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"What good is it if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds" (James 2:14)? As Christians, what should we do when we approach a red traffic light and see a person in the median with a cardboard sign, asking for help? Gather your answer(s), and I'll get back to you. In the span of just thirteen verses, James (the half-brother of Christ) reminds his Christian audience s...
Keep Reading"You are the salt of the earth" (Matt. 5:13). When Jesus called His followers "salt of the earth," what did they make of that? What should we make of that? Jesus didn't explain the symbolism between salt and our lives. So let's talk about salt, shall we? We hear "salt of the earth" today to mean we're hard-working, reliable, down-to-earth folk. Perhaps that derives from ...
Keep ReadingGod gives us the victory [over sin and death] through our Lord Jesus Christ, [so] alwaysgive yourselves fully to the work of the Lord (1 Cor. 15:57-58). How often has the weight of past mistakes robbed you of present joy? Maybe we don't want to call those mistakes sin, but once we realize there is a God who calls mistakes for what they really are, those sins feel even hea...
Keep ReadingNow, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to youfor what I received I passed on to you as of first importance.(1 Corinthians 15:1,3) When I got married, my mother (who, in fairness, only had a simple ceremony in her mother's home) took charge. When I wanted lemon filling in the cake, my mother insisted it wasn't traditional. Pecan pies (Scott's favorite...
Keep ReadingOn my bed I remember You; I think of You through the watches of the night.(Psalm 63:6) I wouldn't say I'm a textbook insomniac, but I have trouble getting to sleep most nights. So I lie there. I rethink what I should have done that day. I make mental lists for tomorrow. I return to mistakes God has long ago forgiven. I also get hungry. What if, instead of getting up (quie...
Keep ReadingIf your Presence does not go with us, do not send us from here. And now, Lord, show me Your glory.(Ex. 33:15,18) Moses has heard God call him from a burning bush, give him specific directions for shepherding His people out of Egypt, direct the miracles that led to the people's release, and chisel the Commandments in his very presence. Verse after verse notes what Moses "s...
Keep Reading"Don't I mean more to you than ten sons?"(1 Samuel 1:8) Have you ever prayed for something, prayed for years, hungering for God to answer? Was it something that would bring you happiness or erase your shame (or maybe both)? Was it something that consumed all your bandwidth? It's what you thought about when you couldn't go to sleep, what you prayed about unceasingly, what ...
Keep Reading"Now, Lord, enable Your servants to speak Your word with great boldness."Acts 4:29 As we dive into our new series, Hungry for God, one aspect we should consider as Jesus followers is this: are we hungry to see others come to Him? Please indulge my overuse of bold font throughout this devotional, but I am struck by the Book of Acts' emphasis on just plain talking to non-be...
Keep ReadingBut some of them [listening to Paul] became obstinate; they refused to believeand publicly maligned the Way.Acts 19:9 For two weeks, we've been examining what it means to have spiritual authority as well as how to exercise it. Since Jesus has shared this authority with us, it's not too much of a stretch to suggest we're being disobedient if we're not using this authority....
Keep ReadingPut on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.(Ephesians 6:11) When Paul exhorts the Ephesian church (and, by extension, all Christians) to "put on the full armor of God," I remember my graduate school days when I was on the fencing team. Arming myself against my opponent was critical. Mask to protect my face and neck, check. Wel...
Keep Reading"But say the word, and my servant will be healed."Luke 7:7b So let's talk about authority (the right and ability to control someone or something). If you're under authority, how do you feel about that? If you wield authority, how effective are you? You see, parents have the authority to put their babies in the crib to sleep, but they certainly can't make them sleep (witho...
Keep ReadingJesus appointed twelve - designating them apostles - that they might be with Himand that He might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.Mark 3:14 Jesus couldn't be everywhere physically during his three years of public ministry. If His message is to spread further abroad, He needs help, so after a night of prayer (Luke 6:12), He chooses twelve ...
Keep Reading[While the CD Team enjoys a Christmas break, please enjoy these devotionals from December 2020 based on scripture readings and Christmas carols.] Now the dwelling of God is with men. (Rev. 21:3) No more let sins and sorrows flow,/Nor thorns infest the ground./ He comes to make His blessings known/Far as the curse is found. ("Joy to the World," Isaac Watts, 1719) Jesus...
Keep ReadingFor unto us a child is born, To us a son is given And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6) In our current sermon series, Pastor Alex has pointedly reminded us that if we're focusing on the what of Christmas instead of the Who, then we're not only missing the point, we're also setting ourselves up for a J...
Keep ReadingIn that day, the Root of Jesse [Jesus] will stand as a banner for the peoples;the nations will rally to Him, and His place of rest will be glorious. (Isaiah 11:10) Think of a time when you were in a dark place, circumstances grim, "enemies" ready to pounce. Nothing seemed hopeful, and you were almost worn out praying. You knew God would act; you'd seen Him act before. You...
Keep Reading"The temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord" ..." Look,' the Lord says, "you are trusting in deceptive words that are worthless" (Jeremiah 7:4,8). Israel is unified, prosperous, and at peace when King Solomon dedicates the glorious new temple. God then appears to him with this encouragement -- and a critical warning: I have consecrated this te...
