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.
Clicking here to subscribe and receive the Connect Devotional in your inbox
To see past posts, click the "All Posts" button above
"So they will put my nameon the Israelites, and I will bless them." (Numbers 6: 27) This week I had a great conversation with my wife about prayers. When I asked her how often she prays, she had a very thought-provoking response. "It's tough to say, because you can pray in so many different ways." Which is very true. I noted some examples in my life. Pastor-led prayers a...
Keep ReadingMoved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God (Luke 2: 27-28) One of my favorite parts of the Christmas season is the school plays, concerts, recitals, or any number of holiday-themed events for my kids. And it's not just becaus...
Keep ReadingCome, thou long expected Jesus,born to set thy people free;from our fears and sins release us,let us find our rest in thee. "The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earthand does not live in temples built by human handshe himself gives everyone life and breathand everything else" (Acts 17: 24,25). Sometimes this world can feel lonely. So...
Keep Reading[Editor's note: Happy Thanksgiving to all our CD readers!] O come, o come, EmmanuelAnd ransom captive IsraelThat mourns in lonely exile hereUntil the Son of God appear "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"(which means "God with us") (Matthew 1: 23). Food! Fast, hot, and ready! Coffee! Grab it and go! Movies! On demand, rig...
Keep ReadingIf you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heartthat God raised him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10: 9). While reaffirming the Good News of Jesus, Paul speaks to the powerful faith in salvation that Jesus has placed in our hearts. But Paul also reminds us that the Good News of Jesus and his gift of eternal life needs to be shared! In...
Keep Reading"For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (1 Colossians 1: 13-14). This could be a tough week for many. There's a challenging battle between two sides, both of whom have incredibly loyal and passionate supporters. This is the kind of conflict that can divide...
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 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 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 ReadingWith great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrectionof the Lord Jesus. And God's grace was so powerfully at work in them allthat there were no needy persons among them (Acts 4:33-34). This world can be a challenging place. And often, even when we look towards the Bible for guidance, trying to find the answer we want for a very "right now" conundrum can b...
Keep ReadingBut Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the LordSaul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord (Acts 9:27, 28). Sharing conversion stories can be fun. Even for those who are still trying to orient their lives around Jesus, who are far from calling themselves a ...
Keep Reading"Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized,every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:3-4) In his book "The Spark and the Grind", the artist Erik Wahl explores the power of creativity. You have moments of inspiration, the Spark, then periods of work in between, the Grind. But being...
Keep ReadingHis mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you" (John 2:5). (This is the last week from the archives! Our Connect Devotional writing team is busy crafting daily devotionals to go along with the new sermon series: Ignite. Be on the lookout next week for something new in your inbox each weekday from familiar writers and some new voices who have joined the team.)...
Keep ReadingThen the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feethe said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace" (Luke 8: 47,48). [The Connect Devotional team prays you'll be encouraged by these devotionals from April 2022.] Jesus is on his way to perform a very important action. Jairus's daughter is sick and dying. Jairus ple...
Keep Reading"I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall andstand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it,but I found no one." (Ezekiel 22: 30) [The CD writers pray you'll be blessed by these June 2021 devotionals.] Ezekiel is a dark chapter in the Bible, and it's a difficult book to work through. But since it's summertime, let's ...
Keep Reading"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."Acts 1:8 (This week's devotionals were originally published in Feb. 2022 in conjunction with the sermon series "Holy Spirit: Power, Presence, Purpose.") The Christian singer and songwriter Matt Maher's beaut...
Keep ReadingThen Joseph said to his brothers, "I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aidand take you up out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob" (Genesis 50: 24). Have you ever gotten so engrossed in a book that you just couldn't put it down? You got caught up in the characters, the action, or the mystery. You couldn't stop turning p...
Keep ReadingThen the man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you havestruggled with God and with humans and have overcome" (Genesis 33: 28). Oh no! Did you hear? Grandma is coming in hot. Your cousin is being a drama llama. And did you check that voicemail from your sister? It's only May but Christmas is already ruined! Maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration...
Keep Reading"If you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise fromanother place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knowsbut that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" (Esther 4: 14). When exploring the vastness of outer space, astronomers often make discoveries by focusing on a force they cannot see directl...
