“A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell … among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants.” (Matthew 13:3 & 7) There’s a picture that I pushed out to social media last week that has gotten a lot of chuckles. Perhaps you’ve seen it; it’s my vegetable garden completely, and I mean completely, overrun with weeds. I knew that I should have been a little more attentive to weeding before we…
…forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. (Philippians 3:13) Originally we were going to stay one last night in a hotel to break up the trip. We thought that this would be a fitting end to a great vacation- maybe relax by the pool or watch an in-room movie. The GPS showed 7 1/2 hours to home, but we typically travel slow and we knew that with bathroom breaks and lunch the drive would be closer to…
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) Here at GLCC, we are in the middle of our summer series, “Hearing the Father’s Voice.” And one of the concepts we’ve been pondering is that much like Elijah withdrew to a cave on Mt. Sinai when he needed to hear God’s still small voice, (1 Kings 19), we too need to create space…
You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed. Joshua 23:14 As a Christian, father, husband and man, I take integrity seriously. I don’t want to be one of those people for whom talk is cheap; who say one thing and do another; who promise big and deliver small. The words we say matter and reflect…
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” I Peter 3:15 On Monday, I was in Shoppers Food Warehouse in Manassas. I don’t usually go to Shoppers, but I’ve found that they have beautiful cut flowers at a very reasonable price, so whenever I need a bouquet, I stop there. The…
“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 Dear Graduate, Wow, it seems like just yesterday when you were starting school. Do you remember? You were so nervous and yet excited; filled with enthusiasm, but also uncertainty. It all seemed so new and fresh – a grand adventure just waiting to unfold. We were so proud of you. In…
“Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed, receives the blessing of God.” Hebrews 6:7“ I should have brought a jacket” complained my son Justin, this week, as he stepped out of the car into the pouring rain to make a dash for Stonewall Jackson High School. Yep, that pair of shorts and a tee shirt looked pretty inadequate as he darted onto the sidewalk,…
Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14 Last week, American high society was rocked by the death of fashion icon Kate Spade and celebrity chef, TV star and author Anthony Bourdain. I wasn’t familiar with Ms. Spade, but I love to watch reruns of…
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. (Romans, 10:13 NIV)” “But how can people call for help if they don’t know who to trust? And how can they know who to trust if they haven’t heard of the One who can be trusted? And how can they hear if nobody tells them?” (Romans 10:14-17, The Message) We just passed the 43rd anniversary of my baptism. It was Sunday, April 18, 1976…you know, back when dinosaurs…
“…Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came towards Jesus.” Matthew 14:29 This past Sunday, we ended with the familiar praise song of “Oceans (Where My Feet May Fail)” by Hillsong UNITED. The chorus is in the form of a prayer… Spirit lead me where my trust is without bordersLet me walk upon the watersWherever You would call meTake me deeper than my feet could ever wanderAnd my faith will be made strongerIn the…