Keep ReadingThis turn of events was from the Lord, to fulfill the word He had spoken (1 Kings 12:15,24). Do you ever struggle to see God's faithfulness? You know He's faithful; you've witnessed it in the past; but sometimes you wonder if He'll be faithful since you've messed up again. The Old Testament shows us Israel's repeated failures and disobedience. It might have taken repeated...
Keep Reading"Hear from heaven and forgive the sin of Your people Israeland bring them back to the land You gave their fathers" (1 Kings 8:34). As we continue our walk through the Old Testament, focusing on the Big Story of God's Faithfulness, we come to King Solomon's dedication of the temple (this week's passage is 1 Kings 8). By now, Solomon is in the eleventh year of his forty-yea...
Keep ReadingExodus 20:1-17 - The Ten Commandments - "And God spoke all these words." Reading the Old Testament can feel like riding a see-saw: one minute you're up; the next, you're down. We excitedly (and repeatedly) read about Israel's mountain-top experiences, only to watch the people drop into the valleys. Before we focus on the Ten Commandments this week, let's recall some of t...
Keep Reading[Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers] prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith (Eph. 4:11-12). [Editor's Note: As we prepare for Chatham Serves this Sunday, our CD writers this week will take a second look at the core values from our recent Inner Strength series. Today, D...
Keep Reading"Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers" these Twelve Jesus sent out [saying]"Go to the lost sheep. As you go, preachand heal" (Matt. 9:38, 10:5-7, emphasis mine). It's easy to see our church's core value of being "outwardly focused" in action: donation drives for local schools, homeless advocacy groups, or the food bank. Small groups go into the community to fix...
Keep ReadingHear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about themTie them as symbolsWrite them on the doorframes of your houses (Deut. 6:4-9). When we visited Jerusalem earlier this year, a...
Keep Reading"We will in all things grow up into Him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From Himthe whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." (Eph. 4:15-16) Geodes are common rocks, usually round or oval, whose cavities are lined with mineral deposits. From these, crystals grow, provided they have...
Keep ReadingBut when certain men arrived, Peter drew backand began to separate himself from the Gentiles(Galatians 2:12). Years ago, when one particular woman in my bridge club befriended me above others, I felt special about moving with the "in crowd." But the closer this woman and I got, and the more time we spent together, I didn't like who I became. Her constant criticism of othe...
Keep ReadingThe older brother became angry"Look! All these years I've been slaving for youYou never gave me [a party]!" (Luke 15:28-29) Our lives are, let's face it, performance-driven. In my career, the focus was to get another degree, teach a new literature course, be awarded another accolade - all to improve my standing to my department chair, get a bump in salary, and (I'll admit...
Keep Reading"But when this priest [Jesus] had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God Jesus is the new and living way opened for us."Hebrews 10:12, 20 (This second week of devotionals from the book of Hebrews was originally published in March 2021 and aligned with the sermon series "Jesus, the Radiance of God's Glory.") Recall a tradition yo...
Keep Reading"Jesus shared in their humanity."Hebrews 2:14 (This week's devotionals, originally published in March 2021, aligned with the sermon series "Jesus, the Radiance of God's Glory" with scriptures from the book of Hebrews.) Anyone who studies Greek and Roman mythology learns "deities" frequently deigned to come down to earth from Mt. Olympus. Those trips were almost always se...
Keep Reading"Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark."James 3:5 (This week's devotionals, originally published in January 2021, aligned with the sermon series "Disagree Deeply, Love Deeper Still: True Unity." This specific devotional has been updated to reflect our having moved out of the Covid years.) "We all stumble in many ways" (3:1). James' announcement (un...
Keep Reading"Do not set aside the grace of God."Galatians 2:21 (Originally published in October 2020, this week's devotionals were part of the Real Identity sermon series.)Real IDis the TSA-compliant identification needed to board a flight beginning May 2025. It is proof, stamped with a gold star, to validate I am who my government ID says I am.Real IDis freeprovided I have offered p...
Keep ReadingJosiah did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and walked in the ways of his father David,not turning aside to the left or the right (2 Chronicles 34:2). As we continue our Signature Moments series, we look this week at Josiah, king of Judah for 31 years (~640-609 BC). Israel's experience with kings was mixed, with many more bad kings than good. The nation ping-ponged ...
Keep Reading"The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house;yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock."Matthew 7:25 What is it about sand? Is it the soft, squishy texture between your toes on the beach? The mesmerizing effect of watching it sift through an hourglass? Maybe it's the intricacy of sand art, whether it's a vase i...
Keep Reading"Blessed is the man who finds wisdomHer ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace."(Proverbs 3:13, 17b) Checkmark the one below which fits you (or someone you know!): The dad on Christmas Eve, assembling the tricycle, who tells his wife (who's seen this behavior before), "thanks, honey, but I don't need the manual; I can figure this out." The sister, struggl...
Keep Reading"Pray to the Lord for Babylon, because if it prospers, you too will prosper."(Jeremiah 29:7) Google Maps, Waze, Apple Maps. How did drivers ever navigate the spaghetti-noodle chaos of intersecting highways without them? When all around us are confusing signs and unfamiliar landscapes, we need someone to tell us the way forward. Stopping the car on the highway and crying i...
