The Vineyard Church

Today's Reading: Genesis 7-10

There are several resources you can use to listen online.

You can listen to the Bible at the NIV site by clicking here. Type the book of the Bible and the chapter into the lookup line. You can only put in one chapter at a time. Hit the "Lookup" button. On the following page, there will be a small button at the top of the webpage, just above the biblical text, that says "Listen." This will open a small window that will begin playing the chosen book and chapter.

You can also listen to the Bible reading online at Biblegateway.com by clicking here. Simply choose the book of the Bible and the chapter you would like to listen to. When you click play audio, the website will open your RealPlayer and begin playing the verses.

Today's Reading: Genesis 4-6

There are several resources you can use to listen online.

You can listen to the Bible at the NIV site by clicking here. Type the book of the Bible and the chapter into the lookup line. You can only put in one chapter at a time. Hit the "Lookup" button. On the following page, there will be a small button at the top of the webpage, just above the biblical text, that says "Listen." This will open a small window that will begin playing the chosen book and chapter.

You can also listen to the Bible reading online at Biblegateway.com by clicking here. Simply choose the book of the Bible and the chapter you would like to listen to. When you click play audio, the website will open your RealPlayer and begin playing the verses.

Today's Reading: Genesis 1-3

There are several resources you can use to listen online.

You can listen to the Bible at the NIV site by clicking here. Type the book of the Bible and the chapter into the lookup line. You can only put in one chapter at a time. Hit the "Lookup" button. On the following page, there will be a small button at the top of the webpage, just above the biblical text, that says "Listen." This will open a small window that will begin playing the chosen book and chapter.

You can also listen to the Bible reading online at Biblegateway.com by clicking here. Simply choose the book of the Bible and the chapter you would like to listen to. When you click play audio, the website will open your RealPlayer and begin playing the verses.

We had a great response to our 9 Challenge. God really seems to be working, and He is certainly blessing the reading of His Word.

Your mission...should you decide to accept it...is to finish reading the Bible through this year. We will continue to post the Scriptures here each day with links for the Old Testament reading. You can also print off the entire schedule here or download and print a pdf here.

The reading is scheduled to begin Sunday, March 29!

I trust the 09 Challenge has been full of fresh revelation from the Scriptures for your life. Today we come close our devotionals with a look at Revelation 20-22. Every good story has a beginning, middle, and end. These chapters written by John, one of Jesus’ original twelve disciples, create a fantastic ending to the wonderful story of redemption that is woven throughout the pages of the Bible.

John provides us in chapter 20 with a glimpse of the 1,000 year reign of Christ, the defeat of Satan (the enemy of our souls), and the final judgment, known as the Great White Throne Judgment. We capture a beautiful picture of what life will be like in the new heaven and the new earth in chapter 22: “I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, ‘Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever’” (21:3-4). “No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him. And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads. And there will be no night there—no need for lamps or sun—for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever” (22:3-5).

As one of the sections from the Introduction to the Bible class states (developed and written by Hal Hester), now both problems which occurred as a result of The Fall are resolved, namely: alienation from God and lost dominion are never again to be problems endured by humanity! God’s rescue mission ~ that of His people and His creation ~ is now complete!

The closing section of chapter 22 heralds Jesus’ final coming, complete with a personal invitation to all those who have ears to hear: “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed are those who obey the words of prophecy written in this book … The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ Let anyone who hears this say, ‘Come.’ Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life ...” (22:7, 17).

We have probably all heard that “Jesus is coming back …” Some of you, like me, may have even sung songs about this spiritual truth. I wonder how often you find yourself saying, “Yeah, sometime in the future that will probably happen…”I know that at times I too have been guilty of such a lackadaisical approach to this future reality.

However, we don’t know when this event will take place…one of the main points of the Book of Revelation, as well as the entire New Testament, is to be ready. Jesus told His disciples, “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him” (Matthew 24:44; NIV). I find Jesus’ words quite sobering, and hear them as a shout meant to wake us from our slumber.

Not only do we need to be ready, we also have our commission to assist others with being ready…consider these passages:

“So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do” (Ephesians 5:15-17; NLT).

“Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone” (Colossians 4:5-6; NLT).

What is it He wants us to do? What is the right response with which we are to be prepared?

I think that it is simply being ready to share my God-story with others…the love-story of how He captured my heart with His redeeming love and healed my life!

