TODAY’S SCRIPTURE | John 2:1-11 John calls Jesus’ miracle at Cana the archetype sign (v11): as we look at this story, we have a picture of who Jesus is and what he came into the world to do.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE | Luke 18:9-14 The gospel reverses our image of righteousness. Jesus' message is clear: true righteousness comes not from self-promotion but from a humble recognition of our need for God's grace. The Pharisee boasts of his own goodness, while the tax collector acknowledges his sinfulness and begs for forgiveness.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE | Luke 15:11-23 “Am I enough? Will I ever be? How will I even know?” In this parable of a father and his two sons, Jesus challenges our views of status, identity, and self-worth as he shows us the depths of the Father’s heart.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE | Matthew 13:44-46 Jesus has come to give us a life that is better than we could have ever wanted or imagined. For many, the surpassing worth of this life remains hidden and unseen. But for those who find it – whether by happy circumstance or an earnest search for truth – they discover that it is worth giving up everything for. The gospel costs us everything, but we get far more in return.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE | Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 In this parable, Jesus teaches us that evil is more deeply rooted than we know, both in our hearts and in the world. At the same time, God is actively sowing and cultivating good things, and will one day deal with evil in a final and climactic way. Grasping both these realities can help us live with a patient and realistic hopefulness as we move through life.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE | Matthew 13:1-23 A seed can utterly transform a patch of soil and bring forth life and beauty, but only if the soil is receptive and hospitable. The good news of Jesus - who he is and what he came to do - is like a seed that won’t force itself into a person’s life. But if it is met with openness and genuine understanding, it unleashes a power that can remake our lives and the world around us.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE | Matthew 18:21-35 One YouTube comment said, “Unforgiveness is definitely the flavor of the day.” We live in a time and age where giving and receiving forgiveness is an uncommon experience, and yet we all desire it. The parable of the unforgiving servant by Jesus gives us a picture of why Christians are called to forgive and how we can experience it.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE | Luke 18:1-8Does God hear our prayer? Jesus shows us that even an unjust judge will respond to persistent requests. If this is true for flawed human beings, how much more will our perfectly loving and just God answer the prayers of those who persistently seek Him? Christians can keep praying, keep seeking, keep knocking—and never lose heart even in the midst of our deepest troubles.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE | Luke 15:1-10Have you ever felt truly, frighteningly lost? In these two parables, Jesus invites us to experience something counterintuitive: that admitting our lostness is the first step to finding a stable, meaningful foundation for living.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE | James 5:19-20Is restoration possible? James describes the gospel's missional compassion. For those who have strayed from the truth or fallen into destructive patterns, hope remains for them to be restored to a relationship with God. James inspires Christians to engage in compassionate outreach to bring others back to a vibrant and rooted faith. Love drives a Christian’s mission.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE | James 5:13-18Where do we turn for help in our greatest needs? This passage explores the transformative power of prayer. James describes the importance of fervent, faith-filled prayer for both personal and communal healing. As a community, we bear one another’s burdens.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE | James 5:7-12 What do we do when we have no control? James describes patience in the face of waiting for the Lord to return. This passage tells Christians to trust in God's timing and purpose during challenging seasons, finding strength in enduring faith. Our moment of history is merely the beginning of the full restoration of all things, leading followers of Jesus to be ready for a speedy or lengthy wait.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE | James 4:11-5:6What are the dangers of power and wealth for those who follow Jesus? The world’s values and God’s kingdom values are reversed. He challenges us to prioritize God's kingdom over worldly possessions and consider the ethical use of our wealth. This is more than wise stewardship, but using wealth as a power for the sake of goodness toward others. This passage informs our society’s questions about wealth and prestige, which applies to our city which is based on th...
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE | James 4:4-10How does God relate to us, and how do we relate to him? James describes the relational aspect of submission to God, emphasizing the need to resist worldly desires and draw near to God. Following Jesus is not abstractly knowing him but putting one's life under his leadership with humility and repentance. God sees, loves, and lifts us as we draw closer to him.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE | James 3:13-4:3What does a mature follower of Jesus look like? This section shows a picture of someone whose beauty and goodness are genuine. In a city of manufactured self-image, James gives us an alternative personhood based on the gospel. The result is someone who can make peace and avoid conflict because they have everything they need.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE | James 3:1-18 How much do my words matter? Our culture examines every tweet, every statement, and even silence. Examining the power of our words according to this passage, we see how James emphasizes the responsibility that comes with our speech. Our communication flows out of our heart orientation and so we are to use our words to build up, encourage, and reflect the grace of God. This passage is practical for today’s intense and angry public culture.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE | James 2:14-26 What is the connection between what we believe and what we do? This passages dives into the complex but inseparable link between faith and works. James challenges Christians to manifest their faith through active engagement, illustrating how genuine faith transforms our lives and impacts the world. A faith without impact is not genuine.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE | James 1:27-2:13If everyone is shown mercy by God, then how can we withhold mercy? This passage confronts the church for showing favoritism within their community. James challenges us to confront and overcome biases, superiority, judgment, and pride, reflecting God's impartial love for all. Living this way is not merely morally right, but strikes at the heart of the gospel.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE | James 1:19-26How does a person learn from and live like Jesus? James explores the concept of heavenly wisdom versus earthly wisdom. This passage emphasizes the importance of seeking and applying God's wisdom in decision-making, relationships, and daily life.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE | James 1:2-4,9-18 How does trouble help us? Delving into the paradox of finding joy in the midst of trials, this passage encourages Christians to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. James recognizes how time, grace, and endurance refines and strengthens our faith. Testing and trials come from within and without our soul.