AS GOOD AS HIS WORD April 29, 2020 | Matthew 28:1–15 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the linchpin of the Christian faith. “If Jesus rose from the dead, then you have to accept all that he said; if he didn’t rise from the dead, then why worry about any of […]
A MISUNDERSTOOD QUESTION April 28, 2020 | Matthew 27:45–56 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue After Steve Jobs died, his family reported that his last words were “Oh, wow!” Blues singer Bessie Smith’s last words were “I’m going but I’m going in the name of the Lord.” Singer Frank Sinatra’s final words were less hopeful. It is […]
A SURPRISING SILENCE April 26, 2020 | Matthew 27:11–31 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue According to the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly, everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression. Most of us believe it is a virtue to stand up for ourselves, especially when we believe […]
INADEQUATE FAITH April 21, 2020 | Matthew 17:14–21 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue There is no more helpless feeling than that of parent by the bedside of their ill child. It’s been called “a deep and hollowing pain.” Jesus, who often ministered to the sick and their families, certainly knew this. That’s what makes His reaction […]
UNIMPRESSIVE TRADITION April 18, 2020 | Matthew 15:1–20 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue What is your favorite church tradition? Lighting a candle during the service to signify the presence of the Holy Spirit? Or maybe the meal your congregation shares every time they have communion. Some traditions, like the Lord’s Supper or baptism, were instituted by […]
AN IMPOSSIBLE TASK April 16, 2020 | Matthew 14:1–21 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue Some well-meaning people try to encourage those who are going through difficulties by saying, “God will never give you more than you can handle.” Actually, the Bible never makes this promise. And the example of God’s people suggests […]
A PROPHET WITHOUT HONOR April 15, 2020 | Matthew 13:53–58 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue When I first came to faith in Christ, I found it difficult to share the gospel with my father. He did not want to accept spiritual advice from someone who was so much younger. “I used to change your diapers!” he […]
DEEP WEEDS April 14, 2020 | Matthew 13:24–29, 36–42 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue Many who have invited friends to visit their church have heard this excuse: “I don’t go to church because it has too many hypocrites!” We may feel defensive at that accusation. Perhaps we feel our church is different, more genuine than the […]
SPOILER ALERT April 12, 2020 | Matthew 12:38–45 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue Those who review books or movies online sometimes include a spoiler alert. They want unsuspecting readers to be warned about the reveal of the key elements in the plot that might ruin the surprise. There are some people, however, who love to know […]
IMPATIENT WITH HIS AGENDA April 10, 2020 | Matthew 11:1–19 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue I remember the first time I saw my mother cry. She told me that she had bumped her head. But I suspect there was a deeper reason. Whatever the cause, her tears disturbed me. We are not used to thinking of […]