Not the Light but the Lamp
Read: John 5:30-36 John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light. (v. 35 NIV) In today’s passage, John the Baptist is described as “a burning and shining lamp.” He gave off light, but he was not the primary source of the light. We read […]
What a Year It Has Been!
Read: Isaiah 11:1-9 The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. (v. 9) The year 2020 has been an incredible year. The COVID-19 pandemic altered our lives, and we have been gripped with anxiety, fear, grief, and several deep losses. I wish we could start the […]
An Invitation to Turn
Read: Matthew 3:1-12 Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand . . . Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. (vv. 2, 8) Last Tuesday we reflected on “Living while Waiting,” prompted by Paul’s letter to a church harried over the second coming of the Messiah. Now, here we are again, though with an […]
A Sacrifice of Thanksgiving
Read: Psalm 50 You thought that I was one like yourself. But now I rebuke you and lay the charge before you. (v. 21) This psalm presents a scathing critique of the wicked, naming “classic” sins like thievery, adultery, and slander. When the Bible presents lists like this, I tend to feel a little self-righteous. […]
Women Ending FGM
Keren sees the programs as a great way to teach listeners about Christianity, but also about business, health, and family issues. One of the biggest concerns in these remote villages is Female Genital Mutilation, or FGM.
Light in Uncertain Times
Read: Isaiah 9:2-7 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light . . . (v. 2) The devotional you are reading today was written months ago, during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a time of fear and anxiety, and my concerns about my family’s health and well-being are very […]
Advent Longings
Read: Psalm 122 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.” For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.” For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I […]
Increasing and Decreasing
Read: John 3:22-30 He must increase, but I must decrease. (v. 30) There was an old-time baseball manager who once said of his team, “I managed good but boy did they play bad.” That’s the opposite of how leadership should be measured. What matters is not the brilliance of the head but the tone of […]
A Fresh Start
Read: Luke 22:31-38 Simon, stay on your toes. Satan has tried his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. Simon, I’ve prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them […]