Regardless of what happened yesterday, you and I get a new day today. If you are going through a hard place that may not sound like a good thing, but it really is incredibly good news. The writer of Lamentations gives us a wonderful inspired reminder: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23) In these two verse…
Read MoreThank you, Pastor
If I were to start a Hall of Fame, I would start a “Pastors” Hall of fame. I have known many pastors who could be inducted on the first ballot. Not only would I include my pastors from my early years, but pastors and staff members I have met down through the years! How is it that pastors have such an impact? Often the only non-family member who is with…
Read MoreLearning Contentment
The Apostle not once but twice in the book of Philippians speaks about contentment. The passage is found in the book of Philippians 4:11-13: “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being…
Read MoreJust Call
I came across a familiar verse in Jeremiah 33:3 a couple of days ago. ‘Call to me, and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ Our Heavenly Father gives us a wonderful reminder. Call. All of us at one time or the other, have been reminded not to forget to make specific calls. There are reminders to call mom and a host of others…
Read MoreWhat You Do Today Matters
Today many have regrets about yesterday. Something that happened decades ago still looms large in the thinking of many people. The impact of yesterday can be quite large and exaggerated. Everyone has a past. All people have a story to tell of misfortune, hurt, and or heartbreak. Remember, your history should be a reference, not your residence. Indeed, our past shapes us, but it does not have to be the…
Read MoreHelp IN Time of Trouble
Psalm 46 is a psalm where I have turned when I have needed encouragement. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” A refuge means like as a shelter or protection from danger or distress.” Finding refuge is like finding a place of safety in a time of a storm, or finding a place of security and comfort during a time of difficulty. How happy one is to find…
Read MorePlans, ideas, and consultations without God!
Reading the 30th chapter of Isaiah today did not sound so much like the ancient world as it reminded me of the world today: 30 “Woe to the obstinate children,” declares the Lord,“to those who carry out plans that are not mine, forming an alliance, but not by my Spirit, heaping sin upon sin;2 who go down to Egypt without consulting me;who look for help to Pharaoh’s protection, to Egypt’s shade for refuge. Security is something all humans long for, so…
Read MoreA New Day
Throughout our lives, there are moments when we experience something ‘new.’ It could be a new job, opportunity, challenge, relationship, or project, to name a few. At times they are the result of planning and pursuit; other times, they come without much thought or planning. Often they are received positively, and sometimes we are not entirely sure if we are excited about the new opportunity. Today I am going to…
Read MoreA Word about people
Life is about many things, but right up toward the top is the relational aspect of life. Take a moment and reflect on the people who have been a part of your story. Naturally, your family is a significant factor, as are teachers, pastors, good friends, and many more. Throughout my life, there have been a host of people who entered into my life. Some of these people have been…
Read MoreI am convinced
The Apostle Paul gives voice to a heartfelt conviction in Romans 8:38-39: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This statement from Paul does not come from the board room or…
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