Church Consultant | Steve | Activity

Steve posted an update: I try to imagine what it would have been like to be in […]

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 09:06:48 -0400

I try to imagine what it would have been like to be in the synagogue on the day when Jesus did this:

Luke 4:16 Then Jesus came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. As was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath. And when He stood up to read, 17 the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. Unrolling it, He found the…

Steve posted an update: I think this passage has some really good feels attached […]

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 09:23:41 -0400

I think this passage has some really good feels attached to it.

Luke 2:7 And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were shepherds residing in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night. 9 Just then an angel…

Steve posted an update: I always enjoy reading Luke. I like how he tells the […]

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 10:35:59 -0400

I always enjoy reading Luke. I like how he tells the story of Jesus and the early church. The BIble Project guide included in today’s reading is a great start!

Steve posted an update: I think I will hang out with this passage today:Psalm […]

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 09:25:21 -0400

I think I will hang out with this passage today:

Psalm 11:9 He has sent redemption to His people; He has ordained His covenant forever; holy and awesome is His name. 10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever!

In these 2 verses alone, I can spend time…

Steve posted an update: As I read John 18 about Peter cutting off Malchus's ear, […]

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 08:45:42 -0400

As I read John 18 about Peter cutting off Malchus’s ear, I had a few thoughts. I found it interesting that when Jesus said, “I am He,” the people pursuing Him fell down. Peter probably didn’t need to try and step in, but he did. When he does, it makes a bit of a mess. It is interesting that Luke records Jesus healing the man’s ear. I think…

Steve posted a new activity comment

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 08:21:41 -0400

It is interesting that even after thousands of years and all of the changes in the way we live, at the core the issues are still basically the same. It seems to always get back to choosing if we are going to live God’s way or our way.

In reply to - Barbara Melvin posted an update

After reading John 11-12, i realized that this was the first time i have seen the doubt in Thomas. John 11:16 In my culture we have a saying, “it be your own people”. it made […]

Steve posted an update: Here is a link to the 5 Day Devotionals for Kingdom […]

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 11:06:29 -0400

Here is a link to the 5 Day Devotionals for Kingdom Wisdom Part 4:

https://keysvineyard.org/kingdom-wisdom-part-4-devotionals/

keysvineyard.org

Kingdom Wisdom Part 4 Devotionals - Keys Vineyard Church

A five-day devotional on trusting God as a good Father who gives good gifts, sustains us in hardship, and calls us to keep asking, seeking, and knocking.

Steve posted an update: There are so many things going on in John 11 and 12. […]

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 08:41:03 -0400

There are so many things going on in John 11 and 12. For today, I am going to spend some time considering this verse:

John 12:25 Whoever loves his life will lose it, but whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

That is a lot to have a think on!

Steve posted an update: I think this is a great passage from Psalm 107:Psalm […]

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 17:52:37 -0400

I think this is a great passage from Psalm 107:

Psalm 107:4 Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no path to a city in which to dwell. 5 They were hungry and thirsty; their soul fainted within them. 6 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress. 7 He led them on a straight path to reach a…

Steve posted an update: One of my favorite passages:John 7:37 On the last […]

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 10:56:09 -0400

One of my favorite passages:

John 7:37 On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and called out in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said: ‘Streams of living water will flow from within him.’” 39 He was speaking about the Spirit, whom those who…

bibleproject.com

Water of Life Biblical Theme

The water of life theme begins in the garden and continues through the biblical story, ultimately reaching its climax in Jesus. Watch to learn more.

Steve posted an update: I always smile a little when I read this verse in […]

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 09:28:46 -0400

I always smile a little when I read this verse in John Chapter 5:

John 5:6 When Jesus saw him lying there and realized that he had spent a long time in this condition, He asked him, “Do you want to get well?”

That question, “Do you want to get well?”, was something that I have spent a lot of time thinking about. Still deserving of another think today!

Steve posted an update: As we begin reading the Gospel of John, I would […]

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 09:22:16 -0400

As we begin reading the Gospel of John, I would encourage you to watch the videos and the article from Bible Project included with today’s reading!

Steve posted an update: Here is a link to the 5 Day Devotional for Kingdom […]

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 10:18:15 -0400

Here is a link to the 5 Day Devotional for Kingdom Wisdom Part 3:

https://keysvineyard.org/kingdom-wisdom-part-3-devotionals/

keysvineyard.org

Kingdom Wisdom Part 3 Devotionals - Keys Vineyard Church

A five-day devotional from Matthew 7:7-8 on Kingdom wisdom, daily dependence on God, seeking His work, persistence in prayer, and trusting the Father.

