Easter Year B

The first thing the Bible tells us is that God is a creator. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the...

God Creates and Equips People to Work (Genesis 1:26-2:25)

God lays the foundations for human work: dominion, relationships, fruitfulness, provision, and limits.

The Right Use of Power (Psalm 136)

Power is essential to most work, and it must be exercised rightly. Psalm 136 lays out the proper use of power by...

Beyond Thanksgiving

At first glance, Psalm 136 is a psalm of thanksgiving.

God Calls Noah and Creates a New World (Genesis 6:9-8:19)

Some situations may be redeemable. Others may be beyond redemption. In Genesis 6:6-8 , we hear God's lament about the state of...

God’s Covenant with Noah (Genesis 9:1-19)

Once again on dry land with this new beginning, Noah's first act is to build an altar to the Lord (Gen. 8:20)...

God’s Presence in the Midst of Disaster (Psalm 46)

No matter how great the disaster, God is greater still.

Best of Daily Reflections: How Does God Bring Destruction?

...

Where Have You Fixed Your Attention?

Psalm 16 begins with a cry for divine help: "Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge"...

Israel at the Red Sea and on the Way to Sinai (Exodus 13:17-18:27)

The foundational expression of God’s work came to dramatic fruition when God decisively led his people through the Red Sea, releasing them...

Servant at Work (Isaiah 40ff.)

Isaiah paints a picture of the values that must characterize the people of God.

Obsessing, Digressing, Progressing: The Importance of Digressing - Isaiah, Exodus, Luke Sermon Notes

Text Suggestions Isaiah 55:6-9 8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my...

Peace and Prosperity (Isaiah 9ff.)

In contrast to the arrogant pride and self-sufficiency that will bring us down or the exploitation of the poor in order to...

You Are Designed for Worship

Faith is not just a matter of belief but a life of wholehearted and full-bodied worship. Every part of me and every part of you is required for discipleship.

The Covenantal Hope (Ezekiel 35-48)

Ezekiel's theology of work would be incomplete if not placed in the full context of future restoration alluded to throughout the book...

Best of Daily Reflections: Do You Wish You Had a New Heart?

Do you ever wish you had a new heart? I'm not asking about a physical heart, but a new way of being...

Hope in God!

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God! Psalm 43:5 If Psalm 43 seems strangely...

New Life for Dem Dry Bones

Dem bones, dem bones, dem dry bones. ...

Why Should God Answer My Prayer?

In Psalm 143, David cries out to the Lord for help.

Best of Daily Reflections: Hopes Deferred but Not Forgotten

God rejoices when his people are made whole. Our joys become his joys.

Joy to the World!

Shout to the LORD, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy! Sing your praise to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and melodious song, with trumpets and...

Best of Daily Reflections: What If Your Soul Is Hard as a Rock?

He turned the rock into a pool of water; yes, a spring of water flowed from solid rock. Psalm 114:8 Do you...

Walking in Newness of Life (Romans 6)

Although God’s grace has come into the world to bring reconciliation and justice, there are still evil spiritual powers at work opposing...

The Cross and Resurrection (Mark 14:32-16:8)

The topics of status and grace return to the fore as Jesus faces his trial and crucifixion. “The Son of Man came...

Resurrection of the Lord Year BView All >

Peace and Prosperity (Isaiah 9ff.)

In contrast to the arrogant pride and self-sufficiency that will bring us down or the exploitation of the poor in order to...

The Ultimate International Banquet

Often schools and churches sponsor international banquets, festive meals in which people bring foods representing diverse cultures. At such a feast you...

Work and Christian Identity (Acts 8-12)

The next section of Acts moves the Christian community, by the power of the Spirit, across cultural barriers as the gospel of...

The Christian Life According to Popeye and Paul

But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without results. For I...

The Cross and Resurrection (Mark 14:32-16:8)

The topics of status and grace return to the fore as Jesus faces his trial and crucifixion. “The Son of Man came...

Easter II Year BView All >

A Pleasure We Need Today

Psalm 133 envisions pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem to celebrate a religious festival. Though they have come from diverse places throughout the Ancient Near East, the pilgrims experience profound...

Acts an orienting community that practices the ways of gods kingdom acts 2 42 47 4 32 38

The Economics of Radical Generosity (Acts 2:45; 4:34-35)

There is continuing debate about whether or not these community summaries advocate a certain economic system, with some commentators describing the practice...

