"The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith" (1 Timothy 1:5 ESV). When I was in elementary school I wanted to be a veterinarian. There was no great reason; I just liked animals. When I was in junior high school I wanted... Continue Reading →
Distractions and Devotion
“Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him” (Psalms 32:6 ESV). I have been guilty innumerable times of pushing my quiet times aside for the sake of more sleep, or to spend that... Continue Reading →
A Divided Church
"John said to him, 'Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.' But Jesus said, 'Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. For the one who... Continue Reading →
Bartimaeus
“And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. And Jesus said to him, "What do you want me to do for you?" And the blind man said to him, "Rabbi, let me recover my sight." And Jesus said to him, "Go your way; your faith has made you well." And immediately... Continue Reading →
Thoughts on Repentance
“From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand'” (Matthew 4:17 ESV). The text for today followed immediately after Jesus' baptism and the subsequent time in the wilderness being tempted by the devil. His ministry began with the message of repentance. The fact that He chose the... Continue Reading →
Like Children
“At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew... Continue Reading →
Legalism Versus Obedience
When I was a boy I was terrified of consequences. When I obeyed, be it at home, school, or wherever, it was usually because I didn't want to find out what sort of punishment would come from my actions. I rebelled, but my rebellion took place in the hidden section between my two ears. Of... Continue Reading →
Rise and Stand
"Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he will answer him from his holy heaven with the saving might of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright. Psalm 20:6-8 ESV Yesterday we... Continue Reading →
The Sweet and the Bitter
For the last week or two a quote has been repeatedly finding its way to the forefront of my mind. It has been at least six months since I last read it, so I couldn't figure out why it was popping up now. While life has thrown my wife and I a few curveballs lately,... Continue Reading →
Jump In!
“So Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing" (John 5:19-20a... Continue Reading →
Skipping Stones 