I would like to encourage you to listen to others tell you their story, and, as the Holy Spirit provides you with an open door, be ready to share your God-story with them too. Why share our God-story, the story of what He has done in our lives with others? Because it is God, “…who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4; NASB).

“He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon!’ Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s holy people” (22:20-21).

Kevin Hoffman

Today's Reading: Revelation 20-22

There are several resources you can use to listen online.

You can listen to the Bible at the NIV site by clicking here. Type the book of the Bible and the chapter into the lookup line. You can only put in one chapter at a time. Hit the "Lookup" button. On the following page, there will be a small button at the top of the webpage, just above the biblical text, that says "Listen." This will open a small window that will begin playing the chosen book and chapter.

You can also listen to the Bible reading online at Biblegateway.com by clicking here. Simply choose the book of the Bible and the chapter you would like to listen to. When you click play audio, the website will open your RealPlayer and begin playing the verses.

Today's Reading: Revelation 17-19

There are several resources you can use to listen online.

You can listen to the Bible at the NIV site by clicking here. Type the book of the Bible and the chapter into the lookup line. You can only put in one chapter at a time. Hit the "Lookup" button. On the following page, there will be a small button at the top of the webpage, just above the biblical text, that says "Listen." This will open a small window that will begin playing the chosen book and chapter.

You can also listen to the Bible reading online at Biblegateway.com by clicking here. Simply choose the book of the Bible and the chapter you would like to listen to. When you click play audio, the website will open your RealPlayer and begin playing the verses.

Today's Reading: Revelation 13-16

There are several resources you can use to listen online.

You can listen to the Bible at the NIV site by clicking here. Type the book of the Bible and the chapter into the lookup line. You can only put in one chapter at a time. Hit the "Lookup" button. On the following page, there will be a small button at the top of the webpage, just above the biblical text, that says "Listen." This will open a small window that will begin playing the chosen book and chapter.

You can also listen to the Bible reading online at Biblegateway.com by clicking here. Simply choose the book of the Bible and the chapter you would like to listen to. When you click play audio, the website will open your RealPlayer and begin playing the verses.

Today's Reading: Revelation 9-12

There are several resources you can use to listen online.

You can listen to the Bible at the NIV site by clicking here. Type the book of the Bible and the chapter into the lookup line. You can only put in one chapter at a time. Hit the "Lookup" button. On the following page, there will be a small button at the top of the webpage, just above the biblical text, that says "Listen." This will open a small window that will begin playing the chosen book and chapter.

You can also listen to the Bible reading online at Biblegateway.com by clicking here. Simply choose the book of the Bible and the chapter you would like to listen to. When you click play audio, the website will open your RealPlayer and begin playing the verses.

In Revelation 5, my imagination is captured by the imagery of Jesus the Lion of Judah who is triumphant, and Jesus the Lamb of God who is slain. He is worthy and he is able. Over the next several chapters our focus easily becomes entangled in details, times, dates, and predicting the end of the world, but the progression is deliberate. What is about to happen is by design and intent. He is in control. God is not helplessly watching the events of the end unfold. Getting that is important!

Often times, as I talk to Christians, I realize that pop-culture Christianity, in its efforts to capitalize on our media age, has created fear and doubt instead of faith and courage. We need to remember that it is Jesus who opens the seals, sends forth the horsemen, avenges the martyrs, seals the faithful, and releases the judgments upon the earth as well as limits the bounds of those judgments.

What I see is that Jesus is fully both Lion and Lamb. Jesus is not any less the Lamb when there is judgment and he is not any less the Lion when he is merciful. In these times that have our nation asking questions about the future and our economy, the imagery of Revelation is a reminder to us that Jesus is in control both in trying times and peaceful ones.

Hal Hester

Today's Reading: Revelation 5-8

There are several resources you can use to listen online.

You can listen to the Bible at the NIV site by clicking here. Type the book of the Bible and the chapter into the lookup line. You can only put in one chapter at a time. Hit the "Lookup" button. On the following page, there will be a small button at the top of the webpage, just above the biblical text, that says "Listen." This will open a small window that will begin playing the chosen book and chapter.

You can also listen to the Bible reading online at Biblegateway.com by clicking here. Simply choose the book of the Bible and the chapter you would like to listen to. When you click play audio, the website will open your RealPlayer and begin playing the verses.

