Evergreen
This lesson from Psalm 1:2–6, titled “Evergreen,” contrasts the lasting stability of the godly with the emptiness of the wicked. The blessed person delights in God’s Word and meditates on it daily, like a tree planted by water—stable, fruitful, and enduring. In contrast, the wicked are like wind-blown chaff, rootless and directionless. The lesson emphasizes the power of Scripture to shape character, relationships, and endurance through life’s seasons. It challenges believers to root their lives deeply in God's truth, cultivating a life of spiritual strength and joy that remains vibrant regardless of circumstances.
Drawing Circles for All the Right Reasons
This lesson from Psalm 1:1–6, titled “Drawing Circles for All the Right Reasons,” explains how a blessed and godly life is rooted in separation from worldly influence and delight in God’s Word. The Psalm outlines a dangerous progression—walking with, standing among, and sitting alongside the ungodly—leading to spiritual decline. Instead, the godly person is like a tree planted by water, nourished by daily meditation on Scripture. The lesson urges believers to evaluate their influences, draw relational boundaries with wisdom, and remain grounded in God's truth to flourish in life and relationships.
The Tear Collector
This lesson from Psalm 56, titled “The Tear Collector,” draws from David’s time of deep fear and danger in Gath. It offers three comforting truths: God’s Word is always relevant in every trial; God is fully aware of every step of our journey, including our missteps and griefs; and God compassionately collects every tear we cry, showing His intimate care. Even when fear and faith exist together, David clings to the truth that God is for him. The lesson encourages believers to trust God’s character and promises as their “instrument panel” when life feels dark and uncertain.
Faithfully Alert When Society Is Falling Apart
This lesson from Psalm 11:4–7, titled “Faithfully Alert When Society Is Falling Apart,” emphasizes God's unshakable sovereignty amid cultural collapse. David resists fear and flight by focusing on five truths: God remains undisturbed on His throne, fully aware of all human actions, perfectly just in His judgments, terrifying in His coming wrath, and deeply delighted in His people. While the world redefines morality and truth, believers are called to look upward—to God’s eternal rule—not outward at crumbling foundations. The lesson encourages trust, endurance, and hope anchored in God’s character and the promise of seeing His face.
Farewell to the Foundations
This lesson from Psalm 11:1–3, titled “Farewell to the Foundations,” confronts the cultural collapse of moral and spiritual truth. Through modern examples and biblical reflection, it illustrates how society increasingly erases God from its institutions, redefining life, identity, and morality. David’s question—“If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”—captures the crisis of his time and ours. The lesson reminds believers to take refuge in the Lord, not flee from responsibility, and to trust in God’s unshakable foundation when human systems crumble.
The Heart of the Matter
This lesson from Romans 2:29 emphasizes that true salvation is a matter of the heart, not external religious identity or rituals. Paul contrasts outward religion—focused on appearance, law, and human praise—with inward transformation by the Spirit. Using the image of circumcision, he reveals that what matters to God is a heart changed by faith, not physical marks or heritage. The lesson warns against trusting in religious labels or traditions for salvation and calls believers to pursue a genuine, heart-level relationship with God through Christ.
The Latest Fashion in Fig Leaves
This lesson from Romans 2:25–28 confronts the emptiness of relying on religious rituals—like circumcision—as a substitute for genuine faith. Paul explains that outward acts have no value without inward obedience and a transformed heart. Using Genesis 3 as a foundation, the lesson compares manmade religion to fig leaves—symbolic efforts to cover guilt, avoid accountability, and impress others without true godliness. True righteousness comes not from external signs but from inner devotion to God. The lesson challenges believers to reject superficial religion and embrace a sincere, obedient relationship with Christ.
Ruining the Reputation of God
This lesson from Romans 2:23–24 confronts the religious person whose actions dishonor God, despite claiming to uphold His Word. Paul exposes how hypocrisy among those who “boast in the Law” causes God's name to be blasphemed by unbelievers. While such people may teach truth, they fail to apply it, speak of integrity but live dishonestly, and denounce sin while harboring it. True faith transforms behavior, not just beliefs. The lesson urges believers to examine their lives honestly, knowing that the way they live shapes how others view the character and reputation of God.
Churchianity
This lesson from Romans 2:19–24 confronts religious hypocrisy, showing that knowing the truth does not guarantee living it. Paul exposes how the Jews felt superior because of their spiritual knowledge and roles as guides, teachers, and moral authorities, yet failed to apply the truth to themselves. He uses rhetorical questions to reveal their dishonesty, impurity, and greed, proving that their outward religion masked inward rebellion. The lesson challenges believers to examine their hearts, asking whether their lives truly reflect their faith—or merely the appearance of it. True redemption produces obedience, humility, and a transformed life.
The Business of Whitewashing
This lesson from Romans 2:17–18 begins Paul’s address to the religious person, particularly the self-assured Jew who finds security in name, heritage, and outward ritual. Paul exposes six reasons for their false confidence: their Jewish identity, reliance on the Law, pride in God, knowledge of His will, spiritual discernment, and biblical education. While these privileges are significant, Paul warns that they cannot save anyone without genuine faith and transformation. The lesson cautions against outward religion that masks an unchanged heart, urging repentance and true relationship with Christ over mere religious appearance.