Bible Study & Encouragement

"All Fall Short"

November 18, 2024 • Bruce Kreger • Matthew 7:1–5, John 8:1–13, Romans 3:21–31

10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” - John 8:10-11

"Gotcha Kitchel!"

November 11, 2024 • Dustin Kitchel • 1 John 1:9, Hebrews 10:19–25, Psalm 103:12, James 4:8

Guilt and shame are not something God would ever burden us with. These thoughts and feelings are often brought on by unconfessed sin and an unwillingness to repent. Also, people will wrong us as well, creating the same feelings. Dustin tells a story about a time in junior high, where the term “Gotcha Kitchel!” made him and Daniel want to run away and hide.

"Bus Breakdown"

November 4, 2024 • Daniel Kitchel • John 13:35

Pastor Daniel shares a quick story about the bus breaking down on a recent football trip. In this frustrating moment, God used strangers and one of his players to show the love of Christ in an unexpected way.

"Cage Free"

October 28, 2024 • Heath Gray • Galatians 5:13, Mark 7:32–35, John 10:9

Christianity is not a cage. It's not about what you can and cannot do. It's not about what you can and cannot have. It's about the freedom found only through Jesus Christ. The door to the cage is open. It always has been. You need only to walk through it.

"The Complaint Department"

October 21, 2024 • Brandon Bowen • James 5:9, Philippians 2:14–16

We often find ourselves complaining about any number of things, especially as the spoiled Americans we are. As Christians, however, we are called to be different and "shine like stars in the sky". When we grumble and complain, though, we diminish the light we are intended to be, and the world does not see us any differently. We must do everything we can to combat this part of our human nature.

"Stay in the Fight"

October 14, 2024 • Justin Tate • Romans 7:14–25

This week we are encouraged to "stay in the fight" against our sin and flesh. This is a fight that will last our whole lives, but we must devote ourselves to praying daily to seek God's help and support. At the end of the day, trust in God and realize that no one is alone in this fight. We're all fighting together, with one purpose and that is spiritual growth.

"He Knows Us"

October 7, 2024 • Kenny Koetter • Psalm 139

In Psalm 139, we face the absolute necessity to trust God with what He knows about us. It is beyond our comprehension how well God knows us. How will we respond to how well He knows us?

"Brevity"

September 30, 2024 • Zach Kordic • Psalm 90:12

In this week's devotional, Zach shares about a sudden tragedy that befell one of his former classmates. Through this, he encourages us to reflect on the brevity of life, and to treat every single day as the gift that it is.

"Gifts of Grace"

September 23, 2024 • Mario Davis • Romans 12:3–8

God has given each of us gifts specific to us. With these gifts of grace given to us by God, we should seek to bring glory to God and His Kingdom. Yet, how often do we use these gifts only for our own gain?

"Use Your Gifts"

September 16, 2024 • Bruce Kreger • Matthew 25:14–29

Each of us has been blessed with different talents and gifts. Whether we're great with public speaking, cooking, accounting, making music, or listening to others, Jesus has called us to use our skills to glorify God and spread His Word.

"Run to Win"

September 9, 2024 • Dustin Kitchel • 1 Corinthians 9:24–26

Not knowing the outcome is for our good. 29 years ago, I dealt with adversity on the football field and wanted to give up. God had better plans.

"A Heartbreaking Loss"

September 3, 2024 • Daniel Kitchel • Romans 5:8, Romans 2:4, Hebrews 12:6

Pastor Daniel shares the details of a devasting loss he experienced last Friday night on the football field. He has coached hundreds of football games, but none have ended like this. A coach's job is to lift up players in their darkest moments. But, to do that, work must be done on the front end of the relationship that proves you can be trusted to love them the right way. They must know your love for them is not contingent upon wins, losses, or performance. This serves as a fresh reminder of God's deep love for us. He does not love us because of who we are. He loves us because of who He is.

"Afraid of the Light"

August 26, 2024 • Heath Gray • Matthew 5:14–16, Psalm 27:1, 1 John 1:5–7

We live in a very loud world. Yet as Christians, we spend most of the time hiding in plain sight. We are fearful, afraid to hurt feelings, and distracted. The Bible is full of examples of, our relationship to and the gift that is, the light of Christ. We are to be the light, shine the light, walk in the light, and share the light. Why are we afraid of the Light?

"If Not Now, When?"

August 19, 2024 • Brandon Bowen • Romans 8:12–15, Psalm 119:57

Ever see something broken around your home and think, "I need to fix that," then do nothing about it? Yet we know that if we just stopped and fixed it, ultimately we'd be glad that we got it taken care of. In this devotional, Brandon talks about how we sometimes do the same thing when the Holy Spirit prompts us to do something. When we listen and respond to the prompting and conviction of the Holy Spirit when it happens, rather than procrastinating, we get the opportunity to experience healing, joy, and correction.

"Holy Rest"

August 12, 2024 • Kenny Koetter • Exodus 20:8–11, Matthew 5:17, Mark 3:27

God has a plan for your soul. Are you in tune with that plan? In this devotional, Kenny discusses the importance of the fourth commandment, "Remember the Sabbath Day." Humans are bent towards chasing our own earthly desires, but finding rest in God and His Word allows us to recenter ourselves around God's plans rather than our own. Will you intentionally seek rest in Him?

Cross Church Norman

Weekly Devotionals Led by Church Leaders