Steve posted an update: This verse is worth having a good think over:Mark 15:38 […]

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 09:32:00 -0400

This verse is worth having a good think over:

Mark 15:38 And the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.

Steve posted an update: I really enjoy the simple beauty of Psalm 100:Psalm 100:1 […]

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 08:21:52 -0400

I really enjoy the simple beauty of Psalm 100:

Psalm 100:1 A Psalm of thanksgiving. Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Serve the LORD with gladness; come into His presence with joyful songs. 3 Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. 4 Enter His gates…

Steve posted an update: There is a verse in today's readings that I would […]

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 09:02:33 -0400

There is a verse in today’s readings that I would encourage you to investigate.

Mark 9:49 For everyone will be salted with fire.

What do you think that means?

Steve posted an update: At Keys Vineyard last weekend, we talked about judgment […]

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 09:33:17 -0400

At Keys Vineyard last weekend, we talked about judgment and discernment in Matthew 7.

Matthew 7:6 Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.

How might this impact our understanding of this passage from today’s reading:

Mark…

Steve posted a new activity comment

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 10:52:01 -0400

@tankobrain I think it is amazing. I also wonder how many little phrases like this there are in the Bible that only reveal themselves over time.

In reply to - Steve posted an update

Take a few moments with this verse:

Mark 6:48

48 He could see that the disciples were straining to row, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went […]

Steve posted an update: Take a few moments with this verse:Mark 6:4848 He could […]

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 10:12:40 -0400

Take a few moments with this verse:

Mark 6:48

48 He could see that the disciples were straining to row, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea. He intended to pass by them,

I think you might find it interesting to do a little research on this “He intended to pass by them,”

Steve posted an update: In this passage in Mark Chapter 3, I think we again see […]

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 10:47:26 -0400

In this passage in Mark Chapter 3, I think we again see how turning the relationship we were created to have with God into a set of rules to follow ruins everything.

Mark 3:1 Once again Jesus entered the synagogue, and a man with a withered hand was there. 2 In order to accuse Jesus, they were watching to see if He would heal on the Sabbath. 3…

Steve posted an update: Here is a link to the 5 Day Devotionals for Kingdom […]

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 11:53:22 -0400

Here is a link to the 5 Day Devotionals for Kingdom Wisdom Part 2:

https://keysvineyard.org/kingdom-wisdom-part-2-devotionals/

keysvineyard.org

Kingdom Wisdom Part 2 Devotionals - Keys Vineyard Church

Explore Matthew 7:5-6 and learn how Kingdom wisdom distinguishes judgment from discernment, values truth, depends on God, and responds with wise timing.

Steve posted an update: I really enjoy Psalm 95. The beginning 7 verses are […]

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 09:19:30 -0400

I really enjoy Psalm 95. The beginning 7 verses are included in the Morning Daily Office which over the years has often been a part of my morning devotions.

Psalm 95:1 Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. 3 For the…

christianpractices.org

Morning Prayer - Christian Practices

DAILY OFFICE Morning Prayer Beginning the Day in God's Presence Throughout the history of the Church, followers of Jesus have set aside time at the beginning of the day to turn their hearts toward God through Scripture, prayer, and attentive … Continue reading

Steve posted an update: Did you ever ponder the depth of this verse:Matthew […]

Sun, 06 Sep 2026 08:27:10 -0400

Did you ever ponder the depth of this verse:

Matthew 27:25 All the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!”

And what do you think is going on with this passage:

Matthew 27:52 The tombs broke open, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised. 53 After Jesus’ resurrection, when they had come out of the tombs,…

Steve posted an update: I don't remember ever taking this in before. Psalm […]

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 09:35:43 -0400

I don’t remember ever taking this in before. Psalm 92 starts with this:

Psalm 92:1a A Psalm. A song for the Sabbath day.

A song for the sabbath day. I think the Psalm then goes on to express the idea of a sabbath. The sabbath was intended to be a one-day-a-week celebration of ‘new creation’. A day when no work was done, and people enjoyed…

Steve posted an update: I think this is a fascinating verse:Matthew 19:28Jesus […]

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 11:00:59 -0400

I think this is a fascinating verse:

Matthew 19:28Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, in the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

I like to think about the ‘renewal of all things’!

