Speaking Truth to Powerful Men

When the people we trust to protect us use their power to hide their own corruption, the courageous will speak the truth. Nathan the prophet demonstrated unusual courage when confronting David, the beloved king of Israel. David had broken the law and tried to cover it up, but he couldn't hide his sins from God, or from God's prophet. What secret sins do we try to cover-up?

Ouch - You're really only hurting yourself

The Apostle Paul warns Christians not to hurt each other, because all Christians are part of the same body. Therefore, hurting our fellow-believers is like hurting part of ourselves (Rom 12:4-6). Paul demonstrates this when he asks the Church at Corinth to restore a member who had slandered Paul but later repented (2 Co 2). How willing are we to accept others who claim Chris but seem different?

In the depths of despair

There are times in each of our lives when experience great sadness and hope is hard to find. The apostle Paul provides a formula to help us find that elusive hope: Remember all of the times God did come through for you and Believe in the all of the things God promises he will do. We can also seek the consoling hope that others who have lived our pain can provide. 2 Co 1:3-11

Jesus questioned Peter's love - but how?

In John 21 Jesus asks Peter three times if he (Peter) loves me (Jesus) more than "these." The reference to "these" is pretty open-ended. Maybe Jesus was referring to the objects nearby that represented Peter's professional life (fisherman), thus asking if Peter loved Jesus more than his old life. Maybe Jesus was making a reference to the others around Peter - asking if Peter still believed that he loved Jesus more than anyone else could. Both questions are worth our consideration - do we love Jesus more than anything or anyone, and are we aware of others who love Jesus like we do.

What words do those around you hear?

In Paul's second letter to young Timothy, he reveals the kind of words Timothy was used to hearing from his teacher. The opening is filled with words of encouragement and affirmation. Paul thanks God for Timothy and fondly recalls their work together. What words do you give those around you?

It's not too heavy for Jesus Christ

The weight of death leans heavy on all of us, and often colors our life choices. In this way, we live in bondage to the concept of death. The Bible declares that the one person who managed to lift the burden of death from himself and from others is ready to help us with that weight (Eph 2:1-10). How do you feel the weight of death? How would you live differently if you no longer had to fear death?

But will there be enough for ME?

When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He encouraged them to ask for their daily needs. When we consider our resources, like our food, emotional strength, or health, we should remember that it's God who supplies these resources, and He has an unlimited supply from which to draw. How might you rely less on your own resources this week and believe God will supply your needs?