So the Lord sent Nathan the prophet to tell David this story: “There were two men in a certain town. One was rich, and one was poor. The rich man owned a great many sheep and cattle. The poor man owned nothing but one little lamb he had bought. He raised that little lamb, and it grew up… Read More
Our sins affect generations
A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous. Proverbs 13:22, NLT Whatever we do leaves a deposit that will affect our children—for good or ill. Next time temptation hits, say out loud, “Whatever I do will impact my children and their children and their… Read More
Ephesians 3:7-8 What’s your excuse?
What’s stopping you from doing God’s mission for you? When I read through Paul’s list of excuses, I was surprised at the similarity to mine. I had always thought of Paul as an extremely confident, know-it-all kind of guy, and here I was reading a list of his anxieties about himself–lots of excuses giving his… Read More
Ephesians 3:4-6 Come on in, ya’all!
The original non-discrimination clause. Ephesians 3:4-6 (New Living Translation) As I briefly wrote earlier, God himself revealed his mysterious plan to me. As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ. God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has… Read More
Ephesians 2:18-22 Together, we are His house
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ His only begotten Son. Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into Hell and on the third He rose again and ascended… Read More
We need to feel loved
The need to feel loved is a primary human emotional need. To get it, we’ll climb mountains, ford streams, sail across seas, traverse deserts, and endure incredible hardships. Without it, we tire out in the foothills, hate to get our feet wet, get seasick, make it only as far as the first oasis, and bail… Read More
Ephesians 2:14-18 A fresh start
Equal access. One family. No more insiders and outsiders. Only through our Savior Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit in us. One world-wide community. Ephesians 2:14-18(New Living Translation) For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross,… Read More
