Daily Devotions

Together as the Temple

By Ben Stokes SCRIPTURE 1 Corinthians 3:16 “Do you not know that you are God’s temple, and that God’s spirit dwells in you?” OBSERVATION What a rich question that is posed for us in this verse. “Do you not know that you are God’s temple...” The answer to this question will reveal a truth that [...]

The Wedding Feast

By John Richardson SCRIPTURE Revelation 19:6–9 [6] Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. [7] Let us rejoice and exult and give him [...]

The Word Is the Well

By John Richardson SCRIPTURE Colossians 3:16–17 [16] Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. [17] And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord [...]

Gather Together

By John Richardson SCRIPTURE Hebrews 10:23–25 [23] Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. [24] And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, [25] not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one [...]

Faith Over Fear

By John Richardson SCRIPTURE Romans 8:12–17 [12] So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. [13] For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. [14] For all [...]

Where Is Your Heart?

By Alex Malone SCRIPTURE Matthew 6:19-21 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, [...]

Battle on Mars Hill

By Todd Core SCRIPTURE Acts 17:16-34 (selected verses below) [16] “While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, his spirit was troubled within him when he saw that the city was full of idols.” [19] “They took him and brought him to the Areopagus, and said, “May we learn about this new teaching you’re speaking of? [...]

Putting Idols to Death

By Stephanie Oliver SCRIPTURE Colossians 3:5-11 [5] Therefore, put to death what belongs to your worldly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry.  OBSERVATION If the one person who walked this earth who could have lived in solitude did not do so, we have to really look at that example He [...]

This Is Crazy

By Becky Reeder SCRIPTURE Isaiah 44:12-20 The one who works with iron makes a sharp tool for cutting, working over a fire. He makes it by beating it with his strong arm. He becomes hungry and has no strength. He drinks no water and becomes tired. [13] One works with wood, he marks it, and [...]

What’s Your Golden Calf?

By Jeffie Burns SCRIPTURE Exodus 32:1, 6 (Exodus 24-31 for background information) When the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people gathered themselves together to Aaron and said to him, “up, make us gods who shall go before us. As for this Moses, the man who brought us up [...]

Beware Poor Substitutions

By Chris Smith SCRIPTURE Exodus 20:4-6 Do not make an idol for yourself, whether in the shape of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters under the earth. You must not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the [...]

Say What?!

By Charles Roberds SCRIPTURE 1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ didn’t send me to baptize, but to preach the Good News—and not with clever speech, for fear that the cross of Christ would lose its power. I honestly can’t believe this is something Paul would say, "Christ did not send me to baptize," when, in fact, [...]

Zealous Advocates

By Trevor Havard SCRIPTURE Acts 2:37-38 ESV Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will [...]

See the World Around You

By Michael Thomason SCRIPTURE Matthew 9:35-38 And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then [...]

I Love to Tell the Story

By Joel Wier SCRIPTURE Matthew 4:18 While walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts adore Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to [...]

Rejoicing Over One

By Becky Reeder SCRIPTURE Luke 15:7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. OBSERVATION Tax collectors and sinners gathered around Jesus to hear Him teach. The religious leaders and teachers of the day stood by and criticized [...]

Motivation for Evangelism

By Ben Stokes SCRIPTURE Exodus 3:14 God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.’” OBSERVATION What a monumental passage! This week our devotions are centered on evangelism, and I cannot think of another text in Scripture more motivating for [...]

Prayers of Jesus

By Ana Watts SCRIPTURE Hebrews 7:23-25 The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he [Jesus] holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives [...]

More of Him, Less of Me

By Brandon Enright SCRIPTURE Luke 18:9-14 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.  The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you [...]

Praying Scripture

By Michelle Richardson SCRIPTURE Matthew 6:7 And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. OBSERVATION How many times do we find ourselves praying the same things over and over again? Does our prayer life ever feel stale [...]

Rejoice Always

By John Richardson SCRIPTURE 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 [16] Rejoice always, [17] pray without ceasing, [18] give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. OBSERVATION This short section of Scripture flows within the final remarks from Paul, Timothy, and Silvanus. The previous few verses point to loving [...]

Community With God

By Brooks Ward SCRIPTURE Ephesians 1:15-23 (ESV) [15] For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, [16] I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, [17] that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of [...]

If It Be Your Will

By Sarah Gandy SCRIPTURE Matthew 26:36-44 [36] Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” [37] And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and distressed. [38] Then He said to them, “My soul [...]

Messy Groups = Healthy Groups

By Todd Core SCRIPTURE Galatians 6:1-5 [1] Brothers, if someone is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual should restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so you also won’t be tempted. [2] Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. [3] For if anyone considers himself [...]

