A Theologian
Read: 1 Corinthians 2:6–3:4 But we have the mind of Christ. (v. 16) Former professional basketball player Allen Iverson once did a press conference where he repeatedly questioned why people were bothered that he missed a practice: “I’m supposed to be the franchise player and we’re in here talking about practice.” Is what happens during […]
July Prayer Guide 2020
ALBANIA — Give thanks for the following note from a listener named Alma. “Hello, Words of Hope Albania. Thank you so much for the blessed work you do. I am uplifted and filled with joy by the message of your programs. And they certainly help us in our spiritual life. You know, there are nice and […]
Essential
Read: Ephesians 4:1-16 . . . to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ. (v. 12) “Here is the church, here is the steeple, open the door and here are the people!” I learned this fun little activity as a kid, locking my hands together to create […]
Walk in Armor
Read: Ephesians 6:10-23 Put on the whole armor of God. (v. 11) Of all my experiences with Words of Hope global teams, nothing compares to the first time I saw a person oppressed by demons in Uganda. Assuming I would know what to do, a leader asked me to help. I froze like a soldier […]
Walk in Service
Read: Ephesians 6:5-9 Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ. (v. 5) For one year I worked in a grocery warehouse. Co-workers assigned to the misery of the cooler section were known to break open cartons of cookie dough and help themselves. Over one weekend, […]
Walk Worthy of Honor
Read: Ephesians 6:1-4 Honor your father and mother. (v. 2) As a father of four, I loved quoting to my children the command to “obey your parents.” After my children learned to read, they often quipped back verse 4: “Fathers, do not provoke your children.” To my shame, however, I often did provoke them by […]
Walk in Humility
Read: Ephesians 5:21-33 . . . as Christ loved the church . . . (v. 25) Our youth group was once pressed into service for an extravagant wedding feast. We did it as a mission fundraiser. The celebration exceeded any wedding I have ever attended. More than 300 people enjoyed a night of hors d’oeuvres, […]
Walk in Wisdom
Read: Ephesians 5:15-21 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise. (v. 15) James Holzhouer captured the attention of North American TVs last spring. For six weeks he dominated the game show Jeopardy!, wowing people with his ability to recall knowledge of history, arts, literature, and more. He amassed nearly $2 […]
Walk in Light
Read: Ephesians 5:3-14 You were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. (v. 8) After beginning chapter 5 with the broad instruction to be “imitators of God” (v. 1), Paul becomes increasingly specific for how to walk like Christ in our day-to-day lives. He begins with our sexual lives and then progresses to […]