Category: Faith

Waiting and Watching – 2025 Day 265

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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 53

Our huge lab-poodle-aussie, Kylo, absolutely adores my younger daughter. He will sit and wait for her, watching where she went. It’s so sweet.

Are we waiting and watching like that? Do we have that kind of love? That kind of faith?

Lord Jesus, help me to watch for You, trusting You and waiting expectantly for Your return!

Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. Proverbs 8:34 ESV

Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. Luke 12:35-36 ESV

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Titus 2:11-14 ESV

And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. Hebrews 9:27-28 ESV

Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him. 2 Peter 3:11-15 ESV

  Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 ESV

Thorn in the Flesh – 2 Corinthians 12 – 2025 Day 263

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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 51, 2 Corinthians 12

There are so many things that I used to be anxious about, especially the fear of death. I worried about fires, robbers, car accidents, and plane crashes. I am so thankful for God’s grace in freeing me from this fear. When I flew home from visiting my daughter, I was able to lay my hand on the shoulder of the woman sitting next to me, praying silently for her as she coped with her fear of flying by zoning out, watching videos on her phone.

Yet, I still struggle with fears of physical illness, infirmity, or pain. Death is no longer the enemy, but pain??? Nope. Don’t want it.

But that is exactly what God knows I need to keep me humble. A broken foot, a hurting elbow, a sore back, a horrendous allergic reaction to poison ivy, these things keep me dependent on the Lord. They push me to pray and to ask others to pray, too.

Is there a thorn that the Lord has graciously given you to keep you humble? Rather than being angry with Him, thank Him.

Heavenly Father, Thank You for all of Your grace. I see Your grace in the thorns and Your grace in the roses. Help me to give thanks in all circumstances. Help me to fix my eyes – and my mind – on You. Help me to walk by faith and not by fear. In the Name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

Be Still my Soul – Selah

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Genuine Generosity – 2 Corinthians 8-9 – 2025 Day 261

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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 49, 2 Corinthians 8-9

Have you ever thought about the idea that true love cannot be forced?

I can make my kids do lots of stuff. Sometimes all I have to do is ask, but sometimes my request needs more incentives, maybe offering a reward (or a punishment) for compliance.

  • “Sweetheart, would you please go empty the dishwasher?”
  • “Honey, please go clean your bedroom?”
  • “After you finish mowing the lawn, I’m going to take you out for ice cream.”
  • “If you don’t get all your schoolwork finished by 4 o’clock, there will be no media for the rest of the day. Get going!”

But, does love work that way? Can I compel my children to love something … or someone? I may be able to force some kind actions, but genuine love from the heart, by definition, requires a person to freely and willingly give of themselves.

Likewise, genuine generosity can never be forced. If your parents, your pastor, or your government demands that you share your stuff with someone else, then you are no longer being generous.

Part of what makes the Macedonian churches’ generosity in 2 Corinthians 8 so remarkable is that they were giving generously “beyond their means, of their own accord.” (2 Corinthians 8:3) I want to be more like that. I want to give generously, willingly, and cheerfully, of my time, treasures, talents, and testimony, in both my abundance and my lack.

Heavenly Father, You delight in a cheerful giver. Help me to give sacrificially and cheerfully. Help me to give freely, rather than under compulsion. Help me to be generous with my time as well as my money. Help me to remember how much You have given to me, that there is nothing I have that I have not been given. Make me more like Jesus and less like the world. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Want more? Listen to this great sermon, “Generosity & Grace” by Austin Cox at Collierville Bible Church. 

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I am a Temple of the Living God – 2 Corinthians 6 – 2025 Day 257

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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 45, 2 Corinthians 6

“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God;”

2 Corinthians 6:14-16a

“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”

Ephesians 2:19-22

Want more? I recommend the Institute for Creation Research’s article, “Does God Dwell in Temples?”

