Hebrews 4:12-16 We have heard a great deal in the past few years about booster injections. We are advised to get the latest booster shot to ease our symptoms should we catch a virus. I see Hebrews 4 as a “hope booster” for all who trust in God. Who couldn’t use more hope? As Christians […]

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Acts 12:1-19 As a senior member of a public safety chaplaincy program I conducted orientation for new chaplains. I led one group through the police station. The jail was empty that day, so I fetched the key. As I opened the door a face peeked around a corner behind me. The officer announced to a […]

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Matthew 7:24-29 Jesus’ parable contrasts two builders and two foundations: wise and foolish, rock and sand. Sand, with its fine grains, is easily shifted by flowing water. Making it an unsure foundation. Solid rock (petra: “ledge,” or “bedrock’) makes a sure foundation. The same word appears later when Jesus tells Simon, “And I tell you […]

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2 Chronicles 20:18-26 The Lord’s victory over invaders coming against Judah, in 2 Chronicles 20, is sometimes mislabeled “The Power of Praise.” As if the people of Judah by the power of their praise, led by a choir of Levitical singers, defeated the mighty coalition invading their land. Judah’s worship was, instead, a response to […]

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2 Chronicles 20:10-17 Paul reminded the church in Corinth, “God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong” (1 Corinthians 1:27). The nation of Judah was small. It was surrounded by larger and more powerful nations. Judah contained fine grazing and farmland, vineyards, date palm, olive and fig groves. Other nations coveted […]

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2 Chronicles 20:1-9 Our first response to an approaching threat reveals a great deal about our character. King Asa “called to the Lord his God” and God gave him victory over the Cushites (14:11-12). Late in his reign, when threatened by Baasha, king of Israel, King Asa took the gold from the Lord’s temple and […]

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Proverbs 11:23-31 Ever been at the end of your rope? You have no idea what should happen next, let alone what would rectify your current situation. Proverbs offers a suggestion that might just be helpful. It reminds us that it’s satisfying to give and that it’s okay to enjoy doing good unto others. Sometimes, the […]

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Philippians 3:15-21 There’s an app my workplace uses to help track various aspects of a child’s day. I was recently on the website and saw the words, “connected and in control.” I don’t know exactly what this ironic phrase meant, but it made me laugh. With 13 three-year-old children, I don’t always feel like I’m […]

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2 Corinthians 3:7-18 Someone somewhere needs to slowly say the following words out loud, over and over: “This too shall pass.” It might be you, someone you know, or someone you have yet to encounter. That person needs to be given the gift of hope that is contained in those four, simple words: “This too […]

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Acts 15:36-41, 2 Timothy 4:8-11 Have you ever been in the middle of a task and realized those who started the job with you were no longer with you? Suddenly, you’re doing the entirety of the project all alone. I think we’ve all been there, especially those of us with children. I think that’s where […]

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