Today's Reading: Revelation 1-4

There are several resources you can use to listen online.

You can listen to the Bible at the NIV site by clicking here. Type the book of the Bible and the chapter into the lookup line. You can only put in one chapter at a time. Hit the "Lookup" button. On the following page, there will be a small button at the top of the webpage, just above the biblical text, that says "Listen." This will open a small window that will begin playing the chosen book and chapter.

You can also listen to the Bible reading online at Biblegateway.com by clicking here. Simply choose the book of the Bible and the chapter you would like to listen to. When you click play audio, the website will open your RealPlayer and begin playing the verses.

Do you find it difficult to love someone who doesn’t like you? I do.

Today’s readings come from three letters. Each is only one chapter long. 2 John echoes the theme found in 1 John of loving one another. It’s worth noting that this theme of loving one another is not merely a creed, words to live by, or simply a suggestion for how to live our lives as believers. It is God’s heart, and is central to the Christian life. In the Gospel of John, last week we read, “My command is this, that you love one another,” John 15:12.

Love sets us apart from the world. It is the mark of a believer…or it should be. The works we do that flow from that love validate our faith. Jesus said it’s easy to love those who love you…but to arrive at a place where we can love our enemies is the goal. That makes a statement to the world around us when we can do that.

And it’s not easy…

John warns against false teaching that denies Jesus. His encouragement was to hang on to the truth and to be wary of those who teach otherwise.

3 John returns to his theme from 1 John about walking in the truth…that he had “no greater joy” than to hear that people were walking in the truth…the truth of who Jesus was, is and forever shall be.

Jude’s theme is persevering in the faith. Doing what is right is never easy, whether it is loving someone who is difficult or simply doing the right thing in any given situation. That takes perseverance! (We also read a few days ago in James 5, “We consider blessed those who have persevered.”)

I translate the word perseverance in a simple phrase…“Hang in there!”

Scott Sliver

Today's Reading: 2 John 1, 3 John 1, Jude 1

There are several resources you can use to listen online.

You can listen to the Bible at the NIV site by clicking here. Type the book of the Bible and the chapter into the lookup line. You can only put in one chapter at a time. Hit the "Lookup" button. On the following page, there will be a small button at the top of the webpage, just above the biblical text, that says "Listen." This will open a small window that will begin playing the chosen book and chapter.

You can also listen to the Bible reading online at Biblegateway.com by clicking here. Simply choose the book of the Bible and the chapter you would like to listen to. When you click play audio, the website will open your RealPlayer and begin playing the verses.

Small Groups are an important part of the 9 Challenge. To help you in your small group, we want to provide you with the resources necessary to lead a successful small group. Each week we will be providing a study guide to help you in that process. To see the Nine Challenge Small Group resource click here. Or to download a pdf version by clicking here.

Our decisions become crucial in a world that has so much to offer. We can find entertainment, employment, wealth, and fame. All of these may be beneficial to us, or not. They may be part of God’s will, or not.

So we seek, and pray, and try to discern. Sometimes the answers are evident; other times we struggle to hear God’s voice. But we are told that fellowship with God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ are key to our living in this world. The Spirit he gave us is proof that we live in Him and He lives in us. Let that sink in. He lives in us, and we live in him. That cannot be explained by anything the world has to offer.

And therein lies the joy that only God can bring. God offers us truth, freedom from fear, and a peace that passes understanding. And most of all, God offers us love. God is love.

David Anderson

Today's Reading: 1 John 1-5

There are several resources you can use to listen online.

You can listen to the Bible at the NIV site by clicking here. Type the book of the Bible and the chapter into the lookup line. You can only put in one chapter at a time. Hit the "Lookup" button. On the following page, there will be a small button at the top of the webpage, just above the biblical text, that says "Listen." This will open a small window that will begin playing the chosen book and chapter.

You can also listen to the Bible reading online at Biblegateway.com by clicking here. Simply choose the book of the Bible and the chapter you would like to listen to. When you click play audio, the website will open your RealPlayer and begin playing the verses.

Today's Reading: John 19-21, 2 Peter 1-3

There are several resources you can use to listen online.

