Acts 16:13–15 On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the...
1 day ago • 1 min read
2 Kings 5:1–3 Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the Lord had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy. Now bands of raiders from Aram had gone out and had taken captive a young girl from Israel, and she served Naaman’s wife. She said to her mistress, “If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.” Read the context...
2 days ago • 1 min read
Luke 6:20–23 “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied.Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets. Read the context Flying at 30,000ft, you have a...
3 days ago • 1 min read
Rev. 21:3–4 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Read the context This world is broken. You see it in disasters, destruction, and terror. You see it in yourself — in mourning,...
4 days ago • 1 min read
Heb. 11:37–40 They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— the world was not worthy of them. These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. Read the context How bad could life get? For many believers, about as bad as it...
5 days ago • 1 min read
Psalm 149:4–5 The Lord takes delight in his people; — he crowns the humble with victory. Let his faithful people rejoice in this honor — and sing for joy on their beds. Read the context Your boss gives you props in a meeting... Your afternoon is made. Your friend brags about your kindness... You sheepishly smile. As a believer, you are the very delight of your God. Your life brings him joy. It's more than just a compliment — it's an honor that changes your life. It's honor that's more...
6 days ago • 1 min read
Revelation 7:9–10 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” Read the context What's the largest crowd you've been a part of: A sold out concert? A packed stadium? The...
7 days ago • 1 min read
Romans 3:21–24 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Read the context The differences between any two people are stark — quirks, appearances,...
8 days ago • 1 min read
Hebrews 12:1–2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Read the context It's easier to run when other people are running with you. The...
9 days ago • 1 min read