Keep Reading"I was filled with delight day after dayrejoicing in God's whole world."Proverbs 8:31 Stop and smell the roses. Could we have a more worn-out clich? Sure, we know the message, the figurative half of this symbol. Slow down; pay attention to details; enjoy the little things. But why don't we literally stop and literally smell the literal roses? Are we too busy? Yes, we see...
Keep ReadingThe Gospel of Matthew, Chapters 21-27 Soyou've been walking closely with Jesus now for three years, learning who He is and alternating between being confused by Him and learning from Him. He's warned you His death is coming near, but you don't know you're approaching His last week on earth (especially since He so frequently talks in parables). Now you accompany Jesus as ...
Keep ReadingMatthew 21: 1-17 We've been stepping into Jesus' story as He heads toward the Cross. As He enters Jerusalem for His last week of life, whose sandals would you like to strap on? The disciples' sandals? Perhaps you can figure out why they don't speak. What do you suppose they're thinking? Have they, too, waved palm fronds, shouting "Hosanna," anxious for Jesus to take ov...
Keep Reading"One thing I do know. I was blind, but now I see" (John 9:25). As a writing instructor, I frequently railed against the use of clichs, those ready-made, oh-so-handy phrases that eliminate thinking about word choice. "But the clich says exactly what I want to say," students would moan. "Don't be lazy; use your own words," I would (kindly) retort. At the risk of losing all ...
Keep Reading"Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water."John 4: 15 What I loved most about teaching literature was explaining figurative language, helping students differentiate among similes, metaphors, and symbols. Writers can say volumes in a few words with figurative language. Symbols especially carry significant weight, having...
Keep Reading"Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life."John 3:14 I have read the passage where Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night myriad times; I have heard plenty of sermons on the passage. Stepping into the Story afresh, however, what caught my attention was verse 14: "Just as Moses l...
Keep Reading"Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desertand the tempter came to Him."Matt. 4:1,3 We read about Jesus' experience in the desert (or wilderness) in Matt. 4:1-11, but is a desolate location the key? No. Satan could have tempted Jesus anywhere. Certainly, though, isolation matters, for Satan quickly capitalizes on Jesus being alone. Have you ever felt alone even whe...
Keep ReadingAnd a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well-pleased" (Matt. 3:17). Raised in a society which tells us we have to earn our way to good grades and then to a paycheck, we naturally expect a rewards system to be in place everywhere else. Some parents expect us to earn their acceptance and love. Some partners and spouses expect us to keep the...
Keep Reading"Love must be sincerebe devoted to one another in brotherly love."Romans 12: 9,10 I don't mean to brag - after all, in our scripture passage, Paul cautions "not to think more highly of yourself than you ought" (v.3) - but my small group at Chatham Community Church is supernaturally empowered. What do I mean? I've seen every one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit Paul discus...
Keep Reading"Jesus took the blind man by the handspit on his eyes and put His hands on him and asked, 'Do you see anything?' 'I see people, [but] they look like trees walking around.' Once more, Jesus put His hands on the man's eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly." Mark 8:23-25 (emphasis mine) We know Jesus, as God, would never need...
Keep Reading"Simon the Sorcerer boasted that he was someone great,and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention."Acts 8:9-10 What drives you, motivates you, gives you power to get through the day? Advertisers proclaim it's coffee: American runs on Dunkin'. Athletes are encouraged by the website Fueled By Obsession. Plenty of voices out there stress personal fulfill...
Keep Reading"Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you."(Peter speaking to a beggar in Acts 3:6) Instead of making a New Year's resolution to "be better," "eat less," or "save more money," a goal likely to be abandoned soon, what if we chose a scripture that declares our purpose in Christ? I have a friend whose front door plaque declares, As for me and my household, we...
Keep Reading"The Spirit of the Lord is on meto preach good newsto proclaim freedomto release the oppressed."Luke 4:18 Christmas is over: wrapping paper recycled, ribbons rolled up for another use, gifts put to use. Did you get what you asked for? Did the Jewish people get the Christmas they wanted? With His nativity, Jesus became the long-promised gift of a Messiah, but was He the g...
Keep ReadingThey had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; they were both well along in years The angel said, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son" (Luke 1:7, 13). In 1951, Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes wrote the poem "A Dream Deferred." Specifically referencing the long-delayed dream of racial equality, Hug...
Keep Reading"A savior has been born to you! The shepherds said to one another,'Let's gothey hurried offthey spread the word'."Luke 2:11, 15-17 What do you do first when you get good news? Savor it alone? Ponder how on earth you were so fortunate? Share it with someone? Myriad someones? I'm guessing the latter because good news needs to be, begs to be shared. And often, we just can't...
Keep Reading"The rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darknessand in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace."(Luke 1:78-79) Everywhere we drive now, homes we step into, stores we browse through are ablaze with lights. Lights adorn bushes; stars shine atop Christmas trees; twinkling lights showcase the gifts we should buy. Some di...
Keep ReadingLuke 1:39-45 My daughter is expecting a baby in less than a week! My daughter-in-law is expecting in two months. While they don't see each other frequently, it's wonderful to watch them when they do. They excitedly talk, non-stop, to each other about their pregnancies. Of course they do; they have a shared joy, a shared expectancy, a shared experience. I definitely don't...
