Unlocked Archives

  • July 31, 2023

    READ: MATTHEW 23:11-36; ROMANS 15:7; 2 CORINTHIANS 5:1-21 Jesus Christ had a lot to say about hypocrisy. In Matthew 23, He confronted a group of religious leaders, repeating the phrase, “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!” not once, but six times. Jesus called out their self-righteousness. When we think of [...]

  • July 2, 2023

    READ: PSALMS 63:1-7; MATTHEW 6:19-34; GALATIANS 2:16-21; 2 TIMOTHY 3:10-17 Why are you reading this devotional? I remember being told that if I didn’t do my devotions I would have a bad day. “So, if you want a good day, do your devotions.” I gotta be honest; there were many days I didn’t do my [...]

  • May 4, 2022

    The New Testament talks about power in the gospel. We might be tempted to think the gospel just has to do with getting saved—"I believe the story about Jesus, and then when I die I get to go to heaven." This view almost makes the gospel seem irrelevant for life. Why do we need the [...]

  • December 23, 2021

    For many years, my family celebrated Christmas at my grandparents' home in northern Wisconsin, where winter is typically very cold and snowy. One year my dad thought it would be fun if he and I hiked out into the woods and cooked breakfast over a fire. We got lost. Then we couldn't start the fire. [...]

  • August 7, 2021

    Anytime there's a meteor shower, comet, or planet sighting, I'll walk down to the lake across the road at night and check it out. The last time I walked to the lake, a couple family members joined me. Most people know that a flashlight would help a person walk a quarter mile in the dark. [...]

  • July 30, 2021

    Christians understand the incredible life-changing power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. His death and resurrection bring each believer new life. This is truly good news. How far would you go to share this news with people who didn't know it? While reading about church history, I came across one of the greatest names of [...]

  • December 27, 2020

    Christians often say, “All things work together for good,” referencing Romans 8:28. Unfortunately, they usually say this in a way that verse didn't mean: “I just totaled my car. But once I get the insurance money, I'll end up with a nicer one! All things work together for good!” “I lost my job, which was [...]

  • October 11, 2020

    I was born legally blind. Usually I can see enough to get by, but if I have to find a classroom where the room number is posted above the door, I can't see it. When the church puts the words to the chorus on the big screen up front, I can't see it. If I'm [...]