Following Jesus sometimes means sailing right into the middle of a fierce storm. Fierce storms come in our lives. Jonah ran from God and was caught in a fierce storm. The disciples follow Christ and they too are caught in the middle of a fierce storm. Don't be surprised by the storms but be sure…Read more FOLLOWING JESUS INTO A STORM
God
The Wonder of Surrender
“One does not surrender a life in an instant. That which is lifelong can only be surrendered in a lifetime.” Jim Elliot, https://elisabethelliot.org/tribute-to-elisabeth/ Each time I preach, I offer to pray with people who want to surrender their lives to Christ. A part of my prayer always includes, “as much as I know how, I…Read more The Wonder of Surrender
Mistakes, I have made more than a few!
When Jesus taught us to pray by addressing God as Father, he revealed to us what God is really like. Reading the Bible, there is a clear message that God is our Father. “The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he knows how weak we are;…Read more Mistakes, I have made more than a few!
Anxiety Does Not Define Us
The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety. George Muller Anxiety has become the fixed mindset defining the future for many people today, according to a clinical psychologist at a major university. So many people are worried, hurried, harried, and less confident of their…Read more Anxiety Does Not Define Us
A Call to 40 Days of Fasting and Prayer
Each year, I look forward to our annual 40 Days of Fasting and Prayer. For 25 years I have called our church family to a season of fasting and prayer. For some of us this may be something very new. To give up food for a meal, or for 24 hours, once a week. Why?…Read more A Call to 40 Days of Fasting and Prayer
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!
21 Days of Prayer for Our Friends
A few minutes ago, I prayed with a friend who is a godly pastor. When he asked me to pray for him, immediately what Jesus said in John 14:23, came to mind. “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with…Read more 21 Days of Prayer for Our Friends
Just Thinking: Reading, a Song, and the Atlanta Braves
I've been listening to the song, "Goodness of God" over and over this week. I can't stop singing it. It is my "testimony song." It's been awhile since a song has expressed how I feel so clearly. Oh, how I wish that everyone would realize just how great and good God really is. You just…Read more Just Thinking: Reading, a Song, and the Atlanta Braves
Living For the Glory of God
"Resolved: that all men should live for the glory of God. Resolved second: That whether others do or not, I will" Jonathan Edwards "Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31 "The glory of God is man fully alive." Irenaeus These statements motivate…Read more Living For the Glory of God
Love and Fear of God
“All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as…Read more Love and Fear of God