Post Archive by Year

Read 2 Samuel 3:6 through 5:16; Luke 12:1–21 Each year the Hake family enjoyed the birds that feasted at feeders in their yard. Pigeons, doves, black- birds, finches, chickadees, grosbeaks, juncos, and sparrows all visit the feeders. One year an unwelcome guest—a sparrow hawk— appeared and began swooping down upon unsuspecting birds. He would grab one with his talons and …

Read 1 Chronicles 1:1 through 3:24 When a new family member is born, his or her name gets written on the family tree. God alone knows the future for that child. David’s name on his family’s registry probably seemed unimpressive. The sixth Ozem and the seventh David (1 Chronicles 2:15). That is it. He was the seventh son. Nothing significant …

Read Luke 7:1 through 8:56 Visit any Sunday School, Bible study, or small group and during their prayer time you’re likely to hear of heartbreaking situations—financial difficulties, people dealing with cancer and other illnesses, teens getting killed in car accidents or gang-related violence, parents lamenting prodigal children, and so on. When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to …

Read 1 Kings 9:1 through 11:43 God had promised to bless Solomon as king of Israel, but Solomon was required to follow God’s commands. God would cut Solomon off from the land and turn His back on the temple if Solomon ever turned about from God and His commands. King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women . . . They …

Read 1 Kings 2:1 through 3:28 What is the most important legacy a parent could pass on to his or her child? Would it be the houses, lands, and full bank accounts that a mother or father worked to provide? Would it be a broad education and wisdom? Would it even be a successful business or ministry for those children …

Read 2 Samuel 14:1 through 15:37 Absalom, King David’s son, did not have an easy life. He fled from home after killing his half brother for raping his sister. Eventually he was allowed to return home, but his relationship with his father was strained. Absalom undermined his father’s authority by promising that he would be a more compassionate ruler than …

Read Mark 14:1 through 16:20 God’s covenant with Israel involved the sacrifice of animals. Each sacrifice applied only to the person offering the sacrifice and only for the specific sin(s) for which the sacrifice was made. However, as Jesus celebrated His last meal with His disciples, He pointed to a new and greater covenant, sealed with His own blood, that …

Read Mark 8:1 through 9:50 People sometimes find themselves facing an impossible situation. It could be a marriage broken almost beyond repair, a child addicted to drugs, a health crisis, or a financial debacle. When facing such a crisis, Christians know God can do the impossible, but they may wonder if He’ll take action to help them. It’s natural for …

Read Judges 5:1 through 6:40 Sharon sat in front of the unopened bills on her desk and felt the panic rising. Recently widowed, she was still waiting for the life insurance settlement. The loss of her husband had forced her to look for a job, and the one she found didn’t pay enough to cover her monthly bills. Now Sharon …

Read Mark 4:1 through 5:43 Brian was fishing in his small boat as a storm unexpectedly approached. Quickly, a bad situation turned worse when the engine wouldn’t start and the boat was caught in a serious whirlpool. Brian immediately cried out to God for help. Miraculously, the engine started, and he returned home safely. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping …