Scripture: "Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished...
Scripture: "Here's what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For who on their own is capable of leading your glorious people?' God, the Master, was delighted with Solomon's response. And God said to him, "Because...
Scripture: "God told Abram: 'Leave your country, your family, and your father's home for a land that I will show you. I'll make you a great nation and bless you. I'll make you famous; you'll be a blessing. I'll bless those who bless you; those who curse you I'll curse....
Scripture: "One day I walked by the field of an old lazybones, and then passed the vineyard of a lout; They were overgrown with weeds, thick with thistles, all the fences broken down. I took a long look and pondered what I saw; the fields preached me a sermon and...
Scripture: "So the Twelve called a meeting of the disciples. They said, "It wouldn't be right for us to abandon our responsibilities for preaching and teaching the Word of God to help with the care of the poor. So, friends, choose seven men from among you whom everyone trusts, men...
Scripture: "Then Jesus addressed the mob: 'What is this—coming out after me with swords and clubs as if I were a dangerous criminal? Day after day I have been sitting in the Temple teaching, and you never so much as lifted a hand against me. You've done it this way...
Scripture: "This is my life work: helping people understand and respond to this Message. It came as a sheer gift to me, a real surprise, God handling all the details. When it came to presenting the Message to people who had no background in God's way, I was the least...
Note: This is part 3 of a 3-week series. Click here to read Part 1: Overdone. Part 2: Closer Than You Realize. Scripture: "A hurricane wind ripped through the mountains and shattered the rocks before God, but God wasn't to be found in the wind; after the wind an...
Note: This is part 2 of a 3-week series. Click here to read Part 1: Overdone. Check back next Monday for week 3! Scripture: "Then the word of God came to him: 'So Elijah, what are you doing here?' 'I've been working my heart out for the God-of-the-Angel-Armies,' said Elijah....
Note: NEW SERIES. This is part of a 3-week series. Check back next Monday for week 2! Scripture: "When Elijah saw how things were, he ran for dear life to Beersheba, far in the south of Judah. He left his young servant there and then went on into the desert...
Scripture: "Fierce troubles came down on the people of those churches, pushing them to the very limit. The trial exposed their true colors: They were incredibly happy, though desperately poor. The pressure triggered something totally unexpected: an outpouring of pure and generous gifts." 2 Corinthians 6:2-4 Perspective: If you squeeze...
Scripture: "Now Peter got really nervous and swore, 'I never laid eyes on this man you're talking about.' Just then the rooster crowed a second time. Peter remembered how Jesus had said, 'Before a rooster crows twice, you'll deny me three times.' He collapsed in tears." Mark 14:72-73 Perspective: If...