Oh, Lord Jesus, what a privilege to be a temple of the Holy Spirit. To think that You would dwell in me, live with me, never leave me. Oh, such peace is mine because of You. Your presence goes with me wherever I go. If I go up to the heavens, You are there. If I make my bed in the depths, You are there. I cannot hide from You. I cannot flee from You, because You are always, always with me. Thank You, Father, for Your mercy and grace. You are good. I want to be yoked to You. Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light. Let me not be yoked to unbelievers. Let me not be deceived by the schemes of the evil one. Give me a discerning mind, the mind of Christ. For the glory of Your Name. Amen.

I Am Not My Own – Keith & Kristyn Getty, Skye Peterson

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New Creation in Christ – 2 Corinthians 5 – 2025 Day 256

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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 44, 2 Corinthians 5

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

2 Corinthians 5:17-21 ESV

Kelly Hall and I first met almost thirty years ago when I was a first year teacher at Central Institute for the Deaf in St. Louis, Missouri. Little did I know then how God would mightily use Kelly and her courageous faith in my life. Kelly and I had lost touch after exchanging annual Christmas letters for many years only to be reconnected when I discovered that my faithful Memphis-area prayer partner, Beth, also knew Kelly from their husbands’ mutual service in the air force in Texas! Isn’t God amazing?!? He is the great tapestry weaver.

I hope you’ll take a half-hour of your time to tune in to my interview on Kelly Hall’s Unshakable Hope podcast and subscribe, so you can be alerted as she releases new ones.

https://kellyhall.org/podcast/episode-19-from-out-spoken-atheist-to-devoted-follower-of-jesus-kim-endraske/

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Share Jesus Without Fear – 2 Corinthians 4 – 2025 Day 255

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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 43, 2 Corinthians 4

For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.

2 Corinthians 4:5 ESV

Have you ever heard of the book, “Share Jesus Without Fear” by William Fay? This book solidified my belief in asking questions and genuinely listening to the person’s responses as an effective method of sharing the gospel. The book also encourages you to share the gospel directly from the scriptures, by suggesting seven key passages for the person you’re sharing with to read themselves. In fact, I’ve written these passages down in the pocket New Testament Bible that I carry with me in my purse. My only complaint about the book is the title. I’m STILL afraid to share — but I pray every day that the Lord will give me strength to overcome that fear.

I want to always be prepared to give away this pocket Bible, so I also wrote several key passages in the cover that are excellent for non-Christians or new Christians to study. I actually keep a second pocket Bible ready at home with these verses written in it, too, so when I give this one away, I’m already prepared to pop another one into my purse. I learned these passages from No Place Left ministries whose website has lots of great resources for evangelism and discipleship.

But, back to ‘Share Jesus Without Fear,” this book includes many excellent questions to ask to open the door for a spiritual conversation. Here are some questions that I hope might help you. I think these questions are appropriate to ask just about anyone given the right situation, whether a close friend or a stranger on an airplane.

  • Has anyone ever explained the basic beliefs of Christianity to you? Would you like me to share my thoughts with you?
  • Do you have any kind of spiritual beliefs?
  • Who is Jesus to you? Can I share with you who Jesus is to me?
  • Do you think there is a heaven or hell? How did you come to those beliefs?
  • If you died tonight, where would you go? If heaven, why?
  • May I share seven scriptures with you that changed my life?

Don’t be afraid to ask someone to meet you for coffee or a meal, asking them in advance if they’d like to meet up with you to talk about spiritual things. You might be surprised how many people would be willing to meet with you if you asked them! You’ll never know if you don’t ask.

Heavenly Father, I’m asking You to open doors for me to have a spiritual conversation with someone this week. I want to be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. I want to love my neighbor as myself. Jesus came to seek and save the lost, and I want to do that, too. Please give me courage and wisdom to be a witness and ambassador for the kingdom of heaven. In the Name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

Lord From Sorrows Deep I Call (Psalm 42) – Matt Papa and Matt Boswell

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Division in the Church – 1 Corinthians 11 – 2025 Day 246

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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 34, 1 Corinthians 11

For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.