You can listen to the Bible at the NIV site by clicking here. Type the book of the Bible and the chapter into the lookup line. You can only put in one chapter at a time. Hit the "Lookup" button. On the following page, there will be a small button at the top of the webpage, just above the biblical text, that says "Listen." This will open a small window that will begin playing the chosen book and chapter.

You can also listen to the Bible reading online at Biblegateway.com by clicking here. Simply choose the book of the Bible and the chapter you would like to listen to. When you click play audio, the website will open your RealPlayer and begin playing the verses.

Peter was called by Jesus to become a fisher of men. He witnessed the miracles of Jesus first hand. He was given special glimpses of our Lord that others were not given. Despite daily contact with Jesus, he did not always understand Jesus’ teaching and denied him three times. Peter could be described as a violent man, cowardly, impetuous, stubborn, and unschooled.

And yet this unlikely candidate led a religious revolution. After Jesus’ crucifixion, he impressed the religious leaders of the day with his confidence and his Spirit-controlled personality. He ministered for more than 30 years and traveled extensively. He became an accomplished public speaker and an author. In short, this man, with all his faults and personality quirks, became an outstanding and effective communicator of the gospel.

How often do we use our own faults and weaknesses as an excuse to not witness to the power of the gospel? At times, we not only feel we are incapable of boldly being Jesus’ hands and feet, but we are also burdened with guilt from our past. Peter wept bitterly after realizing he had denied our Christ. But he persevered and overcame to become a man that understood that “Jesus is the Christ.”

David Anderson

Today's Reading: John 17-18, 1 Peter 3-5

There are several resources you can use to listen online.

You can listen to the Bible at the NIV site by clicking here. Type the book of the Bible and the chapter into the lookup line. You can only put in one chapter at a time. Hit the "Lookup" button. On the following page, there will be a small button at the top of the webpage, just above the biblical text, that says "Listen." This will open a small window that will begin playing the chosen book and chapter.

You can also listen to the Bible reading online at Biblegateway.com by clicking here. Simply choose the book of the Bible and the chapter you would like to listen to. When you click play audio, the website will open your RealPlayer and begin playing the verses.

In John, Jesus continues his final discourse with His disciples. The theme and tone is one of encouragement and concern. He again mentions the role of the Holy Spirit as a comforter.

In 1 Peter, we see an older and wiser Peter who is writing to believers. 1 and 2 Peter are an especially good read for new believers. Peter, being Peter, is short, to the point, and is instructive as well as encouraging.

As you read these letters, think about your life. How’s your faith doing? What constraints are you putting upon your life to keep you from falling back into old habits? What are you adding to your faith walk that will help you move forward?

Steve Bowen

Today's Reading: John 15-16, 1 Peter 1-2

There are several resources you can use to listen online.

You can listen to the Bible at the NIV site by clicking here. Type the book of the Bible and the chapter into the lookup line. You can only put in one chapter at a time. Hit the "Lookup" button. On the following page, there will be a small button at the top of the webpage, just above the biblical text, that says "Listen." This will open a small window that will begin playing the chosen book and chapter.

You can also listen to the Bible reading online at Biblegateway.com by clicking here. Simply choose the book of the Bible and the chapter you would like to listen to. When you click play audio, the website will open your RealPlayer and begin playing the verses.

Wow, action packed reading today…

John 13 is the last supper. Check out the characters of Peter, Judas and the other disciples. Jesus reveals true humility by washing the disciples' feet.

In John 14, Jesus is explaining why he must go way. He introduces the concept of the Holy Spirit as the One who would be with, upon, and in our lives as we follow Him. This comforter, or the One who is called along side us to help, will only be sent to the earth when Jesus raises from the dead and ascends to God’s right hand.

Check out these amazing thoughts:

Jesus as the only way:
"Thomas said to him, 'Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?' Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me'" (John 14:5-6).

"'If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him'" (John 14:7).


Jesus embodied the Father. Believe because of His words. If not because of His words, believe because of His works:
"Philip said, 'Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.' Jesus answered: 'Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?'" (John 14:8-9)

"'Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work'" (John 14:10).

"'Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves'" (John 14:11).


Believers will be empowered to do the works of Jesus:
"'I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it'" (John 14:12-14).

Steve Bowen

Today's Reading: John 13-14, James 4-5

There are several resources you can use to listen online.

