Tag Archives: Pastors

It’s Not About Us

There appears to be a trend of believer-centric, felt-need themes becoming more common in sermons and song lyrics. Unfortunately, the unintended message is that God’s awesomeness is defined by what He does for us. However, God’s holiness, righteousness, and sovereignty … Continue reading

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Trust for the Future

The idea of “the future” invokes many emotions, hopes, worries, dreams, and personal questions. Some try not to think about it at all, while others are captivated by its promise. To be clear, there’s a certain end result as revealed … Continue reading

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What’s True in the Light is True in the Dark

It’s been said, “What’s true in the light is true in the dark.” and it’s a timely reminder. Not only is there a push now to accept immorality, but an increasing demand to celebrate it. Even some prominent church leaders … Continue reading

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Is it Worth It?

Do you ever wonder if it’s worth it to do what’s right? To act right? To parent right? To do business right? To coach right? Daily routines and disappointments can undermine our resolve, but there’s a powerful verse to be … Continue reading

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The Most Abused Word in the English Language

One of the striking traits of letters written in the 19th century is the level of thought put into them. For example, notes sent home during the American Civil War contain sentences filled with deliberate, carefully crafted terms of endearment. … Continue reading

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Considering Shamgar

Thought about Shamgar lately? Probably not. He was one of the Judges of Israel like Samson and Gideon. However, he rarely makes the cut for children’s Sunday School lessons because the entire biblical narrative of his life consist of only … Continue reading

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Wisdom 14.12

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” – Proverbs 14:12 NIV At the end of it all, our opinions about “what’s right” will be irrelevant. Polling data, legal rulings, … Continue reading

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Not Forsaken

There are points on the journey when the “weather” of life can go from clear and sunny to dark and stormy. Those are the exact times when the words of Psalm 9 are most applicable. Somehow, making the decision to speak … Continue reading

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Advent – Week 3 – “Joy”

During the private moments of the Last Supper, Jesus spoke many powerful words to His disciples (John ch.13-17). He challenged them, instructed them, encouraged them, and prayed for them. He also prayed for us (those who would believe by their … Continue reading

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Spirit Led

Have you ever experienced the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit? A presence more real and lasting than manufactured excitement? In our world, there are a lot of voices speaking all manner of spiritual talk, but there is only one … Continue reading

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Truth and Opinion

Opinions are cheap and endless. They’re printed, posted, tweeted, spoken, and advertised; but at the end of it all, these words will still be true: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands … Continue reading

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Lines in the Sand

When a culture trades truth for compromise, the concept of drawing a moral “line in the sand” is considered extreme. However, in a similar environment, Joshua (leader of the Hebrews after Moses) made a bold statement doing exactly that. Take … Continue reading

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Wisdom 13.20

“He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.” – Proverbs 13:20 NIV Over time, peers can influence our values, hopes, and dreams. The ideas and suggestions most often discussed around us will eventually … Continue reading

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There is No Other

In the lead up to Christmas, it’s good to pause and linger on some of words that were part of the prophetic proclamations of Isaiah. Along with the Messianic promises, God paints a vivid image of His character through the … Continue reading

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Advent – Week 2 – “Love”

The word “love” in the Bible carries many meanings, but when associated with God’s love for us, it’s always pure, selfless, and enduring. In I John, there are many verses explaining how God loves us, how we’re to love Him, … Continue reading

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Anchor Points of Encouragement

Our souls long to know there’s more to life than what we see. In the daily routine, there can be ups, downs, boredom and excitement. Relationships can bring encouragement, but also discouragement and the first century Christians knew the taste … Continue reading

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Lyrics of the Soul

There’s something about music that “strikes a chord” within us. Some people are more naturally “musical”, but all of us have the capacity to “sing” within our souls. It may be the verses of an old hymn from childhood, a … Continue reading

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Recognized and Commended

Medals, ribbons, and certificates are methods of being recognized for service, devotion and “going beyond the call of duty”. In the Christian life, there is also recognition, but it’s not to be based on peer acknowledgment, but on Christ’s approval. … Continue reading

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Wisdom 13.10

“By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom.” – Proverbs 13:10 NKJV Prudent decisions rarely come from knee-jerk reactions. Shallow-minded peer-pressure is always plentiful, but counsel that lines up with biblical principles is the one to … Continue reading

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Advent – Week 1 – Hope

The familiar people we read about this time of year (Mary, Joseph, Zacharias, Elizabeth, Simeon, and Anna) were considered faithful before miraculous events unfolded. In other words, they were found righteous in a setting where Gentiles ruled Israel, a tyrant … Continue reading

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