“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14, ESV) We’ve been considering what it really means to bear the Name of God in a worthy manner—not taking it in vain. We have looked at what is, perhaps, a better translation of the commandment: “You shall... Continue Reading →
Anxious?
A friend called me the morning after the rioting at the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. He was so frantic and worked up that he kept interrupting me. I couldn’t seem to get more than two or three words out before he would begin ranting again. He was terrified that the entire country was going... Continue Reading →
What Are You Hiding?
"For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light" (Luke 8:17 ESV). Perhaps you can remember when, as a child, you were amazed that your parents always seemed to know when you had done something wrong despite your best attempts at... Continue Reading →
Stepping Out
Have you ever done something that was totally out of character for you because you experienced something and were "caught up in the moment?" Or have you missed out on a "now" opportunity because your mind was focused on either the past or the future? Sometimes getting caught up in the moment can be a... Continue Reading →
Stand Back Up!
”If our Father had never let us fall, we would never have learned how to stand back up.” I remember holding onto the seat of that little blue bike and running behind to make sure that my son didn't crash to the ground. "He's so little," I rationalized to myself. "Don't let go, daddy," he yelled.... Continue Reading →
Suffering and Sovereignty
“As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him” (John 9:1-3 ESV).... Continue Reading →
Independence Day!
“So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." They answered him, "We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say,... Continue Reading →
Darkness Conceals and Light Reveals
"And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes... Continue Reading →
When You Pass Through…
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you" (Isaiah 43:2 ESV). https://youtu.be/WmAwcMNxGqM With the threat of losing their jobs Lucy and Ethel quickly become overwhelmed as... Continue Reading →
Flesh
“And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24 ESV). I don't know about you, but I very rarely think about belonging to Christ Jesus. I think of myself as a Christian. I think of myself as saved. I think about God as being my Father. but belonging to... Continue Reading →
Skipping Stones 