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Croissants, dumplings, pork curry, and all sorts of scrumptious food await those who find and enter the Narrow Door Cafe. Located in the Taiwanese city of Tainan, this cafe is literally a hole in the wall. Its entrance is barely 40 centimeters wide (less than16 inches)—just enough for the average person to squeeze his way through! Yet, despite the challenge, this unique cafe has attracted large crowds. Will this be true of the narrow door described in Luke 13:22–30? Someone asked Jesus, “Are only a few people going to be saved?” (v. 23). In reply, Jesus challenged the person to “make every effort to enter through the narrow door” to God’s kingdom (v. 24). He was essentially asking, “Will the saved include you?” Jesus used this analogy to urge the Jews not to be presumptuous. Many of them believed they would be included in God’s kingdom because they were Abraham’s descendants or because they kept the law. But Jesus challenged them to respond to Him before “the owner of the house . . . closes the door” (v. 25). Neither our family background nor our deeds can make us right with God. Only faith in Jesus can save us from sin and death (Ephesians 2:8–9; Titus 3:5–7). The door is narrow, but it’ wide open to all who will put their faith in Jesus. He’s inviting us today to seize the opportunity to enter through the narrow door to His kingdom.

Daily Dose: When it comes to the idea of not being afraid, what can Psalm 46 teach us? Video available on YouTube at https://youtu.be/n2BC2qMHCWA

When Jesus called the men to be disciples, it wasn’t at a church service. He met those guys while he was out in the community. Talked with them. Invited them to be a part of what He was doing. He made this unlikely group of guys fishers of men, teaching them how to be disciple makers. The message hasn’t changed in over 2000 years. We are also to be fishers of men. This devotional is a very practical way to start spiritual conversations with people in real life. Share your stories, prayer requests, or your response to this video in the comments below. If you would like to know more about who we are, what we believe, or when we meet, visit http://newlife.church. Or you can fill out a digital connection card at http://newlife.church/connect - we would love to get to know you better!

The Last Generation 2022 - Apostasy Part 2: The Book of Enoch, Jude, Peter & Jasher by Shawn Ozbun

Is it wrong to bless financially those who don't believe in Jesus and won't be good stewards of money?This week, Pastor Mike answers tough questions from viewers like you.If you have questions and want to know more about God, like what does he think of you, what exactly was Jesus all about, how do you get “saved” and just what exactly does it mean to “get saved,” and what you should do next, we want you to download this free resource Pastor Mike wrote called, The Basics: God. You. Jesus. Faith. Get your free download at timeofgrace.org/thebasicsCheck out our newest video project, Bible Breath With Pastor Jeremy Mattek! https://youtu.be/UWHreTMY788Check out our other podcasts! Search for these on your favorite podcast app. – The Nonmicrowaved Truth with C.L. Whiteside – Little Things, with Amber Albee Swenson– Bible Threads, with Dr. Bruce Becker– Evening Encouragements With Pastor Jeremy– Time of Grace With Pastor Mike NovotnyTo stay rooted in Jesus, subscribe to our daily email! https://timeofgrace.org/subscribe/ Time of Grace is a donor-supported effort. If you would like to give a gift of support, please donate here: http://bit.ly/2K06lcJYou can also watch Time of Grace daily video devotionals by subscribing to get new videos each weekday: http://bit.ly/385Piz4

In this season of Easter, Benson & Sean are jumping back into the Old Testament to explore the story of Joshua. A leader who served under Moses and then was handed the leadership, Joshua is perhaps one of the most overlooked heroes of Scripture. And he accomplished much of what he did by keeping it incredibly simple. How did he do that? What lessons can we learn from his leadership? Join us for this series as we explore that and more.

The post The Workings of God – Colossians 2:11-12 – May 27, 2022 appeared first on Enduring Word.

RG Audio 052722   2 Timothy 2:20-26 False teachers and prophets were a danger to the early believers as they worked tirelessly to establish the Church. Instructions and direction had to be thorough. Even with good guidance, people were apt to believe all manner of twisted gospel. So too, today anyone may preach a convincing […]

In this episode of Pray the Word on 2 John 1:12, David Platt reminds us of the value of face-to-face conversations.

