“When” Not “If”
Trouble, disappointments, disasters, sickness, pain, and the loss of someone close to us, will come at some point. If you have escaped such calamities at this juncture in your life, celebrate your blessings, and recognize it is only a matter of time until unwanted pain will come your direction. Scripture bears this out in many […]
Desiring the Greatest Treasure
Recently something spurred my thoughts to a classic movie I recall from childhood. The movie, though probably lesser known than some, made a lasting impression upon me and painted images that I can still envision through the closed eyes of my imagination. It is entitled “It Grows on Trees,” staring Irene Dunn, circa 1952. As […]
Hope Amidst Uncertainty!
“Uncertainty” is a great word to describe the happenings of 2020. Procedures, activities, and social protocols we learned from childhood have been upended. The rules of the game, even the game itself, seems allusive these days. Deep inside we yearn for men and women of integrity; virtuous leaders who stand for truth, always taking the […]
Unity Is Imperative!
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in […]
Character Building
Someone once said God is more concerned with our “character” than our “comfort.” For most American Christians unfortunately, we seem more obsessed with comfort than character building. I find myself guilty far more often than I would like to admit. Romans 5:3-5 reminds us… “we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and […]
Being Outward Focused
The Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 2:3-4 of how we, the body of believers, should live and treat each other. Do nothing out of vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others. (NIV) Outward […]
What do you cultivate?
The last three to four weeks we have had some beautiful spring days, of course we have had a few stormy days as well. However, for me the sunny mild tepid days overshadow the threatening weather of Easter Sunday and April 19th. After the rain storms the grass is greener, the flowers are blossoming, and […]
Linger at the Cross
Although in many ways it doesn’t seem like it, we are beginning the first day of Holy Week. Yesterday we celebrated Palm Sunday remembering Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Today begins the final week of Jesus’ ministry: the last supper with His disciples, His arrest, mock trial, beating and ultimate crucifixion. Then on Easter Sunday […]
The Invisible Enemy
Invisible things in our present world widely vary and impact our lives daily. Such things may include: Radio signals, TV signals, Cell Phones, Wireless and even “invisible fences” for pets. The fence is not the traditional post and wire structure. Here is how it works. (Taken from an actual advertisement). Hidden fences are created by […]
SECURITY…In what do you place your trust?
Psalm 20:7 (NIV)Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. David authored Psalm 20. A couple of commentaries I read propose it was written as a prayer on behalf of the people for the king (David) before battle. The first part of the Psalm […]