You can listen to the Bible at the NIV site by clicking here. Type the book of the Bible and the chapter into the lookup line. You can only put in one chapter at a time. Hit the "Lookup" button. On the following page, there will be a small button at the top of the webpage, just above the biblical text, that says "Listen." This will open a small window that will begin playing the chosen book and chapter.

You can also listen to the Bible reading online at Biblegateway.com by clicking here. Simply choose the book of the Bible and the chapter you would like to listen to. When you click play audio, the website will open your RealPlayer and begin playing the verses.

Today's Reading: John 11-12, James 1-3

There are several resources you can use to listen online.

You can listen to the Bible at the NIV site by clicking here. Type the book of the Bible and the chapter into the lookup line. You can only put in one chapter at a time. Hit the "Lookup" button. On the following page, there will be a small button at the top of the webpage, just above the biblical text, that says "Listen." This will open a small window that will begin playing the chosen book and chapter.

You can also listen to the Bible reading online at Biblegateway.com by clicking here. Simply choose the book of the Bible and the chapter you would like to listen to. When you click play audio, the website will open your RealPlayer and begin playing the verses.

We went hiking up the mountainside of the Comeragh Cliffs in Ireland to reach the falls of Mahon. The mossy hillside was still partially snow-covered with a slow, April thaw as we worked our way to the top. All around the rocky edges were sheep wandering aimlessly along the peaty earth. I couldn’t help but wonder how they could possibly find their way home, or better yet, how any shepherd could gather them in this vast open space of County Waterford. Now, I love animals. I tried really hard to get just one of those sheep to respond to me. No matter how carefully I approached or how gently I spoke, the sheep would stare and run away as I approached. It was frustrating. Across the cliffs, seemingly out of nowhere, came an Irish farmer. He did not approach the sheep; he simply called out to them. They all began to climb the mountain and move toward this man. I was bewildered.

This morning in Ireland resembled what Jesus is referring to in John 10:3-5 when He says, “The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice." The Lord obviously understood something about the behavior of sheep. Typically, sheep are instinctive followers. Dozens have been known to fall off cliffs following one sheep off the edge. They are skittish to loud sounds and prefer a “still, small voice.” Sheep easily get lost and require a shepherd to gather them and take them home. The nature of the shepherd is also quite clear as we look at John 10:11: "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” The Shepherd’s passion was ” to give life abundantly” to the sheep as it reads in John 10:10.

The key seems to be the relationship that must be maintained for life, guidance, knowing and hearing. John 10:14 says, "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me." Without this relationship, sheep wonder aimlessly, not being able to see where they are going or what they are doing. Sheep have poor depth perception, so having a shepherd to follow and being able to recognize his voice is vital for abundant living. This is the lesson learned in John 9:25 by the man born blind when he says, “One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!" Metaphorically, this is a lesson for all sheep. Hearing the voice of the shepherd and following are essential to the abundant life offered by the shepherd. Our connectedness keeps us from moving blindly through the world.

As I watched the sheep scattered across the rocky hillsides in Ireland, I realized how easy it is to wonder aimlessly without the guidance of a caring shepherd. I understood as I watched the shepherd that the close proximity of the sheep to the one guiding them was essential for life, and knowing the voice of the shepherd was essential to his guidance. I found myself contemplating simple lessons as I scaled the cliffs of Comeragh, life lessons that have been at the heart of this sheep’s walk.

Blessings,
Rebecca Holihan

Today's Reading: John 9-10

There are several resources you can use to listen online.

You can listen to the Bible at the NIV site by clicking here. Type the book of the Bible and the chapter into the lookup line. You can only put in one chapter at a time. Hit the "Lookup" button. On the following page, there will be a small button at the top of the webpage, just above the biblical text, that says "Listen." This will open a small window that will begin playing the chosen book and chapter.

You can also listen to the Bible reading online at Biblegateway.com by clicking here. Simply choose the book of the Bible and the chapter you would like to listen to. When you click play audio, the website will open your RealPlayer and begin playing the verses.

Small Groups are an important part of the 9 Challenge. To help you in your small group, we want to provide you with the resources necessary to lead a successful small group. Each week we will be providing a study guide to help you in that process. To see the Nine Challenge Small Group resource click here. Or to download a pdf version by clicking here.

Jesus told them, "‘My message is not my own; it comes from God who sent me.’” John 7:16 (NLT).