Keep ReadingWhere you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay.Your people will be my people and your God my God (Ruth 1:16). There's an old song whose lyrics go: Should I stay or should I go now? If I go, there will be trouble. And if I stay, it will be double. For those familiar with this earworm and now have it stuck in your head, you're welcome. But for those unfamiliar ...
Keep ReadingThen he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother" (Mark 3: 34-35). My sister is an amazing teacher. She's dedicated to her students' education, but it's a challenging job, and often it gets a little crazy. I recently sent her a little plaque she put on her desk ...
Keep ReadingThe Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father" (Romans 8: 15). As a father, sometimes the family language in the Bible can be a bit tricky for me. Relationships with our families, especially fathers, can often be messy. When Paul bri...
Keep ReadingIn the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is deadI will show you my faith by my deeds (James 2: 17,18). James reminds us that Jesus calls us to love all our neighbors all the time. And there are few better ways to show your love than by putting faith into action. With Chatham Serves right around the corner, I wanted to share a particularly powe...
Keep Reading"You are the light of the worldlet your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 4: 14,16). What do you want to be when you grow up? If you're a young student, I'm guessing you're naming off some profession, like a doctor, fireman, astronaut, or Youtube mega-influencer superstar. Maybe you're in high school...
Keep ReadingBut because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ evenwhen we were dead in transgressionsit is by grace you have been saved (Ephesians 2:4-5). You want it. But you don't always get it. You try to take it. But then you lose it. And just when you think you have it, things get out of it. Control. I want control. I'm one of those p...
Keep ReadingTherefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you.Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you knowthat your labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15: 58). Before diving into this study on 1 Corinthians 15, I felt like I already had a handle on the Good News of Jesus. Jesus died for our sins. He was buried, and three...
Keep ReadingSo will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body (1 Corinthians 15: 42-44). I love using metaphors. Metaphors are amazing springboards for helping us simplify ...
Keep ReadingBut the king will rejoice in God; all who swear by God will glory in him,while the mouths of liars will be silenced (Psalm 62: 11). Spring is just around the corner. If you're like me, you enjoy opening your eyes to see a little more sunlight coming through the windows. The birds are singing. Flowers are blooming. However, facing an otherwise wonderful morning, you remem...
Keep Reading"And the Lord said, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion." (Exodus 33: 19) In this chapter of Exodus, Moses is speaking directly with God. He's walking with God. He's even, on behalf of all God's ...
Keep ReadingAnd she made a vow, saying, "Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head" (1 Samuel 1:11). When we sit down as a family to eat, we always say the same blessing. Dear God, Thank you fo...
Keep ReadingNow, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. (Acts 4:29) When I was younger, I could eat as much of anything I wanted, and get away with it. As I've gotten older, I learned to be more careful about what goes from my plate to my mouth. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for my work/life balance. I've always been hun...
Keep Reading"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."(Matthew 28: 19-20) I'm in sales, and a couple of weeks ago I was working with a retail partner to set up a new display in their store. While building the display one of my co-workers wa...
Keep Reading"But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."" (Luke 7:7-8). Life just got in the way. I've used that phrase a lot. I was excited to get together with friends this week, but life just g...
Keep ReadingJesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach. Mark 3:13-14 I used to live by keeping all the different parts of my life in their separate worlds. I had my work, family, and faith worlds, as well as numerous others. I invented my own univers...
Keep ReadingNow I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church (Colossians 1:24). My neighborhood does a wonderful job decorating for Christmas. And beyond the lights, snowmen, Santas, penguins, and trees, there are a lot of nativity scenes set up. It's beautifu...
Keep ReadingOnce you were alienated from God and were enemies in your mindsbecause of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physicalbody through death to present you holy in his sight (Colossians 1:21-22). Apologizing for something is a very tough thing to do. I'm not talking about the "oops, sorry" when we accidentally collide with someone else's shopping ca...
Keep ReadingFor in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together (Colossians 1: 16-17). Pivot is a word that gets thrown around a lot at work. When we pivot away from something, it m...
Keep ReadingThe Spirit of the Lord will rest on himthe Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. (Isaiah 11: 2-3) I had this problem I've been dealing with for a while. I've kept it to myself, trying to work through it. As I've tried, and failed, the pain cau...
Keep Reading"This is what the Lord says: Do not go up to fight against your brothers, the Israelites.Go home, every one of you, for this is my doing." So they obeyed the word of the Lordand went home again, as the Lord had ordered (1 Kings 12: 24). My wife has a saying for when things start to go poorly. She calls it a "hot mess." And when things get crazy, she describes it as a "hot...
