Most people like Jesus's teaching, his deeds of kindness and power, and his example. What many don't like and won't is his Lordship. If he would have conformed to the expectations and polls of the Pharisees, Sadducees, or even the Roman government they would have liked and celebrated him as a religious or civic hero.…Read more Jesus Grit #2
Lessons I learned from Jesus’ grit #1
My hero, happens to also be my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! I've learned so much about confident living from serving him. There are certain blessings God gives us, for instance salvation, forgiveness of our sins, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Then there are blessings that we receive conditionally as we serve Christ.…Read more Lessons I learned from Jesus’ grit #1
Because of all He has done for you!
"..Give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you." (Romans 12:1) I am committed to Christ because of all He has done for me! When I think about how he loved us, took our sins upon himself and carried our cross, sacrificing himself for our sins I weep with gratitude and rejoice…Read more Because of all He has done for you!
It’s Different Than I Thought
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” (Proverbs 16:3, ESV) Charles Simeon in a sermon on Proverbs 16:3 said, "the very instant we commit our works to God, 'our thoughts become composed, and peaceful, and "established." Established! The peace we enjoy when we know that our lives are established on…Read more It’s Different Than I Thought
Miracles, Science, and God
Our faith rests upon a miracle. Christians believe that God created everything that exists out of nothing. We believe the "mighty acts of God" in the lives of his people recorded in the scriptures are true miracles, not myth. God parted the Red Sea, the Jordan River, He provided manna in the wilderness, He spoke…Read more Miracles, Science, and God
Decisions: Stepping Out in Faith
Becky and I have made a lot of decisions by faith in our marriage and ministry. At times our decisions have had their genesis in our daily devotions, or one of us have been in prayer about a situation, a desire or a dream. When that happens, we pray together for a sense of peace…Read more Decisions: Stepping Out in Faith
Doing the Right Thing in the Wrong Way
Jesus told a story about a man's good habit of fasting and tithing. The problem was the man's boastful self-righteousness. He was doing the right thing but in the wrong way. Jesus said, "Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." (Luke 18:14) Self-righteousness is dangerous. It deceives…Read more Doing the Right Thing in the Wrong Way
Expect Answered Prayer
Jesus said, his followers would fast. I've often thought that Isaiah 58 was what he had in mind. The kind of fast that through self denial brings deliverance to those who are oppressed. If our motives are pure God is glorified in His Church, people are helped, and we can anticipate answers to our prayers.…Read more Expect Answered Prayer
Why Are You Fasting?
“Was as it really for me that you were fasting?” (Zechariah 7:5b, NLT) At Woodland Church we fast because we to draw close to God. I admit there is also the motivation that we want to hear from God. It doesn't mean that we hear an audible voice but as we wait quietly on the…Read more Why Are You Fasting?
Hungering For God: 40 Days of Fasting and Prayer
Happy Friday Family, I was a youth pastor in a beautiful small South Georgia city at Evangel Church. One afternoon while out for on a run it dawned on me that God had saved me spirit, soul, and body. I had been given new life through faith in Jesus Christ. My sins were forgiven. I…Read more Hungering For God: 40 Days of Fasting and Prayer