary, we are never to forget how deeply we are loved. And… like Mary, we need to

carefully listen to the voice of God.

By Judy Shrout

Your Daily Missions Moment:

Do you have a person who is difficult to buy gifts for at Christmas. Consider buying something from the “Send Relief Catalog” Items in this catalog are things you can buy to help a family living in a 3rd world country to attain sustainability. Or you can help refugee families as they resettle. Help victims of natural disasters with needed items. Purchase a food box for $30 that can feed a family of 5 for one month. You can give one of these gifts in honor of a family member and make a big difference. Pick up a hard copy at the Serve Kiosk by the worship center or go to: sendrelief.org/catalog

Details

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 09:00:00 GMT

One Sunday morning, the Sunday School department director happily announced that one of

the young couples had had their baby – mom and baby were doing well. Everyone smiled, and

all eyes focused on the man making the announcement – expecting some other details like

maybe whether it was a boy or a girl, the name, weight, date of birth, etc. He didn’t know! All he

knew was that the baby had landed! No details!

And that’s why we’re so thankful for Luke – a man of many details. He included details in his

gospel account that the other writers often omitted. He introduced his writing with these words:

Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which

have been fulfilled among us… it seemed good to me also… to write to you an orderly

account… that you may know the certainty of those things… (Luke 1:1-4)

And, as a part of that orderly account, here are some of those details leading up to the birth of

Jesus:

Now in the sixth month [of Elizabeth’s pregnancy] the angel Gabriel was sent from God

to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was

Joseph, a descendant of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. (Luke 1:26-27)

Why are these details important - besides just filling in some gaps in the story? Luke, the

physician and gospel writer, wants us to know the details so we can be certain, but also

because they are a fulfillment of prophecy from centuries preceding the birth of Christ. Let’s look

at two from this short passage:

1 - The Messiah will be born to a virgin: “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign;

Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

(Isaiah 7:14)

2 - The Messiah will be a descendant of the house of David. “Behold, the days are coming,”

declares the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch…” (Jeremiah 23:5)

By Including what had already been prophesied (both Isaiah and Jeremiah were written in the

7th century B.C.!), Luke also wants us to know that this wasn’t some genius idea that suddenly

popped into the mind of the Almighty God. This plan was in place from the beginning.

So… knowing that God’s plans have been fulfilled, are being fulfilled, and will be fulfilled (with or

without our cooperation), how can we not trust Him with the few years we have on this planet?

How can we not trust Him with TODAY?

By Judy Shrout

Your Daily Missions Moment:

7 words to help you live your life on mission:

Know God

Love People

Impact my World

Do you know God better today than you did last week, last month, last year. Spend some time in Bible reading and prayer to get to know God better. That will help you with step two.

Loving people is not always easy. Ask God to help you love especially those who are not easy to love. Who are people you see every day that need to know that you love them and God does too.

Finally, Impact my World. Sounds daunting. Your world is right where you live. Are you praying about ways you can impact your everyday world for God. Keep these 7 words in mind as you go about your week.

“The Grand Miracle”

Sat, 14 Dec 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Recently, I finished reading C.S. Lewis’s book Miracles . In the opening, Lewis defines a miracle

as an “interference with Nature by supernatural power.” Jesus performed many miracles during

His lifetime, but during the Christmas season, we tend to focus on “The Grand Miracle,” as

Lewis discusses in chapter 14.

In the opening sentences of that chapter, Lewis writes of the Grand Miracle: “The central miracle

asserted by Christians is the Incarnation. They say that God became Man. Every other miracle

prepares for this, or exhibits this, or results from this.”

Of course, we all know the story. God sent His Son, Jesus, to be born of a virgin and grow up

fully man and fully God to eventually sacrifice Himself to save the world from sin, evil and death.

I’ve celebrated Christmas since I was a little kid, so every year I have to remind myself what an

incredible fact this really is.

One of my favorite passages about Jesus is John 1:1-2: In the beginning was the Word, and

the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.

I’ve always liked that passage because it reminds me that Jesus was WITH GOD when He was

creating the world. God and Jesus knew humans would sin and rebel, and they knew what

sacrifice Jesus would have to make to redeem humanity. And yet they created humans anyway.

That also means before Adam sinned, separating humanity from God (before that problem even

existed!), God already had a plan for how to save us. He already had the Grand Miracle of

Christ’s Incarnation in mind.

From the beginning, God not only knew about our need for salvation but also knew everything

else we would need and made plans to provide for us. He not only has the answers now; He

had them before our problems even existed! Whatever you’re facing now, remember this: God is

with you, He knows how it will turn out, and He prepared a way for you—whether through a

miracle or through ordinary means—even before you could see the mountain.

As we reflect on the Grand Miracle of Christ’s birth this Christmas, let us remember that God is

still in the business of doing miracles.

You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.

(Psalm 77:14)

by Melissa Landon Schnell

Melissa is an editor at automation.com, a member of Immanuel Baptist Church, a cyclist, a book lover,

and a grammar enthusiast. She lives in Lexington with her husband Daykin, dog Zoey, and cat Scooter.

Your Daily Missions Moment:

Missionaries depend on believers in churches for their prayers. Please pray for these missionaries:

Michael and Rachel Koch: Bogotá, Colombia

Lucas and Faith Henegar: Southeast Europe

God Remembers

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 08:15:00 GMT

The name Zechariah means “God remembers”. We find that truth woven into the narrative of

Luke chapter 1.

In the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, you see that God remembers the faithfulness and

petitions of His children. The delay in answering was not about God forgetting or ignoring their

petition; it was about how the tapestry of their lives would be woven into the greater tapestry of

His redemptive purpose. As Gabriel describes the mission of John to prepare the way of the

Lord, you see the promise of the Messiah coming into focus. And in the coming of the Messiah,

there are so many promises that are fulfilled.

The reality is that we serve a God who is in the business of making and keeping covenants.

He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth. He remembers his covenant

forever, the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations. (Psalm 105:7-8 ESV)

What does it mean when we say, “God remembers?” When you or I say that we remember

something, it often implies that we have forgotten for some period. The thing we remember

today may be forgotten again in the future. That is not at all what it means when we say, “God

remembers.”

When we say, “God remembers”, it means that God has never forgotten and will never forget.

The pages of scripture are filled with the record of God’s faithfulness to His promises, and that

track record is an absolute guarantee that He will always be found faithful.

Perhaps you find yourself in a spot where you don’t see God at work, or you are waiting on an

answer and don’t hear His voice. Maybe there is that purpose or calling that God has spoken to

your heart about, but you don’t see the next step or how that’s going to come together. Be

confident in this: He is at work, and He hasn’t forgotten.

By Jesse Smith

Your Daily Missions Moment:

Please continue to pray for missionaries that have relationships with our church.

Abel and Naomi, East Africa (names withheld for security purposes)

Brodie Craig, Valledupar, Colombia

Will and Jordan Becknal: Bogota, Colombia

Fear and Doubt

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 16:46:57 GMT

How can I be sure of this?” Zechariah asked the angel. “I am an old man, and my wife is

well along in years.” (Luke 1:18)

Zechariah had been administering the Offering of Incense when an angel of the Lord appeared

beside him. It’s likely that Zechariah had talked with others about their experience in performing

this same duty, but no one had mentioned anything like this. Zechariah reacted as all of us

would when confronted with an angel from the presence of God – he fell down in fear.

The angels’ response to Zechariah’s fear is “ Do not be afraid .” The fear Zechariah experienced

wasn’t an issue, but the doubt that followed his fear had consequences. In this moment,

Zechariah measured what was possible based on his circumstances, not based on the word of

God delivered by the angel.

“I am Gabriel,” replied the angel. “I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to

speak to you and to bring you this good news. And now you will be silent and unable to

speak until the day this comes to pass, because you did not believe my words, which will

be fulfilled at their proper time.” (Luke 1:19-20)

Imagine with me for a moment how the conversation might have gone when Elizabeth asked

Zechariah how his day went. Talk about a story to tell. He’d had the once in a lifetime

opportunity to offer the Incense, and the angel appeared and said they were going to have a

son. But now, as a result of his doubt, Zechariah was unable to speak until all these things were

fulfilled.

If you’ve ever experienced genuine fear, you know that doubt lurks in the shadow of fear. In the

midst of fear, God still says to you and me “don’t be afraid.” Pray, even when you struggle to

find the words, and surround yourself with an army who will pray for you.

The experience of real fear came for me this year in the form of a near fatal medical crisis. In

the aftermath of that experience, there is a song by We are Messengers that has become a

particular favorite of mine. I’ll end with a part of that lyric that I think captures the way we should

respond to fear and doubt. “When my heart can’t find the beat; When it’s dark and I can’t see; I

will put my hope in You.”

By Jesse Smith

Your Daily Missions Moment:

Our missions offering and our regular giving through the Cooperative Program support missionaries all over the world. Please pray for these international missionaries:

Many of our missionaries are serving in places where it is illegal to talk about Christianity and their security is important. Please do no post any of their names or locations on the internet!

Joel and Beth, Central Asia

Drake and Haley, Middle East and North Africa

Carol Spears, Kenya

An Unexpected Answer

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, according

to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and

burn incense. And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of

incense. And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the

altar of incense. And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him.

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard,

and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. (Luke 1:8-13 ESV)

The priests had been organized into divisions by King David for service in the temple. Each of

the divisions would serve on a rotating basis in Jerusalem, to administer the daily activities of

the temple. Because the number of priests was greater than the number of daily duties, it was

their practice to assign duties by lot.

On this occasion, by the providence of God (Proverbs 16:33), the lot to offer the Incense

Offering fell to Zechariah. This was a once in a lifetime event, the pinnacle of service for a priest

such as Zechariah. For the priest to offer the Incense was to stand alone in the presence of God

on behalf of His chosen people.

As Zechariah is offering the Incense, an angel of the Lord appears beside him. Zechariah

reacts, just as all of us would, in fear. In that moment, the first words spoken from Heaven in

400 years are these: “ Do not be afraid .” The angel’s message is as unexpected as his

appearance.

The angel tells Zechariah his prayers have been heard – he and Elizabeth with have a son.

They had prayed for a son, but that was years ago in their youth. At this moment, it is likely

Zechariah was offering prayers on behalf of the nation, and those prayers likely included a plea

for the long-awaited Messiah.

God delayed in answering Zechariah and Elizabeth’s prayer for a son until the fullness of time

was come, so their son would play a vital role in preparing the way for the Messiah (Luke 1:14-

17). God answered in a way they likely never imagined.

When you find yourself waiting for an answer to prayer, remember this: our timing and God’s

timing don’t always align, but His timing is perfect. It just might be that the answer to your prayer

has a far greater purpose than you could ever imagine. Waiting is difficult, but in that waiting

trust Him and watch what He will do.

By Jesse Smith

Your Daily Missions Moment:

As we continue focusing our prayers on missionaries this week. We just recently explored a missions opportunity in Vancouver, British Columbia. Please pray for these missionaries in Vancouver:

Hoover and Karen Lee, Vancouver, BC

Luke and Maudie Watson, Burnaby, BC

Anthony and Danielle Hatchell, Surrey, BC

Luke and Laura Rowland, Langley, BC

Calm in the Chaos

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 08:00:00 GMT

...there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from

the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous

before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. But

they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years. (Luke 1:5-7 ESV)

Luke introduces us to an aged priest named Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth. This duo is

described as righteous, walking blamelessly before God. They were not just conforming to the

external rituals of the law, but they were following faithfully. They were not perfect – none of us

are – but the pattern of their life was to follow God’s commands and pursue His kingdom.

It is one thing to live righteously when the world around you is falling apart and everything is

okay at home, but that was not the case for Zechariah and Elizabeth. Luke tells us that

Elizabeth was barren, which was viewed as a reproach amongst the Israelites. Zechariah and

Elizabeth had doubtless prayed for a child, specifically for a son, yet they were now advanced in

years, and that prayer had gone unanswered. Yet, they were found faithful.

We live in a day of conflict and chaos. Ours is a post-Christian culture that continues to run

away from God at an ever-increasing rate. Society is deeply divided by competing political and

world views. And for some of us, the chaos is much closer to home in the disappointment of

unanswered prayer, in pain of unexpected loss, or the surprise of unanticipated events.

How do we remain calm in the chaos, so that we might be found faithful? Luke gives us the

answer in his introduction of Zechariah and Elizabeth. He describes them as “ righteous before

God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. ” The key is to

continue doing what we know to do and to live as whole-hearted, faithful disciples of Jesus

despite the chaos.

By Jesse Smith

Your Daily Missions Moment: 

This month we will take up our Christmas for Christ offering. This is our one time per year offering for missions. It goes to support many different missions and missionaries both locally and globally. Today, Pray for the following 2 missionaries:

Tess and Lee Sharp: Emmalena, KY Camp Nathanael

Justin and Lacy McKay: Arvada, CO

A Long Silence

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 08:00:00 GMT

In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division

of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.

(Luke 1:5 ESV)

It had been 400 years since God had spoken from Heaven; not since Malachi had there been a

prophet amongst the Hebrews. Generations had come and gone who had not known the voice

of the prophets amongst God’s chosen people. Exiled in their own land – ruled by an Idumean

who himself was a servant of the Romans – surrounded by a culture that no longer respected

their God, their worship, or their traditions.