Games and sports aren't real life, but they often give a pretty accurate picture of how we can choose to face life.   Some people love Tom Brady, some don't. What we have to admit though is that the guy is at his best when the pressure is the most intense.   Imagine that your profession is on a national stage. You have the ball with less than two minutes to go, and your team is behind. Standing behind center and looking out at the defense, how many of us could even think? Then, imagine throwing the ball with any kind of accuracy, knowing you have to win the game.   Most of us would be scared to death!   Psalm 23:4 tells us, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”   When we believe in something greater than ourselves—whether a close-knit team or better yet, the God of the universe—fear tends to leave. Just leave. Get away from me!   If you are feeling terrible pressure right now and don't know what to do, stop what you're doing and get by yourself. Pray to the Lord that He will help you and show you the way.   That's the true path to victory, and the best way to assure the win.   Let's pray.   Lord, we can't do it by ourselves. We need your Spirit in us and your strength every second of every day. Thank you for never leaving us. Amen.

Pray God's Word over your children! Listen here and learn how!"You will also declare a thing, And it will be established for you; So light will shine on your ways." -Job 22:28

DEVOTIONAL USING R.E.A.P. - READ, EXAMINE, APPLY, PRAY - FOR 2 SAMUEL 12:1-15

Have you ever been the youngest one leading a room? Have you ever had someone say "you're too young?" In this episode, Emma Dotter is joined by a good friend and Watermark Member, Bella Martinez, to talk all things 1 Timothy 4.

SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Crosswalk the Devotional: https://www.lifeaudio.com/crosswalk-devotional/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/

Hi y'all! In this episode Tori and I talk about how important it is for us to spend time in remembrance of what God has done.  Help us keep this Podcast ad free by joining our online family on Patreon!Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/themastersfamBible.com Devotional: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/31308/day/2Find us on YouTube and IG:YouTube- https://youtube.com/c/ToriMastersTori's- https://www.instagram.com/torimasters/Chad's- https://www.instagram.com/chadmasters/Podcasts- https://www.instagram.com/morningswiththemasters/ & https://www.instagram.com/thatshotpodcast/

Bible Reading: Exodus 20:16; Colossians 3:9-10Jack and Ryan sat on the couch with their tablet, watching a video about how to get through a maze on their favorite app. Mom walked into the room behind them just in time to hear Ryan say, "Thanks for not telling Mom I was the one that broke the lamp in my room, Jack. Blaming it on Jodi was a good idea." "Whatever, no problem," Jack said as he shushed Ryan to be quiet. Mom walked around the couch and slowly took the tablet from the twins. "Mom!" they both exclaimed. "We're going to miss the maze trick!""I think you two are missing something way more important than that," Mom said. The two boys' eyes became as wide as saucers as they realized she'd heard what they said about breaking the lamp. "I was going to tell you…" "He made me promise not to tell!" they both said at the same time. "You both lied to me," said Mom. "When you're about to get in trouble, lying and blaming someone else can sometimes feel like it's the best and easiest solution. That's why God made an entire commandment about this one thing--He called it false testimony." Mom held up the tablet. "Do you believe the guy in the video you were watching?" she asked. "Yes," the boys said in unison. "What would happen if you tried his trick in your game and it didn't help you get through?" asked Mom."I wouldn't watch that channel anymore," said Jack. "And I'd get advice from someone else." "The same thing happens to us when we make false accusations," said Mom. "When we lie and say others did things they didn't do, we hurt people, and they stop trusting us. Those are not the kind of relationships Jesus wants us to create. He's working in our hearts so we can show others what He's like--and He's always truthful and trustworthy. He was even willing to sacrifice Himself so we could be saved. But when you lied, you were only thinking of yourselves, not your sister." Ryan looked at his brother. "Jack, we better go find Jodi and make this right." -Manda Van KalsbeekHow About You?Do you ever lie to get yourself out of trouble? Have you blamed someone else for something you did? Lying and blaming others can sometimes seem like the easiest solution, but it just makes things worse. It can destroy relationships and the trust others have in you. Don't make false accusations to get yourself out of trouble. Instead, remember that Jesus will help you be loving and trustworthy like He is and tell the truth. Today's Key Verse:Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self…and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. (NIV) (Colossians 3:9-10)Today's Key Thought:Don't make false accusations

