The Power of Pentecost You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me. Acts 1:8 Scripture: Acts 2:1-13 God’s power was dramatically displayed when the Holy Spirit came upon a small band of Christ’s followers on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:2-4). Those present heard a roaring sound like a … Read More
The Praying Patient Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. John 17:11 Scripture: John 17:6-19 The obituary for Alan Nanninga, identified him as “foremost, a dedicated witness for Christ.” After a description of his family life and career, the article mentioned nearly … Read More
Love of Another Kind My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. John 15:12 Scripture: John 15:9-17 A church started several years ago as a ministry to ex-prisoners who were transitioning back into society. Now the church flourishes with people from all walks of life. That church is loved because it reminds us of what we … Read More
Pruned to Thrive Every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. John 15:2 Scripture: John 15:1-8 As I watched a bumblebee land lightly on the Russian sage, I marveled at the bush’s lush branches exploding with color. Its brilliant blue blossoms attracted eyes and bees alike. Yet only last fall, I’d wondered … Read More
A New View of Change I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep. John 10:14 Scripture: John 10:11-18 People hate change, or so I hear. But the change we generally resist is the kind that we think will make our situation worse rather than better. We eagerly change jobs when it means higher pay and more influence. We … Read More
Reflect & Pray He is Here Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.” Luke 24:36 Scripture: Luke 24:36-48 Surprise! Surprise! The eleven apostles had gathered together on the day of Jesus’ resurrection. They were discussing the strange happenings of the past few days, and had just listened to a report from two … Read More
