Elmbrook devotionals

What Is Forgiveness?

“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:36-37 The family members of those slain in June of 2015 in the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Charleston, South […]

What Is Forgiveness? Read More »

A Father and Two Sons

“Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.” Luke 15:18-19 One of Rembrandt’s paintings is called The Return of the Prodigal Son. The group of characters in his painting included the prodigal son, the father, and

A Father and Two Sons Read More »

Just Do It

Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:36-37 “Just Do It” is the slogan of Nike, which encourages action and effort.

Just Do It Read More »

Leaving Church Early

So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23-24 Author Eugene Peterson once wrote that when it comes

Leaving Church Early Read More »

More Than a Referee

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9 Having one child makes you a parent; having two makes you a referee. — David Frost Can you imagine how often God would need to blow his whistle or throw a flag if he were attempting to referee all the squabbles

More Than a Referee Read More »

Roots

There was a famine in David’s time. It went on year after year after year— three years. David went to God seeking the reason. 2 Samuel 21:1 (The Message) In his book, Roots, Alex Haley revealed his own African-American family history and genealogy. In our Scripture focus today, King David also discovered the power of roots.

Roots Read More »

Family Tensions

Jacob looked up and there was Esau, coming with his four hundred men… he put the female servants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph in the rear. He himself went on ahead and bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. But Esau

Family Tensions Read More »

The Good Old Days

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day. Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. Genesis 1:31–2:1 In the concluding episode of a long-running television comedy, one of the characters wistfully quips: “I wish there

The Good Old Days Read More »

Scroll to Top
Scroll to Top