In 1854, a young Russian artillery officer viewed the battlefield carnage occurring far below his cannon’s hilltop placement. “It’s a funny sort of pleasure,” Leo Tolstoy wrote, “to see people killing each other. And yet, every morning and every evening, I would . . . spend hours at a time watching.” Tolstoy’s outlook soon changed. After seeing firsthand the devastation and suffering in the city of Sevastopol, he wrote, “You understand all at once, and quite differently from what you have before, the significance of those sounds of shots which you heard in the city.” The prophet Jonah once climbed a hill to view the devastation of Nineveh (Jonah 4:5). He’d just warned that brutal city of God’s looming judgment. But Nineveh repented, and Jonah was disappointed. The city, however, relapsed into evil, and a century later the prophet Nahum described its destruction. “Shields flash red in the sunlight!” he wrote. “Watch as their glittering chariots move into position, with a forest of spears waving above them” (Nahum 2:3 nlt). Because of Nineveh’s persistent sin, God sent punishment. But He’d told Jonah, “Nineveh has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness. . . . Shouldn’t I feel sorry for such a great city?” (Jonah 4:11 nlt). God justice and love go together. Nahum shows the consequences of evil. Jonah reveals God’s keen compassion for even the worst of us. His heart’s desire is that we repent and extend that compassion to others.

The book of Acts shows us theology lived out. When we seek out what baptism is to look like, we can look at how it is lived out in Acts. The story of the Ethiopian Eunuch is a clear example of Biblical baptism. Share your stories, prayer requests, or your response to this devotional in the comments below. If you would like to know more about who we are, what we believe, or when we meet, visit http://newlife.church. Or you can fill out a digital connection card at http://newlife.church/connect - we would love to get to know you better!

Mama, you have the power to pray despite the heartbreak! Encourage your heart today by listening here!“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” -Hebrews 4:14-16, NKJV.

Daily Dose: As we continue in this series "Do Not Be Afraid," what does "there is no fear in love" mean? Video available on YouTube at https://youtu.be/p__YlWE2f0A

What does Christian love look like when it comes to nontraditional families? Especially when the Bible doesn't endorse same-sex relationships?This week, Pastor Mike answers tough questions from viewers like you.If you have questions and want to know more about God, like what does he think of you, what exactly was Jesus all about, how do you get “saved” and just what exactly does it mean to “get saved,” and what you should do next, we want you to download this free resource Pastor Mike wrote called, The Basics: God. You. Jesus. Faith. Get your free download at timeofgrace.org/thebasicsCheck out our newest video project, Bible Breath With Pastor Jeremy Mattek! https://youtu.be/UWHreTMY788Check out our other podcasts! Search for these on your favorite podcast app. – The Nonmicrowaved Truth with C.L. Whiteside – Little Things, with Amber Albee Swenson– Bible Threads, with Dr. Bruce Becker– Evening Encouragements With Pastor Jeremy– Time of Grace With Pastor Mike NovotnyTo stay rooted in Jesus, subscribe to our daily email! https://timeofgrace.org/subscribe/ Time of Grace is a donor-supported effort. If you would like to give a gift of support, please donate here: http://bit.ly/2K06lcJYou can also watch Time of Grace daily video devotionals by subscribing to get new videos each weekday: http://bit.ly/385Piz4

In this season of Easter, Benson & Sean are jumping back into the Old Testament to explore the story of Joshua. A leader who served under Moses and then was handed the leadership, Joshua is perhaps one of the most overlooked heroes of Scripture. And he accomplished much of what he did by keeping it incredibly simple. How did he do that? What lessons can we learn from his leadership? Join us for this series as we explore that and more.

The post The Searchlamps of God – Zephaniah 1:12 – May 26, 2022 appeared first on Enduring Word.

RG Audio 052622   Ephesians 5:8-20 Often when a Christian leader suffers a moral failure in the public eye, many will proclaim, “There but for the grace of God, go I!” I understand the sentiment. Moments like those will bring to mind just how deep the chasm of depravity goes and brings up within us […]

In this episode of Pray the Word on 1 John 5:13, David Platt shares how the Bible gives us great hope and security in Christ.

Few of us enjoy chaos. It's just too...chaotic, right?   The human mind needs order and peace, yet we live in this messy world. Stuff is flying by all the time, and we duck.   Our relationships are a mess, and we have to schedule that root canal...while simultaneously making dinner and cleaning the house.   Is there a way out?   Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.”   It's all perspective, my friend.   Yes, you might have a hundred things to do before 4 p.m. today, but remind yourself of this: sometimes we miss the best days of our lives because we don't focus on the good. God brought order out of a vast chaos long ago, to create a world of beauty, and He did it because He loved us.   If He can handle that, can we handle our busy day of meetings and yes, even that root canal?   Let's pray.   Lord, our lives get so busy we forget that you made order out of chaos. Help us to slow down our brains and hearts and learn to savor the moment. Amen.