Keep Reading"A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham."Matthew 1:1 Before moving here three years ago, I'd never been in a church which recognized or celebrated Advent. But now I cannot imagine entering the Christmas season without my morning devotional time spent in a candle's glow from my Advent wreath. Advent doesn't start until Sunday, but l...
Keep ReadingBelieve in your heart that God raised [Jesus] from the dead, and you will be saved(Romans 10:9). Ancient Romans were surrounded by a pantheon of gods requiring sacrifice and prayers for life to go well. Separation of church and state was nonexistent: Caesar required worship, too. Religious tolerance was a given as Romans adopted Greek gods and then absorbed deities of the...
Keep Reading"But Namaan went away angryhe turned and went off in a rage."(2 Kings 5:11-12) Ethnic, racial, and cultural conflicts dominate the news. While we shouldn't even have to say Black lives matter, I fully expect the phrase to spawn confrontation, pushback, even anger. With nationalism paramount, I fully expect countries to strengthen their borders against refugees. With ethni...
Keep Reading"There should be no division in the body, but its parts should have equal concern for each other.If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it." (I Cor. 12:25-26) Our Declaration of Independence guarantees us individual rights - to life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness. We have spent two centuries honing prioriti...
Keep ReadingBut you are a chosen peopleto declare the praises of Him who called youinto His wonderful light(1 Peter 2:9). Breakaway Cafe, a favorite coffee spot near Briar Chapel, has delicious coffee, so one day I inquired about the brand, knowing they weren't sourcing and making their own. I learned they serve Counter Culture Coffee. Hmmm, Counter Cultureour Scripture theme. As C...
Keep ReadingThe one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life (Galatians 2:8). The Group Project. Cue the groans. Whether in the classroom or the workplace, we don't enjoy being grouped with other students or coworkers we haven't chosen, then given an assignment or goals we didn't choose. I used to think such projects were the lazy way out for a teacher o...
Keep Reading"Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time."John 21:17b It's an all-too familiar setting for me: routinely beset by insomnia, I lie awake, easily for an hour or more. Before you suggest it, yes, I do pray - well, I start with good intentions, but invariably my mind wanders to My Worst Sins Highlights, where I peer intently into the rearview mirror. Sometimes, ...
Keep ReadingJesus watched the crowdcalled His disciples and said,"I tell you the truth,this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others" (Mark 12:41,43). Pastors Alex and Jaime, along with the Connect Devotionals and small group discussions, have been focusing on our rising above dire circumstances, soaring that others can see and we ourselves feel. But is it possi...
Keep Reading"Make them just as I commanded you[with] skill in all kinds of craftsto make artistic designs." (Exodus 2: 11, 3-4) I don't consider myself a creative person. Give me a pattern to follow, however, and I can embroider that countryside scene; give me the steps to a recipe, and I can make delicious cookies. But ask me to color outside the lines by choosing (gasp!) my own thr...
Keep Reading"So Joshua overcame" (Exodus 17:13) Presented with the sermon series theme Soar, I couldn't help thinking of those virtual flights where a simulator lifts riders off their feet, higher and higher off the ground, toward a big wrap-around screen. The projections make them feel like they're flying over stunning landscapes they would never experience in the same way on the gr...
Keep Reading"Is any one of you in trouble? He should prayCall the elders to praypray for each otherthe prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effectivepray earnestly." (James 5:13-17) James, perhaps impatient with Christian faith that remains theoretical, crams his short letter with down-to-earth advice for living a robust, meaningful Christian life. Many love this practical lette...
Keep Reading"Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark." (James 3:5) Try an exercise using this question: Isn't she pretty? Say it as if you're watching your granddaughter at her first ballet recital. Listen to your tone. Now, sarcastically say it as you watch a teenager dressed deliberately to annoy her parents. Finally, say it with the emphasis on she as if you'...
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 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 Reading"'Which of these was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?'...'The one who had mercy on him'." (Luke 10: 36-37) What's your reaction when you're first in line at the red light, stopped right next to the disabled man holding a sign asking for help? Look away? Fumble for the least amount of change you feel you could get away with? Meet his gaze with a sm...
Keep ReadingThis Necessary Week Brian and Kathy Emmet This week, a very different set of Connect Devotionals because this week is unlike all others. On Sunday, we "welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem," joining with that long-ago crowd in lifting our praises to the Messiah. If we're not attentive, we might skip past all that the Gospels insist on telling us about this week, and find ourse...
Keep Reading"His love endures foreverHis love endures foreverHis love endures foreverHis love endures forever." (Psalm 118: 1-4) David, the likely author of Psalm 118, finds himself again in a dangerous, potentially fatal military engagement (118:5-13); yet, he begins this psalm not pleading for rescue, but asserting God's essential goodness and underscoring His enduring love. Let's...
Keep ReadingBut David remained in Jerusalemand saw a very beautiful woman bathing(2 Samuel 11:1, 2). Welcome back to the second week of our Fractured series. This week, the epic tragedy of David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11). Take a few minutes to revisit this familiar story now. King David has had twenty years of success, spiritually and as a king, so this season, "when kings go off ...
