March 24, 2020 | Revelation 3:14–22 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue One comedian observed that, in today’s culture, we don’t always look forward to an unexpected knock on the door. While in past decades, the family would have rushed to open the door and welcome their guest, today we are more likely to dim the lights […]
23, 2020 | Hebrews 13:9–17 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue Christians use the term good news to refer to the gospel. We celebrate the good and life-changing news found in the message of salvation given through Jesus Christ. But good doesn’t equal easy. While Christ’s death purchased our redemption and His resurrection guaranteed our eternal future, […]
March 22, 2020 | John 10:1–15 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue The Dictionary of Biblical Imagery explains that in Scripture as in life, “Doors and doorways are places of transition.” Being on the right or wrong side of a door or gate can mean the difference between safety or vulnerability, revelation or concealment, and hospitality or exclusion. […]
OPEN OR SHUT? March 21, 2020 | Matthew 25:1–13 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue Pastor and author Brian G. Hedges says that spiritual watchfulness or vigilance is “our most neglected spiritual discipline.” Spiritual watchfulness involves—through self-examination, prayer, and accountability—actively guarding our hearts against sin. He urges us to keep our focus on the Lord: “Our goal […]
THE NARROW DOOR OF SALVATION March 20, 2020 | Luke 13:22–30 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue This Month’s Issue According to research by the Barna Group, people who don’t talk about faith are motivated by either “avoidance or ambivalence.” When asked why religious talk makes them change the subject, participants explained: (1) “Religious conversations always seem […]
WHEN SIN CROUCHES AT YOUR DOOR March 17, 2020 | Genesis 4:1–16 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue We have quite a few expressions in the English language that involve doors. An opportunity is often called an “open door.” If “opportunity is knocking” at your door, a response is needed. If you encounter a small opportunity, you […]
Jesus Chose You March 16, 2020 A Scripture Reading — John 5:1-9 Jesus said . . . “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. — John 5:8-9 A lame man at Bethesda met Jesus. When Jesus asked him, “Do you want to […]
March 15, 2020 | Ezekiel 43:1–11 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue Have you ever seen the glory of the Lord? There are passages in the Old Testament that describe how incredible that experience must be. In Exodus at the completion of the tabernacle project, the Israelites hold a dedication ceremony. The author describes the magnificent event: […]
REBUILDING THE GATES March 14, 2020 | Nehemiah 2 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue Scaffolding now surrounds Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, which was set ablaze on April 15, 2019. Although there are many opinions on how to restore the 900-year-old iconic structure to its former grandeur, everyone agrees it will not be an easy task. […]
LAMENTING AT THE GATES March 13, 2020 | Lamentations 2:1–11 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue Do you know what it means to lament? A central subject in the book of Lamentations, lament is an outpouring of grief before the Lord. In a recent article in Themelios, Robert S. Smith observed that the contemporary church is out […]