October 14, 2025

1 Timothy 1:5

5 The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

I don’t think I’ll ever see a leprechaun or a unicorn. Honestly, at this point, I’ve given up looking. Even rarer than these, I’ve never seen a person who has a pure heart, a good conscience, or a sincere faith, much less all three. Personally, I’ve never gotten close to having love as my only motive in my work as a pastor. It’s always mixed with selfish ambition and a need for thanks and praise. How do we get close to this aim Paul says we have?

The answer to everything in scripture is Jesus. He makes your heart pure as He woos you away from sin. He cleanses your conscience by reminding you that your debt is paid. He proves Himself by His word and through His church as He leads you to make your faith strong and as sturdy as a granite foundation. He loves you so that you can love others.

Prayer prompt: Lord, please continue to change me and motivate me to work hard, like Paul, from love.

October 13, 2025

Hebrews 9:28

28 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.

Jesus’ first appearance is the famous one we get from many historical sources. He walked around Judea for 3 years then dealt with our sin by killing death through His own humble, excruciating end. When we believe and enjoy that forgiveness, when our hearts grow warm toward Him, we don’t need another redemption, we just need Him.

After His resurrection, Jesus found His lead apostle Peter, who had repeatedly denied Jesus during His arrest and torture, and asked him one question, “Do you love me?” When the judgment happens, Jesus will tell some to leave because, “I never knew you.” This verse in Hebrews says Jesus will save not the busy or important but those who eagerly wait for Him. What is your heart’s temperature toward Jesus?

Prayer prompt: Lord, I do love You, but I want to love You more and more. Please, stir my heart up as I think about how good You are.

October 11, 2025

Hebrews 9:13-14

13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

Those verses are a bit complicated for a modern reader. The images of the animal sacrifice, the robed priest, and the bloody altar all seem as foreign to our experience as a Tesla would be to Moses. But we can understand the desperate need to be clean. We may not have burned cows but we do know shame.

Your conscience can burn you with a constant smoldering shame. We can try to clean ourselves, but we need something infinitely stronger than soap. God taught the Old Testament saints to do sacrifices as a small scale example of what Christ came to do. We can’t clean ourselves, but Jesus’ blood purifies us so we stand up to serve the living God.

Prayer prompt: Lord, don’t let me hide from my shame or try to clean myself with dead works. Teach me to trust in and really enjoy Your cleansing work for me through Jesus. 

October 10, 2025

Exodus 20:20

20 Moses said to the people, “Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin.”

Home Depot will let you rent really nice chainsaws, and I love chainsaws. I also love having functional limbs. If having a healthy fear of chainsaws can keep me from lopping off my limbs, I need to make sure I maintain a healthy fear of chainsaws. Sin is infinitely more dangerous than any yard equipment, but do you fear it?

In Exodus 20, the people feared the presence of God, and Moses said that was a good thing. Yes, God wants us to draw near to Him, that’s the whole point of Jesus’ ministry and death, not to mention the Exodus from Egypt. But we can’t draw near to the Holy if we’d rather keep our sin. Having a healthy fear of God can be the best way to stay well away from sin and actually draw near. Do you fear God enough to walk away from sin?

Prayer prompt: Lord, help me commit to obedience because I trust Your love for me.

October 9, 2025

Revelation 4:11

11  “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”

Americans know “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal…” That’s a fancy way of saying something I was pretty sure about anyway: Tom Hanks is not better than me. He could be better at certain things than me, like making movies or being iconic, but no matter how much more beloved or respected he is, we are still just parts of creation. Not God though. God is the Creator.

Humility can make you sing. The song in Revelation 4:11 makes it really clear that God gets the glory, honor, and power because He is the Creator. Do you bow the knee to God as the creator or fear people who are also part of the creation? Let your heart join the song to the one who made you.

Prayer prompt: I sing to you Father because You are always greater, more powerful, more honored, more glorious than all creation, including me. 

October 8, 2025

Philippians 1:15, 17

15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. … 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment.

Do you want classmates, coworkers, siblings, or friends to do better than you? That’s usually an easy yes on the outside but more complicated on the inside. Saying “Congratulations!” is easier than actually feeling happy for someone else. To understand that conflict, you have to think about your motives. Do you work for the glory of your name or for the wellbeing of someone else?

Paul felt joy that people were hearing about Jesus even if it meant his imprisonment got harder. He cared more about their salvation than his comfort. He learned that from Jesus who cared more about our salvation than His life. Don’t be like those envious evangelists. What can you do for someone else’s good today instead of your own glory?

Prayer prompt: Lord, help me desire someone else’s joy even if it costs me my own ambitions.

October 7, 2025

Revelation 1:16-17

16 In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength. 17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last,

“Fear not” is an interesting command. Fear isn’t an action like murder or adultery, but a reaction like flinching. The person who makes the command has to have a combination of strength and love. We can only obey if the one making the command is strong enough to be in control and yet kind enough to trust.

I’m sure it took a minute for John to obey. He had just seen Jesus in His fierce glory, glowing like the sun. That Jesus, who has all strength to handle any situation, laid His world-shaping right hand on John and said, “Fear not”. We have seen His power, now we see His care. We need never fear again.