Jesus made it clear that the message He brought was not His own, it came from God Himself. He also made it clear that what we do, reveals who we really are inside; and “whose” we are (i.e. our true character and nature).

“On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’ (When he said ‘living water,’ he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.)” John 7:37-39 (NLT).

Jesus is the satisfier of all the thirsts of humanity. He is Jehovah God, the Eternal Spring. Christ is the beginning source, and the main source of all Living Water. When I ponder this, I find myself asking some reflective questions:
Am I a fountain of living water, a conduit of blessing, flowing out to others?
Do people come to me to drink of Christ?

I don’t know about you…I find myself answering these questions with a general “sometimes” type response…if I am really honest, I don’t live my life like I know Jesus wants me to much of the time! I find myself crying out to Him, asking Him to refresh the fountain of my life so that it pours forth His living water and not my own stale or stagnant stuff; I need the Lord to fill me afresh with the Holy Spirit each day! I want His message to be lived out through my life and I am learning that to do so I must stay in a posture yielded to Him. To this end I find encouragement in one of Paul’s letters: “And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love” Romans 5:5 (NLT).

John chapter 8 begins with the story of the woman caught in adultery. It is full of lessons about the heart, grace and forgiveness. The Pharisees’ motives were revealed: they have brought this woman to Jesus not because they hated adultery; not because they wanted to uphold Moses’ law; not because they loved righteousness; but because they hated Christ. They were looking for a way to trip Jesus up and have a reason to have him arrested and killed. Jesus’ motives were radically different: to do the Father’s will! He was neither condoning adultery, nor was He making a detour around the Law. When Jesus wrote on the ground the first time, He was perhaps vindicating the righteousness of God; when He stooped again, He was perhaps vindicating great grace, the grace of Christ that saves us! “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ” John 1:17 (NASB).

“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, ‘I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.’” John 8:12 (NLT). Here we have a glimpse of JC Light & Power Company: Jesus reveals more about who He is, “I am the Light of the world…” In the case of the Pharisees, the Light exposed sin and brought condemnation to the accusers. In the case of the woman caught in adultery, it exposed sin and brought grace to the sinner. Both times it was the same Light ~ the only difference was in their responses! The same Light brought illumination to those gathered around Jesus to listen to Him teach ~ when He stands by you and I, He shows us we are sinners; when He comes to our hearts, He touches sin and deals with it lovingly; when we’ve been cleansed, He illuminates and instructs us ~ and our spiritual response is to bow before Him in worship! “But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin” 1 John 1:7 (NLT).

Again I find myself asking some penetrating questions:
What are the hidden motives in my own heart?
Where do I need Jesus to cleanse my heart?
Whom do I need to extend the grace of God to?

The list is longer than space will permit here (and you don’t want to see it anyway!). I recognize that I need Jesus to apply His grace afresh to my heart each passing day and to empower me with His Holy Spirit so that I become a dispenser of His grace … how about you?

"And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified” Acts 20:32 (NASB).

“May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord” 2 Peter 1:2 (NLT).

Kevin Hoffman

Today's Reading: John 7-8, Hebrews 11-13

There are several resources you can use to listen online.

You can listen to the Bible at the NIV site by clicking here. Type the book of the Bible and the chapter into the lookup line. You can only put in one chapter at a time. Hit the "Lookup" button. On the following page, there will be a small button at the top of the webpage, just above the biblical text, that says "Listen." This will open a small window that will begin playing the chosen book and chapter.

You can also listen to the Bible reading online at Biblegateway.com by clicking here. Simply choose the book of the Bible and the chapter you would like to listen to. When you click play audio, the website will open your RealPlayer and begin playing the verses.

Today's Reading: John 5-6, Hebrews 8-10

There are several resources you can use to listen online.

You can listen to the Bible at the NIV site by clicking here. Type the book of the Bible and the chapter into the lookup line. You can only put in one chapter at a time. Hit the "Lookup" button. On the following page, there will be a small button at the top of the webpage, just above the biblical text, that says "Listen." This will open a small window that will begin playing the chosen book and chapter.

You can also listen to the Bible reading online at Biblegateway.com by clicking here. Simply choose the book of the Bible and the chapter you would like to listen to. When you click play audio, the website will open your RealPlayer and begin playing the verses.