God had been faithful to keep His promises to their ancestors, but the Israelites were still

waiting for the long-promised Messiah. They had begun to doubt if God would come through on

the promise of a deliverer. Herod, having been appointed king of Judea by the Roman Senate,

proved himself to be a cunning and cruel ruler. The Children of Israel found themselves in the

midst of a long, dark, silent night.

It was in this dark hour that the silence of Heaven was broken. Luke’s narrative recounts for us

how the angel first announced the coming birth of John to Zechariah, and then later announced

the birth of the long-awaited Messiah to Mary and Joseph. Why now? Why had the Messiah not

come sooner; why had God been silent for so long?

In 400 years of silence, God was still at work. The Apostle Paul (Galatians 4:4) says that Christ

came in the fullness of time. He came at just the right time.

Perhaps you find yourself in a season where it seems as though God is silent, where you don’t

see the way forward. Maybe you are concerned about your current circumstances or anxious

about the days ahead. Take courage in the knowledge that God is at work even in the silence,

His purpose is for our good and His glory, and His timing is perfect.

By Jesse Smith

Your Daily Missions Moment:

According to statistics gathered in 2020. 14.4% of the population of Lexington attend church. That’s about 46,000 people out of a population of 322,000. We have about 300 churches in the Lexington, Fayette County area. That’s one church for every 1073 people.

Please pray for all churches in Lexington as we try to reach our city with the good news of Jesus. Especially pray for these missionaries working in Lexington.

Nestor Gomez, Lexington, Latino Population

Khum and Candy Hauzel, Lexington, Indian population

Gilbert Hategeka: Lexington, Congolese population

As you pray for these missionaries, pray about how God is calling you to be a missionary right here in Lexington. All of us are missionaries, How can you spread the gospel in your every day routine?

The Greatest Light of All

Sat, 07 Dec 2024 08:00:00 GMT

The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. (John 1:9)

One of my favorite Christmas traditions as a family is to drive around the neighborhood and look

at all the houses decorated with the most beautiful lights. It could be the darkest of nights, but

the glow of the houses lights up every street -- expelling any darkness. The flickering of the

lights often reminds me of the scripture John 1:9: The true light, which gives light to everyone,

was coming into the world.

The lights we use to decorate our homes and the nativity scenes we place on the mantle with

the star right above the stable- the star that led the wise men to Jesus – are all reminders that

Jesus is the greatest light of all. When we are saved, we too have the light (Matthew 5:16).

It is so easy to get distracted and be so busy that we forget to stop and ponder the true reason

for the holiday. May we remember as we hang our lights on the tree or admire the lights on our

neighbor’s home that Jesus is truly the greatest light of all and that He came and became flesh

(John 1:14) for you and me so that we could have the opportunity to live with Him forever.

This Christmas season try and slow down and reflect on what this season is all about,

remembering that we can carry the light of Jesus within us this Christmas by helping those who

are less fortunate or being there for ones who are missing a loved one. We can be the light of

Jesus for others and God can ultimately receive the glory. The light of Jesus can drive out any

darkness -- let’s light up our world this Christmas!

By Lauren Hill

Lauren has been married to her high school sweetheart, Adam, for 12 years and they have two

daughters, Story, and Violet. They attend the Georgetown campus where Lauren serves in

children’s church.

Your Daily Missions Moment:

You can help foster and adoptive families through Orphan Care Alliance. Just by signing up for Gateway. Gateway will notify you when they have a specific need for a family and you can choose to help them through this service.

Anticipation

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 08:00:00 GMT

This week we’re starting the Christmas season in Matthew.

The celebration of Christmas comes with anticipation.

We anticipate the joy and wonder as we reflect on the birth of our Savior. The faces of happy

children are a window into our own childhoods. We spend time with beloved friends and family,

and maybe get a break from the workday routine. I personally love our church’s Christmas Eve

service, which in our home we follow-up with an annual viewing of “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

As an adult I anticipate Christmas Eve more than Christmas Day.

But anticipation isn’t always good. There is stress that comes with making plans, searching for

gifts, paying for those gifts, and general busyness. Strained relationships can be tested. For

some, this will be the first Christmas without a loved one and maybe your anticipation veers

toward dread.

We all anticipate things good, bad, or in the case of the radio station that starts playing

Christmas music on November 1 but stops on December 26, inexplicable. This Christmas

season I have a humble suggestion for us anytime we are stressed.

Think about how Joseph navigated the very first Christmas.

He learned his betrothed was pregnant in a very unconventional way and chose the most

righteous way to handle the situation. Then an angel explained the situation and laid out the

plans for Jesus’ birth and that He would save people from their sins. And Joseph immediately

did this:

When Joseph got up from sleeping, he did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him…

(Matthew 1:24 HCSB)

If you think loading up the kids to visit the grandparents is stressful at Christmas, how about

returning to your hometown for a census on foot with a very pregnant wife and no hotel

reservation? Through every bit of stress and confusion, Joseph steadily and faithfully endured.

He listened to God’s direction and did his part to share his son Jesus with the world.

This Christmas let’s do the same.

But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of

great joy that will be for all the people: Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was

born for you in the city of David. (Luke 2:10-11 HCSB)

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob, and father-in-law of Bailey.

Your Daily Missions Moment:

You can make a difference in the life of a child by just giving one hour per week. The Amachi Mentoring program provides one on one mentoring for kids whose lives are affected by incarceration. They ask volunteers to give one hour per week for one year. And that one hour can make a huge difference. Find out more at https://www.lexlf.org/amachi

What's in a Name?

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 11:00:02 GMT

This week we’re starting the Christmas season in Matthew.

Let’s do a little Shakespeare. In Romeo and Juliet , the title characters are in love but are not

supposed to be together because their families are feuding. Juliet was lamenting this fact and

broke out this iconic observation: “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other

name would smell as sweet.”

I’ll let you literary experts out there correct me if I’m wrong, but Juliet was saying that a rose

would smell good no matter what we call it. Similarly, she would love Romeo regardless of his

family name, so who cares that he happened to be from a rival family? (I didn’t read all the way

to the end, but I’m sure those two crazy kids lived happily ever after.)

When we were expecting our daughter, our young son became inspired and began making

baby name suggestions in volume. We still have the list written down somewhere. A few were

common names, but many not only weren’t names, but weren’t even objects. My personal

favorites were Jeffany, Liggett, Leaney, and Gigature. We respectfully went in another direction.

New parents choose names based on things like their meaning, family history, in honor of

somebody special to them, or maybe there’s just a name they’ve always liked. Whatever the

motivation, it’s not a frivolous decision.

But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to him

in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife,

because what has been conceived in her is by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son,

and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”

(Matthew 1:20-21 HCSB)

There’s some Hebrew and Greek background that I can’t fully follow, but I know the name Jesus

means “The Lord saves” so the name makes sense for somebody who will save people from

their sins. But our friend Juliet might argue that Who He is matters much more than what name

we call Him. Would the perfect, spotless, Son of God, punished for our sins and defeater of

death, be any less worthy of worship if God had chosen to name Him something else? I don’t

think so.

But that’s just a theoretical discussion. The angel of the Lord had already declared His name

would be Jesus, because The Lord Saves indeed.

It was not a frivolous decision. Merry Christmas.

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob, and father-in-law of Bailey.

Your Daily Missions Moment:

There is a way you can make a difference in our Fayette County Public Schools. Join the 4KIds team. For one hour a week you can serve as a mentor for this Leadership program being taught in our public schools. They are starting a new program at Lansdowne Elementary and we need 15 volunteers to help make this happen. Go to https://4kidslex.com/ or contact Jeff Story: jeffs@ibclex.com , 859-685-3215

Get Up and Go

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 08:00:00 GMT

This week we’re starting the Christmas season in Matthew.

Have you had the experience where you somehow learn, maybe via an old photograph, that a

childhood memory that’s seared into your mind didn’t happen exactly like you remember it? It’s

unsettling. I bring it up because I fear that what I’m about to describe did not happen to me but

came from an old TV episode. (If you do recognize this from an old show, feel free to keep it to

yourself).

My recollection was that parents and teachers would sometimes attribute having a bad day, or

having a bad attitude, to waking up on the wrong side of the bed. People online trace this

superstition to the ancient Romans, who I presume concocted it while building aqueducts in the

hot sun. (They’d have been dehydrated which is why they wanted the aqueducts).

Of course, now I know that waking up on the wrong side of the bed is just a superstition. But as

a kid there are a lot of things you don’t understand, and it takes time to work out what’s real

(Fonzie? Not real. Dolly Parton? Real.). So as a young child (and yes, future engineer) I

experimented to determine from which side of the bed I should exit to have a good day. Results

were inconclusive, although looking back I should have considered that maybe the correct side

of the bed was not a constant, but a variable each day.

All of this came to mind when considering what Joseph did when waking up after being visited

by an angel:

When Joseph got up from sleeping, he did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him…

(Matthew 1:24 HCSB)

I love the simple directness of this. Joseph didn’t get up, grab his favorite coffee, and post online

for advice about how he should react. He got up, and he did it. It makes me wonder what I need

to wake up and do.

Maybe you know exactly what God wants you to do. Or maybe you’re more like me (an over-

analyzer) and spend too much time mulling things over – when what you need to do is wake up

and pick a valid option today, and then wake up tomorrow and do it!

Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men,

knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the

Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24 HCSB)

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob, and father-in-law of Bailey.

Your Daily Missions Moment:

In 2025 you have an opportunity to go on mission with us. We will be taking trips to Alaska, Denver, Colorado, Bogota, Colombia, New York City, and Vancouver, British Columbia. Check out details on these on our website: ibc.family/missions.

Never Fear

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 08:00:00 GMT

This week we’re starting the Christmas season in Matthew.

The ongoing tension between trust and fear can be clearly seen in the face of a toddler,

teetering on the side of a swimming pool. He truly wants to leap into the arms of the waiting

parent whose outstretched arms will limit the fall to about one foot. He knows it will be fun, but

fear holds him back. His face and body language are indicative of something we all experience

– sometimes doing the right thing, even if we sincerely want to do it, can still be scary.

When Joseph learned that Mary had conceived by the Holy Spirit, and righteously decided to

divorce her secretly, this happened:

But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to him

in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife,

because what has been conceived in her is by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son,

and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”

(Matthew 1:20-21 HCSB)

This is world historical news that would forever change the relationship between humans and

the God of the universe. It wasn’t just good news; it was the best news there would ever be. But

the first thing the angel said was “don’t be afraid.”

Later we see an angel telling the Shepherds the same thing:

Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around

them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I

proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. (Luke 2:9-10 HCSB)

This world can be a scary place. There are legitimate things to fear, and even more things that

can cause some level of anxiety. But I’ve noticed a couple things about toddlers learning to

jump into a pool.

First, when the parent promises to catch them, they always do. Second, the more times the

toddler wills himself to jump, trust goes up and fear goes down.

Never fear. Christmas is here.

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob, and father-in-law of Bailey.

Your Daily Missions Moment:

Did you know there are approximately 12 million people in the world who have no access to a Bible in their language. That’s 1131 languages or people groups. In 2025, you will have an opportunity to help solve that problem. We will have an event called Adopt a Verse where for $40 per verse you can help provide scripture for a people group in Central Asia.

Change of Plans

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 09:00:01 GMT

This week we’re starting the Christmas season in Matthew.

In the early 1980’s I, along with most other boys my age, was a big fan of the television show

“The A-Team.” The premise of the show was that four members of an Army special forces unit

had been wrongly accused of a crime. They escaped prison and worked as soldiers of fortune in

Los Angeles while simultaneously evading capture and trying to clear their names.

Yes, even we young teenage boys knew it was ridiculous that they were “in hiding” but drove a

cool van with a big red stripe on it and Mr. T wore five pounds of gold chains. In the real world

they’d have made it about four blocks before being recaptured. I bring all this up because there

is one famous quote from the show that you still hear sometimes today, which is “I love it when

a plan comes together.”

First, let’s look at Joseph’s plan:

The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After His mother Mary had been engaged

to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant by the

Holy Spirit. So her husband Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace

her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly. (Matthew 1:18-19 HCSB)

But God had other ideas.

But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to him

in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife,

because what has been conceived in her is by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son,

and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”

(Matthew 1:20-21 HCSB)

Joseph’s plan was that of a righteous man. It was a good plan! Based on what he knew at the

time, it was truly a compassionate and loving response. But God had other, much bigger, plans.

We should always seek God’s will and pursue the plans that we think are righteous. But from

Joseph’s example, we can see that just because things aren’t going our way doesn’t mean God

isn’t paying attention or isn’t working out His own plan.

And He loves it when a plan comes together.

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob, and father-in-law of Bailey .

Your Daily Missions Moment:

This Christmas, there are at least 4 ways you can give through Immanuel.

