In this first episode of our new podcast series Kyle, Becky, and Marie sit down and discuss the first chapter of Joshua, with a few side trips to Exodus, Numbers, Deuteronomy and Ruth. If you’ve ever wondered how we choose what we end up presenting in our book studies, here’s a little glimpse into the process.
Samuel served the Lord by helping Eli the priest, who was by that time almost blind. In those days, the Lord hardly ever spoke directly to people, and he did not appear to them in dreams very often. But one night, Eli was asleep in his room, and Samuel was sleeping on a mat near the sacred chest in the Lord’s house. They had not been asleep very long when the Lord called out Samuel’s name. “Here I am!” Samuel answered. 1 Samuel 3:1-4 (CEV) Several years ago, one of the cellular companies ran commercials where a guy is carrying around a cell phone and he asks the hearer on…
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said,…
To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 1:7 The word “saint” is a curious word isn’t it? It certainly isn’t a common part of our vocabulary. Very rarely do we describe someone as a saint unless we’re being sarcastic or using hyperbole. When we think of a saint, we tend to picture a medieval person, removed from the world, enclosed within the walls of a convent or monastery, dressed in robes and a hood, wearing a cross and praying continually. We Protestants don’t quite know what to…
Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days. The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses. Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy! The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon, as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon. There the Lord will display his glory, the splendor of our God. With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands, and encourage those who have weak knees. Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.”…
Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other. Mark 9:50 One person armed with the Gospel of peace can change the world. Telemachus did. According to a legendary tradition, he was a monk who lived in the 5th century. He felt God saying to him, “Go to Rome.” He was in a cloistered monastery, but he put his possessions in a sack and set out for Rome. When he arrived in the city, people were thronging in the streets. He asked why all the…
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:1-4 This Sunday is Father’s Day, that day of the year that we set aside to honor fathers. Father’s Day’s not what it used to be. Not too long ago, it was a special observance in the year much like Mother’s Day. However, today, Father’s Day seems…
Living as Good Role Models “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!”– 2 Corinthians 5:17 The third step to good parenting is living as good role models. This should be obvious. But as obvious as it may be, it is perhaps the most difficult to carry out. Children need parents who not only have time for them and let them know that they are loved. They also need parents they can look up to as role models. It won’t work if we as parents tell our kids,“Do as I say, not as I do.” Children…
Showing Afection “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 The second step to good parenting is by showing affection. When the late Channing Pollock, the playwright, was a child, he was taken by his parents to a party. A little girl was present. The children played together until they ran out of ideas, when young Channing said to the girl, “Let’s hide behind this curtain and maybe no one will know we’re here.” “Maybe no one will care,” she replied. That’s about the saddest reply a child can make. “Maybe no one will care.” Even though…
Taking Time for Our Kids “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 The first step to good parenting is taking the time to spend with our kids. Some time ago, a Cornell University study revealed that the average American father spends 37.7 seconds a day alone with his children. “Dad, can you give me a minute?” Thirty-seven and seven-tenths seconds don’t even make up a minute. Many of us need to reassess the amount of time we spend with our children, our spouses and even our own parents. We’re talking about the quality of our…
