Keith Pate

II John 1:6 (NIV) “And this is love: that we walk in obedience to His commands. As you have heard from the beginning, His command is that you walk in love.” To become skilled with anything takes practice. Is it convenient or enjoyable? Probably not. Does it stretch you beyond your comfort level? Absolutely. To […]

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. I Peter 4:10 We have many “servants” at Eastern Hills Baptist Church. They work behind the scenes day by day, week by week, to make sure the life of the church flows

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6 (NIV) Most of my life I have either been on a diet, coming off a diet or in need of starting one! Unfortunately my eating philosophy comes too close to a Mae West quote I once read: Too much

I enjoy old episodes of The Andy Griffith Show. One of my favorites is called: Opie the Birdman. This heartfelt story is about Opie (Andy’s young son) who receives a sling shot for a gift. Andy warns him to be careful using it. Opie in excited boyish fashion takes his sling shot in tow, aiming and shooting randomly throughout the neighborhood. A hapless

It is that time of year….pruning trees, pulling winter weeds and cleaning out flower beds in preparation for springs awakening call. Last weekend, I joined that merry band of gardeners as I worked on one troublesome Crepe Myrtle Tree in our back yard. The tree bordering our rear fence has not been pruned for the

Sunday Pastor Josh preached an outstanding and challenging sermon about how to maintain Joy in all circumstances. Philippians 4:4. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (NIV) Joy in all circumstances is difficult! We all undergo trials, heartaches, disappointments and even tragedies that have the capacity to diminish our joy, especially

As I reflect over the happenings of the past few days, and especially the presentation of The Light Has Come, I am awed at God’s gracious goodness! In planning any worship service or music event I am never completely satisfied with the product. I usually think things like: “If I only had another week, it

“Darkness,” may be defined as the partial or total absence of light. When light is removed objects are unrecognizable or distorted. The human eye can’t perceive color without light. One can’t judge distance very well when stumbling in the dark of night. Darkness also hides what could easily be recognized in the light; whether that

Serving God and others is the hallmark of the Christian life. Jesus Christ is the greatest example we have of what a true servant looks like. Mark 10:45 “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (NIV) As

“Light” is used to symbolize God, faith and holiness throughout Scripture. John 8:12 (ESV) Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” 1 John 1:7 (NLT) But if we are living in the light, as