Read Revelation 8:6 through 11:19 On Christmas Eve, you’ve very likely heard or read the story again. The one about the wise men from the East who followed the star to find the Christ Child. It’s a benevolent image that blends perfectly with the other elements of the Christmas story. Peace on earth. Good will to men. A gently twinkling …
Why Read Revelation?
Read Revelation 1:1–20 If someone suggests, “Let’s study Revelation,” responses vary. Some shy away from this book, thinking only scholars can understand it. Others read it like any other book of the Bible, believing the Holy Spirit will reveal new truths. Still others read it to sense the awesome majesty and power of God and to worship Him. The book …
We Are Accountable
Read Ezekiel 18:1 through 20:49 Aliesha had purposely sat alone in the college cafeteria to study for her French final. Distracted by conversations around her, she hadn’t even read her first page of notes. At the table next to her, Brenda bragged about shoplifting some earrings. Behind her, Melissa angrily spouted that her boyfriend had cheated on her. On the …
Everlasting Hope
Read Lamentations 1:1 through 5:22 A news program that aired an episode entirely of good news would shock its viewers, and probably be unrealistic. From life experience, we know that people daily suffer loss, distrust, and discord. Human need is like soil that cannot be fully hydrated. There is always more parched ground. Since everyday struggles are ongoing and universal, …
Power or Position?
Read Jeremiah 38:1 through 40:16 Dogs don’t care about titles. They aren’t impressed by lineage or money. They do, however, seem to be better- than-average judges of character. In a household full of people, they figure out whom they can count on. The titles of master or owner mean nothing to them. Dogs tend to evaluate people based on their …
Our Shepherd
Read John 10:1–21 It was a cool day in the autumn of 1975. The flock of sheep spread from one side of the two-lane Lebanese road to the other. The picturesque view was beautiful with a brisk breeze, the white sheep, green hillside, high blue sky, and bright sunshine. But something was amiss. There was no shepherd—just sheep meandering along …
If You Only Knew
Read John 4:1 through 5:47 There are six essentials for any good news story: who, what, when, where, why, and how. Rudyard Kipling called them “six honest serving men” who taught him all he knew. The gospel is the greatest news story the world has ever heard. The “who” is Jesus; the “what” is the plan of salvation; the “when” …
True Security
Read Nahum 1:1 through 3:19 The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him, but with an overwhelming flood he will make an end of Nineveh; he will pursue his foes into darkness (Nahum 1:7,8). Nineveh, as the capital of Assyria, was a powerful city. Nineveh also was an evil city. …
Darkness Shall Flee
Read Isaiah 58:1 through 60:22 Brian knew about darkness. By the time he was 12 he’d pocketed thousands of dollars dealing drugs. He quit school at 16 and filled his free time selling crack-cocaine, marijuana, PCP, and anything else he could get his hands on. By the time he was 28, he’d spent time behind bars—once for manslaughter and once …
Wait for It
Read Titus 1:1 through 3:15 We wait at the signal for the light to turn green. We wait in the lobby and then again in the examination room when we go to the doctor. We wait in line to make a purchase or pay a bill. Often, waiting is considered to be a negative part of life. On the other …