Steve posted an update: Psalm 89 is filled with verses and passages that are […]

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 10:08:50 -0400

Psalm 89 is filled with verses and passages that are worth having a long think over. I was drawn to this passage again today:

Psalm 89:5 The heavens praise Your wonders, O LORD—Your faithfulness as well—in the assembly of the holy ones. 6 For who in the skies can compare with the LORD? Who among the heavenly beings is like the LORD? 7 In the…

Steve posted an update: I often think about how quickly this went from Simon […]

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 18:20:28 -0400

I often think about how quickly this went from Simon getting it right, to Simon getting it wrong.

Matthew 16:15 “But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For this was not revealed to you by flesh and…

Steve posted an update: Here is a link to the 5 Day Devotional for Kingdom […]

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 10:51:47 -0400

Here is a link to the 5 Day Devotional for Kingdom Wisdom Part 1:

https://keysvineyard.org/kingdom-wisdom-part-1-devotionals/

keysvineyard.org

Kingdom Wisdom Part 1 Devotionals - Keys Vineyard Church

A five-day devotional from Matthew 7:1-5 on humility, discernment without condemnation, mercy, self-examination, and grace-filled restoration.

Steve posted an update: I think this passage in Matthew 9 speaks […]

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 18:29:52 -0400

I think this passage in Matthew 9 speaks volumes:

Matthew 9:10 Later, as Jesus was dining at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Him and His disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not…

Steve posted an update: This has become one of my all-time favorite […]

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 10:37:20 -0400

This has become one of my all-time favorite verses:

Psalm 84:10 For better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

“…I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God…”

I am constantly in awe of God’s faithfulness.

Steve posted an update: We have been spending a lot of time on the Sermon on […]

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 08:56:10 -0400

We have been spending a lot of time on the Sermon on the Mount at our church this year. As I read through Matthew 5 and 6, it reminded me again of God’s amazing faithfulness and the incredible lengths He has gone to so we can experience full and abundant lives now and forever with Him.

I also enjoyed the article on Matthew 6:33 today. It is…

Steve posted an update: Really helpful resources from Bible Project as we begin […]

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 09:09:56 -0400

Really helpful resources from Bible Project as we begin this year’s journey through the New Testament. I enjoy how the video on Matthew breaks it down.

From the reading today, this verse caught my attention:

Matthew 4:19 “Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”

I think the response in verse 20 is also amazing:

Mark 4:20…

Steve posted an update: Here is a link to the 5 Day Devotionals for […]

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 12:04:25 -0400

Here is a link to the 5 Day Devotionals for Kingdom Alignment Part 13:

https://keysvineyard.org/kingdom-alignment-part-13-devotionals/

keysvineyard.org

Kingdom Alignment Part 13 Devotionals - Keys Vineyard Church

When we feel the pull of anxiety, it is often a signal that something has quietly moved to the center of our lives that was never meant to be there.

Steve posted an update: Psalm 79:9 Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory […]

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 08:43:08 -0400

Psalm 79:9 Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name; deliver us and atone for our sins, for the sake of Your name.

He is the God who saves. His mercy restores us, and our restored lives are to become a testimony that brings glory to His name.

I also love this verse in 2 Chronicles

2 Chronicles 34:15 And Hilkiah said to Shaphan…

Steve posted an update: I think Psalm 78 is a powerful summary of Israel's […]

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 10:15:58 -0400

I think Psalm 78 is a powerful summary of Israel’s history from the Exodus through the reign of King David. Verse 4 really impacted me again today.

Psalm 78:4 We will not hide them from their children but will declare to the next generation the praises of the LORD and His might and the wonders He has performed.

It is so important that we…

Steve posted an update: This verse grabbed my attention this morning:2 […]

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 10:47:37 -0400

This verse grabbed my attention this morning:

2 Chronicles 25:2 And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, but not wholeheartedly.

We have spent some time in our Kingdom Alignment series talking about the importance of having an undivided heart.

Steve posted an update: I think this is an interesting verse:2 Chronicles 24:2 […]

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 11:14:03 -0400

I think this is an interesting verse:

2 Chronicles 24:2 And Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest.

As long as Jehoiada was alive, Joash did what was right. But when Jehoiada died, Joash went off the rails. So important that we each are connected to the source for ourselves.

