PD’s Reflections (Page 16)
DAILY WARFARE (LUKE 4)
Temptation. As long as you’re on this side of heaven, it is something that we all face. The Apostle Paul talked of this reality in Romans 7. How do we handle it though? What can we do to prepare for it? How overcome it? Luke 4 offers some valuable insites as we look at Jeus life and ministry coupled with some additional passages of Scripture. Luke 4 NET
CHRISTMAS IN JULY (LUKE 2)
I remember having “Christmas” parties in the middle of July as a youth activity. As I was reading Luke today, I was thinking on those times. While those were fun, Luke tells us something more beneficial. He tells us in chapter 2 about HOPE. Hope has a name. It’s Jesus. And as believers, we not only do we possess hope in Him, but we’re called to profess the hope found in Him to the world. Proclaim Christ! Luke 2 NET
NEW SEGMENT (ASK PD) & “GOSPEL IS FOR TODAY”
Two birds with one stone. That’s a phrase I’ve heard and used numerous times and categorizes today’s vlog. I’m introducing a new Wednesday segement set to start next week called “Ask PD”. In this segement, I’ll be answering any Bible questions you might have. Our purpose is to equip and encourage people and pray that this segement will be one more tool in doing that. Additionally, I’m sharing a devotion that I read today that I pray will encourage you…
PHILEMON WHO?
Philemon? Who’s that? It’s not a book that we normally turn to in the New Testament. In fact there is a lot we don’t know about the situation and the people who are a part of it. Yet there are timeless principles and applications to glean from this short 25 verse letter to Paul’s friend and brother in Christ. It only takes a couple of minutes to read. Then watch this video for nine quick points on the book. Philemon…
WORKING HARD OR HARDLY WORKING? (PRAYER – COLOSSIANS 4)
I don’t know where the phrase originated from but we often joked about it as we popped into friend’s rooms at college. The Apostle Paul calls us to be devoted to prayer on behalf of one another and then shows us the example of his dear ministry partner and friend, Epaphras. Epaphras struggled in prayer. Do we? Do we take prayer seriously. We serve the Creator God who is our Savior and Friend who listens to us and intervenes. Let’s…
A SIX LETTER WORD (COLOSSIANS 3)
There’s a word that very few of actually like – CHANGE. We’ve experienced a lot of it though in the past few months. And the reality is that the Christian life is all about change. We are changing into the image of Christ day by day as we are yielded to the Spirit and purposeful in pursuing after Christ and imitating him in every possible way. Colossians 3 NET
THE ANSWER – GOSPEL
The United States has had several months of turmoil whether from the virus or now the protests and various response to the issues of race and equality. As these days, weeks, and months have gone by, one word keeps occupying my mind – GOSPEL. Where to we find hope in times of fear? Where do we find security in moments of instability? Where do we find real change? The GOSPEL! This is the message we must preach that has changed…
FATHERS & FATHERHOOD
Father’s Day is just around the corner. A day when dad jokes have free reign and a good steak is usually on the grill. I wanted to take a moment to say thank you to dads for their investment in their little ones and encourage as well as challenge the body of Christ with a short clip I saw from Paul David Tripp today.
CITIZENSHIP – PHILIPPIANS 3
There has been much discussion over recent years about citizenship. The Apostle Paul talks about a greater citizenship that believers possess than being citizens of any country here on earth. Believers are heavenly citizens. That citizenship reminds of two things. Take a moment to watch and find out.
THE PURPOSE OF PD’S REFLECTIONS
Why do a vlog? Why go to all that extra work each day? Where did that music come from? All those questions and more answered this week as I explain the vlogs purpose and my goal in putting this together each day. “Words” Offical Lyric Video – Hawk Nelson “Words” Offical Music Video – Hawk Nelson CCLI Streaming License #20229783
MORE TO BEING HOLY
We all worship some kind of god. It is either one in our own likeness that follows our desires and lusts or the Sovereign Creator of the Universe who is also our Savior. The word holy kept running around in my mind today in correlation with Isaiah 40. We serve a holy, a DISTINCT God who calls us as well to be DISTINCT. Holiness is more than just following a list of “do nots” but also clothing ourselves with the…
COMFORT FROM ISAIAH 40
I have talked much recently on the sovereignty and glory of God in this time of what seems to use as mass chaos. I have found those things to bring me immense comfort and help me to filter the events and situations around me. Yesterday, Pastor Paul spoke on Isaiah 40 and God being a god of comfort. Take a moment to listen to this video by Paul David Tripp where he brings both of these concepts together.
SUCCESSFUL RELATIONSHIPS (EPHESIANS 5)
Ephesians 5 is all about relationships. Paul gives important instructions for marriage relationships and that discussion continues into chapter 6 on family and work relationships as well. As we purpose to implement these instructions in our lives through the power of the Spirit and letting him do his work in us, we set up our relationships to be successful. Take some time today to read the passage and reflect on your own relationship. How might you further implement these instructions.…
MONDAY LIVING FOR GOD (EPHESIANS 4)
In the American church, we often see a difference between Sunday and Monday Christianity. Paul calls believers in Ephesians 4 to live worthy of their calling–sinners who have been chosen, redeemed, and adopted to live according to their new position in Christ. Doing so also makes us gospel lights and brings glory to God as we reflect his character. Take a moment to read and watch. Ephesians 4 NET
CONFIDENT PRAYER TO GOD (EPHESIANS 3)
Ephesians 3 contains a well known doxology of the Apostle Paul. As well known as these words are, they express the confidence Paul has in God as he reflects on what God has done in the church and asks God to do specific things within the Ephesian church. Take a moment to read Ephesians 3 and watch. Ephesians 3 NET
BUT GOD…(EPHESIANS 2)
A few words can changes our lives forever: Will you marry me? We’re pregnant! I’m sorry to tell you. I have bad news. In Ephesians 2, Paul makes a statement that speaks of the radical change in believer’s lives – “But God…” When he steps into the scene, everything changes! Take a moment to read Ephesians 2 and then watch. Ephesians 2 NET
ALL ABOUT HIM (EPHESIANS 1)
American Christianity often focuses on ourselves. The star of all of scripture though is God. We see that in Ephesians 1 as Paul writes about what GOD has done. He chose, he predestined, he adopted, he did, he lavished, etc. And if we remember what Paul says about us in Romans 5, God is definitely worthy of our praise as we read Ephesians 1. Take a moment to read and watch. God bless. Ephesians 1 NET
BE ON YOUR GUARD – ROMANS 16
Recently we’ve been asking the question a lot: what is true? In times of confusion, we turn to the Word of God which is truth and comes from Truth himself. I read an article the other day though that sought to discredit the Word of God. The Apostle Paul warns us about such people in Romans 16, our chapter of the day.
PURPOSEFUL STRENGTH – ROMANS 15
And we’re back…in the book of Romans. Paul talks about purposeful strength in chapter 15. He encourages those who are strong to not use their strength for selfish means but to build up the body of Christ, specifically those who are weaker. The strong in faith are to imitate their Savior who gave us his rights for the benefit of others. What a challenge in an age of selfishness!
FROM HIM, THROUGH HIM, TO HIM – ROMANS 11
What about me? I have heard that statement numerous times over the years. In Romans 11, Paul tell us that it is all about GOD! Even as Israel has rejected the Messiah, the gospel was preached to the Gentiles and spread throughout the Roman Empire through them. God has not given up on them. All is going according to his plan. As Paul concludes, from him and through him and to him are all things. To Him be the glory…