1 John: Walking in the Light

Although written under greatly different circumstances than James,[1] 1 John also challenges the notion that faith can live without “works,” that is, acts of obedience toward God. In chapter 2, John states that...

Easter III Year BView All >

Bringing Our Enemies and Opponents to God (Psalms 4, 6, 7, 17)

After Psalms 1 and 2, Book 1 has many psalms in which David complains to God about his enemies. These psalms can...

Best of Daily Reflections: Not a Ghost Story

Though his resurrected body had unusual capabilities, Jesus was present in flesh and blood.

Easter IV Year BView All >

God’s Presence in Our Struggles at Work (Psalm 23)

While we seek to honor God in our work, this does not mean the road will be easy.

Psalm 23 for Busy People

Prayer

The Lord is my pace-setter, I shall not rush.

The Lord Is My Shepherd

One of the most common criticisms of contemporary Christianity in America is its excessive individualism.

God’s Call in Our Daily Lives: Love in Action - 1 John Sermon Notes

1 John 3:16-24 We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our...

Jesus’ Sacrifice (John 10-12)

Learning to Save My Students Instead of Judging Them (Click Here to Read) An encounter with the words of Jesus in John 12 encourages a teacher to change his approach to his relationship...

Easter V Year BView All >

Work and Christian Identity (Acts 8-12)

The next section of Acts moves the Christian community, by the power of the Spirit, across cultural barriers as the gospel of...

An Expansive Vision for Family Worship

The whole earth will acknowledge the LORD and return to him. All the families of the nations will bow down before him...

1 John: Walking in the Light

I Am the Vine and You Are the Branches (John 15)

Three Men on a Mission of Integrity, Love, and Community Ryan Dixon, Dan Griffith and Stephen Lee started True Vine, a micro...

I Have Called You Friends (John 1:35-51, John 15:15)

We will return to the conventional term “disciples” momentarily, but the term “friends” captures the essence of John’s depiction of the disciples...

Forming Vital Connections - Become! Connect to the Workplace by Seeding Faith: John 15 Sermon Notes

Text: John 15:1-17 1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He...

Purple grapes vineyard napa valley napa vineyard 45209

Forming Vital Connections - Belong! Connect to the Branches of the Vine: John 15 Sermon Notes

Text: John 15:1-17 1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He...

Purple grapes vineyard napa valley napa vineyard 39351

Forming Vital Connections -Believe! Connect to the Life-Giving Vine: John 15 Sermon Notes

Text: John 15:1-17 1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He...

What Does It Mean to Bear Much Fruit?

We don’t easily understand God’s purposes for our lives, so we often try to keep him out.

Easter VI Year BView All >

Work and Christian Identity (Acts 8-12)

The next section of Acts moves the Christian community, by the power of the Spirit, across cultural barriers as the gospel of...

Joy to the World!

Shout to the LORD, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy! Sing your praise to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and melodious song, with trumpets and...

1 John: Walking in the Light

I Am the Vine and You Are the Branches (John 15)

Three Men on a Mission of Integrity, Love, and Community Ryan Dixon, Dan Griffith and Stephen Lee started True Vine, a micro...

I Have Called You Friends (John 1:35-51, John 15:15)

We will return to the conventional term “disciples” momentarily, but the term “friends” captures the essence of John’s depiction of the disciples...

Forming Vital Connections -Believe! Connect to the Life-Giving Vine: John 15 Sermon Notes

Text: John 15:1-17 1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He...

Forming Vital Connections - Belong! Connect to the Branches of the Vine: John 15 Sermon Notes

Text: John 15:1-17 1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He...

Forming Vital Connections - Become! Connect to the Workplace by Seeding Faith: John 15 Sermon Notes

Text: John 15:1-17 1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He...

Ascension of the LordView All >

Clap and Shout!

Come, everyone! Clap your hands! Shout to God with joyful praise! Psalm 47:1 In the past three decades, Christians throughout the world have learned to worship more expressively. Even in formerly staid mainline...

Mightier Than the Waves

When I lived in Southern California, I occasionally enjoyed body surfing at the beach. It was a thrill to get out in the surf, to swim as fast as I could just as...

Missional Community (Acts 1:6)

In the book of Acts, Jesus’ mission to restore the world as God intended it to be is transformed into the mission of the community of Jesus’ followers. Acts traces the life of...

An Orienting Vocation for the Kingdom of God (Acts 1:8)

The book of Acts begins with a post-resurrection interaction between Jesus and his disciples. Jesus teaches his disciples about “the kingdom of...

