“And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go” Matthew 21:30 (ESV) The American gospel has done an exceptional job of convincing us that God is for us. Now, before you get in a twist, I’m not referring to the fact that God... Continue Reading →
Vinedresser
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit” (John 15:1-2 ESV). I have made considerable strides in the development of self-discipline. I'm not where I... Continue Reading →
Stored UP!
“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” (Psalms 119:11, ESV) I remember arriving at a swim meet one morning to travel the 20-ish miles from Schofield Barracks Army Base to Honolulu. My Dad and I were both excited to see how I would match up against... Continue Reading →
Afraid
“And he said, ‘I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself’” (Genesis 3:10, ESV). They say that when Jonathan Edwards preached his famous sermon, Sinners In The Hands of an Angry God, people sat clinging to their seats with white-knuckled grip for fear... 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 →
Wisdom Wednesday: A Call To Worship
“But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield” (Psalms 5:11-12 ESV). The image that comes to... Continue Reading →
Fear Not
“You whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, "You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off"; fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you,... Continue Reading →
30-Day Prayer Challenge, Day 24
"Pray then like this: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name..." (Matthew 6:9 ESV). The Challenge and the Verse If you have read this blog for a while, you are aware of my struggles with depression and chronic pain. Sometimes I think that its hard enough being a Christian without the pain and depression, and wonder... Continue Reading →
The Father Loves You
“In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God” John 16:26-27 ESV). It's not uncommon to hear horror stories of... Continue Reading →
The Way You Should Go
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you" (Psalms 32:8 ESV). I have spent far too many years praying that God would bless my choices and decisions. At face value, that doesn't seem like a bad thing. But did God send... Continue Reading →
Skipping Stones 