Category Archives: Uncategorized

Here is today’s Bible reading:  1 Chronicles 5:18-6:81; Acts 26:1-32; Psalm 6:1-10; Proverbs 18:20-21.

Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)
The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Are your words inspiring life in those around you?

Acts 26:28-29 (NIV)
Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”
[29] Paul replied, “Short time or long–I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

Even on trial when his life is at stake, Paul’s concern is the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the salvation of even his enemies.

Here is today’s The Bible reading: 1 Chronicles 4:5-5:17; Acts 25:1-27; Psalm 5:1-12; Proverbs 18:19.

Psalm 5:12 (NIV)
For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous;
you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

I love this image of the favor of God surrounding us like a shield. If God is for us, who or what can possibly be against us?

Here is today’s Bible reading:  1 Chronicles 2:18-4:4; Acts 24:1-27; Psalm 4:1-8; Proverbs 18:16-18.

Proverbs 18:17 (NIV)
The first to present his case seems right,
till another comes forward and questions him.

So true. We can be so quick to form opinions and jump to conclusions without hearing the whole story. There are always two sides.

Acts 24:24-27 (NIV)
Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. [25] As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” [26] At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.
[27] When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.

What ever became of Felix?  Did he believe? Or did he miss out on the salvation that was staring him right in the face?

Brandon Phillips

Johnny Cueto

Here is today’s Bible reading:  1 Chronicles 1:1-2:17; Acts 23:11-35; Psalm 3:1-8; Proverbs 18:14-15.

Acts 23:12 (NIV)
The next morning the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul.

Zealous people inspire me–even those who are zealous about wrong things.  Sadly, I know few people zealous for the right things.  Zeal for God seems to be in short supply.  I myself am guilty.  The church desperately needs the fire of the Holy Spirit to ignite a fresh passion for the things of God.  I pray that would begin in me.

I was disappointed that Votto’s knee wasn’t healthy enough to play.  I embarrassed Anna by yelling out to him and asking how he was feeling.  His response:  “Terrible.”

Here is today’s Bible reading: 2 Kings 23:31-25:30; Acts 22:17-23:10; Psalm 2:1-12; Proverbs 18:13.

Proverbs 18:13 (NIV) He who answers before listening– that is his folly and his shame.

A wise person once said, “God gave you two ears and one mouth so that you would listen twice as much as you speak.” Sadly, listening has become a lost art. Contrary to the instruction of God’s word, we tend to be quick to speak and slow to listen.  How might your relationship with God be different if you spent more time listening? How might your relationship with others be different if you spent more time listening? May God grant us the discipline and patience to listen.

Two of my favorite things from the ’80s in the same picture:  former Reds OF Eric Davis and Star Wars.

No surprise that my kids can’t even agree on which team to cheer for.  (Josh has it right, by the way.)

Here is today’s Bible reading: 2 Kings 22:3-23:30; Acts 21:37-22:16; Psalm 1:1-6; Proverbs 18:11-12.

Acts 22:15 (NIV)  
    You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard.

You can’t testify to what you have not experienced. If we want to be more effective in sharing Jesus, it begins with we ourselves having a fresh encounter with Jesus. Then we will be able to testify to what we have seen and heard.