AN ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE (PART 2)
We sometimes live with the perspective that earth is our final home. Okay maybe is more than sometimes for some of us. The Apostle Paul continues to challenge that mindset in 2 Corinthians 5 encouraing us to look at things from an eternal perspective. Paul David Tripp had some very challenge words along these lines I saw today. Take a moment to watch. 2 Corinthans 5 NET
AN ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE (PART 1)
None of us appreciates suffering, yet Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 4 that God has a purpose even in the suffering we experience. Paul encourages us to look at our suffering from an eternal perspective to give us focus as we experience it. Take a moment to watch and see the music video “Though You Slay Me” by Shane & Shane. 2 Corinthians 4 NET
WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND?
Open the Facebook app or a web browser and you’ll see near the top of the page: “What’s on your mind?” Social media has been both a blessing and a curse to our world. Satan in particular has tricked us with it at times. Take a few moments to consider your social media use and watch this video.
LONGING FOR THE GOOD OL’ DAYS
This year more than others has probably sparked a number of “I remember the good ol’ days” conversations. We long for some facet of the past that is either removed or changed today. This year among its unique situations has changed our world forever. I don’t believe things will ever be back to normal. And so we look forward to what God is doing now. How is he using these days to prepare his church? How is he using these…
FINAL THOUGHTS (1 cORINTHIANS 16)
Sometimes we skip over the introduction and conclusion of a book. Yet these ections of a book can be a gold mine if we take the time. 1 Corinthains 16 is one of those instances. As the Apostle Paul closes his letter, he gives some final instructions that we need to pay attention to. Take a moment to read 1 Corinthians 16 and then watch. 1 Corinthians 16 NET
WHY THE RESURRECTION IS IMPORTANT (1 COR 15)
When I was younger, I posed the question from time to time: “Is God real?” Even though 1 Corinthians 15 deals with a different subject, the subject itself answers this question, gives hope in this world, and is motivation to us. Take a moment to read 1 Corinthians 15 and then watch. Rejoice that Jesus is ALIVE! 1 Corinthians 15 NET
COMPASSION TOWARD DISASTER VICTIMS IN CEDAR RAPIDS
From the example of Jesus, we are encouraged to show compassion to those around us. This vlog is my journey over the last few days as God led me to act and serve those in the Cedar Rapids area with the love of Jesus, showing compassion. Take a moment to watch. For more information about Rapid Ministries, please check them out here on Facebook.
COMMUNION IN COMMUNION (1 CORINTHIANS 11)
The church at Corinth faced a variety of struggles that resulted in divisions among them. 1 Corinthians 11 hits another one of those as they were observing communion together and sharing in love feasts. Take a moment to watch & the central issue which has broader implications and applications for today. 1 Corinthians 11 NET
AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR & THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
Wonder what American Ninja Warrior & 1 Corinthians 10 have in common? Take a moment to watch & find out. But before you do, take a moment to read through the chapter to understand all that is going on and put it all into context. 1 Corinthians 10 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…
OUR COMMON BOND IN CHRIST (1 CORINTHIANS 1)
Sadly the church around the world and throughout time has experienced division. Often those cases revolve around personal preferences and matters of pride. Paul calls believers in 1 Corinthians 1 to unite together in their common bond in Christ. Take a moment to watch this and the important message for us in our present days as believers and our responses to one another. 1 Corinthians 1 NET
LIFE MEANS HOPE & LIFE (LUKE 24)
Luke 24 concludes the book and ends on a great note – the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The resurrection is a key aspect of the gospel message, not just as it relates to salvation, but also to our walk of faith as well. Take a moment read Luke 24 and then watch. May the Lord encourage you with the HOPE & LIFE we have in Jesus. Luke 24 NET
HOW DO I APPLY BIBLICAL TEXTS IN MODERN SOCIETY? (#ASKPD)
Thanks for joining us for this segement of #askpd. The Bible, though completed in it’s writing almost 2,000 years ago, applies just as much to our lives today as it did back then. Sometimes the changes in culture though make us question whether something is still relevant today. Take a moment to watch. You’ll find a couple of key points as well as questions that guide you to applying it in your life today. If you have Bible or life…
WHAT HAVE I DONE TO DESERVE THIS? (LUKE 23)
In Luke 23, we find a simple phrase with a powerful message in vv. 15, 22, and 41 – “deserve this”. It points to the guiltlessness of Christ and who bore our guilt and shame and we might have life and hope in Him. Take a moment to watch, pray for someone who hasn’t yet trusted in Jesus as their Savior, perhaps commit to speak with them this week. If you would like to know more about what it means…
COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS (LUKE 20)
There are common misconceptions in our day – things that people believe that are not in fact true at all. There are several misconceptions when it comes to the subject of heaven. The Sadducees spoke of some in Luke 20. And while the question revolves around resurrection, our attention should be drawn to who the “worthy” person is. Luke 20 NET
INVESTING WISELY (LUKE 19)
In Luke 19 we read a very similar sounding parable as we find in Matthew 25. While each focuses on stewardship or being wise with what God has invested in us, they both approach it from a slightly different angle. Take a moment to watch & find out. Luke 19 NET
SOMETHING BETTER (LUKE 18)
As I was trying to figure out what to say today, I ended up scrapping the #askpd segment & turning back to Luke 18. There in the story of the wealthy ruler, we gain some important principles about gaining something better in Jesus. Whether your exploring the Christian faith or been a believer for a while, take a moment to watch. Luke 18 NET
THE RIGHT MEASUREMENT (LUKE 18)
Measurements are a crucial part of our daily lives. From the size of our clothes to the ingredients used to make our food, to the gas in our car, we use measurements in some form every day. Luke 18 talks about measurements of sorts when it comes to considering how “good” we are. Take a moment to watch and think about measurement as we see it there. Luke 18 NET
OH, THERE IT IS (LUKE 15)
As I read Luke 15 today, my thoughts took a bit different route perhaps that we normally think of as we read the chapter. I began to think about the shepherd, the woman, and the father – all took action. They sought. My thoughts have been much on the gospel recently. As much as we seek fellowship with one another, do we purposefully seek those who may be lost spiritually around us? Let’s be as Jesus, seeking the Lord that…
PROJECT PREPARATIONS (LUKE 14)
As any of us prepares for a major home project, we usually count the cost and then add a little extra (especially if you own an older home). I think in many respects we have redefined discipleship in America today and not counted the cost of all that is involved. In Luk 14, Jesus challenges us on that and encourages us to remember that as his servants, all we have is his and we are here to do his will.…