“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1, NKJV) Psalm 23 was the second passage of Scripture that I memorized as a child of six. The first was Psalm 100. Memorizing those two passages early in life shaped my life. I've never doubted that God was my shepherd. I have always enjoyed thinking and…Read more Future World
faith
Happy Sabbath #2
It is a pleasant surprise for a pastor when a Sunday morning message strikes a chord with so many. The message Sunday about Sabbath Rest has sparked conversations every day this week. A common summary of the comments reveals that most of us have not seen Sabbath as the grace gift that it is. There…Read more Happy Sabbath #2
Christmas is for Everyone!
On this fourth day of the Christmas Season, my heart is full of joy! This year's Advent theme was at Woodland was a "A Few of My Favorite Things." The people, the decorations, the lights, and the gifts of Christmas brought us to the scriptural conclusion, "Christmas is for Everyone!" Every year the world is…Read more Christmas is for Everyone!
Pray Earnestly!
A few years ago a new friend committed himself to Christ while we prayed together. What an incredible moment. Those are moments that I think about often. Although, we prayed together, he often tells me how his parents prayed daily for him to commit his life to Christ. Their fervent prayers were heard and what…Read more Pray Earnestly!
Deeply Secure
As a guest in so many homes, I have watched so many fathers and mothers play with their children on the floor. The hilarious laughter as children crawled over their Dad and Mom. One of the real benefits of being a guest in a home like that is being asked to pray over their children,…Read more Deeply Secure
Masterpiece
There is a warm memory in my mind of preaching after our first son's birth at a beautiful church campground in Florida, called Masterpiece Gardens. I remember doing a morning prayer walk with my heart full of praise for our first child and God's intention for his life. I would gaze on my wife singing…Read more Masterpiece
Neither Wealth nor Poverty
“The idealization of poverty is one of the most dangerous illusions of Christians in the contemporary world. Stewardship—which requires possessions and includes giving—is the true spiritual discipline in relationship to wealth.” Dallas Willard, The Spirit of the Disciplines, p 194 Stewardship necessarily means that we must have material goods to manage for the Lord. Jesus…Read more Neither Wealth nor Poverty
Do You Have a Life Plan
Here is great news for you. You can plan for a good, successful, and abundant life. Really, you can! If you are a regular reader of my posts then you know that I am a passionate follower of Christ. This week, I am going to share with you how to craft a life plan. If…Read more Do You Have a Life Plan
Praying with Purpose
Always be grateful for the purpose God gave you in life. When we pray give God thanks for your purpose. Pray about his purpose for your marriage, your family, and your community. Praying about our purpose helps us to see clearly God's plan for our days that ultimately end up in a life. I love…Read more Praying with Purpose
God Pleasers!
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!
Coram Deo 