Christmas for Christ offering: this is our annual Missions offering and supports everything from local missions to missions around the world.
Christmas Giving Tree: You can pick up an envelope at the Serve Kiosk to provide gifts for a child at one of our partner Elementary Schools. We have about 130 kids to sponsor this year.
Step by Step December 26th project: For $150 you can provide a year’s worth of programming for a single mom and this Christ centered program. You can go here to give for this: https://sbslex.org/dec26project24/
Send Relief Gift Catalog: This catalog provides a way for you to give to people in need all over the world. You can pick up a catalog at the Serve Kiosk in the Worship Center lobby or go here: https://cdn.namb.net/gift-catalog/2024/2407_SR_Gift%20Catalog_WEB_v2.pdf

Thanks for considering one or more of these ways to give this Christmas.

The Things That Are God's

Sat, 30 Nov 2024 08:00:00 GMT

And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him in his

talk. And they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care

about anyone's opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way

of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them, or should we

not?” But, knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why put me to the test? Bring me a

denarius and let me look at it.” And they brought one. And he said to them, “Whose

likeness and inscription is this?” They said to him, “Caesar's.” Jesus said to them,

“Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.”

And they marveled at him. (Mark 12:13-17)

I’ve always found this account compelling. Jesus knew their evil intent and still entertained their

question. I’ve struggled to understand what Jesus meant by saying they should give to Caesar

what belongs to Caesar. Did he mean they should pay taxes? Obey the laws of the state? Give

allegiance to the country?

One of our pastors recently read this verse in the context of praying for our country as we

approached the election. After the reading, as we bowed our heads, something dawned on me.

I’ve been asking the wrong question. I was hung up on the first part of the verse, the part about

Caesar; but the point Jesus was making is we should give to God what belongs to God. If we

get that part right, other priorities fall into place.

Therefore, we must answer the question: what are we to give to God?

Everything. Our very selves. First place in our hearts, our minds, our affections, and our

allegiances. Before we are anything else, we are His children. Before we are husbands or

wives, parents or friends. Before we are Americans. We were and we are … His children.

Only when we are able (through His grace) to rightly order these things will we know that our

well-being, our sense of security, our allegiance, and our purpose are solely tied to Christ and

His kingdom. Together, let’s embrace these truths and resist any messaging that contradicts

them.

But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord

Jesus Christ. (Philippians 3:20)

Heavenly Father, search our hearts. Where priorities are out of whack, will You order them

rightly? Where trust is misplaced, will You reveal truth, correct us, and heal our hearts so we

can love You more faithfully? By Your grace, help us give You what is Yours.

By Lori Barkley

Lori and her husband Jim attend the Armstrong Mill campus where she serves as a deacon.

They have two daughters, Brynn and Katy.

The Gospel is for All People

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 08:00:01 GMT

In Acts 28:28, after some of the Jewish leaders rejected Paul’s message, he boldly declared,

“ Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and

they will listen !” This moment marked a powerful shift in the early church’s understanding of

God’s salvation: it wasn’t just for the Jewish people, but for the entire world.

This is a reminder that the gospel is inclusive—it’s offered for every person, regardless of

background, nationality, or social status. Paul’s declaration that “they will listen” speaks to the

openness of those who might be far from God, yet whose hearts are ready to receive the

message of salvation.

For us, this has two important applications.

1. God’s Grace Is Available to Everyone

The gospel is a message of hope for all people. There is no one who is beyond the reach of

God’s grace. Sometimes we can fall into the trap of thinking that certain people are too far gone,

too hardened, or too different from us to receive the gospel. But God’s love and salvation extend

to every corner of the earth and every kind of person.

Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10), and “lost” includes anyone who doesn’t yet

know Him—whether they’re a close family member, a stranger from a different culture, or

someone who seems hostile toward the gospel. God’s arms are open wide, inviting all to come

to Him.

2. We Are Called to Share the Gospel with All People

Just as Paul faithfully shared the gospel with both Jews and Gentiles, we are called to share

God’s message of salvation with everyone, without favoritism or prejudice. Sometimes we might

be tempted to stick to our comfort zones, sharing the good news only with people who are like

us or with whom we feel comfortable. But the gospel crosses all boundaries.

It can be easy to underestimate how God might use us to reach someone who is different from

us—someone from another culture, or someone with different beliefs or experiences. Yet God

often works in unexpected ways, opening hearts that we might never expect to be open. He

simply calls us to be faithful in sharing His message, trusting that He is at work in ways we

cannot see.

The gospel is for all people. This means that everyone we meet is a potential recipient of God’s

grace, and we have the privilege of being His messengers. Let’s be bold in sharing the good

news with anyone and everyone, trusting that God will soften hearts and draw people to

Himself, just as He has done with us.

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com,

FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

The Danger of a Hardened Heart

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 08:00:00 GMT

In Acts 28:26-27, Paul quotes the prophet Isaiah, saying, “You will be ever hearing but never

understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people’s heart has

become calloused.” This sobering statement reveals the tragic outcome of repeatedly rejecting

God’s message: the hardening of the heart.

A hardened heart is not something that happens overnight. It develops over time, through

consistent resistance to God’s truth. The people Paul was speaking to had heard the Scriptures,

seen the work of God, and even witnessed the life and ministry of Jesus. Yet, many still refused

to believe. As a result, their hearts became calloused—dull and unresponsive to God’s voice.

This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts. Are there areas where we have

become resistant to God’s leading, or to truth itself? Have we heard His Word but chosen not to

respond? Every time we ignore God’s prompting, our hearts grow a little harder, making it more

difficult to hear Him the next time.

But there is hope. Scripture tells us that God desires to give us hearts that are soft and

receptive to His voice. Ezekiel 36:26 says, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit

in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” This is

the work of God’s grace—He can soften even the hardest heart, thus enabling us to turn to Him

by faith in His Son.

If you sense that your heart has grown calloused in any way, don’t wait. Turn to God now,

asking Him to renew and soften your heart. He is faithful to respond to those who seek Him with

sincerity. The same Spirit that convicts us of sin is the one who can bring healing and

restoration to our hearts.

At the same time, let this be a reminder to us when we share the gospel with others. Some may

resist or reject the message, and their hearts may appear hardened. But God is still able to

break through that hardness. Our job is to continue praying, sharing, and trusting that God can

do the impossible.

Let us remain vigilant in guarding our hearts against becoming calloused and pray for others

who may be hardened toward the gospel. God is able to soften even the most resistant heart,

drawing them into His grace and truth.

May we, by God’s grace, cultivate soft hearts that respond to His voice, and may we trust Him to

do the same in the lives of those we love.

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com,

FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

Trusting God with the Results

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe. (Acts 28:24)

In Acts 28:24, we see a sobering reality that Paul faced: “Some were convinced by what he

said, but others would not believe.” Despite his heartfelt efforts to share the gospel and

persuade people about Jesus, not everyone accepted the message. This mixture of responses

is a reminder that when we share the good news, the results are not in our hands—they are in

God’s.

For many of us, this can be a source of frustration or even discouragement. We might share our

faith with a loved one or a friend, hoping they will embrace the gospel, only to find that they

remain indifferent or even reject it outright. It can leave us wondering, "Did I say the right things?

Did I miss an opportunity?" Yet, this passage from Acts teaches us an important lesson: our

responsibility is to be faithful in sharing, not to control the outcome.

Paul, one of the greatest evangelists in history, faced rejection too. Some of the Jewish leaders

in Rome refused to believe despite his compelling arguments from Scripture. But Paul didn’t let

that discourage him or stop him from continuing to proclaim Christ. He understood that the

results were in God’s hands, not his own.

This truth should comfort and free us. When we share the gospel, we are simply planting seeds.

Whether those seeds take root and grow is the work of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). We

may never realize the true impact of our message on those we are seeking to reach. Our task is

to faithfully point people to Jesus, trusting that God will do the work in their hearts according to

His timing and purposes.

Not everyone will respond positively to the gospel, and that’s okay. Jesus Himself said, “Enter

through the narrow gate... But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and

only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). Rejection of the gospel is not a reflection of our failure

but a reality of the human heart.

Take heart in knowing that God is at work even when we can’t see it. Every conversation, every

prayer, every Scripture shared has the potential to bear fruit in God’s perfect time. Let us be

faithful witnesses, not disheartened by rejection but encouraged by the knowledge that God is

sovereign and powerful to save.

As we share the gospel, may we trust God with the results, resting in His wisdom and timing,

knowing that our labor in the Lord is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com,

FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

Proclaiming the Kingdom of God

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 08:00:00 GMT

They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the

place where he was staying. He witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining

about the kingdom of God, and from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets he tried to

persuade them about Jesus (Acts 28:23).

In the verse above, the Apostle Paul focuses his message on "the kingdom of God" as he tries

to persuade the Jewish leaders about Jesus. This emphasis on the kingdom of God is a

consistent theme in Paul’s preaching, as well as in the ministry of Jesus Himself.

At its core, the kingdom of God is about God’s reign and rule over all creation. It’s a kingdom

that was inaugurated with the coming of Jesus, but it will be fully realized when Christ returns.

It’s not a political kingdom or one that operates according to the world’s power structures.

Rather, it’s a kingdom where Jesus is King—where His will is done, and His peace,

righteousness, and justice reign supreme.

For Paul, proclaiming the kingdom of God meant sharing the good news that Jesus is Lord and

that, through Him, we are invited into a restored relationship with God. It’s the message that,

through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, we are reconciled to God and can become citizens

of His kingdom.

This message is still central for us today. When we share the gospel, we are inviting people into

something far greater than a religious experience or a new set of beliefs. We are inviting them

into the very kingdom of God, where they can live under the loving rule of Christ, experience His

transforming power, and anticipate the day when His kingdom will be fully established.

As believers, we also live as citizens of this kingdom. Our allegiance is first and foremost to

Jesus, our King. This changes the way we view the world, the way we treat others, and the way

we live our daily lives. We are called to reflect the values of God’s kingdom—love, mercy,

justice, and humility—in every area of life.

When we proclaim the kingdom of God, we are sharing a message of hope. In a world that is

broken by sin, division, and injustice, the kingdom of God offers the promise of renewal and

peace. We have the privilege of inviting others into this kingdom, where they can find true life

under the rule of a good and gracious King.

May we, like Paul, faithfully proclaim the kingdom of God, pointing people to Jesus as the

rightful King and offering them the hope of life in His eternal kingdom.

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com,

FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

The Power of Scripture in Sharing the Gospel

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 08:30:00 GMT

They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the

place where he was staying. He witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining

about the kingdom of God, and from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets he tried to

persuade them about Jesus (Acts 28:23).

In Acts 28:23, we see the Apostle Paul engaged in an earnest effort to explain the gospel to the

Jewish leaders in Rome. How did he go about it? He didn’t rely on his own eloquence or

personal experiences alone—though he had both in abundance. Instead, Paul sought to

persuade them "about Jesus from the Law of Moses and the Prophets." His foundation was the

Word of God.

This teaches us an essential truth: when we share our faith, it’s not our opinions or stories that

ultimately change hearts; it’s God’s Word. Scripture is alive and powerful (Hebrews 4:12), and it

holds the authority to convict, encourage, and guide people toward truth. Paul understood that,

and it shaped how he presented the gospel.

This is a vital lesson for us today. While personal testimonies of how Jesus has transformed our

lives can be powerful, they should point back to the unshakable truth of Scripture. God's Word

does not return void (Isaiah 55:11). It is our sure foundation in a world full of shifting opinions,

ideologies, and uncertainties. When we share our faith, we stand on firm ground when we

anchor our message in God’s Word.

Yet, sharing Scripture can feel intimidating at times. What if we’re not Bible scholars? What if we

don’t have all the answers? Take heart! Paul himself faced rejection by some of the Jewish

leaders, even though he was a well-trained Pharisee and an apostle of Christ. The success of

our witness doesn’t depend on our having the perfect words or arguments but on the power of

God’s truth to work in people’s hearts.

Our role is to plant seeds by speaking the Word, whether in conversation, in prayer, or by

showing others where to find answers in the Bible. The Holy Spirit is the One who brings the

growth (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). We simply need to be faithful in sharing.

Be encouraged! God’s Word is sufficient. You don’t need to embellish it or add to it. When you

rely on Scripture, you’re not relying on your own strength but on the living, breathing Word of

God. As Paul did, may we also rest in the power and authority of God’s Word as we share the

good news of Jesus Christ with others. It is His Word that changes hearts, not ours.

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com,

FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

Keeping It Simple

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 08:15:00 GMT

Today our focus is on Romans 15:14-21

Many of history’s most successful figures achieved greatness by approaching complex

problems with simple, repeatable strategies. Steve Jobs, in developing the iPhone, famously

said, “Deciding what not to do is as important as deciding what to do.” This insightful principle

enabled his development team to concentrate on the core functionalities of the iPhone, avoiding

the distractions of unnecessary features that could have muddled the user experience.

This concept of simplicity can also be applied to our Christian walk. In Romans 15:14-21, the

Apostle Paul provides a clear and effective blueprint for ministering to those around us. Here,

we discover three straightforward yet powerful practices that can transform our ministry to

others.

First, in verses 14-16, Paul emphasizes the importance of building up believers. He expresses

satisfaction with the growth of those he has been discipling, which not only uplifts them but also

showcases the effectiveness of his message.

Second, in verses 17-18, Paul underscores the necessity of making much of Christ. While

pride has led many Christian leaders astray, he models a healthy form of pride—taking joy in the

work of Christ and magnifying His impact in the world.