1 Corinthians 11:18-19 ESV

I hate conflict. I like everything to be calm and peaceful and happy. Anyone with me?

But sometimes conflict is necessary. Sometimes conflict is necessary to bring change and, ultimately, peace. I want to be a peacemaker – not a peace-faker. And sometimes that requires stirring the pot: asking questions and seeking answers, calling people to take responsibility for their beliefs and actions.

The entire letter of 1 Corinthians is Paul’s attempt to bring holiness and peace to a body that has gone astray and needs to be brought back to the Lord. Like a shepherd using his rod and staff to correct and redirect a straying lamb, the Lord’s messengers are often called to speak harsh words to bring healing.

“Come, let us return to the LORD; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him.”

Hosea 6:1-2 ESV

Heavenly Father, You are holy. You are good. You are mighty. Reveal Yourself to and through Your body here on earth. Purify Your Bride in the cleansing waters of adversity. Do what needs to be done to eradicate the cancer of complacency from our hearts. We trust You. In the name of Jesus Christ who surrendered His life for His bride we pray. Amen.

One Pure and Holy Passion – Amy Nobles
Psalm 34 – Taste and See – Shane and Shane
Today’s YouTube Podcast

If you prefer, click here to watch the podcast on YouTube.

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To The Faithful One who Makes Me Faithful – 1 Corinthians 4 – 2025 Day 241

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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 29, 1 Corinthians 4

On my weekend trip to Greer’s Ferry Lake in Arkansas, I was amazed by the rocks that covered the lakeshore. From far away, looking down at the beach, I expected them to be solid, hard, firm, stable … you know, ROCKS. But when I finally made my way down six flights of stairs and walked on those rocks, I discovered that they were anything but that. These rocks crumbled like eggshells under my feet.

Ask yourself –

  • What kind of rock am I standing on? Am I standing on the solid rock of Jesus or the shifting sand of man’s opinions?
  • What kind of woman am I? Am I steadfast and immovable, solid and faithful like my God and His Unchanging Word, or do I crumble under the pressures of life?

1 Corinthians 1:9 ESV — God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 Corinthians 4:2 ESV — Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.

1 Corinthians 4:17 ESV — That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church.

1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV — No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

1 Thessalonians 5:24 ESV — He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

1 Timothy 1:12 ESV — I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service,

2 Timothy 2:13 ESV — if we are faithless, he remains faithful — for he cannot deny himself.

Hebrews 10:23 ESV — Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.

Hebrews 11:11 ESV — By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised.

1 Peter 4:19 ESV — Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

Revelation 17:14 ESV — They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.

Revelation 19:11 ESV — Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.

Heavenly Father, You are Faithful. You are Trustworthy. You are a Promise-Keeper. Every word You speak will come to pass. Help me to be faithful because You are the source and the object of my faith. Help me to daily entrust my soul to You, Father, because You are trustworthy. Because my hope is in You and You alone, I will not be shaken. You have called me to Your service, so I can trust that You will fulfill all Your plans for my life. Make me more like You, Lord. Make me faithful and trustworthy because You are Faithful and trustworthy. In the Name of Jesus Christ who died in my place I pray. Amen.

“My Hope is Built on Nothing Less (On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand)”
“Great is Thy Faithfulness & My Redeemer is Faithful and True” – Steven Curtis Chapman

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The Sun Rises Even in the Rain – 1 Corinthians 2 – 2025 Day 239

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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 27; 1 Corinthians 2

Two years ago, when I originally wrote this post, I’d woken up early because I wanted to watch the sun rise. I was eagerly anticipating the sun turning the sky pink, purple, and orange as it crested the horizon over the lake where my sisters-in-Christ and I have been staying since Friday. Instead, I was greeted by a rainstorm beating down on the metal roof of the porch under which I was taking shelter.

But still, the sun rose.

But still, it got brighter minute by minute.

