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Tiger in cage. Dreamstime/TCA

The God Squad: A letter to my fellow clergy persons

Religion / God Squad /

To my colleagues in faith, I ask God’s blessing on the works of your hands and hearts.

I am including some funny stories gleaned in my half-century of working in the fields of the Lord. Please send me some of your hilarious stories of the ways God’s words crash into our needy world.

Some of the “funny clergy stories” may seem to be ...Read more

Praying hands. Dreamstime/TCA

My Answer

Religion / Billy Graham /

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: God put us on Earth to be happy and make the world a better place. Why do most people feel it isn’t really that way? – B.P.

A: We were not put on Earth to be preoccupied with ourselves – our own problems and pleasures. We weren’t even put here just to make this a better world (although that...Read more

Devotional for September 17

Religion / Bible Verses /

"The LORD gives strength to His people." -- Psalm 29:11 (NKJV)

Human strength eventually weakens under pressure and responsibility. God provides strength that reaches beyond natural ability. His power renews weary hearts and sustains faithful endurance.

This strength often appears quietly through patience, courage, and peace during hardship. ...Read more

Meditation for September 17

Religion / Bible Verses /

"To behold the beauty of the LORD." -- Psalm 27:4 (NKJV)

God's beauty is revealed through His holiness, mercy, wisdom, and love. The more we learn about Him, the more reasons we find to worship and adore Him.

Taking time to reflect on God's character enriches faith. Worship grows naturally when hearts focus on His greatness and goodness.

Verse for September 17

Religion / Bible Verses /

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him." -- Romans 15:13 (NIV)

Hope opens the way for joy and peace to flourish. These gifts are rooted in trust rather than circumstance. As confidence in God deepens, the heart becomes steadier and more resilient. His hope renews us from within.

What is the famous passage in Isaiah that describes the new heavens and new earth?

Religion / Bible Trivia /

A) Isaiah 60
B) Isaiah 65:17-25
C) Isaiah 66:22-24
D) Isaiah 54:1-8

What was the name of Ruth's mother-in-law?

Religion / Bible Trivia /

A) Orpah
B) Deborah
C) Naomi
D) Abigail

Angry man. Dreamstime/TCA

My Answer

Religion / Billy Graham /

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: I struggle with anger and my tongue follows. When I get angry, I rattle off everything bad in my mind, pointing at others who enrage me. Then I get home and suffer terrible guilt. I was brought up in a rather strict home but filled with love. Why can’t I conquer this? – C.T.

A: Scripture says ...Read more

Devotional for September 16

Religion / Bible Verses /

"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." -- Psalm 23:1 (NKJV)

The image of the shepherd reveals God's faithful care and guidance. He watches over His people attentively and provides what they truly need. Nothing escapes His loving concern.

Contentment grows when believers trust the Shepherd's wisdom rather than fear the future. His ...Read more

Meditation for September 16

Religion / Bible Verses /

"That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life." -- Psalm 27:4 (NKJV)

David's deepest desire was not temporary success but lasting fellowship with God. He longed to remain near the Lord throughout every season of life.

Believers today enjoy the same privilege through Christ. A relationship with God is not limited to special...Read more

Verse for September 16

Religion / Bible Verses /

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me." -- Psalm 28:7 (NIV)

God provides both protection and power. As our shield, He guards us in vulnerable moments. As our strength, He supplies what we lack. Trust allows us to rest more fully in His care.

Close-up of the lord's prayer on a statue. Dreamstime/TCA

My Answer

Religion / Billy Graham /

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: Does the Lord expect Christians to forgive those who deliberately hurt us and turn their backs on us? Even my brothers are against me because I hope to be a preacher someday, and my mom never says anything to them because they’re not Christians, but she expects me to always be the one forgiving ...Read more

Devotional for September 15

Religion / Bible Verses /

"Wait on the LORD; be of good courage." -- Psalm 27:14 (NKJV)

Waiting tests patience and trust deeply. Human nature prefers quick answers and immediate progress, yet God frequently works gradually over time. Scripture encourages faithful endurance during seasons of delay.

Courage grows through continued confidence in God's timing and wisdom. ...Read more

Meditation for September 15

Religion / Bible Verses /

"That will I seek." -- Psalm 27:4 (NKJV)

Spiritual growth requires intentional pursuit. Desire alone is not enough; it must be followed by action.

Seeking God through prayer, Scripture, and worship strengthens faith. Those who seek Him faithfully discover His guidance and peace.

Verse for September 15

Religion / Bible Verses /

"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." -- Psalm 90:12 (NIV)

Mid-September offers another reminder of how quickly time passes. Numbering our days encourages intentional living. Wisdom grows when we recognize the value of each moment. Gratitude deepens when time is treated as a gift.

What is the main theme of the Book of Joel?

Religion / Bible Trivia /

A) Repentance and forgiveness
B) God's justice and righteousness
C) The coming of the Messiah
D) The day of the Lord

What is the famous vision in Daniel that describes the four beasts?

Religion / Bible Trivia /

A) Daniel 2:31-45
B) Daniel 7:1-14
C) Daniel 8:1-14
D) Daniel 10:1-14

Figure skater. Dreamstime/TCA

My Answer

Religion / Billy Graham /

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: My friend’s an expert competitor in sports, but he thinks his success will carry him through life. I feel desperate to get through to him that the most important thing in life is to know Jesus Christ and put Him at the center of life. As long as he wins, he rides high, but one of these days he’...Read more

 

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