Foundation and Fire

“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.” Matthew 3:16 The Holy Spirit comes in the form of a dove. Where else have we seen the dove in Scripture? … Continue reading “Salt and Light”: Matthew 3:16 | The Dove →

“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." Matthew 3:11 The hurt that we inflict on other people – the hurt we inflict on ourselves – comes … Continue reading “Salt and Light”: Matthew 3 | Fire Sale →

"This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham:...." Matthew 1:1 "Who are your people?" It's a question that involves your family tree: "Well, I come from Cubies and Hobbs's..." Now, if you haven't already, consider the unexpected people named in Jesus’ family tree (Matthew 1:1-17): Rahab – … Continue reading “Salt and Light”: Matthew 1 | “Those Are Your People?!” →

"The people walking in darknesshave seen a great light;on those living in the land of deep darknessa light has dawned. You have enlarged the nationand increased their joy;they rejoice before youas people rejoice at the harvest,as warriors rejoicewhen dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,you have shatteredthe yoke that burdens them,the … Continue reading “It’s Still Christmas…” →

"For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!" Acts 28:30-31 Welcome to the end of 2022. When an end draws near, it is good to think … Continue reading “Begin Again”: A Weekly Devotional for a New Year, Week 52 →

"There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days. His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed … Continue reading “Begin Again”: A Weekly Devotional for a New Year, Week 51 →

'Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul talked about 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, … Continue reading “Begin Again”: A Weekly Devotional for a New Year, Week 50 →

'“Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense.” When they heard him speak to them in Aramaic, they became very quiet. Then Paul said: “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors. I was … Continue reading “Begin Again”: A Weekly Devotional for a New Year, Week 49 →

'After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will … Continue reading “Begin Again”: A Weekly Devotional for a New Year, Week 48 →

'On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking … Continue reading “Begin Again”: A Weekly Devotional for a New Year, Week 47 →