Go therefore and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19a, ESV). My wife and I — along with Rick and Heather Ives, my two daughters, and three grandchildren — leave today for the Philippines. I’m looking forward to this trip. When someone asks me how many short-term mission trips I’ve taken, my answer is, “About 100.” I’ve […]
On a Plane to the Philippines Read More »
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us (Colossians 4:2-3a, ESV). For the last four years of my ministry as a pastor at Fellowship Church, a sister would approach me weekly and ask how she could pray for me the next week. I would see her
An Angel Praying for Me Read More »
A scribe asked Jesus, “Which is the most important commandment of all?” Jesus, as a teacher of the law, was asked for a summary statement of the Judaic faith. Experts are asked to summarize their field of study in brief statements. Businesses refine their purpose with a simple motto of their vision statement. And individuals,
Understanding Christianity ~ Part 1 Read More »
I’ve read Romans 5:5 for years while preaching a memorial service. . . Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us (NASB1995). When time touches eternity for each of us, will we be disappointed? In some sermons, after preaching about
Understanding Romans 5:1-5 Read More »
I’m not sure what verse of Scripture to use to begin this Interruption. How about. . . For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us (Romans 8:18, ESV). That should do, but I need to reveal some background notes to
A Tale/Tail of Two Cats Read More »
Knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21, ESV). From the beginning of Christendom, two viewpoints have dominated the topic of how
The OG Correct Bible Reading Method Read More »
May those who love your salvation say evermore, “God is great!” (Psalm 70:4b, ESV). After reading the above verse, read carefully this verse from another Psalm. . . May those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the Lord!” (Psalm 40:16). Psalm 70 and Psalm 40:13-17 read the same. My question: When reading these Psalms,
Psalms on Saturday ~ Psalm 70: God is Great! Read More »
Two of my favorite quotes in the Bible are found in Esther 4:14 and 16. . . And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this? (v. 14b, ESV) Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish
Meanwhile, Reading the Book of Esther Read More »
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us (Ephesians 3:20, ESV). At work, expecting a year-end bonus, how many times did it exceed our expectations? Sometimes an event does exceed what we thought — a restaurant, vacation, job, ministry.
More Than We Think Read More »
What? We’ve been taught since Galileo that the roots of science contain direct observation and evidence. In grade school, we learned the Scientific Method as a process of objectively establishing fact through testing and experimentation. Well, most learned such things while my colleagues and I majored in “playground.” Science teaches sight first, then believing. But
It’s Scientific to Walk by Faith Read More »