The connect devotional is a great way to stay connected spiritually to what our community is learning about God right now. It is in step with the current sermon series, studying the scripture through the lens of life application.
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"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this:to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneselffrom being polluted by the world." (James 1:27) I'm neither an orphan nor a widow, but I have been on the receiving end of much kindness throughout my life. My mom put herself through nursing school while raising three young kids, and o...
Keep Reading"Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." (James 2:17) Please take a moment and read this week's entire passage! In the second chapter of his book (written ~44-47AD to new Christians), James addresses a dichotomy we still discuss almost 2,000 years later. James quotes a common saying: "But someone will say, 'You have faith; I have deeds'" (2:18a). H...
Keep ReadingBlessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him (James 1:12). Please take a moment to read this week's entire passage! NIV Please take a moment to read this week's entire passage! MSG Sometimes God moves in a mysterious way. Other times you find him ...
Keep ReadingBlessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him (James 1:12). Please take a moment to read this week's entire passage! NIV Please take a moment to read this week's entire passage! MSG This morning I was drawn to this story in my news feed: A college valedicto...
Keep ReadingConsider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kindsbecause you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.Perseverance must finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete,not lacking anything (James 1:1-4). Please take a moment to read this week's entire passage! NIV Please take a moment to read this week's entire passage! MS...
Keep ReadingConsider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides.You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors.So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way (James 1:2-4 MSG). Please take a moment to read this wee...
Keep Reading***Our writers have done it again! We're blessed with another abundance of Connect Devotionals this week, so please enjoy both pieces by the Emmets and Bella.*** Split Personality Brian and Kathy Emmet James 1:1-18 Please take a moment to read this week's entire passage! (NIV) Please take a moment to read this week's entire passage! (MSG) Ever feel like two diffe...
Keep ReadingDave Patterson "But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, 'Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?'" Luke 5: 30" Please take a moment to read this week's entire passage! When I read the Bible, I often default to seeing myself on the side of Jesus. I like to imagine I'm part of his crowd, takin...
Keep ReadingJesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. Luke 5:31 Please take a moment to read this week's entire passage! I showed up to my first day of CrossFit almost ten years ago completely out of shape and with zero experience in any kind of gym or group fitness setting. Everything in that first class was brand new to me, but I officially joine...
Keep ReadingAfter these things He went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, "Follow Me." So he left all, rose up, and followed Him. Then Levi gave Him a great feast in his own house. And there were a great number of tax collectors and others who sat down with them. And their scribes and the Pharisees complained against His disciples, s...
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