Amazing Facts.
Daily Devotionals

How do you help people who have had negative experiences with the church?

August 17th, 2026

In Luke chapter 15, Jesus tells a parable about a missing sheep. In the story, the shepherd searches relentlessly until he finds it. Then he lays it on his shoulders and lovingly carries it back home. The Lord wants us to follow His example and send out search parties to look for the lost sheep among us. These missing sheep are our neighbors, friends, and family who have wandered away from the flock.

Here are some specific ways you can help someone who has left the church:

First, pray for them. God promises, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). Prayer is powerful.

Invite them back! The biggest issue facing former members is how to reconnect with the church. They could be waiting for the invitation, so you can be the one to help them find a path back. In some cases, a friendly phone call or visit might be all that is needed. Remember to treat missing members the way you would want to be treated. Offer a warm, no-pressure invitation. Be loving and nonjudgmental, and leave room for the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts.

We should also “receive one another, just as Christ received us” (Romans 15:7). Be prepared to receive with open arms those who return, as the father received the prodigal son (Luke 15:20). The shepherd in Jesus’ story called his friends and neighbors in for a celebration. He told them, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!”

At the end of the parable, Jesus says, “There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance” (Luke 15:7). Shouldn’t we feel the same way? Imagine how a person would feel if the entire church turned out to celebrate their return!

Key Bible Texts
And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. (Isaiah 58:12 KJV)

Amazing Facts.
Daily Devotionals

Once you are saved, can you ever lose your salvation? Pt. 2

August 14th, 2026

As we consider the false aspects of “once saved, always saved,” we should remember that while Jesus will never let go of us, we can let go of Him. The danger of the teaching that once you are saved you cannot be lost is that it takes away our free will. We’re always free to choose to love or reject the Lord. God does not take away our freedom once we accept Him. Notice this example in the writings of the apostle Paul:

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:24–27).

Paul was saying that even as an apostle of Jesus, he could lose his salvation. That’s why Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). Notice how some respond: “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ ” (vv. 22, 23).

Those who come to Christ and join the church do not necessarily continue on the pathway to heaven. Some who confess Jesus and even do great works in the name of Christ will be lost. Making a profession, such as, “I am saved,” does not guarantee a genuine, living relationship with Jesus.

Key Bible Texts
But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. (1 Corinthians 9:27 KJV)

Good morning friends, I'm sorry for the break due to technical and network challenge. Thanks be to God, I'm back .I pray there won't be any more barriers to obstruct our daily family devotionals.
Remain blessed.

Amazing Facts
Daily Devotionals

Once you are saved, can you ever lose your salvation? Pt. 1

August 13th, 2026

There are many examples in the Bible of people who had a saving relationship with God and were filled with the Spirit, but then they turned away … such as King Saul and Judas. Jesus will never let go of us, but we can let go of Him. We always have that freedom.

The concept that once you are saved you can never be lost is unbiblical. People sometimes turn from God after following Him for a time. Peter puts it like this: “But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: ‘A dog returns to his own vomit,’ and, ‘a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire’ ” (2 Peter 2:22).

On the other extreme, some people believe that you need to walk every day in doubt of your relationship with the Lord. Yet the Bible is clear that we can walk in assurance. Paul writes, “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). Another verse says, “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2).

According to the Bible, the notion that once a person is saved he cannot be lost is just not true. One of the clearest verses in Scripture states:

“When a righteous man turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and does according to all the abominations that the wicked man does, shall he live? All the righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered; because of the unfaithfulness of which he is guilty and the sin which he has committed, because of them he shall die” (Ezekiel 18:24).

In other words, a person who was righteous can turn away from God and be lost. If a person is saved and cannot lose his salvation, why would he need to “hold fast” and not waver according to Hebrews 10:23? Because God has given people the freedom of choice.

Key Bible Texts
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) (Hebrews 10:23 KJV)

Amazing Facts.
Daily Devotionals

Patience and Fortitude.

August 12th, 2026

The two stone lions in front of the New York Public Library were named Patience and Fortitude in the 1930s by then-mayor Fiorello LaGuardia for the qualities he felt New Yorkers would need to survive the Great Depression. The two lions in front of the public library in Manhattan have enchanted New York residents and tourists since the library’s dedication on May 23, 1911. The lions received several affectionate monikers over the years, but the names that finally stuck were Mayor LaGuardia’s.

