Ephesians 5:1-2 – “Therefore BE imitators of God, as beloved children; and WALK in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” I had so many heros when I was a kid. From the obvious sports heros to my […]
It is a normal response to the potential loss of things we hold precious…our lives, the lives of those we love, our jobs, our financial savings, and our reputations…just to name a few! But fear is something that robs us of many of the precious fruits of the Christian life—things like joy, peace, and contentment! […]
Last week I was reading, re-reading and meditating on Psalm 112. God is still applying it in my life. In fact the wedding ceremony I performed on Saturday had as one of their Scripture readings Psalm 112. Of all the weddings I’ve done no one has used that Scripture. Initially I concentrated on the first […]
July is the month that we celebrate our country’s independence. Take a minute to read Kevin DeYoung’s blog post from the Gospel Coalistion, about how and why we can Thank God for the Idea of America. Thank God for the Idea of America Jul 04, 2017 | Kevin DeYoung It has often been said that […]
My early experience of ‘accountability groups’ was often discouraging. You have a regular set of people who you meet with regularly to discuss areas in which you hope to develop. But growth is difficult and slow, so weekly meetings to review areas of growth potential often felt like a review of personal failures. It is […]
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 […]