Keep Reading"Because of this man's persistence he will get up andgive him whatever he needs." (Luke 11:8) To usurp one of Pastor Alex's favorite sermon illustrations, let's play MadLibs where you fill in the blank. Teaching His disciples about prayer, Jesus says, "If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven ...
Keep Reading"Every spirit that does not acknowledge that Jesus Christhas come in the flesh is not from God." (1 John 4:2-3) As my great-aunt drove me around the island of Oahu, she pointed out the Latter Day Saints' temple. When I commented, "it's sad Mormons are on the wrong path," my great-aunt said, in all sincerity, "at least they believe in something." That was 1979, well before...
Keep ReadingBefore long, the world will not see Me anymore, but you will see Me (John 14:19). John spends three jam-packed chapters (14-16) reporting what Jesus said to His disciples during the last evening they would spend together. The disciples' minds had to have been on overload, alternately distressed at Jesus saying He is leaving them, confused about what that means, and encour...
Keep Reading"You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you." (Acts 1:8) This week, Acts 1:4-8 kicks off a new series, Holy Spirit: Power, Presence, Purpose. The first chapter in Acts bridges Luke's gospel account of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection of Jesus with His ascension into heaven. Luke tells us in these first verses that the resurrected Jesus has spent forty ...
Keep Reading"Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried youPray to the LORD for it." (Jer. 29:7) Peter and Paul tell us "we are sojourners and exiles" here, with "our citizenship in heaven" (1 Pet. 2:11, Phil. 3:20). I've felt like an exile at times in the past: ridiculed for bringing up the Bible during a graduate school seminar or being the rare believer on t...
Keep ReadingWhen [Jesus] had finished washing their feet, He put on His clothesand returned to His place."Do you understand what Ihave done for you?"' He asked them (John 13:12). Joy, my previous pastor's wife, volunteered every two weeks to clean an elderly woman's home. "How nice," you might be thinking. Let me clarify. This woman's grown, morbidly obese son who could barely walk t...
Keep Reading"Lord, if you had been here" (John 11:21) Ever been quick to question (even blame) God when He doesn't act the way you wish and on the timetable you would choose? Even Biblical heroes did so; read King David's psalms, Jeremiah's laments, even Mary and Martha's confronting Jesus in frustration that their brother has died: "if You had been here, [Lazarus] would not have die...
Keep Reading"I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gainedthrough the law, Christ died for nothing." (Gal. 2:21) Confession time. For years as a Christian, I believed that, since I had worked hard in school and in my career, I deserved my good grades, my position at the college, and the financial situation Scott and I enjoyed. I felt God owed me success fo...
Keep ReadingI will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.My soul will boast in the Lord Glorify the Lord with me (Psalm 34: 1-3). It's been a long slog dealing with Covid. Fears have beset us at every step. Would we catch the virus by handling our groceries? Would we unknowingly pass it to children or aging parents? When we got the tiniest bit comfortable,...
Keep Reading"Do whatever He tells you." (John 2:5) "You need to shift your way of thinking," the professor intones and the parent lectures. Sometimes, like this, we're told to change; at other times, a shift can blindside us. Almost every encounter with Jesus results in the latter. Take Jesus' first miracle, for instance: changing water into wine. Everyone present undergoes an unexpe...
Keep Reading"The Word became flesh and lived for a while among us." John 1:14 (NIV) John's Christmas narrative vastly differs from Luke's focus on angels and a virgin birth and from Paul's exhortation to imitate Jesus' humility (Philippians 2). John's version, instead, resonates with Old Testament echoes.John's first words echo Genesis 1, "In the beginning was the Word," recalling th...
Keep Reading"I am making all things new." (Rev. 21:5) Four centuries of silence bridged the last words of the Old Testament and Jesus' coming. Not a word from God. As the exiled Israelites waited and waited for their promised Messiah, surely they cried out, it's not supposed to be this way; we are God's people. We belong in our land, with our Temple and customs, not subjugated by for...
Keep Reading"Every branch that does bear fruit God trims clean so it will be even more fruitful" (John 15:2). We planted and cultivated blackberry vines adjacent to our garden in Maryland. Fat, juicy berries were our reward, sometimes twice a year. But if Scott didn't take care, those vines showed their aggressive side, forcing their way into the rest of the garden and even the lawn....
Keep ReadingBirds of every kind will nest and find shelter in its branches (Ezekiel 17:23, emphasis added). [Editor's Note: We started writing this week's Connect Devotionals when it appeared that we'd be in our new building on December 5. We had decided to take a small break from our current sermon theme and re-visit our church's "noble cedar" vision from Ezekiel 17. As you know, th...
Keep Reading"We are God's children...we cry 'Abba, Father'." (Romans 8:16,15) Those of us of a "certain age" grew up with TV shows where fathers were successful, well-respected heads of loving families. Think "Father Knows Best." Literature gave us similar models such as Atticus in To Kill a Mockingbird. Many of us had similarly supportive and loving dads, so it's easy to transfer th...
Keep Reading"This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?" (John 6:60b) When do you nod or say "amen" in a sermon? When the teaching is relatively easy? When you agree with the pastor or think the person next to you ought to hear this? But what about when the sermon gets personal? Or the teaching is hard? Who's nodding now?But that's precisely when we need to nod, need to jot down tha...