Keep Reading"I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments." (Exodus 20: 5) In an old Mel Brooks movie, the comedian offers his take on history. In one scene, Brooks is playing Moses. The scene en...
Keep ReadingEach of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work (2 Corinthians 9: 7-8) [Editor's Note: As we prepare for Chatham Serves this Sunday, our CD writer...
Keep ReadingNor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need (Acts 4: 34-35). [Editor's note: This week, as part of our Inner Strength series, we're exploring generously hearted,the fourth of o...
Keep ReadingWe are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5: 21). Martinus Evans started running after his doctor told him he needed to lose weight or face serious health consequences. He started running, but nearly quit after a spectator at a race yelled that he was too f...
Keep ReadingSo if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ,who was I to think that I could stand in God's way? (Acts 11:17) In this chapter of Acts, Peter is returning to Jerusalem after the Holy Spirit has directed him to visit a group of Gentiles. Peter is confronted by a group of Jewish Christians who are challenging his decision to spend time w...
Keep Reading"My son," the father said, "you are always with me, and everything I have is yours" (Luke 15: 31). For those of us who run, fall is often known as "Racing Season". Or, for the more ambitious, "Marathon Season". Preparing for fall races starts in the summer. Runners trade a little extra sleep for early morning long runs or prioritize the evening workout at night, instead o...
Keep ReadingHe offered them money and said, "Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit" (Acts 8:19). Clickbait. Hopefully most of us know what that is. It's those little messages, pictures, or stories that pop up, promising some amazing story or miraculous tip. Just click here and all will be revealed. Clickbait seems like a problem...
Keep Reading"Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked. (Acts 8:30) A couple months ago, I was involved in a conversation about birthdays with a few people much younger than myself. All of them were under 20 years old. When I told them I was born in 1979, one of them exclaimed, "Wow! You were born in the 1900's?" Nothing makes a guy feel old like being told he's from the...
Keep ReadingHe has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind,to set at liberty those who are oppressed (Luke 4: 18). The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a collection of movies and television shows that follow groups of superheroes as they face all sorts of potential world-ending or universe-destroying cataclysms. These heroes are gifted with amazin...
Keep ReadingZechariah asked the angel, "How can I be sure of this?" (Luke 1: 18) Have you ever been in a conversation with someone and realized the other person wasn't so much listening to you as waiting for their turn to speak? When I first read through this passage, I felt bad for Zechariah. He had just received some incredible news from an angel, and then seconds later he is stru...
Keep Reading"Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the peoplea Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2: 10-11)" Sometimes I like to think "what if?" when reading passages from the Bible. Imagine this: The heavenly host has given great tidings of joy to the shepherds outside Bethlehem. Amazed by the news, the shepherds dec...
Keep ReadingThe rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness to guide our feet into the path of peace (Luke 1: 78-79). The red and green colors of Christmas often feel like they share more in common with traffic lights. Red means wait. I'm waiting for my vacation to start. I'm waiting for the Christmas parade. Maybe I'm even waiting for a Christmas mira...
Keep Reading"When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him." (Matthew 2: 10-11) Every Christmas, we celebrate the joy of Jesus. But at the first Christmas, King Herod stepped in to steal that joy. Like the magi, we might be challenged by a Herod this season. A Herod can be anything w...
Keep Reading"Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah." (Matthew 1: 17) 'Tis the season! Holiday catalogs and advertisements bombard us daily. Awesomely decorated houses, amazing holiday cookies, and the perfect present dominate my mail, television, email, and web browser...
Keep Reading"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" (Romans 10: 15) I believe running makes the world a better place. In a world where the siren song of technology is demanding that we spend more time sitting with our phones, in front of computers, or checking our online status, championing the outdoors is hard. Suggesting that going outside, getting sweaty, and st...
Keep ReadingSee, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame (1 Peter 2:6). In ancient times, cornerstones were critical to correctly orienting a structure. Today we have all the tools and technologies needed to build structure without the need for cornerstones. If a modern building has a cornerstone, it's purely ...
Keep ReadingWho, being in the very nature Godby taking the very nature of a servantAnd being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself (Philippians 2: 6-8). Our culture loves a good "win/win" scenario. You get what you want, and I get something I want. To get someone to do something, you must give them something. It's the contract our culture expects. On the surface this sound...