When Jacob met the woman of his dreams at the well in Haran, little did he know how much patience and fortitude their love story would demand of him! First, he had to serve his father-in-law for seven years to acquire his bride. Then Laban tricked Jacob into marrying Rachel’s sister. When Jacob finally got to marry his dream girl, they were struck with the painful reality of infertility.

Then the poor man had to endure his wives’ sibling rivalry and Rachel’s obsession with becoming a mother. In Jacob’s culture, a woman’s value stemmed from childbearing, and Rachel was keenly aware of this societal pressure. When she was finally able to conceive, she died while giving birth to their second son.

No matter how “perfect” a potential mate seems at first sight, time reveals all faults. Not only are our loved one’s faults magnified under the microscope of intimacy, but our own faults show up as well. Christian music artist Stephen Curtis Chapman says, “Without my marriage I may have actually been able to get through life under the illusion that I’m a pretty decent guy.” Paul says that love is patient, kind, and long-suffering. Marriage offers the opportunity to learn—and demonstrate!—the unconditional love shown to us by our great God.

Key Bible Texts
And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her. (Genesis 29:20 KJV)

Amazing Facts
Daily Devotionals

Will our planet be the “new earth” after Jesus’ second coming?

August 11th, 2026

God created Eden and the rest of our world with perfection and beauty, but then sin came and polluted the earth. The Lord’s plan was corrupted, perverted, and tainted by the devil. However, Satan will not ultimately confound God’s plan. The Lord is going to create a new heaven (a new atmosphere) and a new earth.

The Bible teaches that someday “the meek … shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). It’s pretty clear that, right now, proud and controlling people mostly rule the Earth. But someday, this will change. Daniel says, “The kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High” (Daniel 7:27). The Earth will not be in the same condition that it is now, for the Lord will make “a new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1).

The apostle Peter encourages us, “We, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13). When will this take place? First, the righteous will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air at the second coming of Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:17). Then they will spend a millennium in heaven, living and reigning with Jesus (Revelation 20:4).

At the end of the millennium in heaven, John writes, “I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven” (Revelation 21:2). The New Jerusalem is the city of God, and its new home will be this planet. There will be no pollution; it will be this Earth made new. In this new home, “They shall build houses and inhabit them, they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit” and “the wolf and the lamb shall feed together” (Isaiah 65:21, 25). Our new home will be a real place!

Key Bible Texts
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. (Revelation 21:1 KJV)

Amazing Facts.
Daily Devotionals

Rotten Eggs, Garlic, and Burnt Rubber.

August 10th, 2026

What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word “skunk”? It is probably the strong, foul odor used by these cute little striped black and white polecats to protect them from danger. Most animals and people are smart enough to stay clear of the scent glands used by skunks as a defensive weapon. Someone once described the odor as a mixture of rotten eggs, garlic, and burnt rubber. Because of muscles around these glands, skunks are pretty accurate in their aim at up to 10 feet away. People can easily smell this odor up to a mile away.

Actually, the skunk is reluctant to fire this weapon. It has enough to shoot five or six times, but then needs about 10 days to make another supply. Seeing the black and white stripes (or spots) is enough for most animals and people to stay clear. But if pressed, the skunk will still give warnings by hissing, stamping its feet, and raising its tail high before spraying. The stink is so strong it will even drive a bear away. But there is one predator of the skunk, the great horned owl, which, as you might guess, has a poor sense of smell!

Some states in the U.S. permit people to make pets out of skunks and have their scent glands removed. Most people come across skunks that are searching for food near garbage cans or trying to find cat or dog food in a garage. Because of their poor eyesight, skunks are often hit by cars on the road. Skunks also carry rabies, though it is more common in raccoons. (Almost all rabies cases in people come from dogs and bats.) Perhaps it is because their spray is enough to keep people away.

The Bible talks about the judgment of God against Judah when it turned away from the Lord. Especially condemning the luxury of these self-sufficient people, God lists jewels, clothing, and perfumes used by a haughty and proud people. Isaiah writes that the Lord will take away the perfume boxes. “Instead of a sweet smell there will be a stench” (Isaiah 3:23). A selfish life stinks. When we give our hearts to Jesus and live to bless others, it is a sweet smell to all around us.

