Dear Friends, Then those who fear the Lord spoke with one another. The Lord paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before Him of those who feared the Lord and esteemed His name. Malachi 3:16 The prophet Malachi rebukes the priests and the people for offering blemished animals, not speaking […]
Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they found none. For many bore false witness against him, but their testimony did not agree. And some stood up and bore false witness against him, saying, “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple […]
Dear Friends Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. I Corinthians 15:58 This is one of my favorite verses. It helps me keep a long-term perspective. If you’re in the ministry or dealing with people you […]
“Now the God of peace… equip you with everything good that you may do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20, 21 Dear Friends, My actions matter to God. Although I am totally accepted and justified […]
There is a sense of uneasiness about us. Many have expressed a restlessness and a disillusionment about our country and our world. It is hard to fabricate a peaceful heart. Fear and anxiety creep in almost unknowingly. Over and over in Scripture we are promised peace. Jesus says in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with […]
If I watched a video of your everyday life for the past six weeks, would I conclude that your faith shapes everything you think, desire, say, and do? Or, as I watched that video, would I begin to see a separation between your spirituality and reality? I want to write today about something that I […]
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and […]
Hebrews 13:7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the Word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Dear friends, This past weekend I experienced a taste of what heaven might be like. Anne and I had a chance to be with 75 people that had come on […]
There has been, and continues to be, a great deal of discussion (and confusion) about what should motivate a Christian towards service and obedience. The great call upon our lives, as God’s children, is to love God completely…”to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our […]
My boys (Matthew–19 months, and Noah–four years old) love to wear shoes. More specifically, they love to wear other people’s shoes. This week I observed as Matthew put on Noah’s, and Noah put on mine. An awkward game of chase ensued, with the two of them attempting to run through the house with clown feet. […]
I recently started a new Concentrating On the Majors Study—it is the foundational study that all new YBL groups use as an introduction to the Christian life. I have had the privilege of leading this study over 34 times in the last 16 years—and I can honestly say that I never grow tired of leading […]
As a man thinks in his heart, so is he. A fundamental spiritual truth is that what we believe about God determines how we live and the choices we make. Recently someone I know told me that they were struggling to find peace and happiness. As I probed, they shared that they were disappointed because […]