Ephesians gods grand plan a theological vision eph 1 1 3 21

God’s Grand Plan: A Theological Vision (Ephesians 1:1–3:21)

God's restoring work involves human beings both as recipients of grace and as participants in the work.

God’s Grand Plan: A Theological Vision (Ephesians 1:1–3:21)

Full Christianity: Doing, Thinking, and Being (Click here to read) In this daily reflection from The High Calling Mark Roberts considers how...

The Christian Life in a Nutshell

The phrase "in a nutshell" means something like "in a very brief summary" or "in very few words." Some scholars trace the English use of this phrase to William Shakespeare's play Hamlet. In Act 2,...

Easter VII Year BView All >

Personal Integrity in Work (Psalm 1)

The two opening psalms establish themes that run through the entire Psalter. Psalm 1 describes personal integrity, indicating that this is how...

Best of Daily Reflections: Avoiding the Influence of Mockers

We live in a society of mockers. People who mock consider themselves better than others. They do not enter into serious engagement...

1 John: Walking in the Light

Best of Daily Reflections: Where’s the Proof That Jesus Is Who He Said He Was...

God’s own witness is above anything we could ever muster up ourselves.

The Importance of Workplace Relationships (John 14-17)

An emphasis on personal relationships suffuses the theology of these chapters. Jesus calls the disciples “no longer servants…but friends” (John 15:15, NASB)...

Day of Pentecost Year BView All >

Acts an orienting identity as gods kingdom witnesses in daily life acts 2 1 41

A Christian Identity as God’s Kingdom Witnesses in Daily Life (Acts 2:1-41)

There is no question that the story of Pentecost is central to the life of the early...

The Covenantal Hope (Ezekiel 35-48)

Ezekiel's theology of work would be incomplete if not placed in the full context of future restoration alluded to throughout the book...

New Life for Dem Dry Bones

Dem bones, dem bones, dem dry bones. ...

Human Creativity With God (Psalm 104)

From the beginning, God intended human work as a form of creativity under or alongside God’s own creativity.

Best of Daily Reflections: When to Take a Walk Outside

When trouble overcomes you, take a walk outside. The light that greets you is really God's wardrobe. The clouds that drift overhead...

Eagerly Awaiting Bodily Redemption for Ourselves and God’s Creation (Romans 8:18–30)

Being “glorified” with Christ (Rom. 8:17) is our hope for the future. But according to Paul that...

Farewell Words: Upper Room Discourse (John 14-17)

Chapters 13 through 17, often called the Upper Room Discourse, contain so much profound theology that we can only touch on a...

The Great Vigil of EasterView All >

God Creates the World (Genesis 1:1-2:3)

The first thing the Bible tells us is that God is a creator. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the...

God Creates and Equips People to Work (Genesis 1:26-2:25)

God lays the foundations for human work: dominion, relationships, fruitfulness, provision, and limits.

The Right Use of Power (Psalm 136)

Power is essential to most work, and it must be exercised rightly. Psalm 136 lays out the proper use of power by...

Beyond Thanksgiving

At first glance, Psalm 136 is a psalm of thanksgiving.

God Calls Noah and Creates a New World (Genesis 6:9-8:19)

Some situations may be redeemable. Others may be beyond redemption. In Genesis 6:6-8 , we hear God's lament about the state of...

God’s Covenant with Noah (Genesis 9:1-19)

Once again on dry land with this new beginning, Noah's first act is to build an altar to the Lord (Gen. 8:20)...

God’s Presence in the Midst of Disaster (Psalm 46)

No matter how great the disaster, God is greater still.

Best of Daily Reflections: How Does God Bring Destruction?

...

Where Have You Fixed Your Attention?

Psalm 16 begins with a cry for divine help: "Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge"...

Israel at the Red Sea and on the Way to Sinai (Exodus 13:17-18:27)

The foundational expression of God’s work came to dramatic fruition when God decisively led his people through the Red Sea, releasing them...

Servant at Work (Isaiah 40ff.)

Isaiah paints a picture of the values that must characterize the people of God.

Obsessing, Digressing, Progressing: The Importance of Digressing - Isaiah, Exodus, Luke Sermon Notes

Text Suggestions Isaiah 55:6-9 8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my...

Peace and Prosperity (Isaiah 9ff.)

In contrast to the arrogant pride and self-sufficiency that will bring us down or the exploitation of the poor in order to...