This morning I watched my daughter head off to school. She just had her ninth birthday, and I have been feeling a bit sentimental...watching my baby girl grow up. I looked at her and thought, "I love her more than I have words to express!" I never imagined I could love someone that much, and I know that love would cause me to do almost anything to make sure she was okay.

I think most parents feel that way toward their children, and the man in John 4 is no exception. His child was about to die. There weren't many options so he went to the only person he believed could help. He would simply ask Jesus, the most famous traveling preacher of the day and a man purported to be performing miraculous healings, to come to his home before the child died.

He was probably tempted to think, "What good is this going to do?" Or, "Jesus is a very busy man. He isn't going to give me a second thought!" Or maybe, "Healing doesn't take place like this!" Those were risks he was willing to take in order to save his child.

The man worked up the courage to approach the Great Teacher...but Jesus didn't go with him. Jesus simply said, "You may go. Your son will live." It is certainly a testament to that man's faith that he believed. John 4:50 shows the man's incredible faith. It says, "The man took Jesus at his word and departed."

If I were him I may have wanted something more, but he didn't...He took Jesus at His word and departed. I am certainly challenged by that simple act of faith. I am challenged to have more faith in the God who has called me to follow Him and promised that in "all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28) in order to bring me into the likeness of His Son. I am challenged to believe He will care for me more than sparrows and cloth me better than flowered fields. I am challenged to trust Him when He asks me to seek first His Kingdom and put my treasure in heaven, and to trust that everything else will fall into order.

I am challenged to take Jesus at His word and depart...I hope you are too.

Eric Wright

Today's Reading: John 3-4, Hebrews 5-7

There are several resources you can use to listen online.

You can listen to the Bible at the NIV site by clicking here. Type the book of the Bible and the chapter into the lookup line. You can only put in one chapter at a time. Hit the "Lookup" button. On the following page, there will be a small button at the top of the webpage, just above the biblical text, that says "Listen." This will open a small window that will begin playing the chosen book and chapter.

You can also listen to the Bible reading online at Biblegateway.com by clicking here. Simply choose the book of the Bible and the chapter you would like to listen to. When you click play audio, the website will open your RealPlayer and begin playing the verses.

Today's Reading: John 1-2, Hebrews 3-4

There are several resources you can use to listen online.

You can listen to the Bible at the NIV site by clicking here. Type the book of the Bible and the chapter into the lookup line. You can only put in one chapter at a time. Hit the "Lookup" button. On the following page, there will be a small button at the top of the webpage, just above the biblical text, that says "Listen." This will open a small window that will begin playing the chosen book and chapter.

You can also listen to the Bible reading online at Biblegateway.com by clicking here. Simply choose the book of the Bible and the chapter you would like to listen to. When you click play audio, the website will open your RealPlayer and begin playing the verses.

As we are in the Lenten season preparing to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, the resurrection account is particularly engaging. I am always amazed at the disciples inability to recognize Jesus or to understand what had taken place. Repeatedly Jesus spoke to them of these events in plain language. Yet even as he appeared to them on the road to Emmaus, they still seemed unable to process what they had seen or heard.

Even more amazing to me still is how plainly the Bible has spoken to us about Jesus, his desires for our lives, and what he requires of us. Yet, like those early disciples, there are many times that I do not recognize Jesus at work in my life, circumstances, or through the angels he has placed in my life. Despite walking with him over half of my life, I still find myself needing my eyes opened so that I can recognize him.

How about you?

Through this series and the NT Challenge, I pray that your eyes have been opened, that you find Jesus in your midst, and that his resurrection power is more at work in you. As you close in on these final weeks of reading, I pray that the Spirit of Jesus would be upon you and that his word would come alive to you.

Hal Hester

Today's Reading: Luke 24, Hebrews 1-2

There are several resources you can use to listen online.

You can listen to the Bible at the NIV site by clicking here. Type the book of the Bible and the chapter into the lookup line. You can only put in one chapter at a time. Hit the "Lookup" button. On the following page, there will be a small button at the top of the webpage, just above the biblical text, that says "Listen." This will open a small window that will begin playing the chosen book and chapter.

You can also listen to the Bible reading online at Biblegateway.com by clicking here. Simply choose the book of the Bible and the chapter you would like to listen to. When you click play audio, the website will open your RealPlayer and begin playing the verses.

Today's Reading: Luke 23, Philemon 1

There are several resources you can use to listen online.