Babies are special, of course, but Pastor Al Dagel wants us to remember that One Baby coming to earth changed everything, and He can change you, too.

How should Christians think about aspirations and goals? In this episode, Emma Dotter is joined by Watermark Elder, Ben Caldwell, to talk all things 1 Timothy 3.

SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Crosswalk the Devotional: https://www.lifeaudio.com/crosswalk-devotional/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/

Our nation was met with such horrific and terrifying news yesterday, May 24, 2022. The death of 19 children, 2 adults, and a live shooter in a senseless massacre at Rob Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Did you awaken this morning in the wake of this devastating news and feel the energy drain from your spirit, like I did? What is today, I thought? Yes, it's Wednesday. Oh yes, I'll see Ella today for her swim team practice. My sweet granddaughter - elementary school age. What if this tragic incident took place closer to home and more directly impacted my family? My heart sank and my breathing grew shallow. Where do you put such news? How do you even get your mind around this in an attempt to understand? Tune in as I offer 3 ways for you to rise up, to be the light, to offer comfort, and to spread love and forgiveness. *CHOOSE 2 THINK: Find Peace, Joy, Hope, Health & Freedom Every Day! Your 365-day DEVOTIONAL. Peek Inside Here. https://amzn.to/3rG35tI Get your Free 1-page printable Infographic of the 7 R's for Living Your Best Thought Life (a companion tool for the Choose 2 Think Devotional). https://mailchi.mp/3de80284c258/7-rs-for-living-your-best-thought-life-infographic CONNECT WITH VICTORIA: *CHOOSE 2 THINK DEVOTIONAL: https://amzn.to/3rG35tI WEBSITE: https://www.choose2think.co (yep, that's .co!) EMAIL: choose2think@gmail.com CHOOSE 2 THINK COACHING: https://www.victoriadwalker.com/coaching.html CHOOSE 2 THINK ACADEMY ONLINE COURSES: https://www.victoriadwalker.com/online-courses.html CHOOSE 2 THINK CHANNEL ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz8Z2B9TtXvWn0RKelVY5DQ?sub_confirmation=1 CHOOSE 2 THINK INSPIRATIONAL PODCAST FACEBOOK COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/groups/choose2think PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/Choose2Think/_created/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/victoriadwalker/ *As an Amazon Associate, I may receive a teeny commission from your purchase PLEASE CONSIDER A SMALL MONTHLY DONATION OF $0.99 TO SPONSOR THIS SHOW! WE WILL LOVE YOU FOR IT! :) Simply click LISTENER'S SUPPORT TAB ON ANCHOR Featured article: https://time.com/6181421/how-to-help-uvalde-texas-school-shooting/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/victoria-walker/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/victoria-walker/support

Hi y'all! In this episode Tori and I talk about how special it is that not only does God provide hope in our dark times, but He also provides us company through the Holy Spirit. Help us keep this Podcast ad free by joining our online family on Patreon!Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/themastersfamBible.com Devotional: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/26727Find us on YouTube and IG:YouTube- https://youtube.com/c/ToriMastersTori's- https://www.instagram.com/torimasters/Chad's- https://www.instagram.com/chadmasters/Podcasts- https://www.instagram.com/morningswiththemasters/ & https://www.instagram.com/thatshotpodcast/

