II THESSALONIANS 1:6-7: “Certainly, it is right for God to give suffering to those who cause you to suffer. It is also right for God to give all of us relief from our suffering. He will do this when the … Continue reading →

ISAIAH 1:16-20: “Wash yourselves! Become clean! Get your evil deeds out of my sight. Stop doing evil. Learn to do good. Seek justice. Arrest oppressors. Defend orphans. Plead the case of widows.” “Come on now, let’s discuss this!” says the … Continue reading →

I THESSALONIANS 2:17-18: “Brothers and sisters, we have been separated from you for a little while. Although we may not be able to see you, you’re always in our thoughts. We have made every possible effort to fulfill our desire … Continue reading →

I THESSALONIANS 1:2-3: “We always thank God for all of you as we remember you in our prayers. In the presence of our God and Father, we never forget that your faith is active, your love is working hard, and … Continue reading →

COLOSSIANS 3:1-2: “Since you were brought back to life with Christ, focus on the things that are above—where Christ holds the highest position. Keep your mind on things above, not on worldly things.” (GW)‭‭ OBSERVATION: What is the first thing … Continue reading →

COLOSSIANS 1:19-20: “God was pleased to have all of himself live in Christ. God was also pleased to bring everything on earth and in heaven back to himself through Christ. He did this by making peace through Christ’s blood sacrificed … Continue reading →

PHILIPPIANS 2:14-16: “Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding … Continue reading →

ECCLESIASTES 5:18-20: “At last I have seen what is good and beautiful: It is to eat and drink and to enjoy the good in all our hard work under the sun during the brief lives God gives us. That is … Continue reading →

I CHRONICLES 22:1: “Then David said, “This is where the LORD God’s temple will be. Israel’s altar for burnt offerings will also be here.” (GW) OBSERVATION: Can the Lord really redeem my past mistakes? This is a question that confronts … Continue reading →

EPHESIANS 4:1: “I, a prisoner in the Lord, encourage you to live the kind of life which proves that God has called you.” (GW)‭‭ OBSERVATION: Is my life on course? What is the kind of life which proves that God … Continue reading →

PROVERBS 27:5-6: “Open criticism is better than unexpressed love. Wounds made by a friend are intended to help, but an enemy’s kisses are too much to bear.” (GW)‭‭ OBSERVATION: Do you have a friend in your life that is completely … Continue reading →

GALATIANS 2:19-21: “When I tried to obey the laws in the Scriptures, those laws killed me. As a result, I live in a relationship with God. I have been crucified with Christ. I no longer live, but Christ lives in … Continue reading →

II CORINTHIANS 13:5-6: “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. But I trust that you will know that we are … Continue reading →

II KINGS 17:40-41: “The people of Israel had refused to listen and made up their own rules, as they had done from the beginning. These ⌊other⌋ nations worshiped the LORD but also served their own idols. So did their … Continue reading →

II CORINTHIANS 9:9-11: “Scripture says, “The righteous person gives freely to the poor. His righteousness continues forever.” God gives seed to the farmer and food to those who need to eat. God will also give you seed and multiply it. … Continue reading →

PROVERBS 17:3: “The crucible is for refining silver and the smelter for gold, but the one who purifies hearts ⌊by fire⌋ is the LORD.” (GW)‭‭ OBSERVATION: Do you remember “Smokey the Bear”? As a child I grew up with the … Continue reading →

II CORINTHIANS 5:9-10: “Whether we live in the body or move out of it, our goal is to be pleasing to him. All of us must appear in front of Christ’s judgment seat. Then all people will receive what they … Continue reading →

II CORINTHIANS 4:8-12: “In every way we’re troubled, but we aren’t crushed by our troubles. We’re frustrated, but we don’t give up. We’re persecuted, but we’re not abandoned. We’re captured, but we’re not killed. We always carry around the death … Continue reading →

II CORINTHIANS 2:10-11: “If you forgive someone, so do I. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did in the presence of Christ for your benefit. I don’t want Satan to outwit us. After all, we … Continue reading →

I CORINTHIANS 16:13-14: “Be alert. Be firm in the Christian faith. Be courageous and strong. Do everything with love.” (GW)‭ OBSERVATION: What advice would Paul give to believers living in the 21st Century world? Would it be any different than … Continue reading →