Thanksgiving is more than a holiday -- it's a perspective that recognizes God's goodness in all circumstances. While it doesn't remove suffering, it affirms His presence and love, reminding us to trust and be thankful for His faithfulness today and everyday.
Lord, the weight of this week is heavy. The calendar itself feels bruised. September 11 still cries out from the dust—flames, falling towers, and faces never forgotten. A wound that does not heal, a scar that still aches with each anniversary. And now—new losses layered upon old ones. Loved ones are remembered with tears. Stories … Continue reading Weight
The cross, a symbol of horror, was the expression of God's love through His Son's atoning sacrifice. The death of Jesus on a cross on that Friday long ago was good for those who believe He died for their sin because Sunday's coming, too.
Like many gifts for Christmas, birthdays, special occasions, God's gift of grace has become expected. We forget that God's grace is a gift - an unnecessary and costly one.
Prayer is not good thoughts or positive vibes. Prayer means more than just saying prayers or praying through a list. Prayer is much more than believing in the power of prayer. Prayer is calling out to and depending completely upon the the personal, triune, sovereign God of Heaven who wants us to pray, hears us when we pray, and moves because we pray.
God welcomes our laments. In fact, nothing is more freeing and healthy in our relationship with Him than voicing how we really feel and knowing He totally understands. Our questions and frustrations don’t frustrate Him. In fact He wrote the book on them. The bulk of what we call the wisdom books of Scripture, Job and Psalms, are laments. The wisdom of God, it seems, is lamenting to God.
Reading thru the Old Testament pentateuch book of Numbers is difficult but not just because of soooo many laws, regulations, and details of ceremonial and personal holiness. Numbers is a tough read because of the conflict and rebellion of good people, God's people, who experienced many miraculous experiences of God's faithfulness (Egyptian plagues, crossing the … Continue reading Numbers
It’s often said that Jesus is the Reason for the Season. In the same way, Leviticus is the basis for Christmas. That’s right. Leviticus. At the very heart of the Christmas story lies the all-important doctrine of the Atonement. How can sinful people, separated from God in their sin and selfishness, be reconciled to a … Continue reading Leviticus Christmas
When did the world get so angry? How did it happen so quickly? As we look ahead to a new year in 2018, we have some serious issues to deal with in the world of relationships － especially relationships in regard to race, religion, and politics. How did we get so full of frustration that the … Continue reading A Mad World
So often, especially in the US, our identity seems to get wrapped up in our possessions (homes, cars, finances, etc..) and our value is usually related to what we do (teacher, engineer, manager, etc..). But God has called us to find our worth and our purpose in our relationship with Him. He has set us apart as believers … Continue reading Kingdom of Priests
following Jesus 