Scripture References: Genesis 15:15-16, Deuteronomy 9:4-6, Deuteronomy 18:9-12, 2 Kings 21:6, 8-9, Galatians 3:7-9. Introduction: Have you ever come across topics from the Bible that are hard to swallow? I think if we’re honest, there are times when we come across a topic or question that can be uncomfortable to talk about, particularly if they are being asked by an…
Our key text for this Sunday is Hebrews 10:24–25: 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Depending on what browser you’re reading this on, you…
Scripture References: Isaiah 44:1-2, 9, 12-18, 24. Proverbs 3:6, Colossians 1:16-17, Acts 17:28-29, Daniel 4:28-33. Introduction: “Aha! Look what I’ve created! I have made FIRE!” If you’ve seen the movie Cast Away, then you probably remember this iconic line. After being stranded on a desert island for a considerable amount of time, Tom Hanks’ character in the movie shouts this…
Scripture References: John 14:15, Romans 4:1-3, Genesis 12:2, Genesis 15:1, 5-11, 17, Ephesians 2:8 Introduction: We live in a performance-driven culture. We feel that constant pressure to perform on a daily basis. Whether that is at work, school, family responsibilities, community activities…you name it. This may lead us to ask questions regarding our relationship with God. What does God expect…
Scripture References: Hebrews 13:8, James 1:26-27, Isaiah 58:3-9a, Micah 6:8, Matthew 22:36-40, Matthew 28:19-20a Introduction: The God of the New Testament is the God of the Old Testament. Perhaps the author of Hebrews states it even better: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” – Hebrews 13:8 ESV I begin with this, because I think we are…
Imagine with me the following scenario. You are having a conversation with a loved one on the couch (you get to pick whether it’s a spouse, parent, child, grandparent, friend—whomever you like). You realize that you left something on the end table next to their end of the couch. You politely ask them to pass you the item. To which…
Isaiah 40:29–31 He gives power to the faint,and to him who has no might he increases strength.Even youths shall faint and be weary,and young men shall fall exhausted;but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;they shall mount up with wings like eagles;they shall run and not be weary;they shall walk and not faint. When my family first…
Scripture References: Exodus 1:22, 2:2-10, 2 Kings 11:1-3, Matthew 2:13-16, Luke 2:10-14, Isaiah 52:7 Introduction: I work in Data Analytics, and one aspect of my job that I enjoy is taking raw data, organizing it – then using that structured data to identify patterns that can provide useful business insights. But perhaps one of the most important pieces of my…
I read a quote the other day that goes like this:“Sin is not so much a situation of guilt that has to be forgiven as a plight from which one needs to be set free.” When my kids were little, in an attempt to teach them to be compassionate and have good manners, whenever they did something that hurt their…
Scripture References: Genesis 3:15, 1 Corinthians 15:45-49, Matthew 2:3-15, Hosea 11:1 Introduction: Being a part of the worship team and writing these devotionals has personally helped me take a deeper look at the lyrics we are singing and how they can point us to Scripture. Leading up to Advent, I’ve had time to read through lyrics in some of our…