Lastly, in verses 19-21, Paul shows his understanding of the mission that was shaped by years

of walking with God and attuning himself to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. His calling was to bring

the Gospel to the lost. While most of us may not be called to preach where Christ is unknown,

we are certainly called to share His message with those who need to hear it. For many, this

means reaching out to friends, coworkers, neighbors, and family.

As you reflect on this passage, consider these questions: Are you investing time in nurturing

less mature believers? Are you focused on “making much of Christ” rather than boasting about

your own accomplishments? And who in your life needs to hear about Christ’s redemptive

work? Remember, you don’t need to overthink it—just keep it simple.

By Paky Kramer

Faith & Helplessness Part 5

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 17:00:23 GMT

Then after Festus conferred with his council, he replied, “You have appealed to Caesar;

to Caesar you will go.” (Acts 25:12)

This week we’ve been looking at the challenge of holding onto our Faith in Jesus when

the circumstances of life leave us feeling helpless. We began by looking at the idea of

“authority” and recognized that one of the primary ways Paul maintained his Faith was

by resting in the “authority” of Christ. Next, we looked at the courage that flows from a

clean conscience. A clean conscious that flows from obedience breeds courage, while

hidden sin and moral compromise breeds insecurity and fear.

Yesterday, we overheard Paul proclaiming 7 words that all believers need to be able to

say: “I am not trying to escape death.” Here, we were reminded that the worse thing that

can happen to us in this life is physical death, but on the other side of death is

something that Paul describes as “far better” than life here in this fallen world. Do you

remember what Paul said from Philippians 1:21 & 23?

“For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. I long to depart and be with Christ—which is

far better— but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.”

In summary, our Faith remains strong in seasons of helplessness when we cling to the

authority of Christ, when we keep our conscience clean through simple obedience and

when we focus on “eternal life” which is far better than “long life.” But there is one more

lesson to learn before we leave this section of Acts. Look back at what Festus says in

verse 12: “You have appealed to Caesar; to Caesar you will go.” Did you catch that? For

us, it’s only been 5 days together in Acts 25. But for Paul, these 12 short verses cover

two years of this man’s life. TWO YEARS!!

This leaves us with two important lessons as we close our time in Acts 25. First, God’s

timing is NOT our timing. You may seem stuck in a helpless situation that is taking way

too long to resolve. I’m sure Paul felt the same way. But secondly, (as Pastor Ron often

says) if we are still breathing, God is not done with us! When it was all said and done,

Paul got exactly what he desired, which was an opportunity to share the Gospel in

Rome… “to Caesar you will go. ” When we trust in the authority of Christ and live in

simple obedience while remaining focused on our eternal destination, God grants us the

desires of our heart. But He does so in “His timing.” He does this for our good and for

His glory!

Read Isaiah 55:8-9 for more encouragement!

By Jimmy Carter

Faith & Helplessness Part 4

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 08:00:00 GMT

But Festus, wanting to do the Jews a favor, replied to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to

Jerusalem to be tried before me there on these charges?” Paul replied, “I am standing

at Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as

even you yourself know very well. If then I did anything wrong and am deserving of

death, I am not trying to escape death; but if there is nothing to what these men accuse

me of, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar!” (Acts 25:9-11)

This week we’ve been looking at the challenge of holding onto our Faith in Jesus when

the circumstances of life leave us feeling helpless. We began by looking at the idea of

“authority” and recognized that one of the primary ways Paul maintained his Faith was

by resting in the “authority” of Christ. Next, we looked at the courage that flows from a

clean conscience. A clean conscious which flows from obedience breeds courage, while

hidden sin and moral compromise before God breeds insecurity and fear.

Our study continues in verse 9 as Festus seeks to appease the Jewish leaders by

having Paul transported back to Jerusalem. Knowing that his case is becoming

increasingly complicated and that there is a risk of injustice, Paul appeals to Caesar

(which means he demands to be tried before the emperor in Rome). This was a legal

right of Roman citizens, and it would shift his trial from the local authorities to the

highest legal court in the Roman Empire. But as Paul makes his appeal in verse 11, he

speaks 7 words that all believers need to be able to say: “I am not trying to escape

death.” Paul is not afraid to die. In fact, listen to Paul’s words in Philippians 1:21&23

“For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. I long to depart and be with Christ—which is

far better— but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.”

Paul does not want to die. However, Paul clearly desires “to be with Christ” and his

desire to be with Christ is far greater than his concern for self-preservation. How do we

handle helpless situations as believers? We remind ourselves that the worse thing that

can happen to us in this life is death and on the other side of death is something “far

better” than a “long life” in this fallen world.

Q: Can you say with Paul “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain?”

Q: Are you more concerned with achieving a “long life” or “eternal life?”

Read John 14:1-4 for more encouragement.

By Jimmy Carter

Faith & Helplessness Part 3

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 17:24:09 GMT

When he had spent not more than eight or ten days among them, he went down to

Caesarea. The next day, seated at the tribunal, he commanded Paul to be brought in.

When he arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him and

brought many serious charges that they were not able to prove. Then Paul made his

defense: “Neither against the Jewish law, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar

have I sinned in any way.” (Acts 25:6-8)

This week we’ve been looking at the challenge of holding onto our Faith in Jesus when

the circumstances of life leave us feeling helpless. As a pastor and counselor, this is

where I spend most of my time with the precious members of our church family. Men

and women who are trying to hold onto their faith while the debt is overwhelming or their

spouse is unloving, or their boss is demanding or their child is rebellious or the

diagnosis is overwhelming. How do we keep gathering, growing and serving when

things are falling apart all around us? After all, these difficult moments in life are the

moments when we need our faith the most! So how do we it?

Yesterday, we began with the idea of “authority.” While Festus, The Chief Priest and

Jewish Leaders may have considered themselves to be “authority” figures, Paul keeps

his faith by resting in the “authority” of Christ. Paul firmly believes that Jesus is in

complete control of his life and any momentary harm that befalls him is not worth

comparing to the glory that will result. This is precisely what Paul is getting at in 2

Corinthians 4:17 when he writes:

"For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond

all comparison…”

Here in verses 6 through 8 we discover another truth that keeps Paul in his right mind,

though things are falling apart around him. Paul has a “clean conscience.” Did you catch

that? Paul says in verse 8: “Neither against the Jewish law, nor against the temple, nor

against Caesar have I sinned in any way.” Now, Paul is not claiming to be “sinless.” In

fact, he refers to himself as the “chief of sinners” in 1st Timothy 1:15. But as it relates to

his relationship with Festus and the Jews in this moment, Paul has a clean conscience.

A clean conscious, which flows from simple obedience, breeds courage, while hidden

sin and moral compromise breeds insecurity and fear.

Q: How clean is your conscience? Are there any hidden sins that need to be brought

into the light?

Read 1st John 1:5-10 for more encouragement

Jimmy Carter

Faith & Helplessness Part 2

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Festus, however, answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself

was about to go there shortly. “Therefore,” he said, “let those of you who have authority

go down with me and accuse him, if he has done anything wrong.” (Acts 25:4-5)

Yesterday, as we pulled back the curtain on Acts 25 we discovered the Apostle Paul

standing squarely at intersection of Faith and Helplessness. On one hand, Paul is

fueled by his faith in Jesus whom he encountered on the road to Damascus following

the resurrection. However, 25 years have passed since then and Paul’s mission and

ministry seem to have come to a screeching halt in a Caesarean prison cell. The only

good news in Paul’s life is Festus refusing to send him back to Jerusalem; thereby

thwarting the assassination plot devised by The Chief Priest and Jewish leaders.

Next, verse 5 introduces one of the main themes that we need to keep in mind when our

circumstances seem helpless. Look at this verse again with me and I’ll highlight the

words that we need to focus on:

Therefore,” he said, “let those of you who have authority go down with me and accuse

him, if he has done anything wrong .”

So here’s the question… “who is the authority in Paul’s life and who has the authority

to accuse Paul of wrong doing ?” There was a time in Paul’s life that he would have

wholeheartedly submitted to the authority and accusations of the Chief Priests and

Jewish leaders. In fact, he once relied on that same authority and approval to persecute

and kill Christians. However, at the heart of Paul’s conversion in Acts 9 was a

fundamental relocation of authority in Paul’s life. As we discover in Galatians 1:10, Paul

is no longer seeking to please people. Instead, he recognizes that Jesus is the only true

authority and that his efforts should be spent seeking to please Christ, alone.

So, who has the authority to accuse Paul of any wrongdoing ? The answer is

“NOBODY.” Any past, present or future wrongdoing Paul has committed has been paid

for, in full, by the blood of Jesus Christ. Paul is now clothed in the righteousness of

Christ and the only rightful judge (God Himself) is completely satisfied with Paul who is

“In Christ.” Any accusations that God the Father may have rightfully leveled at Paul (and

there were a bunch) have been covered by the Grace of God through Jesus, applied by

the Holy Spirit who now resides in Paul’s heart. Paul remains confident at the corner of

“Faith and Helplessness” because He know that Jesus (His ultimate authority) is

working all things for His good.

Q: Whose accusatory voice do you sometimes give more weight to than you should?

Q: Who is the authority in your life? Yourself, another imperfect person or Christ alone?

By Jimmy Carter

Acts 25

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Three days after Festus arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from

Caesarea. The chief priests and the leaders of the Jews presented their case against

Paul to him; and they appealed, asking for a favor against Paul, that Festus summon

him to Jerusalem. They were, in fact, preparing an ambush along the road to kill him. (Acts 25:1-3)

In 1991 The Soviet Union dissolved into 15 independent states marking the end of the

Cold War. Michael Jordan and The Chicago Bulls won their first NBA championship and

Nirvana released “Smells Like Teen Spirit” under front man, Kurt Cobain, which served

as the soundtrack to my Sophomore year in high school. With only one day left until

summer break, I was feeling pretty good about myself. Not only had I recovered from a

torn muscle earlier in the season, but I had lettered on the Varsity Team as a

Sophomore after helping the Dunwoody Wildcats advance to the state quarter finals.

More importantly, I had lettered WITHOUT attending “hell week.”

Hell week (as our Head Football Coach affectionally refereed to it) was a week of two-a-

day practices at Georgia Southern College in the dead heat of Summer. Due to my

injury, I was unable to attend football camp and enjoy all the “fun.” So when all my

buddies returned home with buzzed heads, bruised muscles and war-stories, I started

my sophomore year with flowing locks and no "Hell Week PTSD” to speak of. And to the

chagrin of my peers, by Christmas, I was sporting an authentic Dunwoody Wildcat

Letterman Jacket. So you can see why I was feeling pretty good about my Sophomore

year of high school with only one day left until Summer break…but that’s when it

happened.

With only one day left until Summer break I gathered my belongings at my locker and

turned around to find two of the largest offensive linemen on our team that were waiting

for me. Like the chief priests and Jewish leaders, they had been “preparing an ambush

along the road” to deliver me over to my teammates who were all waiting in the football

locker room; armed with insults and clipping shears…my punishment for somehow

lettering without attending hell week. Like Paul in Acts 25, I found myself in a completely

helpless situation. Over the next five days, we explore the intersection of faith and

helplessness. Some of us may never letter in football, but we all must navigate our own

personal “hell weeks” from time to time.

Q: Have you ever experienced a season where you were physically, emotionally,

vocationally or financially trapped and/or helpless? How do you tend to respond in these

situations?

By Jimmy Carter

Be Encouraged

Sat, 16 Nov 2024 08:00:00 GMT

That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, “Be encouraged, Paul.” (Acts 23:11)

When anyone says, “Be encouraged,” it’s usually followed by something, well, encouraging!

In Acts 23, Paul has been jailed, brought before the authorities and charged by an angry mob.

Suggested penalty: death. While Paul is imprisoned awaiting his fate, Jesus tells him to be

encouraged. In that moment, what word of encouragement might we expect? Something like,

“Be encouraged, I am opening the gates of this prison and freeing you” …or… “Well done, my

good and faithful servant; now, go and rest.”

But what does Jesus say? “Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me

here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well.” (Acts 23:11)

How is this encouragement? Jesus is instructing Paul to go to the very epicenter of the pagan

world and… the supreme military power in the region. And who else lives there? Oh yeah, the

Roman emperor, Nero. Remember him – the guy who fiddled while Rome burned?

So, when Jesus said, “Be encouraged,” was Paul encouraged?

If it were me, I would visualize a blank stare followed by a hard gulp. But this passage teaches

us that we are called to have bold faith. One that doesn’t flinch at the sight of adversity. One

that, like the prophet Isaiah, says confidently, “Here I am, send me” (Isaiah 6:8). Paul had bold

faith. To have the opportunity to carry the Good News and participate in the ministry of Christ

(and His suffering) was an encouragement to Paul.

Our perspective changes when we see through the lens of Jesus. He says, do you want to save

your life? Then you must lose it. Do you want to be first? Then you must be last. Do you want to

be perfect? Then give up everything and follow Me.

Our natural self tells us our wants, ambitions, and desires should come first. But in the Kingdom

of Heaven, it’s the opposite. We take on the identity of Christ, who humbled Himself completely

before the will of the Father (Philippians 2:6-8). Why? Because He rescued us from the

dominion of darkness (Colossians 1:13-14).

