Read: Ezekiel 36:25–27, CSB “I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart […]
Starting with purpose
Read: Matthew 22:37, ESV “And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’” In every kitchen there are appliances: toaster, refrigerator, stove, microwave, can opener, etc. Each appliance was designed by its manufacturer for a specific purpose. Each […]
Newborn miracle
As we wrap up Christmas, we have to be careful that we don’t throw out the miracle with the tinsel. In all the celebration, the holiday’s greatest blessing can become routine to us. And if we are not careful, the rush to buy gifts, decorate, and attend parties can cause us to miss the miracle […]
In all circumstances
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, ESV). We cannot control what happens to us in life, but we can control how we respond to what happens to us. The Apostle Paul knew this to be true, […]
Mistaken identity
It may take former Phoenix NBA star Edward Arnett Johnson a long time to get over the worst day of his life. After his NBA career ended, the 6’ 8” basketball player, who is now 47, spent many years serving his community. But in 2006, another former NBA star—6’2”, 51-year-old “Fast Eddie” Johnson—was arrested for […]