Tag: CONNECT THE TESTAMENTS

  • BEING MADE NEW

    Connect The Testaments2 Chronicles 14:1-16:14; Titus 3:1-7; Psalm 97:1-98:9 We often fall into old habits that reflect the way we once were. Although we’ve been made new, we haven’t been made perfect, and sometimes it shows. People within our church communities might have one perception of us, but others may have experienced another side—one that…

  • WHEN WORDS ARE ENOUGH

    Connect The Testaments2 Chronicles 11:1-13:22; Titus 2:9-2:15; Psalm 96:1-13 It’s not often that words change the course of history. But Shemaiah, a little-known prophet, was given such an opportunity. We can easily pass over these life-altering moments if we’re not looking for them. Rehoboam had assembled 180,000 chosen “makers of war” to fight against Israel…

  • FAITHFUL EXAMPLES

    Connect The Testaments2 Chronicles 9:1-10:19; Titus 2:1-8; Psalm 95:1-11 We cringe when we see other Christians exploiting the gospel, using it to advance their own personal or political agenda. Today, it doesn’t take much effort to do so—it’s as easy as posting a video or link online. In these situations, it’s tempting to respond with…

  • SEARCHING FOR JUSTICE

    Connect The Testaments2 Chronicles 6:12-8:18; Titus 1:10-16; Psalm 94:1-23 “Do you favor justice or mercy?” Trick question. Both responses are technically incorrect: God’s ways require mercy and justice. Mercy cannot be fully known without perfect justice, and justice without mercy is harsh and graceless. God’s mercy is a regular topic in Christian communities, but we…

  • TRANSFORMERS

    Connect The Testaments2 Chronicles 4:1-6:11; Titus 1:5-9; Psalm 92:1-93:5 Some people are like spectators in their faith communities—they simply watch while others interact, serve, and reach out. But Paul’s instructions to Titus about overseers show us that communities need people who will do more than just show up. “For it is necessary for the overseer…

  • WHAT WEALTH REVEALS

    Connect The Testaments2 Chronicles 1:1-3:17; Titus 1:1-4; Psalm 91:1-16 “What would you do if you won the lottery?” This question always seems to generate the same responses: There’s the person who devises an investment strategy, the dreamer who envisions ending global poverty, the individual who would travel the world, and the person who would buy…

  • FIGHTING LONELINESS

    Connect The Testaments1 Chronicles 28:1-29:2; 2 Timothy 4:9-21; Psalm 90:1-17 Loneliness is one of the most disheartening feelings a person can know. Being alone in a time of pain is even worse. Several recent surveys suggest that lonely people—especially teenagers—subtly reach out through their social networks, desperately looking for someone who cares. In a world…

  • IN SEASON AND OUT OF SEASON

    Connect The Testaments1 Chronicles 26:1-27:34; 2 Timothy 4:1-8; Psalm 89:23-52 I like to operate when I feel like I’m in control. When I haven’t gathered enough information or I feel uncertain of my circumstances, it’s tempting to avoid making a decision or taking action. Paul knew that this type of outlook was detrimental to Timothy’s…

  • BLESSED STICKY NOTES

    Connect The Testaments1 Chronicles 21:4-25:31; 2 Timothy 3:10-17; Psalm 89:1-22 A great friend of mine keeps sticky notes with prayer requests on a bathroom mirror. They serve as a reminder of the needs of others. This friend never seems to have an “off day” or feel sad about their particular situation. Maybe these notes play…

  • THROUGH DESPAIR

    Connect The Testaments1 Chronicles 23:1-23:32; 2 Timothy 3:1-9; Psalm 88 Sometimes we go through dark periods in our lives where the misery feels never-ending. Trial hits, pain hits, and just when we think life might get “back to normal,” we are hit by yet another difficulty. At times like these, we may feel forgotten by…