Scripture Reading — Ecclesiastes 3:1-11There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.— Ecclesiastes 3:1I can still remember the sound of the little bird that popped out of the old cuckoo clock on the wall at my grandparents’ house. Every hour, on the hour, the red

Scripture Reading — John 15:1-8“He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”— John 15:2I don’t know much about plants, but I imagine it might be painful for a vine to go through the pruning process. I al

Scripture Reading — Luke 5:17-26When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”— Luke 5:20Sometimes I find it hard to ask someone for help. I’m not sure if it’s my pride to be independent or my fear of being a burden that gets in the way, but I know there have been times in my

Scripture Reading — Luke 15:4-7“Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’”— Luke 15:6The term “Christian” roughly translates into “little Christ,” meaning that a person who follows Christ is an extension of Jesus and a representative of

Scripture Reading — Hebrews 13:5-6“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid.”— Hebrews 13:5-6A fly-fishing enthusiast can tell you about all the excitement that can unfold when you hook a fish much bigger than one you planned for. An angler—tha

Scripture Reading — Psalm 46:1-3God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.— Psalm 46:1When I was a young child, I was often afraid of thunderstorms. The lightning flashes and the rumbling thunder were startling and scary, and I would grow anxious if I heard that a storm was com

Scripture Reading — John 14:15-21“I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever. . . .”— John 14:16An advocate offers support and pleads on behalf of someone (or something), ensuring fair and honest treatment. An advocate aims to look after, protect