Cheryl D. Outten, The Offering

Matthew 19:23-30 Who can be saved? 23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven." 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God."...Continue reading

Take the Plunge I was reading my devotional today, and there was a story included that I would like to relay to you. During World War II, in the terrible days of the Blitz, a father, holding his small son by the hand, ran from a building that had been struck by a bomb. In the front yard was a shell hole. Seeking shelter as quickly as possible, the father jumped into the hole and held up his arms for his son to follow. Terrified, yet hearing his father’s voice telling him to... jump, the boy replied, I can’t see you! The father called to the silhouette of this son, But I can see you. JUMP! The boy jumped because he trusted his father. It is easy to follow the Lord when we can see what is going on around us, when it isn’t chaotic, and all is going well. But, at times, trusting God can feel a lot like jumping into the dark. That is the nature of faith. Ready. Set. Jump!

Time to Study Good Works 16 Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" 17 "Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments."...Continue reading

Geared to Hear Today was a busy day. It consisted of going from one meeting to the next, with just enough time in between for lunch. It is now close to 4 pm, a very late start to writing my blog. I quickly scrolled through my week and realized that the rest of my week looks very similar to this day. Mentally I began to organize my week to make the most sense for me, enabling me adequate time to finish all my tasks and appointments. Time to gear up! It was as I looked thr...Continue reading

Matthew 19:1-12 Divorce Divorce is as old as time itself, with as many arguments for and against as you could conceive of. My role here is to try to bring this across from the biblical perspective, not my own. When I interject my opinion, I will state it as such, so feel free to accept or reject it. The truth of the matter is that the divorce rate continues to climb even among believers and leaders. ...Continue reading

I Wonder When he Knew? Genesis chapter 18 is a familiar chapter. You know the story well, I am sure. Abraham is resting in his tent door in the heat of the day when three men arrive. Abraham greets them in a customary yet lavish way, for the times, and then washes their feet and feeds them. They reveal two things to Abraham; Sarah would have a child, and God intended to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah because of the wickedness within it. Thus begins the great intercession by Abrah...Continue reading