Today’s Verse: And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them. ~Joshua 10:24 Sometimes, we have to put our foot down on matters of importance to us. This means we are telling people that we are taking a strong stand where we face

Today’s Verse: And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. ~Acts 28:5 All of us have different levels of pain tolerance. I remember, when I was in elementary school, the fear of getting a shot at the doctor’s office. The kind nurse would prepare for it by saying that it would be fast and I might just feel it a little bit. What a relief when, after I got the shot, I could say, “That didn’t hurt.” As a Christian, the world is watching us to see what hurts us. Th

Today’s Verse He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. ~Psalm 18:16 Perhaps the most heart-pounding programs to watch are the ones that have filmed daring and heroic rescues. Some of the most incredible rescues I’ve seen are those of people trapped in raging waters. These people are swept up by the torrent of the ocean or river water. They are in great jeopardy as they are being pummeled by the waters. David uses a similar simile to compare how he was in

Today’s Verse: And Sihon would not suffer Israel to pass through his border: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and went out against Israel into the wilderness: and he came to Jahaz, and fought against Israel. ~Numbers 21:23 A roadblock is an obstruction that prevents a traveler from moving forward and arriving at his destination. It is a barrier that must be avoided, detoured, or overcome. This morning, let us see a roadblock that threatened Moses and the Israelites

Today’s Verse: … For of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. ~2 Peter 2:19b Addiction is when something has power over the desires and willpower of an individual. Addiction is controlling, enslaving, and overpowering. When a person realizes that he is addicted to a desire or substance, he is under its control. He has been overcome. It is sad to say, but it is a true reality that even a Christian can be under a controlling power that has made him its s

Today’s Verse: And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. ~1 John 5:19 When two people have a disagreement on a serious matter, they might describe their situation as being “worlds apart.” When this occurs, they are very far from coming to any kind of an agreement. As we consider God’s will for our life, we quickly realize that living for Jesus and living for this life are worlds apart. We see the condition. “The whole world lieth in wickedness.”

Today’s Verse: Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. ~1 John 4:4 One of the most successful companies in the athletic shoe and clothing business is Nike. They have had a great marketing strategy of signing up the most talented athletes to endorse and help brand their merchandise. The Nike stores are very innovative and enticing in drawing loyal customers to their products. The very name “Nik

Today’s Verse: I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. ~Galatians 2:20 As we begin a New Year, I am thankful to be alive! I am thankful for my salvation, the prospect of Heaven, good health, a good appetite, the blessing of being married, my children, my granddaughter, my church, and the privilege to serve the Lo

Today’s Verse: One man of you shall chase a thousand: for the Lord your God, he it is that fighteth for you, as he hath promised you. ~Joshua 24:10 If you own a dog and take it for a run, you need to make sure you have a good leash and good grip on that leash. A hyper active dog has a tendency to chase after other dogs it sees. Instead of the dog following or chasing you, you could find yourself chasing the dog. Sometimes in a competitive basketball game, the underdog team mi

Today’s Verse: If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. ~Colossians 3:1 Federal authorities have a most-wanted list of dangerous criminals. The signage will include the name, pictures, and crimes committed by this person. The top of the most-wanted signage would read, “Wanted: Dead or Alive.” Our text, Col. 3:1-3, teaches us that God wants us both dead and alive if we are to experience the victorious Ch

Today’s Verse: The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them. ~Deuteronomy 33:27 The occasion of our scripture reading this morning is the final days of Moses’ life. Moses lived 120 years. At his death, we are told that his eye was not dim, nor his strength abated. Amazingly, his vision was clear, and his strength never diminished from his younger days. Just before his pa

Today’s Verse: For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. ~Psalm 30:5 Life is a journey of hills and valleys. While all of us would rather enjoy mountain-top living, valleys are an inescapable part of life. This morning we are looking at a passage that encourages us to be strong and not faint when we are going through tough times. It teaches us how God comes through to us at our lowest point of li

Today’s Verse: The Lord liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted. ~Psalm 18:46 And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them. ~Joshua 10:24 A “pain in the neck” is a term used to describe someon

Today’s Verse: Then we turned, and went up the way to Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan came out against us, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei. And the Lord said unto me, Fear him not: for I will deliver him, and all his people, and his land, into thy hand; and thou shalt do unto him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon. ~Deuteronomy 3:1-2 One of the most amazing wonders about living in Northern California is walking through our Redwoo