We have this amazing opportunity to participate in God’s miraculous Kingdom ministry! As the

prophet Isaiah writes, How beautiful…are the feet of those who bring good news, who

proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your

God reigns!” (Isaiah 52:7)

No matter where we are called, let us be encouraged and embrace the blessing of being the

hands and feet of Christ and taking this Good News to our world.

By Ryan Pearl

Ryan and his wife, Susie, are community leaders at IBC's Georgetown campus and volunteer in

the nursery. Their four kids are blessed by IBC Georgetown's children's ministry and enjoy

finding ways to serve.

Super Christian

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Have you ever wished you could be a Super Christian – like Billy Graham, Lottie Moon, or Paul?

The book of Acts seems to be filled with Super Christians. Those earliest believers were

amazing! Especially Paul.

Paul established churches, mentored missionaries and pastors, raised money for the

persecuted church, and found time to write letters to the churches and friends – letters so

inspired that they are part of our Bible. He stood before the leaders of the government. He

spoke before the Areopagus in Athens.

Exciting stuff! What missionary, pastor, or Christian wouldn’t want to stand in front of a group of

influential people and share the gospel? How do you follow that up?

After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he met a Jew named Aquila, a

native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla . . . Paul went to

see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with

them. Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and

Greeks. (Acts 18:1-4, NIV)

After leaving Athens and arriving in Corinth, he simply became friends with people with whom

he had something in common: tent-making. They worked together. One can imagine them

talking about their faith and theology as they sewed -- discussing Paul’s sermons at the

synagogue and his sharing with the Greeks -- reviewing the common objections to Christ and

possible responses.

After a year and a half, the three went to Ephesus. God called Paul away because Priscila and

Aquila were now disciple-makers themselves who recognized the potential in Apollos. They

began to disciple him; and soon Apollos was ready to make disciples and was sent by the

Ephesian church to Achaia.

This was how the early church grew -- how the gospel was spread -- not through one man, Paul,

or through twelve apostles; it was through the making of disciples who made disciples.

All were ordinary people. The influential people to whom Paul spoke are rarely mentioned again.

And this is how the church will grow today. This is how the gospel will be spread -- not through

the preacher or some famous celebrity Christian, but through ordinary people like you and me

who share our faith while sharing our lives with others.

Paul’s time in Corinth had a bigger impact than his time in Athens because didn’t see the

ordinary as ordinary. He got a job and was a Super Christian right where he was.

Be a Super Christian today at work, school, home, or wherever God sends you.

By LaRaine Rice

Two Parties

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 08:00:00 GMT

The religious ruling body of Israel (the Sanhedrin) was composed of priests, elders and scribes

– members from two parties: the Pharisees and the Sadducees. And they did not always agree.

Paul used this fact to distract the Sanhedrin shortly after he realized he had insulted the high

priest.

When Paul realized that one part of them were Sadducees and the other part were

Pharisees, he cried out in the Sanhedrin, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. I

am being judged because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead!” When he said this,

a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was

divided. For the Sadducees say there is no resurrection, and neither angel nor spirit, but

the Pharisees affirm them all.

The shouting grew loud, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees’ party got up and

argued vehemently, “We find nothing evil in this man. What if a spirit or an angel has

spoken to him?”

When the dispute became violent, the commander feared that Paul might be torn apart by

them and ordered the troops to go down, take him away from them, and bring him into

the barracks. (Acts 23:6-10 CSB).

The Pharisees and the Sadducees became violent. They allowed their dispute to erupt. The

body of religious leaders that God had ordained chose party over their mission: lead the people

religiously.

The application to our churches today is striking. Are we allowing our allegiance to one party or

another to interfere with the Church’s mission today?

More importantly, are you allowing your allegiance to party to interfere with your ability to tell

others about Jesus? Is it more important to debate or post political statements in the name of

your faith than to tell others your faith?

If so, how does that end well? Doesn’t the world get confused when Christians of both parties

self-righteously state their opinion (using the Bible) and argue? Why would anyone want to be a

part of that?

Brothers and Sisters, don’t allow the enemy to distract the church. Keep your eye on the

mission: letting the world know about our Amazing Jesus. He is all that matters.

By LaRaine Rice

Smack Down

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Paul was a Jew, but he was making a lot of Jews mad. And then it became known that Paul was

a Roman citizen by birth when even the Roman commander had to buy his citizenship. The

commander wasn’t sure what to do with Paul. So, he decided to let the Sanhedrin deal with it.

The Sanhedrin was a 71-member council with the highest authority over Jewish law, so the

Romans deferred to it on internal conflicts within the Jewish community. It was comprised of

priests, elders and scribes. There were Pharisees and Sadducees. Paul was brought before the

council to account for his actions.

Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God

in all good conscience to this day.” The high priest Ananias ordered those who were

standing next to him to strike him on the mouth. (Acts 23:1-2)

Paul professed his innocence and was struck in the mouth. And he responded in a way that is

reminiscent of comments made by Jesus.

Then Paul said to him, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! You are sitting

there judging me according to the law, and yet in violation of the law are you ordering me

to be struck?” (Acts 23:3)

When those around him pointed out that he should not reply to the high priest in that manner,

Paul replied:

“I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest,” replied Paul. “For it is written,

‘You must not speak evil of a ruler of your people’” (Acts 23:5).

In this response, Paul demonstrates that he does, in fact, stand in good conscience before God.

Jesus was able to respond to any Jewish leader including the high priest in any way that He

pleased. Paul, however, was not. He was to follow the command found in Exodus 22:28 and

respect the ruler of the Jews.

It did not matter that Paul was innocent before God. It did not matter that the High Priest

ordered him to be smacked. It did not matter that Ananias violated the law when he ordered the

men to hit Paul. Paul responded in a manner that followed God’s commands.

Friends, this world is full of jerks. It’s full of people who misjudge us. It’s full of people that call

themselves Christians and we have no idea why. And there are times that we are struck when

we should not be struck. However, we are called to respond in a way that honors God just as

Paul did.

Perhaps you find yourself in a similar situation today. Trust God. Follow Paul’s example. And

live your life in good conscience before God.

By LaRaine Rice

Humility in Service

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Tucked away in the story of Paul’s journey to Jerusalem and ALL of his sentencing trials and jail

time, is a short story that takes place when Paul makes it to Rome:

When we arrived at Jerusalem, the brothers and sisters received us warmly. The next day

Paul and the rest of us went to see James, and all the elders were present. Paul greeted

them and reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.

When they heard this, they praised God. Then they said to Paul: “You see, brother, how

many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. They

have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away

from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our

customs. What shall we do? They will certainly hear that you have come, so do what we

tell you. There are four men with us who have made a vow. Take these men, join in their

purification rites and pay their expenses, so that they can have their heads shaved. Then

everyone will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but that you yourself are

living in obedience to the law.”

The next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. (Acts 21:17- 24, 26 NIV).

Paul completed his missionary journey; and, instead of going to the local church to brag, he

presented himself and his work to the elders of the church. He was not proud; he was humble.

He did not see himself as the greatest; he saw himself as a servant.

When the leaders told him there was a misunderstanding about his ministry and how he could

fix it, Paul did not argue. He didn’t say that he was a tentmaker and couldn’t afford to pay the

purification expenses for himself and the others. He listened and followed their advice.

It’s easy to become proud. It’s easy to think we have all the answers. It’s easy to compare

ourselves to others and think we have done more for God than others.

However, we need to follow the example of Paul. We need to humble ourselves to the

leadership of the church. We need to err on the side of reconciliation. We need to remember

that it is God working in and through us.

Today, humble yourself before the leadership of Christ. Ask the Lord to show you where you

may have wronged others and seek His guidance in fixing it.

By LaRaine Rice

Happy Endings

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 08:00:00 GMT

The Apostle Paul was bold. He knew and trusted in the One who called him. This boldness is

evident when Paul testified before the Sanhedrin in Acts 23. Examining the events in Paul’s life

prior to that moment provides insight into the encounter.

It took a month. A month, maybe longer, of hard work translating a story from Russian to

English. The story was about a single mom with a young boy who became friends with a new

neighbor. The neighbor was like a father to the boy. One day the neighbor went to work as a

pilot. He suddenly encountered trouble while flying over the boy’s school. He crashed and died.

The end.

Why on earth did my tutor have me translate this awful story about the neighbor dying in a fiery

crash? She looked at me and told me, “You Americans always want a happy ending. Life is not

like that.”

I think the Apostle Paul would agree. And disagree.

Paul once stated, And now I am on my way to Jerusalem, compelled by the Spirit, not

knowing what I will encounter there, except that in every town the Holy Spirit warns me

that chains and afflictions are waiting for me (Acts 20:22-23 CSB).

Paul was on his way to Jerusalem in obedience to God despite the fact that affliction was

awaiting him. Acts 21 contains multiple warnings from believers about the trouble Paul would

encounter in Jerusalem. His friends asked him not to go.

But Paul didn’t worry about the trouble ahead. He knew from the beginning of his walk with the

Lord that he would encounter problems. Shortly after his conversion, the Lord sent Ananias to

“show him how much he must suffer for my name” (Acts 9:16 NIV).

Paul knew that life was full of trouble. There weren’t always happy endings. In fact, he

repeatedly prayed that God would remove a thorn from his life.

Still, Paul was resolute. He stated, I consider my life of no value to myself; my purpose is to

finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel

of God’s grace (Acts 20:24 CSB).

How was Paul able to consider his life of “no value?” Simple. His desire was to know Jesus and

look beyond this earthly life.

You see, life does have a happy ending for those who believe in Jesus Christ – a happy ending

in Heaven with Him.

If you struggle with the life’s troubles, turn your eyes on Jesus. Spend time with Him and

remember Jesus’ words: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have

overcome the world. ” (John 16:33).

By LaRaine Rice

Finishing Strong

Sat, 09 Nov 2024 08:00:00 GMT

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and

complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news

of God’s grace. (Acts 20:24)

How do we finish our race well?

This summer I watched Sydney McLaughlin run the 400-meter hurdles in the Paris Olympics,

breaking her own world record and bringing home the gold medal – finishing her race a good

distance in front of her competitors. However, what stood out to me most happened after the

race, when she credited her success to God and said “What I have in Christ is far greater than

what I have or don’t have in life. I pray my journey may be a clear depiction of submission and

obedience to God.” Sydney is not only running her race on the track but running with the Holy

Spirit.

This is where we meet Paul in Acts 20:24 as he addresses the Ephesian elders and answers

the question “How do we finish our race well?” Paul gives them – and us – three main points to

help finish the race strong:

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me

Paul knew that what Jesus offered was far greater than what this world offers. He demonstrated

his surrender to Christ -- spreading the gospel amid persecution and rejection. While it is

tempting to run after our own success, true joy and peace come from surrendering our lives to

our Creator. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21)

2. My only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me

During a race there are many distractions surrounding the runners. To finish well, they must

keep their eyes forward and stay in their assigned lane. In the same way, Paul’s eyes were

locked on Jesus and his focus was on his task from God. Are you letting the voices around you

and the temptations of this world keep you from living out God’s mission?

3. The task of testifying the good news of God’s grace

Paul’s task was to share the good news of the Gospel. Our mission is the same. When we cling

to the Holy Spirit and keep our focus on spreading the good news of God’s grace, that’s how we

finish our race strong and see record breaking numbers in God’s Kingdom.

Reflection: Where are you in your race with Jesus: the starting line, catching your stride, veering

into the wrong lane, coming down the finishing stretch? And… does the race you’re running

depict submission and obedience to God?

By C.A. Carter

And Then There’s Demetrius!

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 08:00:01 GMT

This week we are looking at Acts 19 – and noting the various ways the people of Ephesus

respond to the gospel of Christ when Paul presents it to them.

After Paul’s time in Ephesus, many people have come to know Christ. That is great news!

Except for Demetrius, who makes idols for a living. Paul’s good news is bad news for

Demetrius, who comes up with a plan to cause trouble and salvage his business:

About that time there was a major disturbance about the Way. For a person named

Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis, provided a great deal of

business for the craftsmen. When he had assembled them, as well as the workers

engaged in this type of business, he said, “Men, you know that our prosperity is derived

from this business. You see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in almost all of Asia,

this man Paul has persuaded and misled a considerable number of people by saying that

gods made by hand are not gods. Not only do we run a risk that our business may be

discredited, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be despised and

her magnificence come to the verge of ruin—the very one all of Asia and the world

worship.” (Acts 19:23-27)

Demetrius was primarily concerned with his business. He saw the Way/Christianity as a threat

to his bottom line. So, he rallied people together, and this is what happened: When they had

heard this, they were filled with rage and began to cry out, “Great is Artemis of the

Ephesians!” (Act 19:28)

The crowd was angry for about two hours and was then dismissed.

How did Paul handle the situation? He didn’t! Although Paul wanted to go in before the

people, the disciples did not let him. (Acts 19:30)

Paul and his disciples stayed focused on their mission and moved on.

Jesus has made our mission clear in Matthew 28:19-20. We can get distracted by so many

things – worrying about them or trying to fix them. Jesus even told us not to worry about them!

We need to do our best to keep things simple and stay focused on our eternal mission.

