Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 3 “may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all….” Once again we are at the heart of stewardship. The favorite Bible verse for Cumberland Presbyterians through the years has been John 3:16, which portrays God’s love for us as the basis of […]

It has been said that the Bible is the story not of our search for God but of God’s search for us. That concept is set forth in the messages of Hosea. In chapter 2, Hosea turns from the husband-wife relationship to the parent-child image to illustrate God’s love for Israel. It is the story […]

The relationship of Hosea and his adulterous wife is illustrative of the relationship of God and the Israelite people. Conflict in relationships is a major problem in churches. It is not unusual for persons who will not practice tolerance and forgiveness, will sit in the same congregation, sing the same songs and worship the one […]

The song says that “love makes the world go round” and that is, in fact, the emphasis that Paul has in 1 Corinthians 13. Probably no chapter in the Bible is as well known, but do we really understand what Paul was saying about love? Paul emphasizes in this chapter the fact that true love […]

Focus As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God, however that may take place. Read Hebrews 10:16-25 (NRSV) “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on […]

Focus Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for peace at this time. Read John 13:1-17, 31b-35  New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. […]

Focus Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for peace at this time. Read Luke 10:21-24 (NRSV) At that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the […]

Focus Stop and thank God for being present with you today. Ask for God’s guidance as you hear God’s voice through scripture and the writer. Read Acts 10:1-8 (NRSV) In Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian Cohort, as it was called. He was a devout man who feared God […]

Focus Pay attention to the tension in your body. Let go of it and any expectations to do anything other than God’s will today. Prepare yourself to hear God’s word. Read Luke 17:1-4 (NRSV) 17 Jesus said to his disciples, “Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to anyone by whom they come! […]

Focus Slow your breathing and become aware of the taking in and letting out of your breath. Focus on putting things aside so you will be open to what God is saying to you today. Read 1 Corinthians 11:17-33 (NRSV) Now in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together […]