Samson’s story is one of wasted potential. What started off so well, quickly drifted into chaos. This drift is a warning for our hearts as well. People don’t naturally gravitate towards holiness; we need to guard our hearts lest we slide towards godlessness. In this passage, we learn that if we aren’t fighting to go … [Read More…] Slipping Spirituality
We face an ongoing temptation to relax God’s laws when they seem too difficult to obey. In this passage, Jesus gives us two examples of how people can be guilty of this: adultery and divorce. Ultimately, we learn that the heart of the law reveals the heart of God, and our response to it reveals … [Read More…] The Heart Test
Samson was a highly unusual character in the Bible. What made him so different? He was set apart to be specially devoted to God, just as Israel was meant to be set apart for God. As we learn about Samson’s life in this passage in Judges, we learn that God is a God of grace, … [Read More…] A Savior Is Born
Our long road through life is varied and unknown. The great hope is that at the end of the road, we will arrive at a phenomenal home waiting for us. The encouragement from this passage is found in the companionship that the Lord provides us on the road through life, until we reach our final … [Read More…] He Provides For My Home
We’ve all experienced milestones in our lives, moments that are special due to their achievements from hard work, obstacles that were overcome, or unexpected victories. King David was no stranger to victories, so the way that he builds depth into the image of the Shepherd in this passage is unique. Here, the Shepherd’s role shifts … [Read More…] He Provides For My Victory
Misadventures happen to everyone. When we wander into them unexpectedly, we may find ourselves trembling in fear and despairing. But as we learn in this passage, the Good Shepherd comforts us during the darkest moments because He is there with us. We don’t have to surrender to fear. Psalm 23
Have you ever failed spectacularly? When David wrote this Psalm, he was in the midst of great personal and spiritual struggle. But as this passage points out, God never left David in a state of despair. When we choose to sin, consequences follow. But there’s good news for all of us: God restores us from … [Read More…] He Provides for My Strength
The statistics on debt in America are staggering. Not only are people finding themselves enslaved to the pursuit of money, but they are also experiencing a profound lack of contentment. How can we avoid the pitfalls that can entrap us financially and take our focus away from trusting God with our lives? How can eliminate … [Read More…] Debt’s Dangers
Do you trust the Good Shepherd? In this passage, we discover many ways that God care for us, guides us, and provides for us. Our response should be to rely on His strength and guidance, so that we are not left wandering aimlessly. Psalm 23
With a New Year often comes new resolutions, a popular part of American culture. But what typically starts off with good intentions, is usually quickly discarded. That’s because the change intended relies entirely on ourselves. The Biblical model teaches us that the only thing that can truly change us is God. Psalm 37 teaches us … [Read More…] Map It! Setting Priorities God’s Way
