The Blog

Read Ezekiel 34:1 through 36:38 Years ago, nearly every family had at least one animal. A trader might have a camel. A merchant might have a donkey. A farmer might have an ox to plow, a goat for milk, and a few sheep for wool and meat. Some people herded large flocks, but nothing on a modern scale. Today, global …

Read Ezekiel 17:1 through 19:14 The prophet Ezekiel proclaimed to the people of Israel that God would punish them if they continued to pursue wickedness. Why did they persist in their sinful ways when God offered them mercy? “Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, …

Read Ezekiel 1:1 through 3:27 When Nancy received Christ and was freed from sin, she joyfully announced to family and friends, “You need Jesus! He delivered me from alcoholism! He can help you too. Just repent and believe in Him.” Few were impressed. Everyone thought she’d gone nuts, especially her mother. “Nancy Elaine,” Mom growled. “I’m the one who took …

Read John 14:1 through 16:33 Peace and happiness. Sometimes people confuse the two. In today’s culture, “peace” seems to be dependent upon happiness. What kind of peace (or happiness) does the world offer? Job security, financial security, and relational security are all viewed as paths to peace. However, all of these could collapse, resulting in financial and relational ruin – …

Read Jeremiah 25:1 through 27:22 Jack had stayed up late to watch the election results, but he knew even before the polls closed that he would not like the outcome. His candidate lost. Jack felt ill at the thought of living for years under the political agenda of someone who stood against all he believed in. How could God have …

Read Jeremiah 18:1 through 21:14 Jeremiah’s life would have been easier if he hadn’t been a prophet. No one wanted to hear his messages. Most of those who listened to him only did so to find reasons to make fun of him. Quitting must have been tempting, but he found himself unable to keep from sharing the messages from God. …

Read Habakkuk 1:1 through 3:19 When reading a book, do you read the ending first? Some people check to see how things end before they get into the story. Perhaps it makes them feel more secure when they know the outcome. Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop …

Read Isaiah 63:7 through 66:24, Colossians 1:24 through 2:23 You come to the help of those who gladly do right, who remember your ways. But when we continued to sin against them, you were angry. How then can we be saved? All of us have become like one who is unclean and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; …

Read 1 Timothy 1:1 through 6:21 Paul wanted Timothy to choose the right fight. Anyone who serves in the ministry of the gospel faces many real and potential conflicts. Many of these conflicts involve nothing more than personal preference and can sidetrack a minister from the vision God gave him or her. Understanding the charge, Paul gave Timothy the help …

Read Isaiah 28:1 through 30:33; Galatians 4:1–31 The old shoemaker calculated in his head and told customers exactly what they owed. He listened to others discuss current events and contributed to the conversation. No one suspected the man could not read or write. He hid his lack of formal education well. The Lord says: “These people come near to me …