Our world is obsessed with romance, which often comes and goes, seemingly, in an instant. Seen a rom-com movie lately? Hollywood’s depiction of relationships is an emaciated shadow of true intimacy. Terms of endearment are used and abused as punchlines to sell tickets. Movie goers cry crocodile tears then thirty minutes later are eating a […]
This is a difficult topic to write about because it lays bare one of the most insidious, though relatively common, practices humankind has ever known. In your mind, raise your hand if you’ve ever broken a vow. Now, be honest, why was that the case? Chances are you had a change of heart on a
Most Vows Never Surpass a Person’s Selfishness Read More »
My favorite characteristic in a person (at least at the very top of the list) is authenticity. The older I get, the more I value this. I think it’s because life has taught me that people need to be themselves. I’ve often taught messages from my pulpit that pivot on the phrase, “you do you,”
Just Give Me the Truth, I’ll Deal With It Read More »
During the ancient times of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the custom was that when the father died, the eldest son would become the head of the family and receive a double portion of the inheritance. This was his birthright. Said birthright was sometimes transferred to another person, in uncommon circumstances. The Lord, of course, could
The greatest expression of love is to guide someone to truth. No matter the hills or valleys a person must climb, it is the truth a righteous person seeks and desires to impart to others. Seeking the truth may require a bit of courage (courage being applied faith). We may need to pray for more
Faithful Are the Wounds of a Friend Read More »
For years the Spirit’s had me teaching my congregation to read their Bibles on their own time, to make a serious habit of it. I encourage them to do so in the absence of any personal agendas (e.g., reading into the Bible what isn’t there and/or looking for ways the Bible can be manipulated to
The Difference Between Cause and Accompaniment Read More »
“Hey, friend, what’s the matter?” “Everyone’s just awful nowadays!” “How so?” “Well, for starters, everywhere I go, people are just rude to me. I’m so sick of it!” “Sounds like you’ve been having a bad day.” “More like a bad year!” “Well, I’m here for you, remember?” “I know, I know. I don’t mean you.
OUTLINE: Walk in the Light!May we never lose sight of the big picture regarding the Lord’s salvation, and may we never surrender our gratitude to the pressures of this world! Mt 17:1-2And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
Part 93 – Proverbs 17 Wisdom Read More »
OUTLINE: Heb 12:10b“[God] disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.” Righteousness Implies Being Right – Blog: 2/26/21 Once a person understands their depravity, they are set free from the charade of maintaining self-righteousness. In fact, this is why a humble person gladly throws up their arms and asks for deliverance from their Creator, out
Part 62 – Proverbs 17 Wisdom Read More »
OUTLINE: “Tug of War”Confidence in self depletes/disturbs/ distracts from our confidence in the Lord. Pride destroys our spiritual lives – it is an agent of death. Ro 12:9-10 [Amplified]Love is to be sincere and active [the real thing—without guile and hypocrisy]. Hate what is evil [detest all ungodliness, do not tolerate wickedness]; hold on tightly
Part 24 – The Lord Is Our Confidence Read More »