Paul directs Timothy to one of the most important resources available to him for both strength and instruction; God’s Word.
Category Archives: Post
The Three Miracles of Christmas that Changed the World (Luke 1:26-38).
Why is Christmas so important? The Christmas season points to a historical event that has changed our world, the birth of Christ. Surrounding this birth are three miracles that define why Christmas is so important. These miracles point us to God’s remarkable work for you and me.
Longing for a Better World and the Meaning of Christmas
The year 2020 has been a year of great pain and distress. In our hurt, we long for a better world. The Christmas season is a reminder that it is into this world of hurt Christ was born and not only shares our heartache, but he also exchanges it with his joy.
The First Command of Revelation (Revelation 1:1-8)
“Which book of the Bible was written to encourage the church?” There are many books of scripture written to encourage people. Still, I think the most encouraging book in the Bible for God’s people in a time of chaos, persecution, and discouragement is the book of Revelation. The book of Revelation is the final wordContinue reading “The First Command of Revelation (Revelation 1:1-8)”
Four Questions to ask your Soul (Galatians 6:1-10)
Several years ago, I read a book called Christianity Rediscovered, an Epistle to the Masai by Vincent Donovan. The book is about a missionary who went about the work of evangelism and church planting in a very different way among the Masai tribe of Kenya. What Donovan did was to go to a village andContinue reading “Four Questions to ask your Soul (Galatians 6:1-10)”
“If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11)
Do you ever feel powerless in the world? There was a time in young David’s life when his whole world crashed down on him. He was a rising star, immensely successful and popular, so famous that the King himself (Saul) gave David his daughter to marry. I am sure that David felt that all wasContinue reading ““If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11)”
An Everyday Prayer of Faith and Thanksgiving. (Psalm 118)
One of the great Psalms of the Bible is Psalm 118. Several things make this Psalm exceptional. Psalm 118 talks about God’s steadfast love, it describes the Lord’s salvation, it is a Psalm that calls us to worship and give thanks, it is often quoted in the New Testament, and it is the Psalm theContinue reading “An Everyday Prayer of Faith and Thanksgiving. (Psalm 118)”
A Soul Strengthened in the Midst of Trouble
What do you do when you are anxious or discouraged about life in general? During this Covid-19 pandemic a lot of attention has been devoted to help people deal with stress and anxiousness that the shutdown has caused. The things I have seen have included activities like increased binge watching tv, yoga meditation, and variousContinue reading “A Soul Strengthened in the Midst of Trouble”
The Way of Faith vs The Way of Fear
Fear is very interesting. As a base emotion fear is important because it warns a person of danger so that pending harm may be avoided. Yet, fear can be irrational or grow disproportional to a danger and thus may cause actions that are not only harmful to self and others, but bring real harm to the soul. DuringContinue reading “The Way of Faith vs The Way of Fear”
Breaking Spiritual Quarantine
Are you inconvenienced yet? I spent a large chunk of my day today just talking to people who are isolated at home. Some have voiced missing others, some have talked about the fears they have for the survival of their business, others have talked about how hard it has been to go and get things. Being isolated orContinue reading “Breaking Spiritual Quarantine”
“Help us, O Lord, our God, for we rely on you”
There is a story in the Bible about a very godly king. His name is Asa of Judah who ruled for 41 years. He was the great grandson of Solomon and would have ruled about 22 years after the death of Solomon. Scripture tells us that “Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of theContinue reading ““Help us, O Lord, our God, for we rely on you””
A Covid-19 Gravesite
I think I broke the law today, but I am not sure. A son recently lost his mother, and he asked me to come and speak at her grave today. The cemetery was in Ohio and thus I am not sure if the stay-at-home order given by Ohio’s governor included me, a pastor, in a cemetery. Regardless, itContinue reading “A Covid-19 Gravesite”
Near to the Brokenhearted
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ – As you know, I am not a user of social media. During this time of social isolation though, I feel that words of theological reflection may be helpful as you seek to make sense of the sickness, the panic, and the world at this time. My purpose is not toContinue reading “Near to the Brokenhearted”
The Riddle of Suffering and the Goodness of God
If God is good, why does he allow evil and suffering in this world? That is a question that many have asked and may be asking today. This is an ancient question that is often referred to as “the problem of evil” or the theological term of “theodicy.” The question sees a problem or inconsistence with the assumedContinue reading “The Riddle of Suffering and the Goodness of God”
“Scattered each to his own home…”
“Behold the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home…” (John 16:32). My heart skipped a beat when I read this scripture passage set for last week’s Sunday sermon. During the past four years I had been working through the Gospel of John on the Sundays between ChristmasContinue reading ““Scattered each to his own home…””
The Seen and Unseen
During Jesus’ journey to Calvary– from the time of him being taken in the garden through to his dying upon the cross, there is an odd irony to it all. I am not sure how to express it. The Gospels clearly describe horrific things being done to Jesus such as his false trial, his torture, the mockingContinue reading “The Seen and Unseen”
A Prayer of Thanks During Covid-19
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).” How descriptive is this passage of your life? Lord, may it be so for me. In light of this command of scripture to be thankful in all circumstances I thoughtContinue reading “A Prayer of Thanks During Covid-19”
Clarity of Message
A few weeks ago instructions were given by various government agencies that we should be wearing masks when we venture out into the public. Unfortunately for me, the opportunity to purchase any masks was long-gone due to the demand for them. If I were to wear a mask in accordance to government instructions, and keepContinue reading “Clarity of Message”
Concerning the Word of Life 