Prayer Prompt: Lord, please forgive us for thinking You too small or too uncaring to help in our time of need.

October 6, 2025

Revelation 1:12-13

12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest.

Revelation can be a weird place for Christians because we don’t know the Old Testament well enough. The pictures John saw all had references in the writings of people like Daniel, Ezekiel, Zechariah, and Moses. The verses above show us a somewhat wild picture of Jesus. What are we supposed to see?

In Revelation, John was writing to real churches. In his vision, he saw each church as a lampstand. Lampstands are supposed to be on fire, but these churches were also under fire. They were being killed and harassed and exiled. With these visions, the churches saw Jesus with all the power needed to make His people (even us!) bright in a dark, dark world.

Prayer Prompt: Lord, please lift our eyes to You as You encourage us, correct us, command us, and warn us so we can be Your Light to a world that needs You.

October 4, 2025

Psalm 84:3

3  Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God.

Ever feel like you don’t belong, like you got in by mistake? I’m sure medical students dream of being called Dr., but I bet they also feel a little scared to answer life-or-death questions. I know people dream of having children, but most parents are sure they don’t know what they’re doing. Imposter syndrome can hurt the Christian too. How can we say we, with all our sin, are God’s children?

The verse above describes the heart of God as the perfect host. Even the little swallow or sparrow has a special designated place for even the delicate task of raising young. Though God is so high above us, He is able to make you really ready to be with Him forever. Prayer Prompt: Lord, my soul longs to be with You forever.

Prayer Prompt: Please preach the gospel to me so I will desire You and trust Your ability to declare me clean!

October 3, 2025

Psalm 92:1-2

1 It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; 2 to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night,

Some say the secular person is embracing the reality of a world without God while the Christian escapes to our fantasy of something more. Are we like dads binging the NFL or teens with PS5s or moms with … chores? Or is there a deeper rest and worship involved?

The subtitle for Psalm 92 says it is a Song for the Sabbath. It models how we are to rest by enjoying God’s steadfast love and the works of His hands. The Psalmist wants God’s people to rest in a deeper reality than the one we see everyday. We don’t escape when we praise God, we remember what is more true than the violence, waywardness, and injustice of our world. Make sure to rest in the Lord today.

Prayer Prompt: Lord, Your steadfast love means I can slow down for a day and trust that You are in control.

October 2, 2025

Luke 19:5

5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.”

How do we know we’re okay? In this story, Jesus felt the press of a huge crowd in Jericho while an immoral, hated, and rather short tax collector climbed a tree to try to see him. When Jesus called to him, the ridiculous sinner felt not only the joy of seeing Jesus, but the much greater joy of acceptance. Zacchaeus knew he was okay.

Not long after, Jesus was taken by the crowd and nailed to a tree. Jesus, who alone among men could stand without sin before God's presence died as a cursed man. Why? He switched places with Zacchaeus. Jesus went from the center of everything to the tree so Zacchaeus, and you, could be forgiven and accepted and brought into the presence of God. Don’t answer your soul’s nagging question with anything less than the smile of Jesus telling you to come down and eat with Him.

Prayer prompt: Lord, please help me to accept and enjoy Your loving invitation.

October 1, 2025

1 Corinthians 12:11

11 All these [gifts] are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

My lovely wife’s brain is as different from mine as possible. We agree on everything that matters, the Lord, parenting, Utah, but when it gets down to how our brains actually work, we never approach anything the same way. She likes details, repetition, and knocking out tasks. I like thinking about why, trying something new, and letting my mind wander. You’d think that may make us frustrated with each other, but it’s led to a lot of laughs and a much bigger view of the world.

God has made His church with incredible diversity, many more than just the two notes in my marriage. Like keys on a piano, the different tones harmonize beautifully when played together. God weaves melodies and rhythm together through the Church to teach the world His song. We should joyfully embrace the humility required to enjoy His Church.

Prayer Prompt: Lord please teach me to value the people who frustrate me with their different ways of seeing the world and doing Your mission.

September 30, 2025

2 Corinthians 4:7-8

7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;

The world today is overwhelmingly perplexing. The speed of technological development changes the way we interact constantly and deeply. The speed of social change creates wild new questions for ethical considerations about categories as obvious and settled as mountains to previous generations. Add to that the everyday questions about speaking with love and wisdom to coworkers or spouses and you’ve got a very perplexing world.

We don’t despair when our knowledge is so small because the Lord planned to use our smallness to show His bigness. He can change a culture even with such limited servants. Take your big questions to the Lord and gain confidence in His good plan.

Prayer Prompt: Today, I don’t know what to do about this situation (trade the word “this” for a perplexing situation in your life.) Lord, please teach me to trust in You so that You increase and I decrease!

September 29, 2025

1 Corinthians 8:9

9 But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.

When people think of Christianity, they may associate it with a list of rules and outlawed pleasures. But God only outlaws things that will turn pleasure into bitterness if used sinfully. Idols, sexual immorality, funny things that really are just grumbling hearts all have their appeal but don’t actually please. There are so many pleasures in the Christian life that the verse above actually warns us to give some up so that we might better serve those around us.

