Monthly Archives: May 2014

Ephesians 2:11-22 “Watch your ‘buts!’” These cautionary words were often intoned by my mother in her sweet, southern voice. It was her way of reminding the family that “but” was a dubious conjunction; it is a word which has the … Continue reading →

1 Samuel 2:1-10; Ephesians 2:1-10; Matthew 7:22-27 Note the careful order of the Apostle’s wording. First, we were dead in our trespasses. Next, salvation comes through faith in the grace of God. Last, we are created for good works. (Eph … Continue reading →

Matthew 28:16-20 The legend goes, when an Indian boy comes of age, he is sent into the wilderness and spends the night alone with a list of things he must accomplish. The time came for the chief’s son to be sent out. … Continue reading →

Leviticus 26:27-42; Ephesians 1:1-10; Matthew 22:41-46 You have received redemption through the blood of Jesus Christ. You are forgiven your sins through the riches of God’s grace. He has made clear the mystery of his will, which remains an enigma … Continue reading →

Leviticus 26:1-20, 1 Timothy 2:1-6, Matthew 13:18-23 I am amazed by people who solve math problems with relative ease. Math is not my forte; I do not have a head for numbers. In the classroom, I needed to concentrate on every word … Continue reading →

Matthew 13:1-16 We recently planted some seeds. Unfortunately, only a few of the seeds seem to be sprouting; the rest were either eaten by the birds or just did not have enough soil to sprout. Some seeds sprouted very quickly … Continue reading →

Leviticus 25:1-17; James 1:2-8, 16-18; Luke 12:13-21 How does my storing up prevent me from witnessing God? If I have a long busy week, I try to store up energy, emotions, and time. At times, I calculate if this person … Continue reading →

 2 Thessalonians 3:1-18 One day in Iraq, a Chaplain, brand new to the Army, an evangelical full of the Holy Spirit’s fire, showed up in our area of operations. He was assigned to an infantry battalion. I introduced myself to … Continue reading →