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 […]
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 […]
SHUT THE TEMPLE DOORS March 12, 2020 | Malachi 1:6–14 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue In years past, a student would show respect to a favorite teacher with the gift of an apple. But what if the apple was rotten or full of worms? Then what would traditionally have been a sign of respect and honor […]
IDOLATRY BEHIND THE GATES March 11, 2020 | Ezekiel 8 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue On October 31, 1517, now celebrated as Reformation Day, Martin Luther posted his “95 Theses” to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. In them, he attacked then- common practices and beliefs of the Catholic church, including requiring payment […]
GATES OF THANKSGIVING March 10, 2020 | Psalm 100 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue At one time in church history, ordinary Christians didn’t sing. Instead, they listened while sacred music was performed by professionals. But thanks to the Reformation and the invention of the printing press, congregational singing made a comeback. The first hymnal was printed […]
ONE DAY IN YOUR COURTS March 9, 2020 | Psalm 84 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.” You may recognize this chorus from the popular worship song written by Matt Redman, but these lyrics actually originated in the Psalms. The sentiment is just as true today. […]