By Jason Grace

Jason is a software engineering manager. He and his wife, Karen, have two children and have

been active members at Immanuel for over 22 years. His service includes roles in the deacon

ministry, children's ministry, technical team, financial coaching, and leading Bible studies. He

loves traveling with his wife and family throughout the US.

Copycats

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 08:00:00 GMT

This week we are looking at Acts 19 – and noting the various ways the people of Ephesus

respond to the gospel of Christ when Paul presents it to them.

In today’s passage, God is continuing to work through Paul to perform miracles and heal

people. But others attempt to take matters into their own hands. In fact, we learn about some

exorcists trying to command spirits: Now some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists also

attempted to pronounce the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits,

saying, “I command you by the Jesus that Paul preaches!” (Acts 19:13)

And the evil spirit responds to the exorcist, and it does not go well: The evil spirit answered

them, “I know Jesus, and I recognize Paul—but who are you?” Then the man who had

the evil spirit jumped on them, overpowered them all, and prevailed against them, so that

they ran out of that house naked and wounded. (Acts 19:15-16)

This caused quite a disturbance but resulted in more people believing in God: When this

became known to everyone who lived in Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks, they became

afraid, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high esteem. And many who had

become believers came confessing and disclosing their practices. In this way the word of

the Lord spread and prevailed. (Acts 19:17-18, 20)

This is quite the story! What can we learn from it? Three things:

Copycat or fake Christians are quickly exposed. Saying the name of Jesus without really

knowing Him is obvious even to unbelievers.

Your plans without God will not prevail. The exorcist attempted to do the same thing as

Paul, and it didn’t work.

God’s plan will always prevail. In verses 11-12, God ministered through Paul. In verse

15, the spirit acknowledged that they recognized Jesus and Paul. And in verse 20, God

uses this story to advance His purpose and kingdom.

We all try to do things ourselves. We may even have some success with it. But how long does

that success last? And how does that success measure up on an eternal timeframe? And how

quick are we to acknowledge God’s hand in the work that we are able to do?

By Jason Grace

Jason is a software engineering manager. He and his wife, Karen, have two children and have

been active members at Immanuel for over 22 years. His service includes roles in the deacon

ministry, children's ministry, technical team, financial coaching, and leading Bible studies. He

loves traveling with his wife and family throughout the US.

Mightily Used by God

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 08:00:00 GMT

This week we are looking at Acts 19 – and noting the various ways the people of Ephesus

respond to the gospel of Christ when Paul presents it to them.

In today’s passage, Paul is still in Ephesus and God is using him to perform miracles: God was

performing extraordinary miracles by Paul’s hands, so that even facecloths or aprons

that had touched his skin were brought to the sick, and the diseases left them, and the

evil spirits came out of them. (Acts 19:11-12)

Paul was serving God and ministering to others in Ephesus. Not only was God using him; but

through God’s power, Paul was performing miracles and healing people. He was being mightily

used by God!

Paul saw God at work doing these things through him. He might have had strong feelings

including concern and surprise when it first happened. He may have even felt pride that he was

being used in this way!

The important thing is that Paul had surrendered himself to God’s ministry. He was going where

God wanted him to go. He was seeing miracles being performed and people being healed. He

was making the most of himself to be available for God and for the people of Ephesus.

Anyone who is a parent knows that when your kids need something, your schedule goes on

hold. You drop what you do and take care of your kids. Paul was doing the same thing with the

people of Ephesus.

Do you have this mindset with God? If something comes up, are you prepared to serve God?

By Jason Grace

Jason is a software engineering manager. He and his wife, Karen, have two children and have

been active members at Immanuel for over 22 years. His service includes roles in the deacon

ministry, children's ministry, technical team, financial coaching, and leading Bible studies. He

loves traveling with his wife and family throughout the US.

Time for a Change?

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 08:00:01 GMT

This week we are looking at Acts 19 – and noting the various ways the people of Ephesus

respond to the gospel of Christ when Paul presents it to them.

In today’s passage, Paul is in Ephesus speaking to the people of the synagogue about

Christianity: Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly over a period of three months,

arguing and persuading them about the kingdom of God. (Acts 19:8)

Paul spent three months doing this! You don’t usually spend three months doing something if

you feel like you aren’t getting anywhere.

However, Paul did have some difficulty that caused him to make some changes: But when

some became hardened and would not believe, slandering the Way in front of the crowd,

he withdrew from them, taking the disciples, and conducted discussions every day in the

lecture hall of Tyrannus. (Acts 19:9)

Eventually Paul felt he was no longer being effective in the synagogue, so he left! And he went

to a different place that was not the “church” in town to keep his ministry going. We see this

decision paid off in Acts 19:10: This went on for two years, so that all the residents of Asia,

both Jews and Greeks, heard the word of the Lord.

By making the decision to leave the difficulty he faced in the synagogue after three months,

Paul was able to keep his ministry going for two years and reach many more people, both Jews

and Greeks.

Have you ever found yourself “stuck”? Have you ever felt that what you are doing is not effective

regardless of what you try? Pray about it and seek God’s wisdom. Sometimes it is a sign to look

for a way to change the strategy of your ministry. It may be just a small change. Paul stayed in

the same town and went to a different building.

I have been in jobs and ministries where I have served alongside close friends where we had

much in common. God didn’t need two of us there! Before too long, one of us felt called to do

something else.

Next time you find someone (or yourself) in this situation, encourage them to seek God’s

wisdom.

By Jason Grace

Jason is a software engineering manager. He and his wife, Karen, have two children and have

been active members at Immanuel for over 22 years. His service includes roles in the deacon

ministry, children's ministry, technical team, financial coaching, and leading Bible studies. He

loves traveling with his wife and family throughout the US.

We Didn't Know!

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 08:00:00 GMT

This week we are looking at Acts 19 – and noting the various ways the people of Ephesus

respond to the gospel of Christ when Paul presents it to them.

Early in the chapter, we find Paul entering the city of Ephesus and encountering twelve disciples

of John the Baptist. He asks them in Acts 19:2: “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you

believed?”

And they respond: “[W]e haven’t even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”

These disciples didn’t follow Jesus because they didn’t even know about His ministry!

Paul then shares with them the difference between John’s ministry and Jesus’ ministry: Paul

said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people that they should

believe in the one who would come after him, that is, in Jesus.” When they heard this,

they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 19:4-5)

This is a simple, but powerful, story especially to these twelve men.

Paul was willing to share about Jesus’ ministry to anyone who wanted to hear it. He definitely

had a history and a desire to tell this wherever he went. When he came to Ephesus, he was

ready to share it with people that needed to hear it.

These disciples knew about John. They had part of the story, but they didn’t know about Jesus

or the Holy Spirit. This made them willing to learn and be baptized.

There are times in our life when we can make an impact this easily. We likely won’t encounter

followers of John the Baptist in our daily lives, but we may encounter people who are familiar

with the right thing to do or have even been in church at some point. They just need a little

guidance back toward Jesus and the Holy Spirit, and it’s our job as a church to show them the

right way. In this story, Paul never made fun of them or told them they were wrong for being

disciples of John. He simply told them about Jesus and the Holy Spirit, and the disciples

believed. It was that easy!

Who in your life needs this gentle guidance toward Jesus?

By Jason Grace

Jason is a software engineering manager. He and his wife, Karen, have two children and have

been active members at Immanuel for over 22 years. His service includes roles in the deacon

ministry, children's ministry, technical team, financial coaching, and leading Bible studies. He

loves traveling with his wife and family throughout the US.

You Are Not Alone

Sat, 02 Nov 2024 07:00:00 GMT

Have you ever felt as if you were the only Christian around? Maybe you’re the only believer at

your workplace, or on your team. Or in your family. That’s not a good feeling.

In Acts 18, we find Paul in Corinth. He was in the synagogue every Sabbath, reasoning and

trying to persuade Jews and Greeks that Jesus was the Messiah they were waiting for. But

many of the Jews opposed him. He might have felt as if he was the only believer around, but he

wasn’t. Let’s see what the writer of Acts tells us:

And he left there and went to the house of a man names Titius Justus, a worshiper of

God. His house was next door to the synagogue. Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue,

believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians

hearing Paul believed and were baptized. (Acts 18:7-8 ESV)

How encouraged Paul must have felt! Not only did he find other believers, but he was also able

to share the good news of Jesus and baptize many new believers.

But God didn’t stop there. Scripture goes on to tell us that He spoke encouragement to Paul

directly.

And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and

do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have

many in this city who are my people.” (Acts 18:9-10 ESV)

Such a great reminder that we are not alone as believers. Although we see so much sin around

us, the Lord has many in this city who are His people. We can find similar encouragement today

when we join each other for worship. The author of Hebrews reminds us of the importance of

gathering for worship:

And let us be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good work, not

staying away from our worship meetings, as some habitually do, but encouraging each

other, and all the more as you see the day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24-25 HCSB)

I hope you plan to attend church tomorrow and bring a friend!

By Jennifer Preston

Jennifer attends IBC Georgetown with her husband David. She is a Senior Software

Development Engineer with CVS Health.

Repentance, Resurrection… Response

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 07:00:00 GMT

When we share our faith, we can expect a variety of responses. Although we’d love for

everyone to fall to their knees in repentance and accept Jesus right then and there, that’s not

always the case. Sometimes we are just called to share and then walk away – as Paul did in

Athens. We are merely messengers; the results are up to God.

When Paul was talking with the folks at the Areopagus, he went a tad too far for their comfort by

telling them that God was commanding “all men everywhere to repent, because He has

appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He

has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead” (Acts 17:30-31).

Paul’s audience was immediately discombobulated by his mention of their need to repent (they

probably got a little bit huffy over that!), but when he mentioned that God raised from the dead

the Man whom He ordained, this is what happened:

And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said,

“We will hear you again on this matter.” So Paul departed from among them. However,

some men joined him and believed… (Acts 17:32-34)

Three responses:

1 – Some mocked – they shook their heads, scoffed, and laughed in contempt at the whole idea

of anyone being raised from the dead.

2 – Some said they’d like to hear more some other time. However, there was no other time,

since Paul never returned to Athens. There’s an eternal danger in the “I’ll think about it

tomorrow” response.

3 – Some believed. They came to know “The Unknown God.”

These are the same responses you may receive when you share your faith. Some may make

fun of you, roll their eyes and walk away. Some may feign a bit of interest and suggest you circle

back on that another time. And some may respond in faith.

Chuck Swindoll puts it this way: Your task is to communicate truth. It’s God’s job to draw people

to Himself. You prepare the patient: He does the surgery… You entrust the results to God…

Trust the power of His Word. Trust it to haunt them and humble them. Your job is to love them

and speak truth to them, graciously and wisely. Leave the results to God.

And that’s what Paul did as he walked down the marble steps of the Areopagus and left behind

the city of Athens – never to return. Do you have a heart like Paul, compelled by love to share

the Truth – connecting with people where they are and letting God handle the rest?

By Judy Shrout

He is GOD, not “a god”

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 07:00:00 GMT

A Jewish speaker shared that when talking with a Jewish person about faith in Jesus, it doesn’t

make sense to use the Roman Road approach – noting passages from the book of Romans. To

connect with our Jewish friends, he pointed out that we should use the Jewish Road approach –

noting passages from the Old Testament – passages familiar to them.

In sharing with the Athenians, instead of making his point by quoting Scripture passages –

which were not well-known in this culture-- Paul connected with their intellectual interest by

quoting from the Greek poet, Epimenides, and other “poets” familiar to the people of Athens:

“He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being, as

also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’” (Acts 17:27-28)

The three verbs – live, move, have our being – sound a lot alike, but have significant

differences.

1 – In Him we live – we are alive and breathing because of God. In a nanosecond, God could

remove from our environment everything that makes living possible and enjoyable – the air, the

water, the food, the beauty. He not only provides those elements, He created them! And He

created you – a living being!

2 – In Him we mov e – God gave us the ability to move around, but this may also speak of the

passions that are in us – our emotional nature – the ability to fear, love, hate, be sad, be happy.

You might say God put within us the ability to be moved by what’s going on around us.

3 – In Him we have our being – our essential being, the ability to think, learn, and make

decisions. There is no room for pride in one’s intellect, since even the ability to learn and

process information is from the hand of God.

Paul was hammering out all this to make it clear to the Athenians that God is not a man-made

idol incapable of doing anything. Man is a God-made being – physically, emotionally, mentally.

The ability to act, feel, and think – all have come from Him.

Wouldn’t you love to know what was going through the minds of the Athenians! Do you think

maybe they were thinking: You know, this guy has a point! The gods we’ve been worshipping

can’t do ANYTHING – they can’t talk, write, smile, move from one spot to another. We just dust

them off periodically or put them back on a pedestal if they fall off. This guy has given me

something to ponder.

In our conversations with unbelieving friends, let’s ask God to help us sense where our

unbelieving friends are and start there – and give them something to ponder!

By Judy Shrout

Let Me Introduce to You the Unknown God!

