C. S. Lewis may have been the first to tell about the little boy who was asked what God is like. The boy responds in words like these: “God’s the sort of fellow who goes around looking for someone who’s having fun—and tries to stop ’em.” This picture of God, mistaken though it is, nonetheless…
Tagged: Sermon Ideas
4 Encouraging Words for Fathers & Father-figures
The apostle Paul was single. He had no children. But have you ever considered how powerfully God used him as a father-figure? Consider: Paul “adopted” Timothy. The apostle became a mentor, an encourager, a father in the faith for Timothy—and later on for Titus, too. Paul invited Timothy (whom he called his “beloved and faithful…
Shaped for Companionship–a free devotion for this week’s meetings
In 1938, Admiral Richard E. Byrd wintered at the South Pole. He chronicled his four-month adventure in a book he tellingly titled Alone! We can scarcely imagine the pain that experience must have involved. While the din of everyday life sometimes threatens to drive us to distraction, few of us would willingly choose months and…
Shaped for Service–a free devotion for this week’s meetings
Shaped . . . Every professional sooner or later develops a unique vocabulary. Pharmacists can recite the scientific names of commonly prescribed drugs. Copy editors easily distinguish between dependent clauses, gerunds, and prepositional phrases. Marine biologists can name the genus and species of organisms that inhabit coral reefs, kelp forests, and tide pools. Artists who work with…
Celebrating Those in Faithful Service–a free devotion for July 4
Introduction As we gather today, we pause to thank all those who serve us through our government on every level—local, state, and national. Our thoughts turn to the first responders in our own community—our firefighters (name those present, if possible) and police officers (name them) our EMT’s (name them) and those in city government (name…
The Master Matters
In one short, and often-overlooked, parable (Luke 17:7-10), Jesus describes an aspect of our Christian service. He begins with three rhetorical questions: If your servant comes in from a day’s work in the field, plowing or shepherding, will you invite him to sit down and eat dinner? Won’t you instead ask that he get cleaned…
Through the Fire–a free devotion for the Nat’l Day of Prayer
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Galatians 6:18 On March 25, 1911, a roaring blaze gutted the top three floors of a New York City high-rise sweatshop. One hundred forty-five workers died in the inferno, forty-nine of them leaping in terror from the flames to the street far below. Many…
Got Life?–A free Easter devotion outline
Introduction An ad popular a few years ago asked, “Got Milk?” I’d like you to think about a similar question: “Got Life?” How might people in your family answer that question? How might your friends? Some may say . . . “Sure! I’m healthy! When you’ve got your health, you’ve got just about everything!” (Life…
Refreshment, Anyone?–a free devotion for this month’s women’s ministry
I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. (Jeremiah 31:25) By some estimates, seven of every ten doctor visits are fatigue-related. That’s a lot of weariness! Sometimes fatigue is a symptom of disease. But fatigue has other sources, too. Long-term stress. Grief. Ongoing frustration. Clinical depression. The list of causes goes on and on….
Kids & Holy Week — Helping Them Connect
Editor’s Note: Holy Week (April 17-24, 2011) is arguably the most significant week of the year for Christians. Deeply meaningful for adults, the events we observe can sometimes confuse or trouble young children. If you’re a children’s pastor, a Sunday school teacher, or a parent looking for a way to clarify Holy Week events and help…