Steve posted an update: There is a lot happening in 2 Chronicles chapter 18. […]

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 08:27:03 -0400

There is a lot happening in 2 Chronicles chapter 18. First, I think is really good advice:

2 Chronicles 18:4But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire first for the word of the LORD.”

Second, I think this look into the throne room is fascinating:

2 Chronicles 18:18 Micaiah continued, “Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw…

Steve posted an update: Here is a link to the 5 Day Devotionals for […]

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 09:33:55 -0400

Here is a link to the 5 Day Devotionals for Kingdom Alignment Part 12:

https://keysvineyard.org/kingdom-alignment-part-12-devotionals/

keysvineyard.org

Kingdom Alignment Part 12 Devotionals - Keys Vineyard Church

Day 1: Learning to Look Again Devotional Worry has a way of narrowing our vision. When anxiety takes hold, we stop noticing the world around us and start fixating on everything that could go wrong. But Jesus does something unexpected … Continue reading

Steve posted an update: This is an interesting verse:2 Chronicles 13:5 Do you […]

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 08:32:13 -0400

This is an interesting verse:

2 Chronicles 13:5 Do you not know that the LORD, the God of Israel, has given the kingship of Israel to David and his descendants forever by a covenant of salt?

Do you know what a covenant of salt is?

Steve posted an update: I think this passage is a really good one to use your […]

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 11:06:40 -0400

I think this passage is a really good one to use your holy imagination on!

2 Chronicles 5:13 The trumpeters and singers joined together to praise and thank the LORD with one voice. They lifted up their voices, accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and musical instruments, in praise to the LORD: “For He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.”…

Steve posted an update: I am thinking this morning that this is a really […]

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 10:31:07 -0400

I am thinking this morning that this is a really cool verse…

Psalm 71:18 Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, until I proclaim Your power to the next generation, Your might to all who are to come.

Also, I think as Solomon got started, he should probably have read this passage in Deuteronomy:

Deuteronomy 17:16 But the king must…

Steve posted an update: The life of Obed-edom and his family is really […]

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 09:50:42 -0400

The life of Obed-edom and his family is really interesting.

1 Chronicles 26:15 The lot for the South Gate fell to Obed-edom, and the lot for the storehouses to his sons.

When David’s first attempt to bring the ark to Jerusalem failed, the ark was taken to Obed-edom’s home. For three months, his family lived with the ark, the visible reminder of…

Steve posted an update: Do you think this passage is about Solomon or Jesus […]

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 10:44:52 -0400

Do you think this passage is about Solomon or Jesus or both?

1 Chronicles 22:9 But a son will be born to you who will be a man of rest. I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side; for his name will be Solomon, and I will grant to Israel peace and quiet during his reign. 10 He is the one who will build a house for My Name. He will be…

Steve posted an update: We have just opened up the path for students from the […]

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 09:13:21 -0400

We have just opened up the path for students from the Bible Institute to join us here at Kingdom Encouragers. The login screen needed to be tweaked to allow them to log in with their existing information. It should not impact the way you log in. The login screen just looks different. You should still be able to log in the way you have been.

Steve posted an update: This verse in today's reading made me think of a couple […]

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 09:09:27 -0400

This verse in today’s reading made me think of a couple of other verses. I will list them here.

1 Chronicles 21:16 When David lifted up his eyes and saw the angel of the LORD standing between heaven and earth, with a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem, David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell facedown.

Joshua 5:13 He…

Steve posted an update: Here is a link to the 5 Day Devotionals for […]

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 10:52:36 -0400

Here is a link to the 5 Day Devotionals for Kingdom Alignment Part 11:

https://keysvineyard.org/kingdom-alignment-part-11-devotionals/

keysvineyard.org

Kingdom Alignment Part 11 Devotionals - Keys Vineyard Church

God gives grace for today, and that grace is enough. You can set down the luggage that belongs to another day and trust in the Father who holds tomorrow.

Steve posted a new activity comment

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 13:29:21 -0400

@georginasenecke I love that perspective!

In reply to - Steve posted an update

Today’s reading starts with nine chapters of genealogy. That is a lot. I think it helps to know why Chronicles starts this way. In the Old Testament, Chronicles would have been the […]

Steve posted an update: Today's reading starts with nine chapters of […]

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 11:34:43 -0400

Today’s reading starts with nine chapters of genealogy. That is a lot. I think it helps to know why Chronicles starts this way. In the Old Testament, Chronicles would have been the last book. It is kind of a review, and the first nine chapters would be a way to read and remember all of the Bible characters. Then chapter 10 would record the end…

Steve posted an update: Malachi 4:5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the […]

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 10:20:38 -0400

Malachi 4:5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and awesome Day of the LORD. 6And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers. Otherwise, I will come and strike the land with a curse.”

What New Testament verses can you find where John the Baptist…