No Grumbling!
Complaining comes naturally—but Scripture points us to a better way. Discover how God's power enables believers to replace grumbling with gratitude and become lights in a dark world....
The Christian Who Finishes Well Stays Curious {…because we never graduate from God's classroom."
In Psalm 119:33–40, the psalmist prays with the posture of someone who knows he has not arrived. He asks God to teach him, give him understanding, lead him, incline his heart, turn his eyes, confirm His promise, turn away reproach, and give him life. This kind of prayer reveals one of the marks of a Christian who finishes well: a teachable spirit. Curiosity is not spiritual immaturity when it leads us back to God’s Word. It is part of humble dependence on the Lord....
Doing What We Are Created to Do (Growing Chicks Part 11 - Finale)
In the final post of our Growing Chicks series, we look back on Michele’s chicks from their earliest spring days to their move into the “general population” of the luxury chicken coop. Along the way, they reminded us of new life, awkward growth, patient care, and finally the joy of seeing God’s creatures do what they were created to do....
What Are Your Eyes Teaching Your Heart to Love?
Your attention is not neutral. What captures your eyes will eventually shape your heart. Psalm 119 gives us a prayer for distracted souls: “Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things.” Accompanies sermon 5 in the Walking in the Word series: The Path to Finishing Well...
Cold Brew Coffee: A Very Friendly Primer for the Slightly Suspicious
At our Father’s Day festivities, we set up a cold brew coffee station and quickly discovered that many in our church family were not entirely sure what cold brew was, how to drink it, or whether it should be trusted. Since we have some left over and plan to serve it again during our Fourth of July festivities, here is a very friendly, very unofficial cold brew primer. Learn what cold brew is, how it is different from iced coffee, where it likely began, and a few simple ways to enjoy it....
Bye Bye Birthright: Don't Trade God's Best for Something Less
Esau’s decision to trade his birthright for a bowl of stew seems foolish from a distance. But his story presses a question into our own hearts: how often do we trade the lasting promises of God for temporary relief, comfort, or ease? This short devotional reminds Christians to trust God’s promises, keep praying, and resist settling for something less than His best....
Every Day We Preach Ourselves Two Sermons
Every day, especially in discouragement, we hear two sermons. The world says, “God has forgotten you.” The Word says, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted.” Psalm 119 reminds us to bring our weary hearts to God and let His Word preach truth to our souls. Accompanies sermon four of the Walking in the Word sermon series: The Path of Dust and Delight...
What Is A Man Made For?
After defining manhood in light of Scripture, part 2 considers what man was made for. Men are given a mission, designed for leadership, called to take dominion, and made to fight honorably for the good of their family, church, and society. Scripture gives men a calling that is deeper, stronger, and more glorious than anything offered by the culture....
When You Don't Have to Defend Yourself
Psalm 119:17–24 speaks honestly to the pain of being misunderstood, criticized, or misrepresented. The psalmist knows what it is to face scorn, contempt, and opposition, yet he does not allow his enemies to become the object of his meditation. Instead, he prays, keeps God’s Word, and lets God’s testimonies become his counselors. This post explores the freedom of not needing to answer every accusation and the quiet strength of entrusting your reputation to God. This post accompanies the third sermon in the Walking in the Word sermon series: The Path of the Pilgrim...
What Is A Man?
In a culture filled with confusion and competing voices about masculinity, here is a Scripture-tested starting point for answering the question, “What is a man?” It considers man as an immortal being made in God’s image, created with a mission, uniquely designed by God, and called to lead, take dominion, and fight honorably for what is good...
What Are You Doing With the Pressure?
Life has a way of applying pressure. Psalm 119 reminds us that pressure doesn't have to destroy us. It can reveal our need for God, His Word, and the deeper life found in Christ. This post accompanies the second sermon Walking in the Word series: The Path of Purity...
Keep ReadingAre You Seeking the Bible—or the God of the Bible?
Many Christians know they should read their Bible, but why? Psalm 119 teaches that the goal of Bible reading is not simply information but communion with God. In this article, discover why Scripture was given to help us know, love, and follow Christ—and why a teachable heart is essential for spiritual growth. This post accompanies the second sermon Walking in the Word s...
Keep ReadingThe Path of Purity is the Path of Scripture
In this second stanza of Psalm 119, we see the path of purity laid out through eight faithful responses to Scripture: guarding our way with the Word, seeking the Lord through the Word, storing up the Word, asking God to teach us, proclaiming the Word, valuing the Word, meditating on the Word, and delighting in the Word. This post accompanies the second sermon Walking in t...
Keep ReadingThe Blessed Life Isn't a Perfect Life
Psalm 119 reminds us that the blessed life isn't about sinless perfection but faithfully returning to God and His Word every time we stumble. This post accompanies the first sermon in the Walking in the Word Series: The Path of Blessing Psalm 119:1-8...
Keep ReadingThe Ones Who Come to the Table Get Fed (Growing Chicks Part 10)
This week's chicken update features lettuce, watermelon, frozen corn and granola straight from Michele's hand. Tucked inside all of that feeding is a simple reminder for us too: steady growth comes from steady nourishment. ...
Keep ReadingOur Ever-Faithful God
From shepherd boy to king, David experienced triumph, suffering, fear, and personal failure. Yet when he reflected on his life, one truth stood above everything else: God had never forsaken him. This encouraging devotional from Psalm 37:25 reminds Christians that the Lord remains faithful in every season of life. Whether circumstances are joyful or painful, believers can t...
Keep ReadingWhat If Your Salvation Depended on YOU?
What if your salvation depended on the strength of your faithfulness, your resolve, or your best spiritual day? In this reflection on Romans 8:29–30, explore the “golden chain of salvation” and discover how Scripture teaches that salvation is entirely the sovereign work of God—from foreknowledge to glorification. Featuring insights from John Stott, this post highli...
Keep ReadingDoes God Change His Mind About Us?
Can God change His mind about us? Be encouraged by this powerful reminder from J.I. Packer: God justified His children with His eyes open, fully knowing the worst about us—and His verdict is final....
Keep ReadingThere is No Ladder (Growing Chicks Part 9)
A reflection inspired by Sincerely, Stoneheart and our growing chickens about the destructive nature of comparison, the pressure to keep pace with others, and the freedom that comes from looking to Christ instead of sideways at everyone else....
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