“In every prayer for all of you, I always pray with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:4-6) This week, I am pausing to reflect over my life and my years of ministry…and I am absolutely amazed at the rich partnerships God has blessed me…
“For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works that God has prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 God called a drunken vineyard dresser to collect 2 of each animal, build a giant boat, and thus save humanity from a world-wide flood…that was NOAH. God called a lying, Canaanite prostitute to pave the way for Israel to conquer the land God promised…that was RAHAB. God called a moon worshiping, childless pagan couple to…
Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed… Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in…
“When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are [drawn out] by their own evil desire and enticed.” James 1:13-14 Every year on Father’s Day weekend, I pack up the family and we head to a favorite fishing spot at a top secret, undisclosed lake-location somewhere in Northern Virginia. We enjoy a picnic lunch, bird watching, fishing and then…
“The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24 This past weekend was such a wonderful surprise and a time of affirmation for Pam and me. In case you didn’t know, the elders secretly arranged for a special recognition in the worship service and then an all-church picnic in celebration of our 15th anniversary at Grace Life Community Church (May) and our 25th wedding anniversary (June). Maybe it’s their military background, but the elders…
“…and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11 I love the Christmas season, especially the gift giving and receiving. Not the excess, stress and materialism that Christmas has come to represent for so many, but the simple demonstration of care and thoughtfulness that a well chosen gift represents. It’s as if for one brief moment every year, people everywhere pause to embrace God’s Spirit…
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 Medical doctors have long known that a positive mental attitude (PMA) is good for your health. Those who see the glass as half-full have lower levels of stress, depression, and anxiety than those who see the glass as…
“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:17-18 This past weekend, Pam and I were down in Montego Bay for the annual Jamaica Link Ministry board meeting. JLM is the mission organization we have partnered with for the last 10…
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:4-7) “Dad, let me do it!” It was the week before VBS, and it was a blazing hot day in…
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 As many of you know, part of my own spiritual disciplines for this year is the daily devotional reading of “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young. I try to read it in the mornings or at night before I…