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Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame (Romans 5:3-5a). Surely, you've seen the signs. You know the ones. They come out to litter front yards, highway medians, and roundabouts. I've never actually seen anyone put them out, b...
Keep ReadingAnd hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us (Romans 5:5). Remember as a kid you learned how shadows could be big and scary how an object's shadow appeared far longer and larger than the object itself? It's interesting how shadows are caused when something is getting in the way...
Keep ReadingWe also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope (Romans 5:3-4). When Paul wrote to the Roman church, "we rejoice in our sufferings," he wasn't issuing a command. He was stating a fact. Despite being well-acquainted himself with suffering, Paul didn't use the pronoun I. He included believ...
Keep ReadingWelcome to Week 4 of our Kingdom People series! Here's our passage for this week: Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the HOPEof the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, becau...
Keep ReadingDear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme a...
Keep ReadingLive such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong,they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us (1 Peter 2:9). When you look at everything going on in the world, it's easy to be pessimistic. Between the wars, famines, political grievances, and civil unrest, it feels like there's a lot of angry people out there. I ofte...
Keep ReadingFriends, this world is not your home, so don't make yourselves cozy in it. Don't indulge your ego at the expense of your soul. Live an exemplary life in your neighborhood so that your actions will refute their prejudices. Then they'll be won over to God's side and be there to join in the celebration when he arrives (1 Peter 2:11,12 MSG). Back in the late 1900s (ahem), the...
Keep ReadingLive such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us (1 Peter 2:9-17). Bansky's Girl with Balloon depicts a black-and-white girl letting go of a conspicuous, bright red balloon. It's been one of my favorite pieces because of its simplicity and intriguing history. Bansky util...
Keep ReadingDear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the worldto live such good livesamong the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good worksand glorify God (1 Peter 2:11-12). Standing out from the crowd - good thing or bad? Conformity to the group or rugged individualism - which way to go? What happens to the middle-schooler who wears a ...
Keep ReadingWhen the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eatwith tax collectors and sinners?" (Matthew 9: 11) College sports are exciting. They're fun to watch, fun to talk about, and fun to be a part of. And everyone loves cheering for the home team. Here in North Carolina, the center of the college sports universe, we know who that is, right? You p...
Keep ReadingAs Jesus went on, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth."Follow me," He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him (Matt. 9:9). I used to think Matthew was called out of his tax collector's booth practically first thing in Jesus' ministry. In truth, though, much has happened before Jesus approaches Matthew. Jesus has called His first disciples...
Keep ReadingAs Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him (Matthew 9:9). Have you ever faced a moment where you had to choose between staying in your comfort zone or stepping into the unknown? Matthew did when Jesus called him from the tax collector's booth. When he left ever...
Keep ReadingGo and learn what this means: "I desire mercy, and not sacrifice." For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners (Matthew 9:13 ESV). Let's start with some context. Jesus, as he often does, is citing Old Testament scripture. It's likely familiar to his audience at the time but let's refresh our memories. For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of ...
Keep ReadingJesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners" (Matthew 9:12-13). Kingdom People follow Jesus. "Follow" means something a bit different from what Jesus' first followers experienced. They actually followed him around, accompanied h...
Keep ReadingAt once they left their nets and followed him. When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him (Mark 1:18-20). It's probably no accident that Jesus' first disciples were fishermen, men who wor...
Keep ReadingAt once they left their nets and followed him (Mark 1:18). I've let go of a lot of "nets" this year. Plans for the future, relationships, jobs, homes, and hobbies; all fall under this umbrella of "nets." Some of my nets were really amazing! A lot of time and effort went into crafting them into useful tools for catching, containing, and hanging on to "fish" that came my w...
Keep Reading"The Kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good newsCome, follow me," Jesus said (Mark 1: 15,17). For our Connect Devotional readers who don't know me personally, I'm a dad. It's a strong part of my identity. I have a wonderful family, and a great job. I work very hard to support them. My journey through life alongside Jesus is also a strong part of my iden...
Keep ReadingAfter John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!" As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will send you o...
Keep ReadingThe time has come the kingdom of God has come near.Repent and believe the good news! (Mark 1:14-20) New month, new week, perhaps some new aches from the work on Chatham Serves Sunday and a new series! What kind of people are we? So many ways to respond: Americans, Christians, of various ethnic backgrounds, blue/red, Duke/UNC, chocolate/vanilla, Gen Whatever What if w...
Keep Reading"Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:43-45) When I was little I dreamed of being a country music star. I was on the school bus for a couple of hours ev...
Keep ReadingThey [James and John]replied, "Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory" Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and who...
Keep ReadingNot so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all (Mark 10:43-44). I have a confession to make: Chatham Serves day makes me nervous! This was especially true the first time. Consider the situation. The sign-up form is filling up with names I don't know. Down the list I go, disqualifyi...
Keep ReadingNot so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:35-45) In our scripture this week, Jesus dramatically redefines greatness. The disciples James and John approached Hi...
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