You Are Designed for Worship

Faith is not just a matter of belief but a life of wholehearted and full-bodied worship. Every part of me and every part of you is required for discipleship.

The Covenantal Hope (Ezekiel 35-48)

Ezekiel's theology of work would be incomplete if not placed in the full context of future restoration alluded to throughout the book...

Best of Daily Reflections: Do You Wish You Had a New Heart?

Do you ever wish you had a new heart? I'm not asking about a physical heart, but a new way of being...

Hope in God!

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God! Psalm 43:5 If Psalm 43 seems strangely...

New Life for Dem Dry Bones

Dem bones, dem bones, dem dry bones. ...

Why Should God Answer My Prayer?

In Psalm 143, David cries out to the Lord for help.

Best of Daily Reflections: Hopes Deferred but Not Forgotten

God rejoices when his people are made whole. Our joys become his joys.

Joy to the World!

Shout to the LORD, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy! Sing your praise to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and melodious song, with trumpets and...

Best of Daily Reflections: What If Your Soul Is Hard as a Rock?

He turned the rock into a pool of water; yes, a spring of water flowed from solid rock. Psalm 114:8 Do you...

Walking in Newness of Life (Romans 6)

Although God’s grace has come into the world to bring reconciliation and justice, there are still evil spiritual powers at work opposing...

The Cross and Resurrection (Mark 14:32-16:8)

The topics of status and grace return to the fore as Jesus faces his trial and crucifixion. “The Son of Man came...

Resurrection of the Lord Year BView All >

Peace and Prosperity (Isaiah 9ff.)

In contrast to the arrogant pride and self-sufficiency that will bring us down or the exploitation of the poor in order to...

The Ultimate International Banquet

Often schools and churches sponsor international banquets, festive meals in which people bring foods representing diverse cultures. At such a feast you...

Work and Christian Identity (Acts 8-12)

The next section of Acts moves the Christian community, by the power of the Spirit, across cultural barriers as the gospel of...

The Christian Life According to Popeye and Paul

But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without results. For I...

The Cross and Resurrection (Mark 14:32-16:8)

The topics of status and grace return to the fore as Jesus faces his trial and crucifixion. “The Son of Man came...

Easter II Year BView All >

A Pleasure We Need Today

Psalm 133 envisions pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem to celebrate a religious festival. Though they have come from diverse places throughout the Ancient Near East, the pilgrims experience profound...

The Economics of Radical Generosity (Acts 2:45; 4:34-35)

There is continuing debate about whether or not these community summaries advocate a certain economic system, with some commentators describing the practice...

1 John: Walking in the Light

Easter III Year BView All >

Bringing Our Enemies and Opponents to God (Psalms 4, 6, 7, 17)

After Psalms 1 and 2, Book 1 has many psalms in which David complains to God about his enemies. These psalms can...

Best of Daily Reflections: Not a Ghost Story

Though his resurrected body had unusual capabilities, Jesus was present in flesh and blood.

Easter IV Year BView All >

God’s Presence in Our Struggles at Work (Psalm 23)

While we seek to honor God in our work, this does not mean the road will be easy.

Psalm 23 for Busy People

Prayer

The Lord is my pace-setter, I shall not rush.

The Lord Is My Shepherd

One of the most common criticisms of contemporary Christianity in America is its excessive individualism.

God’s Call in Our Daily Lives: Love in Action - 1 John Sermon Notes

1 John 3:16-24 We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our...

Jesus’ Sacrifice (John 10-12)

Learning to Save My Students Instead of Judging Them (Click Here to Read) An encounter with the words of Jesus in John 12 encourages a teacher to change his approach to his relationship...

Easter V Year BView All >

Work and Christian Identity (Acts 8-12)

The next section of Acts moves the Christian community, by the power of the Spirit, across cultural barriers as the gospel of...

An Expansive Vision for Family Worship

The whole earth will acknowledge the LORD and return to him. All the families of the nations will bow down before him...

1 John: Walking in the Light

I Am the Vine and You Are the Branches (John 15)

Three Men on a Mission of Integrity, Love, and Community Ryan Dixon, Dan Griffith and Stephen Lee started True Vine, a micro...

I Have Called You Friends (John 1:35-51, John 15:15)

We will return to the conventional term “disciples” momentarily, but the term “friends” captures the essence of John’s depiction of the disciples...

Forming Vital Connections - Become! Connect to the Workplace by Seeding Faith: John 15 Sermon Notes

Text: John 15:1-17 1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He...

