"So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin" (James 4:17 ESV) As a young boy I imagine that I was a lot like most young boys. I find it funny how I never really heard what my parents told me to do, but I always seemed... Continue Reading →
Learning Righteousness
“…for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Practice... Continue Reading →
Shedding Your Blood
"In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood" (Hebrews 12:4, ESV). If there is one verse in the Bible that haunts me, one verse that can keep me awake at night, Hebrews 12:4 is that verse. Whether walking in my legalist phase, living in the “freedom of... Continue Reading →
Our Boast In the Lord’s Delight
“Thus says the Lord: "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice,... Continue Reading →
Think Possibly!
“But he said, ‘What is impossible with man is possible with God’” (Luke 18:27 ESV). There’s a lot of talk these days about “positive thinking.” And there is merit to the practice. Unfortunately, there also exists the danger of going overboard and developing the mindset that we, in and of ourselves can do anything. This... 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 →
Bold As A Lion
"The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion" (Proverbs 28:1 ESV). I looked at this verse differently today. I've always thought that we would be bold as lions when our spiritual lives were up to snuff, when we were finally righteous. Boldness was a badge of honor that we... Continue Reading →
Holiness to Completion
“Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1 ESV). When someone who is not usually "dressy" dons a suit & tie or a nice dress, we say that they "clean up nice." A shave... Continue Reading →
The 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 →
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 →
Skipping Stones 