Bow Before Your Maker

Read Genesis 1:1 through 3:24 John contemplated the breathtaking view before him with a sense of wonder. Turning to his wife, he voiced his thoughts aloud. “Surely the Rocky Mountains are among God’s most magnificent creations! How can anyone view them and not believe in God the Creator?” Phyllis squeezed his hand. “And consider that God is not only the …

Is the Bride Ready?

Read Revelation 19:1 through 22:21 Many attending the wedding had watched Christy and Ben become friends and fall in love. Now the young couple would declare the vows that would bind them together for life. Christy had eagerly anticipated this day for months. The gown, the cake and flowers, the invitations, and scores of other details had consumed much of …

Ever-Present Power

Read 2 Chronicles 36:1–8; Daniel 1:1 through 4:37 King Nebuchadnezzar demanded that his sorcerers and astrologers tell him what he had dreamt, then interpret it. How quickly their pride in their supposed superhuman abilities was humbled. These “wise men” said only the gods could tell dreams, not man! Though they had pagan “gods” in mind, the magicians were right—only a …

A New Heart

Read 甐 Ezekiel 36:1 through 39:29 Sin destroys us all. It takes what God has made as very good and transforms it into something less than good—something bad. Perhaps the worst effect of sin is what it does to the heart. The human heart that God created to care for others and reach out to Him becomes hardened like stone …

Wanted: Representatives

Read Ezekiel 22:1 through 23:49 Personnel managers spend a great deal of time trying to find good people to work for their company. They know that good workers are a key factor in the success of the business. Conversely, poor workers can mean the end of a business. God sought a priest or a leader in Israel who would faithfully …

Identify Yourself

Read John 17:1 through 18:40 “You are not one of his disciples, are you?” the girl at the door asked Peter. He replied, “I am not” (John 18:17). Many people view Peter’s denial of Jesus as a severe case of cold feet. His behavior was surpising, considering that a short time earlier he had wielded his sword and cut off …

What’sYour Cause?

Read Jeremiah 51:1–64 Everyone needs a cause, a reason to get up in the morning, something worth fighting or even dying for. Some people spend their lives protecting animals or fighting against those who harm the environment. Their motivation varies, as does their dedication. Some abandon a cause rather quickly. Therefore this is what the Lord says: “See, I will …

Hope in Despair

Read Jeremiah 31:1 through 32:44 God’s people were taken into captivity at the hands of a madman (Nebuchadnezzar). At a time when they faced deep despair and perhaps even wondered if God had forsaken them, God sent a message of hope to them through the prophet Jeremiah. The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you …

Too Blessed to Fail

Read Jeremiah 7:1 through 10:25; 26:1–24 It is completely possible to experience tremendous growth and prosperity over years, decades, or centuries, only to suffer the loss of it all. All too often the news tells of glamorous movie stars, giant financial institutions, and once grand governments failing. But why? Do not trust in deceptive words and say, “This is the …

A Refuge in Trouble

Read Nahum 1:1 through 3:19 On a Sunday evening in 2003, a deadly F-3 tornado barreled down on the small town of Battlefield, Missouri. The local Assembly of God church had just concluded services when the alarm was raised. Members of the congregation, along with dozens of residents from the neighborhood, took refuge in the basement. As they huddled together …