The week after Christmas and before all of the New Year celebrations is usually a time of reflection and planning. As I sit at my desk preparing to finish this year and plan for the next, I wanted to share with you some resolutions to consider to help us grow spiritually in the new year.…
James tells us that, “…faith apart from works is dead” (James 2:26). In Matthew 25, Jesus tells a parable about talents given to three servants and how they used – or didn’t use, those talents. For the two servants that used their talents for work, the master responds with the words, “well done, good and…
Christmas is fast approaching and, not surprisingly, my kids and grandchildren are looking forward to seeing what’s under the tree. The grandkids, at least, are still young enough that they are waiting with bated breath to learn what treasures they’ll be receiving. Ridge has already peeled back the corner to discover one of his presents.…
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). Matthew 1:23 The Christmas season is filled with family, friends, and activities – and yet there are many that feel isolated and alone. During these “dark” times, it can seem that no one knows us,…
This past week was filled with turkey, family, and Black Friday sales. Oh, and family turkeys! The year is winding down and we’re getting busy making plans and preparations for different events at church and at home. As we enter the second week of Advent, I find myself hoping for different things. A little peace,…
10 He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; Psalm 103:10-11 Confession and repentance can be humbling and painful but in order to receive God’s forgiveness, it is necessary. …
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” Ephesians 2:10 He certainly meant the works—the things we are to do, the ways we are to serve—are good things, in and of themselves. And, of course, he meant the works are good…
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 The past can be a funny thing. Some look back to a time when they were happier, healthier, less stressed… in other words, those glory days. The problem with those…
Have you ever given thought to how we measure things? Looking at our culture, we know where the best schools are, where the best neighborhoods are, what the best professions are, etc…, but are these really good gauges for measuring ourselves? We want the best, the biggest, the newest, I mean, there’s nothing wrong with…
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some… Hebrews 10:24-25a In Luke 4:16, it says that Jesus – as was His custom, (or as usual) entered the synagogue on the Sabbath. And I believe that it should…