You can listen to the Bible at the NIV site by clicking here. Type the book of the Bible and the chapter into the lookup line. You can only put in one chapter at a time. Hit the "Lookup" button. On the following page, there will be a small button at the top of the webpage, just above the biblical text, that says "Listen." This will open a small window that will begin playing the chosen book and chapter.

You can also listen to the Bible reading online at Biblegateway.com by clicking here. Simply choose the book of the Bible and the chapter you would like to listen to. When you click play audio, the website will open your RealPlayer and begin playing the verses.

Luke chapter 22 covers the betrayal of Jesus by Judas and the last supper, Jesus' being arrest, Peter’s denial of him, and Jesus’ appearances before Pilate and Herod. In verse 70 it states, “They all asked, 'Are you then the Son of God?' He replied, 'You are right in saying I am.'"

That was a pretty bold statement for them to process.

In verses 31 and following, Jesus warned Peter “Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail.”

Do you ever feel like your faith is failing? Like life may get the best of you? That you don’t have the strength to carry on…that when the next storm hits, you may be swept away by it?

When I feel like my faith is failing, I think about that verse. Jesus prayed for Peter…Jesus is our advocate…praying for us...It says in Hebrews 7:25 “He is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”

I love the thought, the possibility…the truth…that Jesus prays for you and me. Sometimes that single thought gives me what I need to carry on another day.

As you read Titus today, think about Paul writing to his friend, giving him some practical advice for his church.

Paul was always praying for his friends, writing letters to them to encourage them with their struggles…Take note of how very practical this letter is…instructions on how older men and women should act, and how they should instruct the younger men and women in the church. Instructions to simply “to devote themselves to doing what is good.” (3:8) And to not get caught up in side issues…To be obedient, peaceable, considerate, and humble…

I’ll simply end this devotional the way Paul ended his letter… “Grace be with you all.”

Scott Sliver

Today's Reading: Luke 22, Titus 1-3

There are several resources you can use to listen online.

You can listen to the Bible at the NIV site by clicking here. Type the book of the Bible and the chapter into the lookup line. You can only put in one chapter at a time. Hit the "Lookup" button. On the following page, there will be a small button at the top of the webpage, just above the biblical text, that says "Listen." This will open a small window that will begin playing the chosen book and chapter.

You can also listen to the Bible reading online at Biblegateway.com by clicking here. Simply choose the book of the Bible and the chapter you would like to listen to. When you click play audio, the website will open your RealPlayer and begin playing the verses.

Small Groups are an important part of the 9 Challenge. To help you in your small group, we want to provide you with the resources necessary to lead a successful small group. Each week we will be providing a study guide to help you in that process. To see the Nine Challenge Small Group resource click here. Or to download a pdf version by clicking here.

Balance in our everyday lives is crucial. We try to balance our time between family, friends, and work. Our finances are stretched between food, utilities, tithing, entertainment, and a constant barrage of advertised products. Our free time (if any!) is used watching TV, reading, exercising, vacationing, and for some, just doing nothing.

Throughout Jesus’ ministry here on earth, he teaches us to love, to accept, to treat with kindness, and to even turn the other cheek. But he also warns us to be careful of certain people and not to be mislead. The apostle Paul also tells us about terrible times coming and about people we should have nothing to do with.

So how are we to balance our actions? Accept everyone? Be suspicious of everyone? Paul gives us some guidelines. He asks us to “…be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction…”. We can certainly pray for discretion in all of this.

We are not unique in our situation. In a very personal letter, Paul lets us know of his struggle with the same thing we are dealing with. He is deserted, befriended, and even makes amends with those he has had issues with. We were never promised it would be easy, but we are promised that God is with us.

David Anderson

Today's Reading: Luke 21, 2 Timothy 3-4

There are several resources you can use to listen online.

You can listen to the Bible at the NIV site by clicking here. Type the book of the Bible and the chapter into the lookup line. You can only put in one chapter at a time. Hit the "Lookup" button. On the following page, there will be a small button at the top of the webpage, just above the biblical text, that says "Listen." This will open a small window that will begin playing the chosen book and chapter.

You can also listen to the Bible reading online at Biblegateway.com by clicking here. Simply choose the book of the Bible and the chapter you would like to listen to. When you click play audio, the website will open your RealPlayer and begin playing the verses.