28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28 ESV Dear friends and family…, close friends of Jesus asked for a high place; beside King Jesus … Continue reading →

8 Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love,     for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go,     for to you I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:8 ESV Dear friends and family…, David felt wronged … Continue reading →

3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, Matthew 6:3 ESV Dear friends and family…, Pharisees made big show of their kind deed; praise from the public was … Continue reading →

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 ESV Dear friends and family…, faith of disciples was shaky at best; one would deny and one soon ‘leave … Continue reading →

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16 ESV Dear friends and family…, over the seas and prepared to leave … Continue reading →

15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Mark 16:15 ESV Dear friends and family…, Jesus’ death saddened the saints with the ‘blues’; then Christ “appeared” with no sign of a bruise. “He … Continue reading →

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 ESV Dear friends and family…, Jesus the Nazarene was not well-known; worked and built houses made of wood and stone. Then … Continue reading →

18 The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18 ESV Dear friends and family…, when David sinned, he knew who to “call on”; Someone who’s gracious and loves ev’ryone. He’s God, Creator of … Continue reading →

9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 ESV Dear friends and family…, “Joshua, “be strong”, obey my command”; bravely, he … Continue reading →

11 “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” Revelation 4:11 ESV Dear friends and family…, disciples and twelve tribesmen bow down and … Continue reading →

11 “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” Revelation 4:11 ESV Dear friends and family…, disciples and twelve tribesmen bow down and … Continue reading →

17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17 ESV Dear friends and family…, each day the sun mixes shadows and … Continue reading →

2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 ESV Dear friends and … Continue reading →

24 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvellous works among all the peoples! 1 Chronicles 16:24 ESV Dear friends and family…, Joy in Jerusalem, Ark of God came; King David sang and danced to God’s great fame. Same place but … Continue reading →

5 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 ESV Dear friends and family…, Abraham, Sarah’s “faith” never grew old; little boy Isaac born into their fold. To the Cross … Continue reading →

32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 ESV Dear friends and family…, Paul says our bad thoughts and ‘dark deeds’ must cease; Spirit in us should show joy, hope and peace. Sin chained … Continue reading →

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 ESV Dear friends and family…, John says that God’s “light” shows clearly our sin; time then to … Continue reading →

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart!     Try me and know my thoughts! 24 And see if there be any grievous way in me,     and lead me in the way everlasting! Psalm 139: 23-24 ESV Dear friends and family…  David’s God knows … Continue reading →

3 And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. Daniel 12:3 ESV Dear friends and family…, Dan’el asked folks to stay righteous and “wise”; … Continue reading →

20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. Jude 1:20-21 ESV Dear friends and … Continue reading →

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31 ESV Dear friends and family…, Roman church suffered and felt they may fall; trust “God is for us” said preacher man … Continue reading →

12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, John 1:12 ESV Dear friends and family…, one of the saddest things we’ve ever heard; hometown folks did not “receive” Jesus’ Word. But … Continue reading →

9 And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day the Lord will be one and his name one. Zechariah 14:9 ESV Dear friends and family…, “God the Warrior” will fight for the Jews; all their enemies will soon surely lose. On the Cross Jesus … Continue reading →

16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16 ESV Dear friends and family…, writer of “Hebrews” makes closing remark; always share “good news” though future looks stark. “Forgiveness” fire … Continue reading →

29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29 ESV Dear friends and family…, Jesus went down to the Jordan River; John yelled out, “Jesus is … Continue reading →

18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 1 Peter 3:18 ESV Dear friends and family…, God’s eye will see … Continue reading →

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 ESV Dear friends and family…, Nicodemus came to Jesus “by night”; “You are God’s teacher, with miracle … Continue reading →

20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for … Continue reading →

5 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2 ESV Dear friends and family…, Ephesus church much let sin’s “darkness” go; God they must … Continue reading →

21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV Dear friends and family…, Jesus fulfilled all God’s holy demands; preaching and teaching across … Continue reading →