Keep Reading"Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." (Romans 16-17). The severe weather this season reminded me how important having electricity is for my daily life. When I get up in the morning, I'm dependent on the light of my lamp. I need hot water for ...
Keep Reading"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows" (Galatians 6:7). Sometimes my best insights into Jesus come from my kids. As they've gotten older, my wife and I have been giving them more responsibility around the house. Otherwise known as "chores". We try to impart not just the value of hard work, but the feeling of accomplishment and ownership that...
Keep ReadingAgain, Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" (John 21: 16). Peter is an ordinary man brought into an extraordinary situation with Jesus. What connects me more deeply to Peter is how bumpy his journey with Jesus can be. When he meets Jesus, he literally drops everything to follow him. Ultimately, on the night Jesus was betrayed, Peter denies Jesus three times. A...
Keep Reading"All these people gave their gifts out of wealth, but she out of her povertyput in all she had to live on" (Luke 21:4). My time on this earth is a precious gift to me. But I often feel like I never have enough time. There's so much I want to do if I could only find the time. Time feels like the one thing that's always in the shortest supply. If I could have more of anythi...
Keep ReadingSee, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills. Exodus 31: 2-3 I don't consider myself a creative person. I'll confess that when preparing to write, I Googled "creativity". But when I read this passage about God gifting ...
Keep Reading"So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill." Exodus 17:10 The story of how the Israelites overcame the Amalekites is not just about remembering the power of God. It demonstrates how we can all soar and succeed when we're united in our actions alongside God. After reading the passage, I thought deeply about ...
Keep ReadingElijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops (James 5: 17-18). I went to Catholic schools from elementary through high school. I heard the phrase, "Let us pray" a lot. In elementary school, we pra...
Keep Reading"Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go." James 2: 8-9 When James uses the metaphor of a ship at sea being steered by a small rudder, it immediately resonates with me. At work I recently gave a mentee advice using the metaphor of a navigator steering a s...
Keep ReadingIf you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers (James 2: 8-9). Chatham Serves is coming up in June. It's an awesome day where we get to go out and perform service projects as part of our mission to engage with our local community. I...
Keep Reading"You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did." (James 2:22) Please take a moment and read this week's entire passage! I'll admit I'm still somewhat new to studying the Bible more deeply as part of my faith journey. Had you asked me a few weeks ago about the book of James, I'm sure I would've asked, "which J...
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 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 ReadingAs she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears.Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them (Luke 7: 38). Here's a link to the entire passage! When I think about Jesus, I tend to focus on how he's always serving other people. I model my own service after him. I enjoy volunteering and serving others, but ...
Keep Reading"When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, "We want to hear you again on this subject." At that, Paul left the Council. Some of the people became followers of Paul and believed." Acts 17: 32-34 Here's a link to the entire passage! There's so much going on in our world today, and hot topics range from war to immigration, id...
Keep ReadingThen the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came tremblingand fell at his feethe said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace" (Luke 8: 47,48). Jesus is on his way to perform a very important action. Jairus's daughter is sick and dying. Jairus pleads with Jesus to help him, and Jesus agrees. But on the way he encounters another woman who need...
Keep Reading"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him" (Luke 10: 36-37). Have you ever read, seen, or heard something you think you've heard a thousand times before and just realized you missed something important? I've read the parable of the Good Samaritan dozens of ...
Keep ReadingEditor's Note: this week, a very different set of Connect Devotionals because this week is unlike all others. Each writer this week will invite you to explore a different passage: the "cleansing of the Temple" (Monday), the argument about paying taxes to Caesar (Tuesday), the "great commandment" (Wednesday), the Last Supper and Gethsemane (Thursday), and the culmination of...
Keep ReadingYou are my God, and I will praise you; you are my God, and I will exalt you.Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever (Psalm 118: 26-27). I've had my share of ups and downs when it comes to my faith journey. A couple decades ago I thought my relationship with Jesus was in a good spot. But then I had a rough day while visiting a friend in Atlanta. I...
Keep Reading"There was never anyone like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the LordHe behaved in the vilest manner" 1 Kings 21: 26, 27 There's one detail in the story of Ahab and Naboth that I just can't get out of my mind. Ahab said to Naboth, "Let me have your vineyard to use for a vegetable garden since it is close to my palace." A story filled with so much sin bega...
