'faith' Tagged Posts (Page 31)
Daily Devotions: November 17, 2019
November 17, 2019 For full passage click: Luke 21:10-19 … “This will give you an opportunity to testify.” vs. 13 When early Christians were arrested and hauled before courts and judges, they rejoiced at the opportunity they had been given to testify concerning the living presence of Christ Jesus in their lives. That’s generally how it has always worked for people of faith. No matter what disaster or trial may come our way in the course of our journeys, it…
Daily Devotions: November 1, 2019
November 1, 2019 For full passage click: Ephesians 1:15-23 … “I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ…may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you” vss.17-18 When Paul was called to faith by the Risen Christ on the road to Damascus, he had no idea what God was up…
Daily Devotions: October 6, 2019
October 6, 2019 For full passage click: Luke 17:5-10 … “The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!’ The Lord replied, ‘If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, “Be uprooted and planted in the sea,” and it would obey you.’” vss. 5-6 Jesus’ response to the apostles’ demand that he increase their faith is enigmatic at best. It seems that he’s telling them that faith is not quantifiable. We…
Daily Devotions: October 3, 2019
October 3, 2019 For full passage click: 2 Timothy 1:1-7 … “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you.” vs. 5 Timothy was a leader in the early church, and had a relationship with Paul that went back to the early missionary journeys. According to this letter, Paul knew the family. Evidently it was Lois, Timothy’s grandmother, and his mother,…
Daily Devotions: August 30, 2019
August 30, 2019 For full passage click: Hebrews 13:8,15-16 … “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” vs. 8 The writer of the book of Hebrews knew the history of his people as far back as the Scriptures recorded it. He was familiar with the stories of the matriarchs and patriarchs and believed that the many examples of their faithfulness could both inspire and console. But the most important truth he passed on was his insight regarding…
Daily Devotions: August 15, 2019
August 15, 2019 For full passage click: Hebrews 11:29-40 … “Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised…” vs. 39 The writer of Hebrews was well aware of the proud history of his people. He could recount the stories of judges, prophets, and kings in great detail. And it wasn’t only the notable folks who had caught his attention. There had been countless others, too, who had been faithful to the Lord,…
Daily Devotions: August 9, 2019
August 9, 2019 For full passage click: Hebrews 11:8-16 … “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going.” vs. 8 For the early Christians, it was obvious that the community of faith included more than just those who were acquainted with Jesus and his teachings. They were happy to embrace Abraham and Sarah and all those…
Daily Devotions: July 25, 2019
July 25, 2019 For full passage click: Colossians 2:6-10…“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” vss. 6-7 Continuity in faith is one of our great challenges as the people of God. There are points in life where there is a flurry of excitement, perhaps a new class at our church or a…
Daily Devotions: July 12, 2019
July 12, 2019 Colossians 1:9-14 … “so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God.” vs. 10 Paul’s deepest desire for the Colossians was that they would lead lives worthy of the Lord. That remains the highest aspiration for any who claim to walk in the way of Jesus. We do this out of love and not obligation. God’s…
Daily Devotions: June 26, 2019
June 26, 2019 For full passage click: Psalm 16:7-11 …“You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” vs. 11 The Lord was not a stranger to the psalmist! They had a connection that had begun with the breath of the Spirit in creation, and that had continued throughout his life. Not a day passed without a prayer of thanksgiving and songs of praise. Many of us…
Daily Devotions: April 16, 2019
April 16, 2019 For full passage click: Psalm 71:1-14 …‘Upon you I have leaned from my birth; it was you who took me from my mother’s womb. My praise is continually of you…Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength is spent.” vss. 6, 9 Not everyone comes to faith as a child. Many followers of Jesus report that their parents gave them little spiritual direction as they grew up,…
Daily Devotions: April 14, 2019
April 14, 2019 For full passage click: Luke 23:31-49 …“Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.’ Having said this, he breathed his last.” vs. 36 According to Luke’s sources, Jesus’ last words were, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Having said this, the Inspired One expired, and gave up his spirit. Whether or not this is a description of what happens at the point of death is not the…