When I see my wife smile, or our children and grandsons smile, my heart swells with joy. Either they are pleased or amused. It doesn’t matter which, I’m happy with their pleasure. However, the goal of my life is not pleasing them, but pleasing God. There is a huge difference and it's what I will…Read more God Pleasers!
Faith
December 31, 2020 Reflections
Today I've spent reflecting on goals and reading my journal from this year. On December 31 a virus that you cannot see with the naked eye was not even a part of my thought life or prayer life. January 19, Coronavirus was still not a concern for us. However, that Sunday, I preached a message…Read more December 31, 2020 Reflections
We Have More on Our Side!
I'm sitting in our music room/library while Becky is playing worship music on the piano. The presence of the Lord and His peace is so real to us. Slowing down, focusing on God with each other, opens us to the unseen realities of eternity. In His presence we are encouraged, strengthened, and filled up once…Read more We Have More on Our Side!
Fasting and Prayer’s Effects
Once a year our congregation observes a 40 day period of fasting and prayer. When we fast and pray we are expressing our deep longing for God. In a sense you could say that we are putting aside the good gifts God gives us in order seek Him. Sometimes during the fast abstaining from food, especially…Read more Fasting and Prayer’s Effects
Removes Burdens and Breaks Yokes
Once a year our congregation observes a 40 day period of fasting and prayer. When we fast and pray we are expressing our deep longing for God. In a sense you could say that we are putting aside the good gifts God gives us in order seek Him. Sometimes during the fast abstaining from food, especially…Read more Removes Burdens and Breaks Yokes
October 31
On this day in 1517, Martin Luther, a scholarly monk and professor, published his 95 Thesis that would shake the Western World including the Roman Catholic Church. Some say, he used the equivalent of his day's Twitter by taking a hammer and nail and tweeting, er, posting them on the door of the Wittenberg Castle…Read more October 31
Thy Will Be Done
Miracles happened throughout the Bible. At certain points in history like the Exodus, during the lifetime of certain prophets like Elijah and Elisha, the ministry of Jesus and the early church miracles happened frequently. God still does miracles today. God still heals, sets people free from what holds them captive, and the most important miracle…Read more Thy Will Be Done
A Big and Blessed Imagination
I was looking at the cross in the sanctuary this morning with joy and confidence. God’s love demonstrated in Christ’s laying down His life for our sins. He gives us boldness to pray with a Holy Spirit inspired imagination. His resurrection confirms the glorious plan of God that delights angels and Christians alike. When I…Read more A Big and Blessed Imagination
The Maker’s Mark
“The Spirit is God’s mark of ownership on you, ...” (Ephesians 4:30, GN) The Maker's Mark in your life is the presence of His Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God that confesses that Jesus Christ came in flesh and blood to atone for our sins. “Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the…Read more The Maker’s Mark
STRAITJACKETS
Father Brown is the creation of G. K. Chesterton, a kind, but quirky and a well-meaning priest with a detective's heart. Recently, I discovered there is a BBC television series about Father Brown. In the episode, I watched recently, Father Brown was placed in a straitjacket in order to erase his memories. They villains feared…Read more STRAITJACKETS
