Scripture: James 3:13 – 4:3, 7-8a Key Verse: But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. (James 3:17) Observation: James contrasts wisdom that is earthly with wisdom that comes from above. Earthly wisdom gives license to… Read More Gentleness Born of Wisdom

Scripture: 2 Samuel 11:26 – 12:13a Key Verse: David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” (v. 13a) Observation: After mourning the death of her husband, Bathsheba is brought to David and becomes his wife. Similar to all of the actions leading up to this moment, this matrimony is done to her, not… Read More Brought to Confession

Scripture: 2 Samuel 11:1-15 Key Verse: Uriah said to David, “The ark and Israel and Judah remain in booths; and my lord Joab and the servants of my lord are camping in the open field; shall I then go to my house, to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife? As you… Read More Where Are You Supposed to Be?

Scripture: Psalm 20 Key Verses: Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he will answer him from his holy heaven with the saving might of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. (v. 6-7, ESV) Observation: This psalm is a prayer of intercession raised by the people… Read More In the Day of Trouble

Scripture: 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 Key Verse: Your glory, O Israel, lies slain upon your high places! How the mighty have fallen! (v. 19 NRSV) Observation: David grieves the deaths of King Saul and his son Jonathan. According to scripture, David and Jonathan were as close as two human beings could possibly be. It is… Read More Still Mighty

Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-8 Key Verses: Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I; send me!” (v. 8 NRSV) Observation: Isaiah 6:1-8 is the telling of Isaiah’s call or commissioning to serve as God’s prophet. Isaiah is called at… Read More Trinity: Experience Over Understanding

Scripture: John 15: 26-27; 16: 4b-15 Key Verses: I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to… Read More To Touch, to Speak, and to Listen

Scripture: Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 Key Verses: So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed and said, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen. (v. 23-24, NRSV) Observation: Jesus has ascended back to heaven and the early church… Read More When You Are Not Chosen

Scripture: Acts 10:44-48 (see Acts 10) Key Verses: Then Peter said, “Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” (v. 46b-47 NRSV) Observation: This week’s passage picks up in the middle of Peter being challenged by God to share the gospel with Gentiles. God… Read More Victory in Salvation: What God has Made Clean

Scripture: Acts 8:26-40 Key Verses: So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” He replied, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. (v. 30-31 NRSV) Observation: Philip being led by the… Read More Discipled to Disciple