We, as a Nation, have often been complacent in our expression of thanks for the fact that so many have served to provide the protection and freedoms we enjoy as Americans. With our freedom to worship God seemingly always under attack both from outside forces and those inside America, I believe we as churches should…
One way to become more firmly planted in God’s family is to build new relationships. This week, come to church 10 minutes early and stay 10 minutes late. Use those extra 20 minutes to meet with people and interact with them. Help those who may be visitors. Also, there are numerous areas where you can…
In the Bible, Jesus had many disciples. There were the forty that He sent out; He had twelve that He personally called to follow Him; and then there were the three – Peter, James, and John. Real discipleship takes place in many groups but there seems to be something special when it happens in small,…
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. Joshua 1:8 The writer of the Book of Hebrews says that the word of God is living and active, sharper…
“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,…
12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 1 Corinthians 10:12 King David was coming off about twenty years of spiritual success. He was walking with God – a man after God’s heart. He didn’t wake up one day with the intention of falling into sin – he was caught off guard. Many of us don’t think that…
In Genesis 2:18, God says that it is not good for man to be alone. God in His infinite wisdom knew it was not good to be alone and so He created a helper. Someone to share responsibilities, comfort, confront, and encourage. Today, however, we have changed that. We say it is better to do…
Jesus did not preach an easy-listening message. He didn’t come to be popular. He taught repentance and that life was only found in Him. Just as many today can be drawn to different aspects of Christianity, there are those who turn away from the gospel because they don’t like its teachings, demands, exclusivity, or the…
Sandra and I were talking about some of the many exciting miracles in the Bible. Wasn’t it amazing when Jesus caused blind eyes to see or demon-possessed people to be made whole? How about the thousands that were fed on a Galilean hillside? Or the woman that was healed by simply touching His robe? We…