Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! (v. 1, ESV) How often have you listened to a sad commentary about families fighting during the holidays? For 49 years as a pastor, I listened to tales of angry words, disunity about inheritances, someone mis-marrying, and control issues at family gatherings, and I […]
Psalms on Saturday ~ Psalm 133 Read More »
Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you (John 16:7, ESV). If Jesus is sending us a “helper” who works free of charge, we should take full advantage of
The Five-Fold Job Description of the Spirit Read More »
I once talked to a Pastor, and he asked me, “You know the passage where the Apostle writes about finishing the race?” “Yes,” I said, and he replied, “Let me read it to you: ‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.’” Then the pastor continued, “I’m
Talking with Discouraged Pastors Read More »
Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body (Proverbs 16:24, ESV). This proverb uses two interesting phrases about the response of gracious words: sweetness to the soul and healing to the body. Recent brain research indicates that our words and resultant actions wear neurological pathways that subsequent experiences follow. If
Five Blessings to Speak to Ourselves Daily Read More »
I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following me and has not performed my commandments (1 Samuel 15:11, ESV). We know the phrase “lost and found” and hope that when we leave our mobile phone in a restaurant and then frantically return a few hours later, that “lost and found”
Lost and Not Found Again Read More »
Don’t be surprised, dear brothers and sisters, if the world hates you (1 John 3:13, NLT). Charlie Kirk was assassinated last Thursday, September 10, 2025. He hosted the podcast The Charlie Kirk Show and led on-campus events with his Turning Point USA student organization. His death has attracted comments and tributes from President Trump, world leaders,
Charlie Kirk: Why It Hurts Read More »
One ancient author wrote about the Psalms. . . Whatever your particular need or trouble, from the Psalms you can find words from which you can remedy your ill. I’ve read Psalms for decades, and I’ve been in full-time ministry for decades. Experiencing the frustration, low self-esteem, and self-doubt that too easily come from serving
Psalms on Saturday ~ Psalms for an Emotional Boost Read More »
This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9, NLT). There have been recent studies in the business world on the topic of bravery. Whereas happiness in the workplace has dominated in recent business and Christian books, we
Developing Bravery Read More »
Speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it (1 Thessalonians 5:9-11, MSG). As a pastor, I’ve spent a lot of time with people. In the past, I was
Spending Time with People Read More »
Caution: This Interruption could be offensive to some readers, so please read all of this Interruption. All readers of the Bible should exegete, or allow the Bible to tell them what it means, and we should not eisegete or shove our desires or thoughts onto our biblical interpretations. Let’s examine 1 Timothy 2:12 as a
Let’s Exegete Not Eisegete the Bible Read More »