Bible Reading: Exodus 20:15; Matthew 5:38-42Eddie wanted to play in the rain, but his raincoat was too small. If only he had his big brother's cool camouflage raincoat. That would solve his problem.Eddie poked his head into Dylan's room. "Dylan? Can I wear your raincoat?" Dylan didn't answer. He was still asleep. What if Eddie took Dylan's raincoat as his own? Dylan needed a new one anyway. It wasn't stealing if Eddie asked first, right?"Can I have your raincoat?" Eddie asked. He took Dylan's snoring as a yes. He grabbed the raincoat and scurried out to the backyard. Eddie splashed in every mud puddle. He didn't hear the door open a few minutes later."That's my raincoat!"Eddie felt sick to his stomach. "You gave it to me!""No, you stole it!"Eddie stepped back and tripped. The raincoat made a ripping sound as Eddie fell down. Dylan ran inside. Before Eddie could stand, Dylan and Mom were at the door. "Eddie, please come here," Mom said. Eddie trudged over. The tear in the coat went all the way down the side. "Why did you steal Dylan's coat?"Eddie shook his head. "I didn't!""Yes, he did!" Dylan said.Mom shushed Dylan. "Eddie, you acted like it was yours. Isn't that stealing?" Eddie hung his head. "Do you know what Jesus says about stealing?" asked Mom."It's bad? I know one of the Ten Commandments says not to steal."Mom nodded. "Instead of stealing, Jesus tells us to give. He even says that if someone wants to take your shirt, you should give them your coat too. He gave His own life to save us, even though we didn't deserve it, and He tells us to give to others in the same way. Stealing is the opposite of what we're called to do as His followers."Eddie handed the raincoat back to Dylan. "I'm sorry I took this."Dylan shook his head. "You keep it. It's ripped now anyway."No one kept the camouflage raincoat. Eddie went back to his small coat, and Dylan got a new one. But after that morning, Eddie started giving things to Dylan, and Dylan started giving things to Eddie. One thing Eddie knew for sure was he wouldn't be stealing any more raincoats. He wanted to give like Jesus. -Becca WierwilleHow About You?Have you ever taken something that didn't belong to you? How did you feel about it afterward? Sometimes we think stealing something we really want will make us happy, but true joy doesn't come from things. Joy comes from Jesus, who gave His life for us and who teaches us to show others His kindness, generosity, and love.Today's Key Verse:If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. (NLT) (Ephesians 4:28)Today's Key Thought:Give, don't steal

Temperatures where we live in Colorado can change quickly—sometimes within a few minutes. So my husband, Dan, was curious about the temperature differences in and around our home. As a fan of gadgets, he was excited to unpack his latest “toy”—a thermometer showing temperature readings from four “zones” around our house. Joking that it was a “silly” gadget, I was surprised to find myself frequently checking the temperatures, too. The differences inside and out fascinated me. Jesus used temperature to describe the “lukewarm” church in Laodicea, one of the richest of the seven cities cited in the book of Revelation. A bustling banking, clothing, and medical hub, the city was hampered by a poor water supply, so it needed an aqueduct to carry water from a hot springs. By the time the water arrived in Laodicea, however, it was neither hot nor cold. The church was tepid too. Jesus said, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:15–16). As Christ explained, “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent” (v. 19). Our Savior’s plea remains urgent for us too. Are you spiritually neither hot nor cold? Accept His correction and ask Him to help you live an earnest, fired-up faith.

Pastor Mike offers some words of hope after the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.

Daily Dose: We hear "do not be afraid" in Scripture, but WHY? Video available on YouTube at https://youtu.be/ZcbJu-7kQak

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 20: Paul Hurries to Jerusalem For The Feast of Pentecost/Shavuot by Shawn Ozbun

Where in the Bible does it say that the devil used to be an angel?This week, Pastor Mike answers tough questions from viewers like you.If you have questions and want to know more about God, like what does he think of you, what exactly was Jesus all about, how do you get “saved” and just what exactly does it mean to “get saved,” and what you should do next, we want you to download this free resource Pastor Mike wrote called, The Basics: God. You. Jesus. Faith. Get your free download at timeofgrace.org/thebasicsCheck out our newest video project, Bible Breath With Pastor Jeremy Mattek! https://youtu.be/UWHreTMY788Check out our other podcasts! Search for these on your favorite podcast app. – The Nonmicrowaved Truth with C.L. Whiteside – Little Things, with Amber Albee Swenson– Bible Threads, with Dr. Bruce Becker– Evening Encouragements With Pastor Jeremy– Time of Grace With Pastor Mike NovotnyTo stay rooted in Jesus, subscribe to our daily email! https://timeofgrace.org/subscribe/ Time of Grace is a donor-supported effort. If you would like to give a gift of support, please donate here: http://bit.ly/2K06lcJYou can also watch Time of Grace daily video devotionals by subscribing to get new videos each weekday: http://bit.ly/385Piz4

In this season of Easter, Benson & Sean are jumping back into the Old Testament to explore the story of Joshua. A leader who served under Moses and then was handed the leadership, Joshua is perhaps one of the most overlooked heroes of Scripture. And he accomplished much of what he did by keeping it incredibly simple. How did he do that? What lessons can we learn from his leadership? Join us for this series as we explore that and more.

The post Day of the Life from the Dead – Numbers 17:8 – May 25, 2022 appeared first on Enduring Word.

In this episode of Pray the Word on 1 John 4:19, David Platt explains how the Bible clearly teaches that God is love.

