The Psalmist gives us this little chapter at the gate to the other 149 chapters. It makes so clear the two paths that stand before us…The God Path…and any other. So it is good to take this bit of potent counsel before reading on.
Scripture: Psalm 1
SOLID FOOTING, A WORTHY GOAL
When we face the world it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Yet a good sense of our identity in Christ and our power given by the Holy Spirit can change all of that and give us courage and joy.
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Scripture: Philippians 3:1-14
LOOKING AROUND - 2014
Jim takes a look ahead at the coming year.
HOW TO UNLOCK THE MYSTERY
Scripture: Matthew 16:16-20
BUILDING HOPE
Scripture: Matthew 16:13-19
LIKE JESUS…SOFT ON SINNERS
If we really want to be like Jesus we’ll have to take a close look at the company he kept, the lines he crossed and his comfort in hanging out with people who seemed to wear the dark hats.
Scripture: John 8:1-11
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LIKE JESUS
A core intention of the Christian is to behave more and more like Jesus. It is important to get our motives and purposes right.
Scripture: 1 Peter 2:22
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A MOTHER'S FAITH
A tribute to moms of the Bible and our own moms who
often resemble them.
Scripture: Exodus 2:1-10
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HERE I GO--INTO DARK PLACES
A core part of being a disciple of Jesus is that of bringing love and care into the lives of hurting people. So as we conclude our daily prayer it seems so right that we offer ourselves to God as his gentle hands in service of people in all sorts of need.
Scripture: Matthew 25:31- 46
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SHINE THROUGH ME! EXTREME LIVING…HERE I COME!
You are the salt of the earth…you are the light of the world. Matthew 5:13-14
Do everything without grumbling or complaining so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the Word of life. Philippians 2:14-16
Scripture: Matthew 5:13-14
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PRUNE ME (OUCH), LORD
To be more like Christ I need to experience some trimming…perhaps serious pruning. God won’t do it without my permission…it is a collaborative process that leads to beauty and productivity.
Scripture: John 15:1-6
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ARE YOU LIVING LIFE'S GREATEST ADVENTURE?
Living life's greatest adventure is allowing God to love people through you.
Scripture: Ephesians 5:1-7
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YIPEE! I’M FREE!
An overlooked joy in our relationship with Jesus is the amazing wonder of being truly forgiven. Yippee! Hallelujah! I’m free and forgiven…thanks to the work of Jesus on the cross.
Scripture: 1 John 1:8-10
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EASTER-O HAPPY DAY!
It all comes down to Easter…the resurrection validates the claims and promises of Jesus and gives us solid hope for living a triumphant life.
Scripture: Matthew 28:1-7
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TAKE ME TO THE CROSS
I need to journey to the cross on a regular basis. The extravagant love of Jesus needs to be on my mind and in my heart every single day.
Scripture: John 19:16-30
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ME…AND MY SHADOW
Sin can be enslaving and destructive. God has provided ways for us to stay on high ground with clean hands.
Scripture: Psalm 51:1-4, 7-10
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PRAYER-THE STATION OF COMMENDATION
The best way to begin our day is talking to God…and I suggest saluting him in songs, poems, our own words…all from the heart.
Scripture: Psalm
148:1- 14
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The Sound of the Trumpet
A Trumpet or Horn is Heard Throughout Scripture. Sometimes an actual trumpet or horn is used. At other times a sound is likened to a trumpet or a horn. They are not the most important events but warrant investigation.
Scripture: Jeremiah 6:17-19
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A PHOTO FINISH (or...Snapshots to get us applauding)
Although the details and wild imagery of Revelation might keep us from reading the book, the themes and conclusions make this a great Church Growth epistle.
Scripture: Revelation
22:1-9
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GOD’S DREAM TEAM
The church is God’s dream come true. His plan was always to create a New Humanity.
Scripture: I
Corinthians 12:12-27
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