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 07:00:00 GMT

Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I perceive that

in all things you are very religious; for as I was passing through and considering the

objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN

GOD. (Acts 18:22-23)

To effectively communicate with others, you must somehow connect with them. In this passage,

Paul was speaking with a group of people who probably thought rather highly of themselves and

their impressive knowledge; and rather than pointing out where they were wrongheaded, he

started with what they no doubt considered a compliment: “I perceive that in all things you

are very religious…”

He shared that he came to that conclusion as he strolled through the city and saw objects of

their worship everywhere – even an altar TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Paul’s listeners must have

been feeling pretty good about now – probably nodding and smiling at each other, looking

forward to what brilliant ideas Paul might add to their wealth of knowledge.

Paul could no doubt see that he had the attention of his audience, so he told them: “Therefore,

the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you” (Acts 18:23). In other

words, Paul was saying, “Listen up! I’m getting ready to introduce to you the God that Is

knowable, the God who knows you and wants you to know Him.”

Without missing a beat, Paul plowed on, explaining who this knowable God is: “ God, who

made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell

in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He

needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things” (Acts 17:24-25).

Vince Lombardi, former coach of the Green Bay Packers, after a disappointing loss at the end of

the previous season, realized his team needed to get back to the basics. So, at the first team

meeting of training camp, he held up a ball, and looked at his guys and said, “Gentlemen, THIS

is a football!”

Just as Coach Lombardi knew his team needed to master the basics, Paul also knew he

needed to present to his listeners some basic theology:

God made the world and everything in it
He is Lord of heaven and earth
He doesn’t NEED anything
He gives to all life, breath, and all things

Sometimes, we too need to go back to the basics of our faith and find comfort in the truth of who

our God is. Would you join me today in acknowledging the perfection, the power, and the

provision of our Almighty God?

By Judy Shrout

The Areopagus

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 07:00:00 GMT

Please don’t skip over this devotion because you’re just not into learning about the Areopagus,

or you don’t know how to pronounce it, or you don’t think it’s that important. I almost skipped

over it myself! Stay with me, and I hope to change your mind.

Areopagus is the name of a place and the name of a group of people. The place was a rocky hill

not far below the Acropolis (where the Parthenon is located), and it overlooked the marketplace

in Athens, Greece.

The group of people called the Areopagus was a council or court of no more than thirty select

scholarly sorts who originally met on the hill by the same name. They tried homicide cases and

dealt with matters of public morals. But their main activity and that of many of the Athenians

seemed to be hearing new ideas or gaining new bits of knowledge. The writer of Acts puts it this

way:

For all the Athenians and the foreigners who were there spent their time in nothing else

but either to tell or to hear some new thing. (Acts 17:21)

This council was curious about the doctrine Paul had been preaching in the synagogues and

took him up to the Areopagus to find out more and satisfy their curiosity. From what historians

say about this group of people, they weren’t really interested in taking some kind of action or

reaching some kind of conclusion – they just really liked to talk and add more to their wealth of

knowledge.

At this point, my thought was: that’s just silly – learning stuff and doing nothing with it. But then

the conviction hit me – do we sometimes do the same? Do we learn a lot about God and do

nothing with that information? Are we seeking more knowledge about God – more facts about

who He is -- or are we seeking God Himself? Are we taking great notes during sermons and

Bible studies -- but not spending personal time with the Creator of the universe, being still and

knowing that He IS God!

I do hope that, like the Areopagites, you love to learn more about God – but, unlike them, I hope

you are doing something with what you’re learning, doing something for God and His kingdom.

May God bless you richly as you apply the lessons you’re learning from sitting at His feet.

By Judy Shrout

What Infuriates You?

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 07:00:00 GMT

Recently I had lunch at a restaurant downtown, and on the lawn outside the restaurant were

thousands of solid purple flags – a beautiful and dramatic visual. I didn’t know what they

represented until I left the restaurant and noticed a sign saying each flag represented 1 of over

12,000 lives lost to drug overdoses in our area from 2017 until now – 12,000+ lives cut short,

12,000+ families with broken hearts and shattered dreams. Something inside me hurt terribly -- I

was infuriated! That should not be happening!

In Acts 17, we read of a time when the apostle Paul’s insides hurt too – one translation puts it

this way: his soul was exasperated beyond endurance (Acts 17:16 Phillips). Paul was in

Athens, Greece waiting for his friends to join him – so he took some time to walk around the city

and make some observations. And what he observed was troubling.

Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was greatly angered when he

saw that the city was full of idols . (Acts 17:16)

Athens was the cultural center of Greece – home to renowned philosophers such as Socrates,

Plato, and Aristotle. It was also considered the religious center of Greece. John MacArthur

notes that “ virtually every deity known to man could be worshiped there. ” Actually, there were so

many gods in Athens that it was said to be easier to find a god than to find a man. As Paul

observed, the city was full of idols . That should not be happening!

What distressed Paul to his very core was the fact this beautiful city full of richness and

possibility yet teeming with idols in every direction was to him a glaring visual of lost humanity.

Animal sacrifices were offered at the various temples. At one time, it was said that if an animal

died and was not near any of the temples, that animal was considered a sacrifice to “The

Unknown God.” And that gave Paul an idea and a game plan for his next move.

Our beautiful country is also full of richness and possibility – yet teeming with ungodly language,

behaviors, and priorities. And unless something changes, it too will be a visual of lost humanity.

Do you have an idea or a game plan to do something about it? Pray over this verse and

perhaps you’ll see that God has a plan that will heal our land – but it requires something of you:

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My

face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their

sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

By Judy Shrout

Be a Paul !

Sat, 26 Oct 2024 07:00:00 GMT

Around midnight in a prison cell, Paul and Silas were heard praying and singing hymns (with

other prisoners as their unseen audience) when this happened:

Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the jail were

shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains came loose.

When the jailer woke up and saw the doors of the prison standing open, he drew his

sword and was going to kill himself, since he thought the prisoners had escaped. But

Paul called out in a loud voice, “Don’t harm yourself, because we’re all here!” The jailer

called for lights, rushed in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. He escorted

them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They said, “Believe in the Lord

Jesus, and you will be saved — you and your household.” (Acts 16:26-31)

Note the order of events in this passage:

“Everyone's chains came loose”
“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved”

Now, let me rearrange these few things:

1. “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

2. “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved”

3. “Everyone's chains came loose”

The greatest freedom anyone can experience is being released from the chains that hold us

down. While Paul and Silas were sharing the gospel, they hit an unexpected roadblock – a

possible life sentence in prison. But the Lord saved them from their chains AND THEN placed

the jailer in their path which then led to his salvation. I mean… the Lord really had every single

step perfectly planned out.

Here's where I want to encourage you:

1. If you have questions about salvation or would like to be saved, please reach out to a

staff or church member. It is the greatest decision you will ever make. If you feel like the

chains are weighing you down, run to the Father, and He will set you free - just as he did

for the jailer, for Paul and Silas… and for me.

2. Look where the Lord has you. Where can you be a Paul and share the gospel? How can

you be brave enough to hit a roadblock and know that the Lord has a plan even for that?

I encourage you to be aware of where the Lord has you right now. For me, that looks like

praying for the students in my classes. For you, it may be co-workers, parents, children, your

home, your street, your grocery store. Let’s strive to be a Paul and help our friends find release

from their chains!

By Raegan Peterson

Convoluted

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 07:00:00 GMT

This week we’re discussing Acts 15.

The iconic sitcom I Love Lucy , starring Lucille Ball, originally aired from 1951 to 1957. It was

before my time, but I watched a couple dozen episodes as re-runs as a kid (I’ll pause here in

case you want to search YouTube for “Lucy chocolate conveyor belt”). Most of the time (or

maybe it was all the time) the plot centered around a series of misunderstandings that resulted

in Lucy trying to execute an unnecessarily convoluted scheme, but it always got sorted out at

the end. And of course there are still comedies today that follow a similar formula.

Even as a kid I found myself saying, “If you guys would just ask simple follow-up questions, your

lives would be a lot easier!” Of course this would make for much less entertaining television:

1950’s Husband : We need more bread around here.

1950’s Wife : You mean bread like money? Do I need to rush out and take the first quirky and ill-

suited part-time job I can find the minute you leave the room?

1950’s Husband : No, I mean literal bread. I want to make a sandwich.

The End.

One lesson here is that a group of mature, well-adjusted, clear communicators would not make

for an interesting sitcom. But another more important lesson is regarding how we should actively

seek to avoid causing difficulties for others who are seeking God.

Therefore, in my judgment, we should not cause difficulties for those among the Gentiles

who turn to God, but instead we should write to them… (Acts 15:19-20 HCSB)

The larger passage from which this is taken is specifically regarding dietary practices, but I think

we can apply the thinking more broadly. Instead of causing difficulties for other believers, we

should proactively seek to communicate clearly with them.

Do you fear that somebody may have misunderstood something you said? Write to them (or

yes, call or text or email them). Is there somebody new to church who may not know what to

expect at an upcoming church or Bible study class event? Reach out and make sure they know

and/or offer to meet them there personally. And if some uncertainty is making you hesitate to

participate in a group activity, let me encourage you to similarly reach out to somebody who’s

been around for a while.

Oh, and there’s another source for guidance…

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think

about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6 HCSB)

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob, and father-in-law of Bailey.

Stumbling Block

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 07:00:00 GMT

This week we’re discussing Acts 15.

I have been a runner for almost forty years. During this long time of covering thousands of

miles, I have tripped and fallen maybe five times, which I guess is pretty good overall. But one

of my hardest falls was caused by a barely perceptible uneven spot in a sidewalk.

The lesson here is that even the smallest of impediments can put us on the ground before we

can comprehend what is happening. Paul talked about stumbling blocks:

Therefore, let us no longer criticize one another. Instead decide never to put a stumbling

block or pitfall in your brother’s way. (Romans 14:13 HCSB)

Let me give you a made-up example of what not to do. Imagine you’re at a church event where

food is being served. Beforehand you meet a young man who is obviously very shy and has a

heavy accent. He says he is a Hindu but is interested in learning more about Christianity. He

explains that somebody he met in a college class invited him to this event, but he has not found

them yet and asks if he can sit with you until he finds his classmate.

Of course, you say yes and invite him to proceed to the food line with you. After getting your

food you take him to a table full of your friends and introduce him. Then you notice that instead

of the barbecued pork that everybody has piled on their plate, the young man has only corn and

broccoli. You good-naturedly slap him on the back and loudly declare, “Buddy, around here

you’re going to have to learn to eat you some meat!”

For somebody you’ve known for decades, some friendly teasing can be a sign of affection and

truly make them feel welcome. To somebody from outside the culture, something like that could

be interpreted instead as, “You don’t belong here.”

To be clear, I think the above scenario would be unlikely to play out in our church. But what

about more subtle examples?

I should not expect newcomers to know all the traditions of our church culture. And to those of

you new to our church family, you should never feel like you don’t belong just because you don’t

understand everything happening around you. The eighty-year Christian and the first day

Christian are both infinitely short of God’s perfect standard, and loved by Jesus anyway, and our

doors are open for both.

Therefore, in my judgment, we should not cause difficulties for those among the Gentiles

who turn to God… (Acts 15:19 HCSB)

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob, and father-in-law of Bailey.

Abstain

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 07:00:00 GMT

This week we’re discussing Acts 15.

I have taken business trips to both China and India. Interestingly, in both countries I was taken

on sightseeing trips that included temples. These temples were very much non-Christian. In

both cases I hesitated to enter them but wanted to be respectful of my hosts. I also knew that if

Jesus was with me, who could be against me?

I did not have much time to contemplate, but I did enter those temples. Both times I felt

compelled to physically hesitate for a symbolic moment before entering and say a silent prayer

to God along the lines of, “We’re good, right? You know I’m just looking around to investigate

the culture. I’m with You.”

But reading this week’s passage has me second-guessing that decision.

…but instead we should write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols… (Acts

15:20 HCSB)

Does that mean I shouldn’t have gone in and used the opportunity to explain why to my non-

Christian co-workers? In the moment it was a split-second decision but something I have

thought about periodically since. The verse above talks about abstaining from things polluted by

idols, and in context it’s more about avoiding food practices originating in idol worship, but I

think we can apply the concept more generally.

Few of us have a golden calf in the closet that we’re tempted by break out and worship, but we

all have some regrets or desires that we occasionally put on a pedestal to gaze upon. For those

struggling with addictions, there are some physical places it’s best just not to go. For those with

an unhealthy or even toxic relationship, there are some people for whom we should still pray,

but with whom we probably should not spend time until something changes in them or in us.

And there might be dark corners of our minds, memories, or thought patterns which themselves

might be idols because of the prominent place we give them.

Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is

pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable – if there is any moral excellence and

if there is any praise - dwell on these things. Do what you have learned and received and

heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8-9 HCSB)

Maybe instead of second-guessing my visits to those temples long ago, I should use that energy

to focus on why and for Whom I’m headed to church this Sunday.

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob, and father-in-law of Bailey.

Chunky Style

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 07:00:00 GMT

This week we’re discussing Acts 15.

Are you chunky or thin? Wait – sorry, that didn’t come out right. What I’m really wanting to know

is your spaghetti sauce preference. Here’s a description of a chunky sauce from Kroger’s

website:

Prego red sauce features the bold flavors of tomatoes, zucchini, carrots, onion, green peppers,

and garlic.

I’d never contemplated carrot flavor as “bold” but here we are.