Keep ReadingAfter the time of mourning was over, David had her brought to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing David had done displeased the Lord (2 Samuel 11: 27). In his goofy science-fiction book, "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy", author Douglas Adams talks about learning to fly. You simply throw yourself at the ground and miss. It's just that...
Keep Reading*Join in CCC's Season of Prayer! CLICK HERE for the prayer guide.* "Then they said, 'Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a towerthat reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves;otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth'" (Genesis 11: 4). I'm very career-focused, sometimes to a fault. I don't want to just be good at my job,...
Keep Reading*Join in CCC's Season of Prayer! CLICK HERE for the prayer guide.* "God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear." Acts 2: 33-34 As I traveled this week, I passed an advertisement in the airport that challenged me t...
Keep Reading"For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds;and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened" (Luke 11:10). When my wife and I took our three young children on their first airplane flight, we fretted over the trip. We packed extra bags with candy, snacks, pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, books, video games, and movies. Our goal was to anticipate every ne...
Keep Reading"We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood." 1 John 4: 6 Last year I was traveling with a work colleague. We were sitting together in an airport lounge while waiting for our separate flights home. We shared a table, and had our laptops ou...
Keep ReadingBut when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you (John 16:12-14). Been watching any Winter Olympics lately? If writing devotionals was an Olympic sport, I wouldn't make the team. If ...
Keep Reading"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8) The Christian singer and songwriter Matt Maher's beautiful song about love is on my running workout mix. It always gets me fired up, especially the beginning: It don't have a job, don't pay your ...
Keep ReadingBuild houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce (Jeremiah 29: 4-7). One of my favorite pastimes is playing Minecraft with my three kids. Minecraft is a video game where players adventure in a very blocky, low-resolution world with the freedom to build, create, and interact with anything in the world. The game is mostly peaceful and cooperative. But w...
Keep Reading"Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them" (John 13:16-17). There once was a Church that met in a very old building. One year, heavy rains damaged part of the building, and temporary hoses were installed outside to help properly man...
Keep ReadingI do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law,Christ died for nothing! (Galatians 2:21) I'm a runner. These days I run recreationally because I just love to run. But I used to be very competitive. Looking back on those years, I reflect on what motivated me to compete: the pressure from my coach to win races and championships; th...
Keep ReadingI will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lipsGlorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together (Psalm 34: 1,3). Years ago, I would go to church not to worship God, but because someone else wanted me to be there. I would go to a very nice building and congregate with some very nice people. But I was always in the back row. I would stand up...
Keep ReadingHis mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you" (John 2:5). I love a good Hollywood blockbuster. The kind of movie that's heavy on the action, and light on the acting. A movie where the special effects and explosions take center stage. I especially enjoy when the camera zooms in for close-up of the heroes and they utter a witty one-liner as they face certain d...
Keep ReadingThe true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through himHe came to that which was his own (John 1: 9-11). John opens his Gospel by talking about the true light of the world. This true light is Jesus, and he's coming into the world he created for us. He's not a visitor, coming only temporarily for...
Keep Reading"I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God...Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people" (Revelations 21:2-3). A few weeks ago, my youngest son was playing with his construction toys and built a flying tank. His older brothers made fun of him, insisting that flying tanks are impossible. Being the good father that I am, I intervened...
Keep ReadingIf you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have keptmy Father's commands and remain in his love. II have told you this so thatmy joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete (John 15 1-11). One of my wife's favorite Christmas movies is "Love Actually". In the opening monologue, the Prime Minister of England, played by Hugh Grant, speaks about ho...
Keep ReadingBirds of every kind will nest in it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches (Ezekiel 17:23).[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 ...
Keep ReadingHis love endures foreverHis love endures foreverHis love endures forever Psalm 136 This is the time of year when my company asks its employees to reflect on our performance. One popular acronym that gets throw around a lot is KPI: Key Performance Indicator. Business has its ups and downs, but if the KPI's we're measuring are going in the right direction, typically up and ...
Keep Reading"Now if we are children, then we are heirsheirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." Romans 8:16-17 In college, I had a running joke with friends about the Olive Garden. "When you're here, you're familybut if we catch you eating next door at Red Lobster, you're dead to us." When you go to the ...
