Read 1 Kings 2:1 through 3:28 What is the most important legacy a parent could pass on to his or her child? Would it be the houses, lands, and full bank accounts that a mother or father worked to provide? Would it be a broad education and wisdom? Would it even be a successful business or ministry for those children …

Read 2 Samuel 14:1 through 15:37 Absalom, King David’s son, did not have an easy life. He fled from home after killing his half brother for raping his sister. Eventually he was allowed to return home, but his relationship with his father was strained. Absalom undermined his father’s authority by promising that he would be a more compassionate ruler than …

Read Mark 14:1 through 16:20 God’s covenant with Israel involved the sacrifice of animals. Each sacrifice applied only to the person offering the sacrifice and only for the specific sin(s) for which the sacrifice was made. However, as Jesus celebrated His last meal with His disciples, He pointed to a new and greater covenant, sealed with His own blood, that …

Read Mark 8:1 through 9:50 People sometimes find themselves facing an impossible situation. It could be a marriage broken almost beyond repair, a child addicted to drugs, a health crisis, or a financial debacle. When facing such a crisis, Christians know God can do the impossible, but they may wonder if He’ll take action to help them. It’s natural for …

Read Judges 5:1 through 6:40 Sharon sat in front of the unopened bills on her desk and felt the panic rising. Recently widowed, she was still waiting for the life insurance settlement. The loss of her husband had forced her to look for a job, and the one she found didn’t pay enough to cover her monthly bills. Now Sharon …

Read Mark 4:1 through 5:43 Brian was fishing in his small boat as a storm unexpectedly approached. Quickly, a bad situation turned worse when the engine wouldn’t start and the boat was caught in a serious whirlpool. Brian immediately cried out to God for help. Miraculously, the engine started, and he returned home safely. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping …

Read Deuteronomy 32:1 through 34:12 God is faithful to provide His people with pastors and other leaders. The people He raises into leadership enter the experience in a variety of ways. Some individuals sense the Lord calling them into His service from a very young age. This becomes a goal toward which they aim their education and career path. Others …

Read Acts 22:1 through 24:27 Kevin bowed his head to give thanks for his meal. Taking notice, his coworker Jerry began asking questions about Kevin’s faith in Christ. After work, they continued to talk, and Kevin introduced Jerry to Christ. Jerry excitedly invited Kevin for dinner so Kevin could share Jesus with rest of Jerry’s family. The following night the …

Read Deuteronomy 1:1 through 2:37 Little children love to be picked up and held close. One of the first words Janet’s two daughters learned was “up.” When she was washing dishes when they were toddlers, they would clutch her leg, waiting until she was finished so that she could pick them up again. Both of these daughters (now grown) have …

Read Numbers 14:1 through 15:41; Mark 2:1–22 The Israelites experienced God’s power and presence more deeply than any other ancient people. They witnessed incredible miracles firsthand when they were freed from slavery in Egypt. They had daily evidence of His presence over the tabernacle as they moved toward the Promised Land. When their complaints and expressions of anger escalated, God …