Joshua 4:1-13Listen to today's devotionalGod doesn't need our perfection to be God. And we know the Lord's goodness and holiness don't stand on our merit or our righteous abilities. Who God is and what God does is enough.We're used to thinking our testimonies have to recount earth-shattering, life-changing experiences. It's doesn't feel right to celebrate the small moments of peace or revelation. While there are times we move mountains with God's help,...

 Joshua 4:1-13The man showed me the picture of Earth he had carried for decades. I had seen the picture in history books and online. But this was his picture. He had been part of the space mission that first provided this image. After its success, this was a keepsake given to crew members and others involved. So, this wasn't just a picture of a historical event. This was his cherished reminder of what that day was to him. And with the picture came the...

Numbers 13:17-27It's the classic good news, bad news scenario. The spies have spent 40 days surveying the promised land. They've seen what this place of promise is, what it offers and who lives there. Interestingly, their report doesn't seem to include anything we wouldn't have already known. The good news is "look at this fruit!" The bad news is "the people!"I'm not quite sure who initiated their exploratory mission. Numbers 13 says "the Lord spoke to Moses"...

 Psalm 39I used to joke that I became a preacher because the church was the only place that said my big mouth was a spiritual gift. But one doesn't need to be loud or boisterous to put one's foot in their mouth, do they?We all run that risk.So, maybe, you can relate to the psalmist as he opens Psalm 39. He shares with us what he, presumably, told himself, "I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue" (39:1). Now, I can only base my reading...

 Romans 2:1-11From time to time, I preach a good enough sermon that someone has a wish. Their wish is that so-and-so would have been there to hear it. That's a relative or friend they know. And the reason is always the same. They really should've been there because they really needed to hear it.Now, how many of us don't need to hear gospel-focused reminders? I like to remind my wish makers that so-and-so wasn't there. They didn't hear it. You did. And...

Listen on SpotifyWatch on YouTube  Monday: Turning Off the NoiseScripture Reading: Philippians 4:8-9Devotional: Begin your week by reflecting on the pervasive influence of news and media in our lives. How often do you find yourself consumed by the news cycle, seeking to validate your pre-existing beliefs rather than seeking truth? Today, challenge yourself to discern between entertainment-focused news that stirs division and news that genuinely...

 Daniel 12:1-4Do you feel the world is broken? If someone sang that in worship, your next response would probably be: We do. That's the opening line to Andrew Peterson's "Is He Worthy?"In that song, not only do worshippers acknowledge the brokenness of the world, we admit the shadows deepen around us as well. Why would that be a song of praise? Because it leads to a confident assurance that Christ is worthy. But it begins with the unquestionable distress...

 Psalm 63:1-8A good comic doesn't need sophistication to make us think. One stand up comic's set comes to mind to demonstrate this. Speaking of us in the U.S., he painted a picture of a thriving society. His proof of our triumphant posture was waterparks.After building momentum with several water-themed jokes, he finished off by saying, "That's how you know we've made it. Other people in the world can't find water to drink and we're over here playing...

 Luke 13:22-31I reflect often on a drawing called The Narrow Way. It's of a person maneuvering herself from a cross-shaped pit. As you view the picture, you can tell this is no easy task. The soul's will must contort the body to escape the angles of the cross. I haven't seen the picture in quite a while, but it's as vivid in my mind as it was the first time I saw it. It's a reminder to me of the challenge to walk faithfully a cruciform life.In Luke's...

 1 Corinthians 10:1-13Being that Ecclesiastes is one of my favorite books of the Bible, I regularly call to mind that "there's nothing new under the sun." Yes, there are circumstances happening to us and all around us that couldn't have happened before. Quite often, though, only the details have changed. What we're facing, what's at stake and what we should do follows a pattern the world has seen from us before. Mark Twain said it differently from the...

 Listen on SpotifyWatch on  YouTubeWhen we align ourselves with God's rhythm, we resist evil, embrace love, and find that God is already waiting for us with open arms. Monday: Recognizing Life’s RhythmsScripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8Devotional:The rhythms of life are evident all around us, from the changing seasons to the daily patterns of work and rest. In the same way, our spiritual lives follow rhythms that God has set in place. Recognizing...

 Exodus 33:1-6Listen to today's devotionalFor about a week now, I have been, literally, stiff-necked. Several projects have required my attention be set on a computer screen a bit more than usual. My eyes are typically the first to signal it's time for me to get up from the desk. This time, it's been my neck.That is, of course, a physical affliction. But it's easy to make a few spiritual connections.As a reminder, in Exodus 33, the Lord told the Israelites...

 Genesis 14:17-24Recession fears are widespread in our nation right now. As a result, many of us are thinking about our financial future. As things would be, my social media algorithm sent related several videos my way today. They included tips on how to take care of your money during hard economic times.Most of the advice was pretty straightforward: Don't eat out as much. Cancel some of your subscriptions. Start a side hustle or get a second job. Stop...

 Philippians 3:7-11As I stood in line to receive communion, I saw the little one three steps ahead of me. The pastor had offered the cup as "the blood of the Lord, poured out for you" for every person who came forward. When the young saint approached him, he changed his script. It was something like, "Remember that Jesus always loves you."I've done that before. The blood of the Lord line can sound scary or off-putting to youngsters. Don't think so? Our...

 Luke 21:34-22:6What would make Judas betray Jesus? If you're reading from Luke, you might rely on the old "the devil made me do it" defense. Luke says plainly, "Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve" (22:3). Judas walked with Jesus and had seen him do many great things. I imagine the Lord's teaching astounded him on more than one occasion. Even so, Judas' proximity to Jesus wasn't enough. Besides Luke's rationale (and...

 Zechariah 3:1-10In today's reading, the courtroom has become the laundry room as it becomes the sanctuary. The prophet Zechariah sees a vision of the high priest Joshua standing before God. Think of God as judge and Joshua as defendant. To the priest's right is the accuser, the prosecutor, so to speak. The accuser has a case against Joshua. Taking this vision to stand for the people of Israel, the accuser has a case against the people.They are dirty....

 Psalm 17:1-15We sat across from a young girl at a church luncheon recently. She told me how good the food was and, in a quieter tone, what she didn't like as much. Without missing a beat, she started talking about her dad. "My dad's the best chef." I'm not sure if she said he was the best in the world, but it wouldn't have surprised me. He is, at least, the best where he works. And not by a little. His is the best food. He works the most. The company...

 Listen on SpotifyWatch on YouTube **Monday: The Wrong Train****Reflection:**  Consider the proverb mentioned: "If you get in a train and realize you're in a wrong train, get off at the nearest station." Reflect on areas in your life where you may be on the "wrong train." Are there paths you're pursuing that lead you away from God’s purpose?**Scripture:** Proverbs 14:12 - "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death."**Questions:**1....