Click for a PDF version Monday Read Psalm 62:5-8; Isaiah 9:6; Luke 2:4-20 The late Tom Petty—Pastor Tim Peck’s favorite rockstar—sang, “The waiting is the hardest part.” Ancient Israel knew this—the Jews’ anticipation of the long-awaited, promised Messiah intensified by the first century. God’s prophets had been silent for 400+ years, stirring...
Click for a PDF version Monday Read Hebrews 13:15-16, 18-19; Luke 24:52-53; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 We have been in a series on faith and conclude this sermon and devo series this week exploring the theme, “Faith is offering our praise.” Through our faith we believe in and worship a faithful God, who...
Click for a PDF version Monday Read Luke 10:25-37; Matthew 25:31-46; Hebrews 13:13 Faith is love in action: Risk Jesus told the story of a man traveling the lonely road from Jerusalem to Jericho. He was set upon by bandits who beat and robbed him. Two “holy” passers-by did not want to...
Click for a PDF version Monday Read Hebrews 12:14-17 Glimpses of Holiness The writer of Hebrews shifts focus from the benefits of God’s discipline to a two-fold command: “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy” (v. 14). At first glance, it may not be obvious how...
Click for PDF version Monday Read Psalms 23:1-4; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; Genesis 2, 3 Why is this happening to me? Almost everyone experiences tragic suffering during some period of his/her life. The good suffer along with those who aren’t good, even those who make little or no pretense at trying to be...
Click for a PDF version Monday Read Hebrews 11:23-29; Exodus 1:8-2:10 Continuing our Hebrews studies, this week’s theme is “Faith presses through fear.” The encouragement to “fear not” is prominent throughout the Bible. Believers are to “fear the LORD” (Psalm 111:10); however, such “fear” is better understood as “deeply revere” versus “dread.” The...
Click for a PDF version Monday Read 2 Timothy. 3:10-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21 This week’s devotions will be focused on missions and specifically on the subject of the distribution of Bibles in restricted countries. The Bible, God’s inspired Word, is essential for spiritual growth and discipleship. It is “useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting...
Click for a PDF version Monday Read Hebrews 11:4-22; Galatians 3:11 This week’s Hebrews text surveys some members of the so-called “Hall of Faith.” However, these people lived in Old Testament times prior to Jesus. How could they be saved if Messiah had not yet come? Via dutiful religious practices, including animal sacrifices...
Click for a PDF version Monday Read Hebrews 11:1-6; Psalm 46 “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. … By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God … Without faith it is impossible to please [God] for whoever would draw...
Click for a PDF version Monday Read 1 John 4:7-21; 2 John 1:3-6 A popular ’90s song asks, “What Is Love?” That same tune follows with dark, pleading lyrics: “Don’t hurt me, no more.” (Haddaway) The Bible answers this post-Christian, rhetorical appeal and its need comprehensively: “God is love” (1 John 4:8). Pleasure-seeking...
