The Lord observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. So the Lord was sorry he had ever made them and put them on the earth. It broke his heart. And the Lord…
Read MoreWe all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!” — Acts 2:11b Her face showed it. Actually, her face actually glowed with it. Still, together alone on the deck, he asks, “Did you have a wonderful time?” Change this story to your…
Read MoreA family member shared great advice when her children were very young. “Be specific. Saying something like ‘Be careful,’ to children isn’t helpful. Clear directives work best.” She used examples including, “Don’t play on these rocks,” and “Take one step at a time.” Her back may still tighten if…
Read MoreYes! One great boss? Glorious! I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. —John 17:4 You caught your boss’s vision. The one you work (or worked) for inspired you. Often, he or she aligned you. Having a great boss isn’t always…
Read More“If you love me,” Jesus says in John 14:15, “obey my commandments.” The word ‘if’ makes it clear this is no mandate. Jesus always gives a choice, an option. Maybe you’re all in when it comes to loving Jesus. Maybe you’re not. Maybe there’s a hesitation, reservation, question, doubt,…
Read MoreHe is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. — John 14:17, NLT “I just want a…
Read MoreStanding on the line in the gym in elementary school, we all wanted to be chosen by one of the two captains. The captains took turns choosing classmates until the class was divvied up into two teams. Rewarding for some and painful for others, we all wanted to…
Read MoreAnd you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. — 1 Peter 2:5a A conjunction, such as ‘and’ ‘but’ or ‘or’ is a word that links or joins other words, phrases, or clauses. You remember learning about the…
Read More“You’ll always find someone who wants to hold a baby.” I didn’t experience disbelief when a colleague shared this with me, but I did wonder. It’s true that babies are little, cute, and a tiny bit adorable. They can also be messy. Slobber on your shoulder is one thing….
Read MoreAll the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. — Acts 2:42 Marriage jokes come to mind when it comes to listening. The jokes bring a question that should stop us all. Are we…
Read MoreCopyright William Hagenbuch. All rights reserved.