Have you ever watched a war movie and realized that the actors didn't know how the conflict would turn out? World War 2 movies are like that. When they filmed “Casablanca,” Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman weren't sure whether the Germans would win or lose.   Life can be like that.   Matthew 28:20 says, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”   In your own life, you might be facing some really serious stuff. And it's not unusual to be staring at several problems all at once.   That's when the Word is so valuable to us. Jesus has promised us that He will stick right with us all the way through. Human friends often go a long way with us, but only Jesus is sure to never, ever leave us.   That's the best way to beat the uncertainties of life. Tell Jesus you can't make it without Him.   It's then that the future no longer scares us at all.   Let's pray.   Lord, we don't know a fraction of what you know, including what our future looks like. We do know that we can trust you, though. Thank you for that. Amen.

What's the role of women in the church? Are they to remain silent? In this episode, Emma Dotter is joined by Emily Bradberry to talk all things 1 Timothy 2.

Today, Pastor Al Dagel introduces us to the idolatrous Thessalonians who became strong believers in Christ.  That change is amazing, and God can still change lives today!

SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Crosswalk the Devotional: https://www.lifeaudio.com/crosswalk-devotional/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/

Bible Reading: Ephesians 5:22-28Caleb and Jake Parker were cousins who lived across the country from each other. When they got together, they had a lot of fun, but that didn't happen too often. This summer, however, Caleb was staying with Jake for an entire month while his mom had knee surgery."You boys are so much alike," Mr. Parker remarked as he drove them to Wacky Wednesdays, the summer kids' club at church. "You like the same things and you look enough alike to be brothers.""Except Caleb's a Pirates fan and I'm a Dodgers fan." Jake laughed. "He's dreading the game on Saturday even though we're sitting right behind home plate because he knows we're gonna win." Jake poked his cousin. "You could become a Dodgers fan just for the summer." Caleb looked horrified. "No way! I'm a Pirates fan forever and ever." The boys had been debating about their teams since the day Caleb arrived.Mr. Parker turned onto the highway. "Are you boys still learning about the Ten Commandments at Wacky Wednesdays?""Yeah," Jake said. "Today we'll be talking about the seventh commandment." "It has something to do with adults...ery or something like that," said Caleb. "I don't understand what that word means.""Adultery," Mr. Parker corrected. "That verse is talking to husbands and wives. God is telling them to be loyal to each other. Do you boys know what loyalty is?""Sort of," the boys both answered, but they didn't sound too sure.Mr. Parker smiled. "Actually, you guys just showed me loyalty--Caleb, you are loyal to the Pirates, and Jake, you are loyal to the Dodgers. No one could talk either one of you out of being loyal to your own team. And that's the way I feel about your mom, Jake. No one could talk me out of loving her. I am loyal to her. That's what that commandment is saying husbands and wives should do--be loyal to one another so their marriage will reflect the love and faithfulness Jesus shows all of us.""Thanks, Dad. You're a good explainer. Now I understand what loyalty is.""Right," said Caleb, "Go Pirates!""No," Jake said. "Go Dodgers!" -Linda WeddleHow About You?Who are you loyal to? Your soccer team? Your school? Your friends? The Lord tells husbands and wives to be loyal to each other. Jesus loves us and promises to always be faithful to us, and He tells husbands and wives to demonstrate that same kind of faithfulness in marriage. Even though you're young, you can trust Jesus to help you be faithful like Him throughout your life. Today's Key Verse:You shall not commit adultery. (NKJV) (Exodus 20:14)Today's Key Thought:Be loyal to your family

The introductory lesson on aikido, a traditional Japanese form of martial arts, was an eye-opener. The sensei, or teacher, told us that when faced with an attacker, our first response should be to “run away.” “Only if you can’t run away, then you fight,” he said seriously. Run away? I was taken aback. Why was this highly-skilled self-defense instructor telling us to run away from a fight? It seemed counterintuitive—until he explained that the best form of self-defense is to avoid fighting in the first place. Of course! When several men came to arrest Jesus, Peter responded as some of us might have by drawing his sword to attack one of them (John 18:10). But Jesus told him to put it away, saying, “How then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” (Matthew 26:54). While a sense of justice is important, so is understanding God’s purpose and kingdom—an “upside-down” kingdom that calls us to love our enemies and return evil with kindness (Matthew 5:44). It’s a stark contrast to how the world might react, yet it’s a response that God seeks to nurture in us. Luke 22:51 even describes Jesus healing the ear of the man Peter had struck. May we learn to respond to difficult situations as He did, always seeking peace and restoration as God provides what we need.