I once heard author Malcolm Gladwell describing a food company’s efforts to determine the

ideal level of “chunky” for a spaghetti sauce. They did focus group testing to determine a happy

medium level of chunky sauce to market alongside their thin sauce. What they discovered was a

whole subset of people for whom there was no such thing as sauce that was too chunky (I am

imagining a plate of spaghetti with a whole zucchini lying on top of it). So instead of marketing

thin and happy-medium chunky as planned, they ended up marketing thin, happy-medium

chunky, and extra chunky. And their sales went up!

The lesson was that sometimes there is no such thing as a happy medium.

So sharp was their disagreement that they separated. Barnabas took Mark and sailed to

Cyprus. But Paul chose Silas and departed after being commended by the brothers to the

grace of the Lord. He traveled through Syria and Cilicia bringing strength to the

churches. (Acts 15:39-41 HCSB)

Godly people can have honest differences of opinion. While on the surface it’s sad that Paul and

Barnabas went their separate ways, the result was more churches were strengthened. If two

people seek God’s wisdom and come up with two valid options, maybe instead of arguing about

them, they should just try them both.

Of course, this concept can be taken too far. If half the people want the thermostat at 72 and

half at 70, you set it to 71 and move on. And now I’m going to be careful how I say this because

I don’t want this to sound like I am trying to break up a Bible study classes because I’m not.

Do you think your Bible study class or group should have a different teaching style or other kind

of setup, schedule, etc.? Maybe the tension you feel is not because anything is wrong, but

because the Holy Spirit telling you to strike out in a new direction. Maybe it’s time for you to start

a whole new class to reach more people, like Paul and Barnabas. If your chair is getting

uncomfortable, maybe you’re just in the wrong seat.

Those carrot chunks just might be more than bold; they just might be divine.

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob, and father-in-law of Bailey.

Idols

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 07:00:00 GMT

This week we’re discussing Acts 15.

Today I had one of those annoying moments where I went to look up something to support a

point I wanted to make, only to learn that I was wrong. I searched the history of the fast-food

industry in America to provide examples of how we modern folks want what we want, and the

faster the better. But my search reminded me that even in ancient times there were street

vendors from whom people could buy ready-to-eat food.

So fast food was not a good example. A better example? My own expectation of quickly and

effortlessly proving myself correct. Those who remember pre-internet days will agree that it is

remarkable how easy it is now to get things when you want them. Just today I spent five

minutes researching a somewhat obscure automotive part, clicked a couple of buttons, and it’s

going to appear on my front porch in about forty-eight hours. I also found multiple videos

showing me how to install it.

I think easy access to information, goods, and services is great; but if we’re not careful, it can

lead to wasteful consumerism.

“Don’t collect for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where

thieves break in and steal. But collect for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither

moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. For where your

treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21 HCSB)

What I’m wondering today is if we are less prone to idolize possessions than before because

they are often disposable, but more likely to idolize what they do for us. I’m not at much risk of

idolizing a device like my television because if it breaks, I’ll just go buy another one that’s better.

But I am at risk of idolizing myself because my devices can tell me the news stories I want to

hear, opinions that make me feel self-righteous, and convince me that those who disagree with

me aren’t simply incorrect (or heaven forbid have a valid perspective) but are in fact my

enemies.

Maybe it’s poetic that when I turn off those devices, the dull image that remains reflected in the

shiny black screens is my own face. The entertainment is now gone, but the idol remains.

It is my judgment, therefore, that we ought to stop troubling the Gentiles who turn to

God, but tell them by letter to avoid pollution from idols… (Acts 15:19-20 HCSB)

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob, and father-in-law of Bailey.

Satisfied

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 07:15:53 GMT

My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with

joyful lips. (Psalm 63:5 ESV)

Recently, I celebrated my birthday with my family. I felt so honored—it was like I had a holiday

all to myself! Many of us celebrate birthdays with our favorite people, eat our favorite meals,

indulge in our favorite dessert, and receive gifts that we have been adding to our Amazon Wish

List for months. (No? Just me?)

Yet, what never fails to escape me about these special moments, as memorable as they are, is

their inability to truly satisfy. We know a delicious meal with our favorite apps, sides, and

desserts might fill us up for the rest of the day, and we may even have leftovers for tomorrow’s

lunch; but, of course, we will get hungry again.

We know that spending a day at our favorite place, doing our favorite things, can be restful, fun,

and exciting, but eventually, it will end. And the gifts we were sure we needed or wanted are

less fulfilling after a few short months and may even need to be replaced from wear and tear.

Of course, all these wonderful things are good gifts from our loving, heavenly Father (James

1:17), meant for us to enjoy, bless others, and ultimately, cause us to look to Him and give Him

the praise He rightly deserves! Yet, we know that only God can truly satisfy the deepest longing

of our hearts.

In Psalm 63:1-7 we read (emphasis added):

O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for

you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the

sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than

life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up

my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise

you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the

watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will

sing for joy .

Do you share the same joy, longing and desperation for God as David expresses in this psalm?

If not, don’t lose heart. Instead, Seek Him! Behold Him! Meditate on Him! Praise Him for His

steadfast love and help in your time of need. And your soul will be satisfied.

By Jessica Fox

Jessica is an early childhood teacher and pastor’s wife. She and her husband, Travis, have

been married for 23 years and attend Immanuel Baptist Church at Armstrong Mill with their

children, Kaleb, Journey, and Sadie.

The Strength of Sending: Empowering God's Servants

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 07:00:00 GMT

In the life of Christian community, one of its most powerful aspects is the act of blessing and

sending. Acts 13:3 gives us a glimpse of this profound moment: So after they had fasted and

prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

This simple verse carries immense weight. It's not just about Barnabas and Saul leaving for their

missionary journey; it's about the entire church standing behind them, blessing them, and

formally commissioning them for the work ahead. This act of laying on hands wasn't merely

symbolic—it was a tangible expression of support, unity, and spiritual empowerment.

As we reflect on this passage, several important lessons emerge:

1. Community Affirmation: By laying hands on Barnabas and Saul, the church affirmed God's

call on their lives. This public acknowledgment validated their mission and gave them

confidence in their calling. In our churches today, we should seek ways to affirm and validate the

callings of those among us.

2. Spiritual Empowerment: The laying on of hands was often associated with the impartation of

spiritual gifts or authority. This act signified that Barnabas and Saul were not going out in their

own strength, but with the power and authority of the Holy Spirit, recognized by the church.

3. Communal Support: This sending off wasn't a "goodbye and good luck" moment. It was a

commitment from the church to support Barnabas and Saul in their mission. Today, when we

send people out—whether as missionaries, to start new ministries, or even to new jobs—our

blessing should come with a promise of ongoing support.

4. Shared Mission: By blessing and sending Barnabas and Saul, the church at Antioch became

active participants in their mission. They might not have physically gone, but they were

spiritually invested in the work. This reminds us that supporting others in their callings is a vital

part of our own Christian service.

5. God's Authority: While the church laid hands on Barnabas and Saul, it';s crucial to remember

that the initial call came from the Holy Spirit. The church's role was to recognize, affirm, and

support this divine calling, not to originate it.

In our modern context, we can sometimes lose sight of the power of blessing and sending.

Whether it's missionaries heading overseas, a church member starting a new ministry, or even a

student heading off to college, there's immense value in gathering as a community to bless and

send.

Remember, no one is meant to serve God in isolation. We are part of a body, and when one part

is sent out, the whole body should be involved in blessing, supporting, and empowering that

mission.

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com,

FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

The Power of Faithful Obedience

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 07:00:00 GMT

In our walk with God, there are moments when His call becomes crystal clear. Acts 13:3

provides us with a powerful example of how to respond in such moments: So after they had

fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

This verse comes immediately after the Holy Spirit's directive to set apart Barnabas and Saul for

a special work. What's striking is the church's response - there was no delay, no committee

formed to discuss the practicalities, no waiting for a more convenient time. They acted promptly

and decisively in obedience to God's call.

As modern believers, we can learn much from this example of faithful obedience. Here are

some key lessons:

1. Recognize God's Voice: The church at Antioch was attuned to the Holy Spirit's leading. They

had created an environment of worship and fasting that allowed them to clearly discern God's

voice. In our lives, we need to cultivate this same sensitivity to God's leading through regular

prayer, Bible study, and times of quiet reflection.

2. Respond Promptly: Once they heard God's call, the church acted swiftly. Delayed obedience

can often become disobedience. When God speaks, the time to act is now. This doesn't mean

we should be rash, but rather that we should move forward in faith once we're certain of God's

leading.

3. Act Decisively: The church didn't just give Barnabas and Saul their blessing; they actively

participated in sending them off. They laid hands on them, a symbolic act of commissioning and

support. Our obedience should be wholehearted and decisive.

4. Accept the Cost: Sending off Barnabas and Saul meant losing two key leaders. Obedience

often comes with a cost, but the church was willing to pay it for the sake of God's mission. We

too must be prepared to sacrifice comfort, security, or status when God calls.

5. Trust in God's Plan: By sending off Barnabas and Saul, the church demonstrated trust in

God's larger plan, even if they couldn't see all the details. Obedience often requires stepping

into the unknown, trusting that God knows best.

The story of Barnabas and Saul (who becomes Paul) shows us the incredible impact that can

result from faithful obedience. Their missionary journeys led to the spread of the Gospel

throughout the Roman world, the establishment of numerous churches, and the writing of much

of the New Testament.

As you reflect on this passage, consider: Is there an area in your life where God is calling you to

obedient action? What might be holding you back? How can you cultivate a heart that's ready to

respond promptly to God's call?

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com,

FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

Together in Spirit: The Power of Community Discernment

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 07:00:00 GMT

In our individualistic society, it's easy to forget the vital importance of community in our spiritual

lives. Acts 13:1-3 provides us with a beautiful picture of communal discernment that challenges

our often solitary approach to decision-making:

Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon

called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the

tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said,

“Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after

they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off."

This passage reveals a profound truth: major decisions in the early church were not made in

isolation but in community. The decision to send Barnabas and Saul on their missionary journey

wasn't a unilateral choice made by one leader, but a collective process involving multiple

prophets and teachers, united in worship, fasting, and prayer.

As modern believers, we can draw significant wisdom from this example. While personal prayer

and reflection are crucial, there's immense value in seeking the collective wisdom and

discernment of our faith community. This communal approach to decision-making offers several

benefits:

1. Diverse Perspectives: Different members of the community bring varied gifts, experiences,

and insights. This diversity can provide a more comprehensive understanding of God's will.

2. Accountability: Community involvement helps safeguard against personal biases or

misinterpretations. It allows our ideas and perceived callings to be tested and refined.

3. Support: When decisions are made communally, they come with built-in support. The

community that discerns together is more likely to stand behind and support the resulting

actions.

4. Unity: The process of seeking God's will together fosters unity within the church. It reinforces

the idea that we are one body in Christ, working together for His purposes.

5. Confirmation: When multiple believers independently sense the same leading from God, it

can serve as a powerful confirmation of His will.

Implementing communal discernment in our lives might look like seeking counsel from mature

believers before making major decisions. It could involve bringing important matters before

small groups or church leadership for prayer and discussion. For churches, it might mean

creating spaces where members can collectively seek God's will on important issues. The goal

is to collectively discern the leading of the Holy Spirit.

As we face decisions in our personal lives and churches, let's embrace the power of community

discernment. Let's create spaces where we can collectively seek God's will, confident that as we

do so, we're more likely to align ourselves with His purposes.

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com,

FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

ibc-test

New Calendar, New Possibilities

Three Days

New Beginnings

Rejection

Wait. What?

Now I Can Die In Peace

Hearing His Voice In the Year Ahead

Whad'ya get?

Rejoice! Christmas Has Come

Hopeful Waiting for the Coming of Christ

My Soul Magnifies the Lord

Blessed By A Promised Kept

God's Sovereignty, Our Brokenness

Son of The Most High

A Christmas Surrender

Nothing Will Be Impossible With God

Emmanuel; The Lord is With You

Blessed Obscurity

Your Christmas Priority

God Remembers

God Remembers

Fear and Doubt, Then Hope

Fear and Doubt

An Unexpected Answer to a World in Waiting

An Unexpected Answer

Calm in the Chaos: A Child Brings Peace

Calm in the Chaos

Out of a Long Silence Come Emmanuel

A Long Silence ﻿

Reminders From the Heart of God

The Eternal Impact of Generosity

The Ripple Effect of Generosity

Generosity Beyond Money

God's Provision Through Generosity

The Heart of Generosity

How's Your Plan Going?

Give Thanks

It’s a Mystery!

It's a Mystery!

Futility

Futility

Not Fair!

Not Fair!

Dealing with Authority

Dealing with Authority

The Face of Wisdom

The Face of Wisdom

What Lies Are You Believing?

What Lies Are You Believing

Purpose In All Things

Purpose In All Things

Don’t Look Back

Don't Look Back

Good Grief

New Title

Framed by Death

New Title

A Good Name

New Title

A Heart of Gratitude

New Title

A Lasting Legacy

New Title

Contentment in Life

New Title

Enjoying God’s Gifts

New Title

Misplaced Treasures

New Title

Vanity of Riches

New Title

Listen. Show love. Speak truth.

New Title

Step by Step

New Title

People, Listen

New Title

Follow Through

New Title

A Long Silence