But still, a new day dawned.

Friends, God is still on His throne even when we don’t see His glory. God still reigns even when His presence is hidden behind clouds, and His voice can’t be heard over the pouring rain.

In God’s perfect wisdom, He had decreed before the ages that His Own Son would be hung upon a cross to die for the sins of man. In the eyes of human wisdom or logic, it appeared that Satan had won and God had been defeated.

Oh, sisters, but God. Up from the grave He arose!

Suddenly, the cries of a bird rang out over the pounding of the storm. The birds were awake and singing in the trees, despite the rain. The storm won’t stop them, and it shouldn’t stop us, either.

Darkness can’t overpower the light. The rain can’t drown out the sun. The sun still rises, even in a thunderstorm.

Heavenly Father, Death could not contain Him. A grave could not defeat Him. Darkness, no matter how deep, cannot keep the King of Glory from shining. I pray that our faith would be in You and You alone. You are Almighty. You are Victorious! No storm can delay what You have decreed. Your purposes will stand. You don’t always give us “cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudels.” Sometimes you give us pitch black nights and thunderstorms that last for hour upon hour. Help me remember that the trees need the rain so they can grow, and the world needs the darkness of night so it can rest. Help me trust You, rather than myself. Help me to doubt human reasoning and believe Your Word. Help me remember that You reign over the rain. In the Good and Sovereign Name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

“Draw Me Close” – Shane and Shane

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Are You Dead or Alive? – 1 Corinthians 1 – 2025 Day 238

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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 26; 1 Corinthians 1

“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
1 Corinthians 1:18 ESV

We’re either in the process of perishing or in the process of being saved. Where are you? Are you perishing or are you being saved? Are you dead or are you alive?

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:1-7 ESV

Please take the time to read this incredible sermon by Charles Spurgeon titled, “Once Dead, Now Alive.” Or click here to listen to it read aloud.

Here’s a brief excerpt of it, which I hope will cause you to want to read the whole thing.

To find out what spiritual death means, I shall ask you to remember that this dead body here is characterized by an absence of sense.

Be not afraid, it is your brother man; come close up to him, and speak. He does not hear you. Speak more loudly; he does not answer you, he gives no sign of recognition. Shout at the very top of your voice; stoop down, and speak into his ear. Alas! it is the clay-cold ear of death, upon which no effect whatever is produced.

I remember when I was spiritually just like that. I could not hear even the voice of Jesus, though it was very soft and tender. He said, “Come unto me,” but I did not respond to his call. There were others near me who did; but I was dead, and took no notice.

Then there came a louder sound, a voice of threatening, a message of condemnation. God spoke from the top of Sinai, and hurled at me the ten great thunderbolts of his law; yet still I did not hear. I had broken all those commands, and I must bear the penalty of disobedience; the law told me so, but I did not hear.

Friends led me, sometimes, dead as I was, where both the law and the gospel were fully preached; but I did not hear, I could not hear. Sounds went past the drum of my ear, and my body heard; but the ear of my heart was not reached, I could not hear, for I was dead.

Charles Spurgeon, ‘Once Dead, Now Alive,’ 1888

Oh, save us, Lord. Our nation is perishing! Our people are dying for lack of knowledge and understanding. We have trusted in ourselves and turned our backs on You, preferring the fake wisdom of man over the true wisdom of God.

Forgive us, Lord. Have mercy on our souls. Draw us back to You by Your steadfast lovingkindness.

I once was lost but now I’m found. I once was dead but now I’m alive. Praise Your Name. You opened my eyes and gave my life. You brought me out of the darkness. You set my feet on the Solid Rock. You hid me under the shelter of Your Almighty Wings. Thank You, Father!

You loved us so much that You sent Your Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. Let us not waiver any longer. May we choose this day whom we will serve, and may it be You and You alone for You alone are worthy. You deserve all the praise and all the glory. In the matchless name of Jesus I pray. Amen

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