(The following is the August 22 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Galatians 5 and pay close attention to verses 16-23.) Few Bible lists contrast with each other as clearly as those in Galatians 5, comparing works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit. We should carefully consider both, …
I Appreciate Hymns the Older I Get
For those of us raised in church, if we've been around for many years, we've heard the old, familiar hymns countless times. We can sing multiple verses of many hymns from memory. We know the tunes, if not all the words, to many more. Hymnals still frequently fill the pew racks in churches, even if …
A Snapshot of a Healthy Church
(The following is the August 16 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read 2 Corinthians 13 and pay close attention to verses 11-13.) Paul spent much time with the Corinthian church in person and via correspondence. As a high-maintenance congregation with many troubles and strained interactions with Paul, the relationship between him …
Christ Became Poor, So Now We Are Rich
(The following is the August 9 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read 2 Corinthians 8 and pay close attention to verses 1-15.) Paul appealed to the Corinthians to give generously to the collection for poor Christians in Jerusalem, telling them of the generosity of the Macedonian churches. Even though Macedonian Christians …
The Love Chapter
(The following is the July 23 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book.) 1 Corinthians 13 is a favorite Bible passage for many people. That is why you hear its timeless truths read at weddings and see it hanging in homes. As you read it below, read it slowly and ponder each phrase. “If I speak human …