If that concept makes you mad, take a deep look at those around you. They aren’t just immature and in need of your help, they are brothers and sisters for whom Christ died. If there’s something you wouldn’t willingly set down for the love of a brother or sister in Jesus you may in fact be holding an idol. Thanks be to God for a little sibling who will knock it out of your hand!

Prayer Prompt: Lord, teach me to trust You to use even inconveniences to lead me away from sin and to true Pleasure!

September 27, 2025

1 Corinthians 8:9

9 But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.

When people think of Christianity, they may associate it with a list of rules and outlawed pleasures. But God only outlaws things that will turn pleasure into bitterness if used sinfully. Idols, sexual immorality, funny things that really are just grumbling hearts all have their appeal but don’t actually please. There are so many pleasures in the Christian life that the verse above actually warns us to give some up so that we might better serve those around us.

If that concept makes you mad, take a deep look at those around you. They aren’t just immature and in need of your help, they are brothers and sisters for whom Christ died. If there’s something you wouldn’t willingly set down for the love of a brother or sister in Jesus you may in fact be holding an idol. Thanks be to God for a little sibling who will knock it out of your hand!

Prayer Prompt: Lord, teach me to trust You to use even inconveniences to lead me away from sin and to true Pleasure!

September 26, 2025

1 Corinthians 6:15

15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never!

It’s crucial to understand how Paul argues against our acting out in sexual immorality. I really don’t want my dog getting around the neighborhood and finding lady dogs. We neutered the poor guy, but even so a promiscuous dog causes problems. A promiscuous spouse causes significantly bigger ones.

God consistently portrays us in Scripture not as His dog but as His spouse. Because He’s united Himself to us, when we give our favors to idols or practice physical sexual immorality we separate ourselves from Him. Take a hard look at your life today. Where do you need to walk away from things that anger your Holy God? What does it mean for Him to love you not like a favorite tool but as His very own spouse?

Prayer Prompt: Lord, teach me to look away from what will destroy me and look to the love You have for me!

September 25, 2025

1 Corinthians 1:10

10 I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. 

People are hard to live with but impossible to live without. An old German philosopher talked about our relationships like the relationships of porcupines in winter. It’s too cold to go off by yourself but trying to snuggle with another porcupine causes pain in both you and your prickly buddy. How do we overcome the pain and enjoy the warmth of relationships?

Paul makes it clear in these first commands. We are united by the name of Jesus Christ under His Lordship, united in His way of thinking. He made it clear that He loved us enough to be pierced, even by a spear and nails. Looking at that great love, we too decide to endure pain for the moment and enjoy love forever.

Prayer prompt: Lord, please make me closer with your people even if it hurts me and occasionally I hurt them. May Your name be honored as we unite around You!

September 24, 2025

2 Timothy 2:21

21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.

We generally think of blindness as something that happens to a person through disease or accident. Well we should, who would ever choose it? Why would someone choose to shut out the light of the sun or the colors of the rainbow? Yet sin is a blindness we choose. Every time we give our thoughts or hearts to something God hates, we pretend to live in a world that doesn’t exist and shut out the one that does.

Put positively, doing things God’s way gives you a much better view of things God sees. We become more useful to the master of the house when we can see by His light rather than closing our eyes to His beauty. Open your life up to all the wonder of the grace of God and become a golden vessel of His love to the world.

Prayer Prompt: Lord, please help me obey and become more useful to You in Your work.

September 23, 2025

Ezekiel 37:4

4 Then he said to me, “Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the LORD.

I don’t know if there is a more weird and wonderful story in Scripture than that of Ezekiel preaching to the Valley of Dry Bones. God commands His prophet to go and prophesy to a massive, dry valley filled with the bones of warriors who died in some ancient battle. We may shiver or laugh at such an assignment, but Ezekiel probably got very emotional.

He had done much of his ministry to an Israel that was dead on the inside. He wanted them to turn, to repent like Nineveh and live, but no. Nothing greeted his ministry but death, deportation, and despair. Then, God told him to go and preach to the bones, just as he had been preaching to spiritual skeletons. As he preached, those bones had their corruption undone and then life breathed into them. We are a people of sin, but God is a God of restoration. Listen to His words today and live.

Prayer prompt: Lord, let me see my sin that I may turn to You for life.

September 22, 2025

Philippians 1:27

27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,

Military tattoos on old men can look a little rough. That’s because they had deep meaning, if not a graceful style. I understand wanting a tattoo with fellow soldiers, people who suffered together in the defense of honorable things. It would be awesome to remember those heroic and difficult times and think about what drew them all together.

The Christian community is drawn together in the same way. We experience difficulty together as we pursue the same passion. We have one mind which is a mind fixed on the spectacular face of our Lord and His mission. We may not get a group tattoo, but we share the same scars as we carry the same cross. Look around at your brothers and sisters and celebrate those who strive with you!

Prayer Prompt: Lord, thank you for my family and the love we get to share.