Even Paul Needed a Team

By Todd Core SCRIPTURE Philippians 4:10-20 [10] I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that once again you renewed your care for me.  You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it. [11] I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. [12] I know [...]

Mission Critical

By Ben Stokes SCRIPTURE Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. OBSERVATION “Get in a Life Group.” “We are [...]

A Picture Book of God

By John Richardson SCRIPTURE Psalm 133 A Song of Ascents. Of David. [1] Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! [2] It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! [3] It [...]

Living as a Community of Believers

By John Richardson SCRIPTURE 1 Peter 4:8–11 [8] Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. [9] Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. [10] As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: [11] whoever speaks, as one [...]

Help and Good

By John Richardson SCRIPTURE 1 Corinthians 10:23–24 [23] “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. [24] Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. OBSERVATION Generally, I take a portion of Scripture and move through it verse [...]

Heartbreaking

By Michelle Richardson SCRIPTURE Psalm 51:16-17 For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Hosea 6:6 For I desire steadfast love and not [...]

Come Near

By Karen Little SCRIPTURE James 4:7-10 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to [...]

Groanings of the Believer

By Todd Core SCRIPTURE Romans 8:18-27 [18] For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. [19] For the creation eagerly awaits with anticipation for God’s sons to be revealed. [20] For the creation was subjected to futility — [...]

Saved to Share

By John Richardson SCRIPTURE Titus 1:1–4 [1] Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, [2] in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began [3] and [...]

Free Indeed

By John Richardson SCRIPTURE John 8:31–36 [31] So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, [32] and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” [33] They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been [...]

Where Is Your Trust Today?

By John Richardson SCRIPTURE Psalm 115:1–11 [1] Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! [2] Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” [3] Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases. [4] [...]

How to Praise

By John Richardson SCRIPTURE Psalm 89:1–5 [1] I will sing of the steadfast love of the LORD, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations. [2] For I said, “Steadfast love will be built up forever; in the heavens you will establish your faithfulness.” [3] You have said, “I have [...]

Where Were You?

By Michelle Richardson SCRIPTURE Job 38:4 “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.” Job 42:5 (Job’s response to God) “I will question You, and You make it known to me. I had heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye [...]

Changed Lives

By Ron Merrel SCRIPTURE Micah 6:8 He has showed you, O man what is good.  And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and walk humbly with your God. OBSERVATION Today people tend to look out for and think of themselves first. We often ask, “What does God [...]

God Answers Prayers

By Barbara Goins SCRIPTURE Matthew 6:9-13 “Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And [...]

The Next Generation

By John Richardson SCRIPTURE Psalm 78:1–8 [1] Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth! [2] I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old, [3] things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us. [...]

Beautiful Feet

By Michelle Richardson SCRIPTURE Romans 10:13-15, 17 For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone [...]

Jesus + Nothing = Everything

By John Richardson SCRIPTURE Colossians 1:15–20 [15] He [Jesus] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. [16] For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. [17] And [...]

A Time to Examine the Camp

By Men’s Ministry of Harmony Hill SCRIPTURE Joshua 7 [19] Then Joshua said to Achan, “My son, I implore you, give glory to the Lord, the God of Israel, and give praise to Him; and tell me now what you have done. Do not hide it from me.” [20] So Achan answered Joshua and said, “Truly, I have sinned against [...]

What Is the Church?

By John Richardson SCRIPTURE Acts 2:42–47 [42] And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. [43] And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. [44] And all who believed were together and had all things [...]

Waiting for Power

By John Richardson SCRIPTURE Acts 1:1–5 [1] In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, [2] until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. [3] He presented himself alive [...]

Walk by Faith

By Tami Sandlin SCRIPTURE 2 Corinthians 5:7 I will walk by faith even when I cannot see. Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. OBSERVATION In these current days we are experiencing illness, loss of jobs, social distancing, lack of supplies, shortage of food, shortage [...]

Shameless Hope

By John Richardson SCRIPTURE Romans 5:1–5 [1] Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. [2] Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. [3] Not only [...]

Healthy Rest

By John Richardson SCRIPTURE Genesis 2:1–3 [1] Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. [2] And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. [3] So God blessed the [...]

Setting Our Eyes on New Life

By Melana Walker SCRIPTURE Colossians 3:1-11 (NLT) Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and [...]

A Changed Home

By John Richardson SCRIPTURE John 4:46–54 [46] So he came again to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. And at Capernaum there was an official whose son was ill. [47] When this man heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went to him and asked him to come [...]

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