A time to weep, and a time to laugh (Ecclesiastes 3:4, ESV). I recently traded in my SUV for a pick-up truck. The universal comment of those seeing me in a truck for the first time has been, “I’ve never thought of you as a truck person.” This proves the verse of the Bible that says […]
A Pastor Gets A Truck Read More »
I am fully convinced, my dear brothers and sisters, that you are full of goodness (Romans 15:14, NLT). The Greek word for “goodness” is used four times in the New Testament and all by the Apostle Paul. This word is not found in any other writing of the ancient world; it is strictly a Pauline biblical
Let’s Try Goodness This Week Read More »
Everyone utters lies to his neighbor; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak (v. 2, ESV). Psalm 12 describes a country where truth isn’t spoken. One commentator writes that Psalm 12 describes a culture that uses “artificial evasive language known as ‘doublespeak.’” Does anyone speak the truth in our country today? Do opposing forces manipulate language
Psalms On Saturday ~ Psalm 12 Read More »
In the Parable of the Good Steward in Matthew 25, Jesus gave this judgment to all bad stewards . . . Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 25:30, NLT). The question is: Are we useless servants? We often think that those thrown into
Are We Good Stewards? Read More »
The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear (Hebrews 13:6, NLT). I have fears; we all have fears. The Greek word for fear is “phobia.” And fears can become incessant phobias. The definition of the Greek word “phobia” includes thoughts of terror, hiding, and fleeing. That’s what we do with fear – instead of
The Antidote For Fear Read More »
For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear (2 Timothy 4:3, NLT). Do we have “itching-ears” syndrome in the church today? Are we in a
Discerning False Prophets ~ Part Two Read More »
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world (1 John 4:1, NIV). In the end times (which we are in now), there will be many legitimate prophets and also false prophets. How do we discern the difference?
Discerning False Prophets ~ Part One Read More »
Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12, NLT). I have three non-negotiable pursuits each day: Yes, I have a goal to have devotions, exercise, and spend time with my wife every day. These three cords are non-negotiable. I plan my day around them and resist seemingly urgent matters
Pursue Three Disciplines This Week Read More »
Honor to whom honor is due (Romans 13:7, NASB1995). Pastor Rick Ives and his wife Heather are a great pastoral team. They have been missionaries in Russia and are currently serving at Fellowship Church in Springfield, Ohio. My wife and I first came to know Rick and Heather in Russia in 1992. We had traveled
A Great Pastor And His Wife! Read More »
Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised (Psalm 48:1, ESV). There isn’t a better phrase to say every day of our lives than, “Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised!” Take a moment and memorize this verse — it’s easy! Now commit to repeating it every morning. Ultimately the Bible is
Psalms On Saturday ~ Psalm 48 Read More »