Forming Vital Connections - Belong! Connect to the Branches of the Vine: John 15 Sermon Notes

Text: John 15:1-17 1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He...

Forming Vital Connections -Believe! Connect to the Life-Giving Vine: John 15 Sermon Notes

Text: John 15:1-17 1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He...

What Does It Mean to Bear Much Fruit?

We don’t easily understand God’s purposes for our lives, so we often try to keep him out.

Easter VI Year BView All >

Work and Christian Identity (Acts 8-12)

The next section of Acts moves the Christian community, by the power of the Spirit, across cultural barriers as the gospel of...

Joy to the World!

Shout to the LORD, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy! Sing your praise to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and melodious song, with trumpets and...

1 John: Walking in the Light

I Am the Vine and You Are the Branches (John 15)

Three Men on a Mission of Integrity, Love, and Community Ryan Dixon, Dan Griffith and Stephen Lee started True Vine, a micro...

I Have Called You Friends (John 1:35-51, John 15:15)

We will return to the conventional term “disciples” momentarily, but the term “friends” captures the essence of John’s depiction of the disciples...

Forming Vital Connections -Believe! Connect to the Life-Giving Vine: John 15 Sermon Notes

Text: John 15:1-17 1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He...

Forming Vital Connections - Belong! Connect to the Branches of the Vine: John 15 Sermon Notes

Text: John 15:1-17 1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He...

Forming Vital Connections - Become! Connect to the Workplace by Seeding Faith: John 15 Sermon Notes

Text: John 15:1-17 1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He...

Ascension of the LordView All >

Clap and Shout!

Mightier Than the Waves

When I lived in Southern California, I occasionally enjoyed body surfing at the beach. It was a thrill to get out in the surf, to swim as fast as I could just as...

Missional Community (Acts 1:6)

In the book of Acts, Jesus’ mission to restore the world as God intended it to be is transformed into the mission of the community of Jesus’ followers. Acts traces the life of...

An Orienting Vocation for the Kingdom of God (Acts 1:8)

The book of Acts begins with a post-resurrection interaction between Jesus and his disciples. Jesus teaches his disciples about “the kingdom of...

God’s Grand Plan: A Theological Vision (Ephesians 1:1–3:21)

God's restoring work involves human beings both as recipients of grace and as participants in the work.

God’s Grand Plan: A Theological Vision (Ephesians 1:1–3:21)

Full Christianity: Doing, Thinking, and Being (Click here to read) In this daily reflection from The High Calling Mark Roberts considers how...

The Christian Life in a Nutshell

The phrase "in a nutshell" means something like "in a very brief summary" or "in very few words." Some scholars trace the English use of this phrase to William Shakespeare's play Hamlet. In Act 2,...

Easter VII Year BView All >

Personal Integrity in Work (Psalm 1)

The two opening psalms establish themes that run through the entire Psalter. Psalm 1 describes personal integrity, indicating that this is how...

Best of Daily Reflections: Avoiding the Influence of Mockers

We live in a society of mockers. People who mock consider themselves better than others. They do not enter into serious engagement...

1 John: Walking in the Light

Best of Daily Reflections: Where’s the Proof That Jesus Is Who He Said He Was...

God’s own witness is above anything we could ever muster up ourselves.

The Importance of Workplace Relationships (John 14-17)

An emphasis on personal relationships suffuses the theology of these chapters. Jesus calls the disciples “no longer servants…but friends” (John 15:15, NASB)...

Day of Pentecost Year BView All >

A Christian Identity as God’s Kingdom Witnesses in Daily Life (Acts 2:1-41)

There is no question that the story of Pentecost is central to the life of the early...

The Covenantal Hope (Ezekiel 35-48)

Ezekiel's theology of work would be incomplete if not placed in the full context of future restoration alluded to throughout the book...

New Life for Dem Dry Bones

Dem bones, dem bones, dem dry bones. ...

Human Creativity With God (Psalm 104)

From the beginning, God intended human work as a form of creativity under or alongside God’s own creativity.

Best of Daily Reflections: When to Take a Walk Outside

When trouble overcomes you, take a walk outside. The light that greets you is really God's wardrobe. The clouds that drift overhead...

Eagerly Awaiting Bodily Redemption for Ourselves and God’s Creation (Romans 8:18–30)

Being “glorified” with Christ (Rom. 8:17) is our hope for the future. But according to Paul that...

Farewell Words: Upper Room Discourse (John 14-17)