Sometimes people decide they are going to read through the New Testament in order to grow spiritually, so they turn to Matthew because it is at the beginning of the New Testament and never make it past the first seventeen verses. This guy begat that guy, and whosit begat somebody else, and what’s-his-name fathered so-and-so.
Formations 01.12.2014: Promises
January 2, 2014 by
How are your New Year’s resolutions coming? Are you off to a solid start, hopeful you’ll make real progress in the next twelve months? Have you already started to backslide? We make many promises to ourselves around the turn of the year.
Uniform 01.12.2014: Pope Francis and the Beatitudes
January 2, 2014 by
Since his election and installation in March, Pope Francis has continually shocked the world with his concern for the poor. He has spoken out against economic inequality, and he has paid special attention to the least fortunate in society. He invited homeless men to the Vatican on his birthday. And rumors have cropped up that the Pope leaves the Vatican at night, wearing street clothes, to minister to the poor.
Crossroads: Seeking and Discovering
January 2, 2014 by
Have you ever had the experience of searching for one thing and finding something else? One day I lost my keys. It was such a frustrating experience because my key chain held keys to my car, house, and office. I desperately needed to find those keys, so I looked everywhere. I looked on counters, book shelves, tables, and even in the cushions of the couch.
Crossroads: Caring for Others
January 2, 2014 by
Several years ago, a powerful storm named Katrina hit Mississippi and Louisiana. Many homes were destroyed, and people lost their possessions, jobs, and even their homes. A few months after the storm, I had the opportunity to go with a group from our church to minister to the people in this area.
Formations 01.05.2014: Public & Private Prayer
January 1, 2014 by
When I was a pastor, I was called upon to pray at many kinds of public gatherings, from Sunday school class parties to softball games to practically anything else. Have you ever prayed at the dedication of a new dry cleaning business? I have!
Uniform 01.05.2014: Peace on the Sabbath
January 1, 2014 by
After a week of ministering alongside Jesus, the Sabbath offers the disciples some distance from the concerns of their work. As they travel together, they are able to enjoy one another’s company in a way that is not possible while they are in the thick of supporting Jesus’ teaching and healing.
Crossroads: Dear Parents
January 1, 2014 by
We hope you find this devotional guide to be a helpful resource for your family. These weekly devotions are designed to encourage family conversation as you share your life story, connect your story to a biblical story, and listen to the questions and thoughts of your children.