Keep Reading"The bread of God...gives life to the world." (John 6:33) I love going to Jeni's ice cream in Charlotte and sampling creative flavors like goat cheese with red cherries, gooey butter cake, or sweet cream biscuits peach jam. Each tiny spoonful bursts with satisfying flavor.Am I like that with Jesus, satisfied with just a "taste"? A lightning-fast devotional in the morning...
Keep Reading"They were willing to take him into the boat." (John 6:21) Most of us have gleaned great takeaways from sermons about Jesus walking on water toward storm-battered disciples. I've even jotted them down: When storms buffet my boat, keep rowing. Obeying Jesus doesn't mean "smooth sailing"; Jesus sent the disciples into the storm. Jesus will come; it may be in ...
Keep Reading"Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward Him." (John 6:5) Newly transplanted to Houston in 1989, Scott and I somehow managed to get volunteered to lead the preschool choir in our large Baptist church. "You can do it," we were told. "You sing in the adult choir, you have a preschooler of your own, and, Debbie, you were a teacher" (well, college "kids").And then...
Keep Reading"Go and make disciples of all nations." Matthew 28:19 We've been listening to God's let's go: we're serving where we are, recognizing He's put us in a certain spot "for such a time as this." It's rewarding, we're being obedient, and our eyes are more open to opportunities right where we are. Now let's read Jesus' last words to His disciples:Go and make disciples of all ...
Keep Reading"The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt told them to do."(Exodus 2:17) During our current sermon series, has God said, let's go, to you in your quiet time or through a friend's nudging? We've heard Esther say, "but wait; I could be killed." Gideon's "are you sure, Lord?" pointed to his family's pitiful standing. Peter doubted the fishing w...
Keep Reading"Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything.But because You say so, I will let down the nets." (Luke 5:5) You've been up all night working on your Connect Devotional. Major writer's block. Not even any scribblings on the laptop screen. You snap shut the laptop and head for bed when your close friend pops by. You explain your frustration but instead of...
Keep ReadingThe king renewed the covenant in the presence of the LORD to keep His commands, regulations, and decrees with all his heart and soul (2 King 23:3). Sure, I can read by candlelight. But contrasted with reading by a floodlight, could I even call candlelight light? Exposed to that brighter light, how do I react? Anger at those who didn't tell me about brighter lights? Ratio...
Keep Reading"How can I save Israel? I'm the least in my family." (Judges 6:15) When Brian asked me to consider joining the Connect Devotional team, I quickly said no. Pressed to take a walk to discuss it, I reluctantly agreed. When he said he saw writing potential in me, I demurred: I'm not a writer. Yes, I taught writing, but a writer? Not me. When the angel of the Lord approaches ...
Keep Reading"Who knows but that you have come to a royal position for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14) Even if you don't play chess, you understand the basics. To win, you move pieces strategically, in a specific way, and for a specific purpose: capture others; surround the king. If you keep moving pieces around but never capture others, your pieces fail at their designated purpos...
Keep Reading"To stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, the rulers,elders, and teachers commanded Peter and John not to speak or teachat all in the name of Jesus. [They had already] seized them and put them in jail." (Acts 4: 17-19, 3) Recall a time you tried to effect some positive change. Did that go smoothly? Maybe you suggested a clothing or hair style chan...
Keep Reading"If Your presence does not go with us" (Exodus 33:15) Don't you hate the separation that occurs when you've done something that upsets a close family member? The family is still intact, physically, but emotional distance shrouds everything. It's hard to enjoy any of the trappings of family - meals together, financial provision, movie night - when one person is distant. Ye...
Keep Reading"I looked for someone among them [to] stand before me in the gapon behalf of the land so I would not destroy it." Ezekiel 22:30 If you've traveled to London and ridden The Tube, you've heard that robotic voice warn, every time the doors open, Mind The Gap! It's a serious warning for our protection - the gap between the platform and subway is often substantial. No one want...
Keep Reading"Jesus answered, it is written." (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10) I don't enjoy exercising, have never felt that "runner's high," but I know I need to exercise for itsbenefits. Discipline is tough but pays off in other ways, too: healthy eating, productive study habits, financial budgeting. What about spiritual disciplines or habits, such as daily devotional time, a Bible reading sch...
Keep Reading"This is my body...this is my blood poured outfor many for the forgiveness of sins." (Matt. 26:27-28) Strapping on crampons for a glacier hike in Alaska, I noticed the backpack of the woman next to me. Trim size. Attractive colors. North Face - a label symbolizing everything my off-brand backpack did not, an outdoorsy status, an exclusivity I wanted to identify with. The ...
Keep ReadingJesus "appointed twelve that they might be with Him and that He mightsend them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons." (Mark 3:14-15) Think of a team you have been part of: at work, in a neighborhood, as a volunteer. Do you recall the purpose of that team? What kind of people were chosen? Those with similar abilities, backgrounds, and personalities? A co...
Keep Reading"Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months." (Luke 1:56) Think of a small group you're most comfortable with - family, church, neighborhood, colleagues. What makes them so? Acceptance, similar interests, common goals? Stay with them long enough, grow with them long enough, they will act like a compass to orient you, a safe harbor to welcome you back when you have to v...
