November 17, 2024 - Dr. Jeff Raines

Living According to the Word [Psalm 119:9-16]

What are your first memories of the words of Scripture? Has the Word of God become a part of you?

"Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the Law of the Lord." Psalm 119:1

Synonyms for law here are: Torah, statute, decrees, word, commandment, precepts

The blessed life comes from putting into practice the Word of God.

Some say to live according to your heart, or to making money, or to the latest trends. But we need something higher than this to guide us.

Today's action step: Live according to God's word.

With our hearts, with our feet, with our mouths, with our minds, with our eyes- may we live according to the Word.

Do we have a faith that leads and moves us? Or do we stop because it's not quick and easy? Jesus has shown is the way and he calls us to follow.

Which is the Greatest?: Questions Jesus Answered

Weekly Devotional 11.18.2024

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 19:16-17

What do you think is an essential quality in a close friend? Think for a moment about this question. The way you just answered this question reveals what you not only find important in a friend but also your personal values, your understanding of other relationships and friendships you have, how you think and feel, and the people with whom you believe are most compatible. Many answers we give to people’s questions are rarely at a mere surface level. Instead, they often expose more than just the answer itself but give insight into a person’s beliefs, ideals, and understanding of themselves and the world around them. How Jesus answered questions in the gospels reveals His beliefs, understanding of scripture, and how we can pursue Godliness. Last week, we looked at the questions Jesus asked. When Jesus answers a question with a question of His own, He causes us to dig deep and explore all that we believe and all that we are. Today, we will explore the few questions that Jesus answered directly. According to Martin B. Copenhaver, Jesus asks 307 questions while only answering three of the 183 questions asked to Him. Other studies published have suggested that Jesus answers around eight questions. For our devotional today, we won’t argue about the number of direct answers He gave but rather recognize the importance and significance of His small number of direct answers compared to His hundreds of questions. Jesus’ direct answers center on the themes of the Law, His Lordship, faith, betrayal, and prayer. Because Jesus’ answers are so few in number, we’re going to look at each one and explore what they reveal about Jesus and what they mean for us today.

November 10, 2024 - Dr. Jeff Raines

Active Compassion [Matthew 25:31-46]

Do you help vulnerable people? Does it make it into your calendar or your budget?

Today's step: Practice Care for the Vulnerable

Do we show compassion and grace like Jesus has shown to us?

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”

Matthew 25:40

Jesus calls us out from a concern just for self and a narrow concern from who we will love and serve. He calls us to venture out in boldness to show the grace and compassion we have received from God.