Today, I use the word “nuance” in the title as “nuance” means “a subtle difference.” Joy isn’t just a word used in many Christian songs, but it also, biblically, represents contentment. And examining joy in the Scriptures, we find it’s not a singular concept, but four nuances that, if woven correctly, allow us to enjoy […]
Four Nuances of Biblical Joy Read More »
By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen (Hebrews 11:3, NLT). There is a known fact of creation that nobody understands. Let me explain this “known fact” in Pastor Grant’s terminology, which will likely further confuse
It Doesn’t Make Sense Read More »
I’ve heard opponents of tithing call it an Old Testament concept. That’s true as we read this command. . . You shall tithe all the yield of your seed that comes from the field year by year (Deuteronomy 14:22, ESV). But the Old Testament also describes a blessing that comes from diligent tithing. . .
Did Jesus Teach Tithing? Read More »
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God (Romans 1:1, ESV). Have you been at a conference (or other meeting) with people mostly unknown to one another, and the leader asked everyone to briefly introduce themselves? I feel awkward at this moment. I’ve used words like pastor, ex-hippie, husband,
How Paul Introduces Himself Read More »
O Sovereign Lord, the strong one who rescued me, you protected me on the day of battle (Psalm 140:7, NLT). We all face days of battle. They are coming, sometimes we feel them getting closer; something’s afoot, and our enemies draw near. And often these days ambush us. Interestingly, the battle in this psalm isn’t against
Psalms on Saturday ~ Psalm 140: The Day of Battle Psalm Read More »
Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? (Isaiah 43:18-19a, ESV) The study of human development reveals that the human brain has two opposing extremes motivating behavior — the squishy brain and the rigid brain. Which
Squishy Brain vs. Rigid Brain Read More »
Only, as the Lord has given to a man, and as is the purpose (or calling) of God for him, so let him go on living. And these are my orders for all the churches (1 Corinthians 7:17, BBE). A well-known fact in psychological circles (and the Bible) is that “purpose” is the source of life.
The Paradox of Purpose and Happiness Read More »
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, ESV). In over fifty years as a pastor, discussing with others their tragedies topped the list of the most difficult things I did in my ministry. There were a lot of them:
Discussing Tragedy Read More »
Be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18b, NASB). If someone told us that they wanted to add muscle or increase endurance in their physical body, we might ask, “What plan are you using?” If they responded, “Oh, I’m waiting, being patient, and staying humble while letting God take care of everything.” We would think that they
Exercising Our Spirit! Read More »
The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent (Exodus 14:14, ESV). The Book of Exodus is the book of miracles in the Bible. Let me state my beliefs: these stories are historical, true, and accurate. Within biblical history, two major periods of time exist when miracles explode — the exodus of the Israelites
Reading the Book of Exodus Read More »