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WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO TRUST GOD IN OUR TRIALS?
Rather than a video this week, I’d like to share this article that came to my email inbox this week. It gives us an important perspective that faith is not just something passive but rather active. Take a moment to read these important thoughts on faith.
GOD SAID (GENESIS 1)
We’re on vv. 3-5 today of Genesis 1. What a great set of verses this is and at the same time host to much debate. We’ll discuss that in part today and focus on two words that captured my attention as I read this text. Join us today as we journey through Genesis.
IF THE LORD HAD NOT BEEN ON OUR SIDE
I am struck by the beginning words of Psalm 124. It speaks of God’s compassion, his proactiveness, his omnipotence, his care, his steadfast character, his goodness. And as I read the words of this psalm, though written concerning David’s time and the nation of Israel, I cannot help but think where we would be without the Lord.
ARE PEOPLE BASICALLY GOOD? (#ASKPD)
Today there is often the thought that if I do enough good works, I’ll get into heaven. Or that people are basically good. The Bible paints a much different picture though. What does God have to say about our spiritual condition?
THE GOSPEL
In a world full of bad news, this is the best news of all. Hope in a world filled wit hopelessness. Security in a world of uncertainty. Freedom in a world enslaved. Joy and peace in a world that is anything but. This is about your eternity and your present.
MOST USEFUL TOOL (2 TIM 3-4)
I’ve read many articles over the years about the most useful tools to have in your tool box. There is one that completely trumps them all. Take a moment to watch and see what I’m talking about. 2 Timothy 3-4 NET
HONOR (1 TIM 5)
Honor – a word I often relate to those who are serving in the military or our first responders. People who have dedicated their lives to serving others. Honor is a word we find often in the Scriptures. We are to honor God. Paul speaks of honor as well in relation to one another as he gives Timothy instructions about church life. It all starts though with humility. 1 Timothy 5 NET Philippians 2 NET
STORM DAMAGE – PRAY FOR ALL PEOPLE
We had to shorten our recent family trip due to the storms that took place throughout several states. Our best made plans were changed. We were planning to stop in Illinois but my folks lost power due to the storm for a couple of days. Here is some of what we saw on our return trip to Wisconsin. As we traveled and saw the devastation, we talked about the people this was affecting. And we were praying for them. Take…
TEMPTATION
Temptation. While it’s common to us all, it’s not a subject that we talk about much among our peers. Dinner conversation usually doesn’t center around what tempted us today. But we know that we all have certain struggles. Even the Apostle Paul did (see Romans 7). So what do we do about them? How do we respond? Might there be something gained for a our good in the process? We’ll explore those questions today.
EVEN THE WIND & WAVES (APRIL 16, 2020)
We read some amazing words in Matthew 8. We see the power of Jesus on display. Even the disciples you have been near him for a bit now are amazed at the power of this one who commands even the wind and waves. God is sovereign and in control, even in this time.
WHAT DO YOU WORSHIP?
In Matthew 2, we find the wise men from the east coming to worship Jesus. Herod says he desires to as well & asks them to report back to him. Seeing that word in the text & the actions that transpired for the different parties begs us to ask what do we worship? Worship and love affect our thoughts, actions, and investments of time and money. What do you worship?
KINSMAN REDEEMER. WHAT’S THAT?
Kinsman Redeemer. That’s not a term you hear used in today’s language at all. Perhaps you’ve never even heard of the term. It is a concept found specifically in the Old Testament but appears in the New Testament though only as a backdrop of a bigger picture. In fact, it may actually be lost among other “Christianese” and theological terms that we are more familiar with. I’ve been writing a commentary on the book of Ruth recently though for school…
How Would You Answer?
I recently did a case study for my seminary class. Below is the situation: A Sunday School class has as its lesson Luke 2:41-52, Jesus in the Temple as a boy. The teacher, following the background and explanatory information in his teacher’s quarterly, is trying to help the class understand this story in its historical context and original setting and the fact that Luke (who alone among the Gospel writers tells this story) seems to want to underscore Jesus’ heritage…
Starting Something New
I have enjoyed writing for many years now. Recently I have been submitting articles to the local newspaper for the “Clergy Comment” section. And I have been doing a number of blog posts for my seminary classes I am taking as part of the homework assignments. From those things and encouragement from others, I decided to try the whole “blogging” thing out and make a go at it. We’ll see what happens. Should be interesting. My goal though is to…