Posted March 6, 2023 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
Exodus 20:1-3 NRSV
Then God spoke all these words: I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me.
Consider
Idolatry has always been a temptation for God’s people. Both the Old and New Testaments repeatedly warn against replacing worship of God with worship of people, things, or ideas. Jesus refers to this temptation when he challenges his disciples to choose between God and money, warning them that no one can serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). How can I know if I am worshiping an idol?
Continue reading >>
Posted February 27, 2023 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
Psalm 27:5 ESV
For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.
Consider
No matter how threatening our troubles or how confusing our situation, we always have a refuge in God. Our “day of trouble” may be conflict with a coworker or betrayal by a friend. It may be unexpected economic hardship, job loss, or moving to an unfamiliar place and starting over. Our day of trouble may have already stretched into months or years of laboring with ongoing problems.
Continue reading >>
Posted February 20, 2023 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
1 Peter 4:8 NIV
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Consider
A hurtful conflict may offer us the best opportunity to experience the healing power and reconciling nature of love. When we have been hurt by another—betrayed, insulted, rejected, or somehow damaged—we don’t often think of responding with love. Our knee-jerk response might be anger, defensiveness, or a need to hurt back. From there we might start nursing a grudge or indulging in harmful gossip. It takes effort to overcome our instinctive habits and remember to love.
Continue reading >>
Posted February 13, 2023 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
John 15:1-4 NLT
“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.”
Consider
Are you a disciple of Christ? The word implies much more than belief in Christ, although that is a vital element.
Continue reading >>
Posted February 6, 2023 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
1 John 3:12-13 NLT
We must not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and killed his brother. And why did he kill him? Because Cain had been doing what was evil, and his brother had been doing what was righteous. So don’t be surprised, dear brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.
Consider
One big obstacle to living a godly life is knowing that our righteous decisions may antagonize others. Righteous actions are not always appreciated, especially by those who are attached to their sin. The apostle John says that such people love darkness and hide from God’s light.
Continue reading >>