Keep Reading"We [have] become the children of God [we] are all one in Jesus Christ." (John 1:12, Gal. 3:28) What are the hallmarks of your family? An intimate, laughing tangle of cousins, parents, and grandparents protecting, supporting, and comforting each other, worshipping together, and offering hospitality to others? A distant father, quarrelsome siblings, an atmosphere of critic...
Keep Reading"You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you;and you will be my witnesses." (Acts 1:8) Do you try to influence others by raising your voice? Texting in ALL CAPS? Emailing with an abundance of exclamation points? Flooding your Instagram feed with motivational (always scripturally-based, of course) sayings? What's behind that desire? In other words, who or what...
Keep Reading"How can I understand unless someone explains it to me?" (Acts 8:31). My love of all things medieval intensified in college. I collected (benign) dragons, devoured medieval literature, and joined the fencing club. I had read about fencing and watched movie duels, but it was far different applying that knowledge. Despite my eagerness, my instructor didn't hand me a foil an...
Keep Reading"We speak a message of wisdom among the mature,but not the wisdom of this age." (1 Cor. 2:6) Motivational posters, t-shirt slogans, and Instagram quotations surround us, offering "wisdom" for living. Follow your heart. Don't stop until you're proud. Be you. Do you. For you. Sure, they offer inspiration to stick to that diet or go the extra mile on the Peloton. But as ...
Keep ReadingClick here to listen to this post! "I did not speak on my own...whatever I say is just whatthe Father has told me to say." (John 12:49,50) I don't mean to sound like a psychiatrist, but do you hear voices in your head no one else hears, voices that adversely affect who you are? Are you sure you should do that? You'll never measure up to your brother. Voice...
Keep ReadingClick here to listen to this post! "Let us run the race marked out for us." (Hebrews 12:1) Every sermon I've heard on Hebrews 12:1-3 has focused on the race analogy, pastors drawing vibrant pictures of Christians circling the same oblong race track, discarding bad habits weighing them down, Old Testament saints wildly cheering them on from the seats in the stadium. The...
Keep ReadingClick here to listen to this post! "Jesus is the new and living way opened for us" (Hebrews 10:20). Recall a tradition your family has adhered to over the years, generations even: the age-worn star now atop your Christmas tree, the tooth fairy pillow, front porch pictures in new school clothes. Our lives are steeped in traditions, and just try tampering with them! I sh...
Keep ReadingClick here to listen to this post! "Jesus shared in their humanity." Hebrews 2:14 Anyone who studies Greek and Roman mythology learns "deities" frequently deigned to come down to earth from Mt. Olympus. Those trips were almost always self-serving though. Key motivations included romancing a human or seeking revenge upon a perceived rival. Never would they have considered...
Keep ReadingClick here to listen to this post! That God would want to talk to us, reveal Himself to us, sinful as we are, unheedful of Him as we are, is beyond amazing. And when we ignore Him, retreat from Him, or outright disobey Him, He still keeps trying, still pursues us, still desires fellowship. What extravagant love. The intimate, Edenic fellowship between God and man was sha...
Keep ReadingClick here to listen to this post! "Make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister." Romans 14:13b Is it just me, or do you ever want to say, "But my way is better"? Do you feel the longer you've done something, the more expert you feel? I've been grading compositions for years now; my system works best. I raised two childr...
Keep Reading"Out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks" (Luke 6:45b). We planted several fruit trees when we moved to Maryland, and it wasn't long before we realized getting delicious peaches, pears, cherries, and apples took significant work. In the fall, the trees required proper pruning. In spring, we sprayed for pests, applied the right fertilizer, protected fragile bloss...
Keep Reading"I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel"(Galatians 2:14). I had been volunteering at the library for several years, loving my assigned task, when an older woman from the Senior Center was given work at my assigned job. I was frustrated, for I only worked twice a week and, again, loved what I was doing. I was annoyed she couldn't be used somew...
Keep ReadingIt is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved,just as [the Gentiles] are"(Acts 15:11, emphasis added). We've all felt left out before: the middle school clique spurns you, you don't dress the same as the others at church, the coffee group is bewildered you send your kids to public school, and on and on. We long to say, just tell me the standards to join your...
Keep Reading"Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark." (James 3:5) "We all stumble in many ways" (3:1). James' pronouncement (understatement?) is just as true now as it was centuries ago. These past months of isolation, loneliness, frustration, and fear have provided plentiful opportunities, even for Christians who should be modeling a life of humility, to go wro...
Keep Reading"Get ready to cross the Jordan River." (Joshua 1:2) Treading water gets tiring. Getting to that distant shore seems impossible, so I keep treading water, momentarily safe. My efforts get me nowhere but exhausted; I can't keep doing this. What's the other alternative, drowning? It's terrifying to stop treading water, scary to start moving forward. I can't reach the shore, ...
Keep Reading"My people have forsaken me, the spring of Living Water, and havedug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water" (Jeremiah 2:13). The high school soccer trophies on the bedroom shelf. The honors cords draped over the college diploma. The plaque honoring excellence at work. They all hold some measure of success, offer some sense of security: Look what I did...