Keep ReadingSimon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God" (John 6 68-69). If social media had been around in the time of Jesus, do you think Jesus would want you to friend Him on Facebook? Would he ask you to subscribe to His YouTube channel, or like His post on Instagram?...
Keep Reading"Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirstyAll those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away." John 6: 35,37 While out on my runs, I've been listening to a 90's music mix a lot. One song reminds me about this crowd in chapter 6 of John. The crowd likes big "buts." Jesus continues ...
Keep Reading"Jesus answered, 'Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.'" John 6: 26 I'll confess, I may have missed out on an amazing dealto extend the warranty on my car. The twenty-seven voicemails I received over the course of a few months made it clear that this was my last chance an...
Keep Reading"But He said to them, 'It is I; don't be afraid.' Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading." John 6: 20-21 There is a lot of disruption in the world today. We are all being impacted by the global supply chain crisis. Whether it's the company you work for, or one you depend on for your favorite thi...
Keep ReadingJesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seatedas much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish (John 6: 11). A couple years ago, when we got enough snow in North Carolina to build a snowman, I really impressed my kids. They were busy trying to pack and stack snow as I started rolling a small snowball in my hands. Then I started roll...
Keep Reading"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28: 20). We've spent the last few weeks talking about some of the great heroes of the Bible. Esther, Josiah, Gideon, and many others all had their "Let's Go!" moment when God calls them to take great actions to help God's people. They did great things, lived great lives, and their stories came to aweso...
Keep ReadingThe midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypthad told them to do; they let the boys live (Exodus 1: 17). It seems that so much of our culture is fear-based these days. Bad news is all around us. If you read the headlines on your phone or newspaper, you'll find that we're just steps away from catastrophe: Another existential threat is looming! And...
Keep ReadingHe saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. (Luke 5: 2-3) "It was luck. I was just the right person in the right place at the right time!" I'm sure we've all heard people say that when asked about a success in their li...
Keep Reading"Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I have spokenI will gather you to your ancestors and you will be buried in peace" (2 Kings 22:19, 20). A few years ago, going to church was a challenge for me. I told myself it wasn't a faith thing. I had lots of excuses. It was a long drive. I had to get up too early. I was ti...
Keep ReadingThen the Spirit of the Lord came on Gideon, and he blew a trumpet,summoning the Abiezrites to follow him (Judges 6: 34-35). When we look at all the amazing heroes God has inspired in the Bible, it's easy to stop with admiration. I challenge you to look deeper. God isn't just inspiring heroes, he's inspiring movements. And in all those movements, everyone plays a role. Whe...
Keep Reading"For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another placewho knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14 Recently, I was talking to a friend about all the great things we would do if we won the lottery. With all that money and influence, what blessings we could bring to the commu...
Keep Reading"If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lameand are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel:It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth." (Acts 4: 8-10) On any given weekend, I do things connected to our Church. My family joins others for a small group Bible study on Friday. I might ...
Keep ReadingWhenever the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entranceto the tent, they all stood and worshiped, each at the entrance to their tent.The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend (Exodus 33: 10-11). How are you doing? Let's catch up! Do you want to grab a cup of coffee? Mind if I join you? Can we go for a walk? We should grab lunch! He...
Keep Reading"I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one." Ezekiel 22: 30 Ezekiel is a dark chapter in the Bible and is difficult to work through, but since it is summertime let us start with Jimmy Buffett. Please indulge me. In one of his biggest hits Jimmy Buff...
Keep ReadingWhen my life was ebbing away, I remembered you Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy templeBut I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, "Salvation comes from the Lord!" (Jonah 2: 7, 9) I do not know a lot about marine biology. My education comes from either watching Shark Week or Hollywood movies. Wh...
Keep ReadingSeven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws. Great peace have those who love your laws, and nothing can make them stumble. I wait for your salvation, Lord, and I follow your commands. Psalm 119: 164-166 I have a confession to share. When I first read through these verses, I thought to myself, "Seven times a day? Ain't nobody got time for that!". While contempla...
Keep ReadingThen Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry (Matthew 4: 1-2). When I was recently at a cookout, my eldest son, Liam, kept coming up to me. "When is dinner going to be ready?" Then, "I'm hungry!". And finally, "I'm starving!" Luckily for him, it only took me a few minutes to...
Keep Reading