Daily Devotional

One of the most stunning and powerful moments in the Bible involves the prophet, Ezekiel. In the book of Ezekiel, the readers encounter the powerful visions of the prophet as the people of Judah experience deportation after Jerusalem falls to the powerful Babylonians. It was a time when hope was lost, and no one knew what the future would hold for God’s people, their families or even their own lives.

A proverb that challenges me to be mindful of how I use my words is Proverbs 15:4: “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”

Music is a powerful language. Rhythms and melodies can lift a person’s spirit and carry them to the highest of heights. Well-written lyrics, when paired with the right tune, can carry the message of love, hope, joy and so much more.

Alanis Morissette’s iconic song “Ironic” paints a picture of life’s frustrating moments: rain on your wedding day, a vegetarian at a steakhouse. We label these situations as “ironic,” implying a cruel twist of fate. But what if, instead, we saw God’s orchestration at work?

Natalia Petosa will be a second-grade student this coming school year. She had a wonderful first-grade year. Like most children her age, Natalia loves her friends and recess.

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
when it is in your power to do it.

May the Lord cause you to flourish,
both you and your children.
May you be blessed by the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
The highest heavens belong to the Lord,
but the earth he has given to mankind.

In our recent sermon series, “Wisdom that Makes a Difference: The Book of Proverbs,” we have encountered a common phrase that can be troubling for people of faith. Proverbs 1:7 reads, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” The word that is troubling is “fear.” Why should we fear God?

In the mission ministry I am lucky to have a front row seat to see good things happening every day. I come to work and talk to people who want to find new ways to serve, I receive emails and calls from all sorts of folks who are just looking for ways to plug in and help. A common phrase is, “I have some time. Where can I serve?”

Summer is a wonderful time of the year. Yes, I know that it is hot, but great things happen during the summer. One of my favorite things is attending summer church camp and mission trips.