Keep Reading"So now, go. I am sending you" (Exodus 3:10). Inertia? Have you felt it these past few months? Forced into months of semi-isolation and limited contact with others, was it easy to get lazy, stay in the sleep pants, and watch yet another Netflix show? Did it become more comfortable to stream the church service at our convenience? Have we preferred working from home with it...
Keep Reading"In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." (John 1:4-5) "Son of God, oh, love's pure light" ("Silent Night") Driving back from Durham last week, I was momentarily and agonizingly blinded by the brilliance and intensity of the nearly-setting sun. That blinding brilliance made me thi...
Keep Reading"Now the dwelling of God is with men" (Rev. 21:3). "No more let sins and sorrows flow,/Nor thorns infest the ground./ He comes to make His blessings known/Far as the curse is found." ("Joy to the World," Isaac Watts, 1719) Jesus was born to die. As Christians, haven't we frequently heard that from a well-meaning parent or pastor? Their intention is clear: to guard us ...
Keep ReadingLuke 2:10-18 We all know enough of Luke's account of Jesus's birth to picture the shepherds, well away from town, probably sleepy, surrounded by sheep, terrified by the appearance first of one angel, then a "host," and excitedly rushing off to see the Baby Jesus. I'm trying to slow down during these first days of Advent, being purposeful in looking at a well-known (maybe ...
Keep ReadingMatthew 11:28-30 Have an independent streak when it comes to doing things? "I can manage this workload myself." "I won't wait for help; I can move this heavy furniture across the room." What does that get you? Pride in taking credit for the work? Satisfaction you redecorated by yourself? Couple that with resentful coworkers or an aching back, and what have you really gain...
Keep Reading"'For my [Simeon's] eyes have seen your salvation...a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel...And a sword will pierce your [Mary's] soul too'" (Luke 2:30,32,35b). "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, / And ransom captive Israel Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel / Shall come to thee, O Israel." This is my favorite Christmas carol. I love its beautiful ...
Keep Reading"Set your minds on things aboveand be thankful" (Colossians 3:2, 15b) When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? (J. Oatman) Has 2020 left you feeling "tempest tossed" and "bear[ing]" much? We don't know how hard this virus ...
Keep Reading"For I know the plans I have for you to prosper you and not to harm you,plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11). How often have I shared that verse with my adult children in difficult times? I can't be alone; I imagine that verse is embroidered on pillows on countless couches and cross-stitched on innumerable pieces of artwork. While I want to remind my kids...
Keep Reading"Sinful desireswar against your soul" (1 Peter 2:11) I know sin is bad; of course I know that: I'm a Christian. I know giving in to sinful desires hurts my Savior. I know giving in can hurt my body, my bank account, my friendships, my family. But have I realized giving in engages me in a war against my soul? I don't want any part of that war, so how do I avoid it? One wa...
Keep Reading"My kingdom is not of this world." (John 18:36) The kingdoms of this world; what do they look like? Each has its unique set of operating principles whether Pilate's kingdom with its political and military priorities, America's kingdom with its emphasis on success and status, or my kingdom with its unrelenting busyness to provide the best for my family. Each kingdom natura...
Keep Reading"Do not set aside the grace of God" (Galatians 2:21) Real ID is the TSA-compliant identification needed to board a flight beginning late 2021. It is proof, stamped with a gold star, to validate I am who the government ID says I am. Real ID is freeprovided I have offered proof of birth and residency, driven to the DMV, and waited in an interminable line. It is simply a gi...
Keep Reading"If anyone thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the fleshconsider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christand be[ing] found in Him" (Philippians 3:4,8,9). Resums aim to secure our acceptance and security. They document our worth to ourselves we want to be seen as important and valuable and to others since they gain admission to a co...
Keep ReadingFor all of you who were baptized into Christ have been clothed with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:27-29). Pro-Biden signs, MAGA caps, anti-maskers, right wing this, left wing that, anti-vaxx protestors, Black Lives Matter signs. We expect such division in society as a whole, but wh...
Keep Reading"Remember meO my God[for] what I have faithfully done" (Nehemiah 13:14). "Some time later [Nehemiah]came back to Jerusalem" (10:6b-7a). Had he been away months, years? However long it's been, and it appears to have been years, the people have moved past the great rebuilding project and instead of a "happily ever after," Nehemiah finds they have dramatically forsaken all t...
Keep Reading"Be still, for this is a sacred day. Do not grieve" (Nehemiah 8:11). The people of Jerusalem have completed the wall, a great physical work worthy of celebration. But a work is still needed in their hearts. The temple had already been rebuilt, but perhaps reading of scripture had not been routine for the people are hungry enough for the Word to stand for six hours during ...
Keep ReadingNehemiah 5:1-13 Nehemiah has motivated the Jews to overcome 100+ years of inertia. They are rebuilding their crumbled walls while summoning courage to resist foreign opposition. That is hard enough, but they continue to face decades-long oppression from their own rulers: exorbitant interest, high taxes, demands for collateral, even slavery. What kind of courage is needed ...
Keep ReadingNehemiah 4 What are you trying to rebuild? It isn't likely the walls of a city, but whatever it is it matters: to you, to God, and perhaps to others. Just know this: opposition will come. Here, for Nehemiah and the Jews, it comes - and it comes immediately - from clear enemies. Sanballat and Tobias, likely fearing the rebuilding project as a threat to their place in the ...
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