Key Bible Texts
Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour. (Ecclesiastes 10:1 KJV)

Welcome to Scriptures & Sweet Tea.

I’m so glad you found your way here.

Scriptures & Sweet Tea was born from a simple desire: to create a place where the Word of God stays open, Jesus stays at the center, and people feel welcome to pull up a chair.

Around here, you’ll find Bible teaching, devotionals, worship, prayer, encouragement, honest conversations about faith, and creative resources designed to help us grow deeper in the Word together.

This isn’t about having all the answers or pretending faith is always tidy. It’s about opening Scripture, asking good questions, seeking truth, and trusting God to meet us there.

Everything shared here is meant to point back to Him.

So whether you’ve followed Jesus for decades, you’re just beginning to explore faith, or you simply need a quiet place to be reminded of what is true—you’re welcome here.

The lantern is lit.
The Word is open.
There’s always a seat for you here on the porch.

— Margie
Scriptures & Sweet Tea

Amazing Facts.
Daily Devotionals

Wasn’t it too harsh to stone someone for breaking the Sabbath?

August 7th, 2026

On the surface, this story seems to tell that an otherwise innocent person happened to be on a nice Sabbath afternoon walk and picked up a few sticks and, for such a simple act, was stoned to death.

But as we study the Scriptures carefully, we realize that God had already made it clear that a direct violation of the Sabbath was punishable by death. “Work shall be done for six days, but the seventh day shall be a holy day for you, a Sabbath of rest to the Lord. Whoever does any work on it shall be put to death” (Exodus 35:2).

The context of this event is that it comes directly after God’s instructions relating to presumptuous sin. The dictionary defines presumption as “to undertake without leave or clear justification, to dare.” God said, “The person who does anything presumptuously … that one brings reproach on the Lord, … he shall be cut off from among the people. Because he has despised the word of the Lord, and has broken His commandment” (Numbers 15:30, 31).

This man clearly knew God’s command and yet defiantly broke the law. He clearly and openly rebelled against God’s instruction, setting a dangerous example of disobedience that had to be immediately arrested. Under the theocracy of Israel, God ruled over the people directly. Knowing the hearts of all, the Lord instructed immediate punishment for flagrant acts of disobedience.

Some believe that if Sabbathbreakers were stoned to death in the Old Testament, then the Sabbath must not be in force today since stoning for breaking it is not in force. But note that not only Sabbathbreakers were stoned, but adulterers (Leviticus 20:10) and blasphemers too (Leviticus 24:16). No one feels that these sins are any less wrong today simply because they aren’t punishable by death.

Key Bible Texts
And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day. (Numbers 15:32 KJV)

Amazing Facts.
Daily Devotionals

Wasn’t it too harsh to stone someone for breaking the Sabbath?

August 7th, 2026

On the surface, this story seems to tell that an otherwise innocent person happened to be on a nice Sabbath afternoon walk and picked up a few sticks and, for such a simple act, was stoned to death.

But as we study the Scriptures carefully, we realize that God had already made it clear that a direct violation of the Sabbath was punishable by death. “Work shall be done for six days, but the seventh day shall be a holy day for you, a Sabbath of rest to the Lord. Whoever does any work on it shall be put to death” (Exodus 35:2).

The context of this event is that it comes directly after God’s instructions relating to presumptuous sin. The dictionary defines presumption as “to undertake without leave or clear justification, to dare.” God said, “The person who does anything presumptuously … that one brings reproach on the Lord, … he shall be cut off from among the people. Because he has despised the word of the Lord, and has broken His commandment” (Numbers 15:30, 31).

This man clearly knew God’s command and yet defiantly broke the law. He clearly and openly rebelled against God’s instruction, setting a dangerous example of disobedience that had to be immediately arrested. Under the theocracy of Israel, God ruled over the people directly. Knowing the hearts of all, the Lord instructed immediate punishment for flagrant acts of disobedience.

Some believe that if Sabbathbreakers were stoned to death in the Old Testament, then the Sabbath must not be in force today since stoning for breaking it is not in force. But note that not only Sabbathbreakers were stoned, but adulterers (Leviticus 20:10) and blasphemers too (Leviticus 24:16). No one feels that these sins are any less wrong today simply because they aren’t punishable by death.

Key Bible Texts
And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day. (Numbers 15:32 KJV)