Read Matthew 1:18-25 THOUGHT FOR TODAY, December 3, 2019 “Swift to Hear, Slow to Speak, Slow to Wrath” During the season of Advent there are many lessons to learn about living justly before God. As we prepare for the next coming of Christ we might do well to look back at the first time he came as Emmanuel; look back and learn. Joseph was truly the man in Mary’s shadow….Keep Reading

1 Corinthians 15-16 THOUGHT FOR TODAY, DECEMBER 3, 2019 “THE GOSPEL IN WHICH WE STAND” Paul wanted to remind the church at Corinth of the gospel which he preached, which they received, in which they stood, and by which they were being saved. If they failed to hold fast to the truth, he declared that they had believed in vain (15:1-2). The gospel he preached was Christ died for our…Keep Reading

Psalm 8:3-4 DEVOTION FOR TODAY, December 2, 2019 “When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers— the moon and the stars you set in place— what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them” John Jacob Niles wrote the following words in his biography: “A girl had stepped out to the edge of the little…Keep Reading

1 Corinthians 9-11 THOUGHT FOR TODAY, DECEMBER 1, 2019 “PARTISAN POLITICS IN THE CHURCH” Paul told the church at Corinth that their assembling made them worse, not better (1 Corinthians 11:17, 34). The Lord’s Supper was the occasion of his rebuke, but the specifics of their error are corrected for us when Paul separated the Lord’s Supper from a common meal in which some stuffed themselves and others drank to…Keep Reading

1 Corinthians 12-14 THOUGHT FOR TODAY, DECEMBER 2, 2019 “THE ULTIMATE SOLUTION” Immediately following opening remarks of the Corinthian epistle, Paul goes on the offensive against problems that were threatening to destroy this fledgling congregation. For 12 chapters he reproves, rebukes, and exhorts them. In chapter 13 Paul gives the ultimate solution to all their church problems and to all of ours. There is no issue that cannot be settled…Keep Reading

Isaiah 55 THOUGHT FOR TODAY, November 30, 2019 “Guests” “Well Granny change your apron and Willie shine your shoes Sally put your new dress on we got no time to lose I’ll go find a welcome mat and spread it out with cheer I don’t know yet just who they are can’t pick ’em out from here But we got company comin’ up the road” Let’s be honest, anticipations of…Keep Reading

1 Corinthians 5-8 THOUGHT FOR TODAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2019 “SINNING AGAINST CHRIST” Paul declared that because an idol has no real existence, eating meat that had been offered to an idol was not in itself a sin. He then says, “However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. Food will…Keep Reading

Isaiah 43:1 THOUGHT FOR TODAY, November 29, 2019 “Called by Name” Aunt Clare often gave names to her farm animals. I think of her when I read the creation story. “And whatever Adam called each living creature that was its name.” A created thing was not considered complete until it had a name. When Jesus was born the angel instructed Joseph to call him Jesus. The name means Savior; “For…Keep Reading

1 Corinthians 1-4 THOUGHT FOR TODAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019 “LET THERE BE NO DIVISIONS” The introduction to Paul’s first epistle to Corinth frames the picture we see when we study the epistle: “The city of Corinth was at the heart of an important trade route in the ancient world. Like many cities that thrive on trade, Corinth had a reputation for sexual immorality, religious diversity, and corruption. The church that…Keep Reading

EPHESIANS 5:19-20 THOUGHT FOR TODAY, November 28, 2019 “Why” Sometimes I get asked the “Why” question. It can be the most difficult of all to answer. When I was a young pastor I thought that I was expected to answer it. It didn’t take long to realize that most of those questions were unanswerable. Sharing my struggle with an older pastor friend; he gave me the advice that set me…Keep Reading

Acts 18-19 THOUGHT FOR TODAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019 “WE GIVE THANKS” Many are traveling and all are busy on this Thanksgiving Day, so I will forgo the longer message, but urge you to, at some point, read the account of Paul’s successes and challenges as recorded by Luke in the two chapters. Our Thanksgiving Day thought is found in yesterday’s reading: “We give thanks to God always for all of…Keep Reading

Matthew 5:8 DEVOTION FOR TODAY, November 27, 2019 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” In 1976 I became friends with a young man who had survived a terrible accident. It left him with slowness of motor and mental skills, but his faith was quick and strong. His initials were T.G. and he proudly wore a pin that said, “Try God.” If anyone asked his name,…Keep Reading