They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2: 42 Have you ever wondered how the fellowship of believers in the New Testament might differ from our churches today? Even a cursory study of the book of Acts can fill us in. Blueprints for the modern church The disciples and all the followers of Jesus (new and old) habitually practiced four specifics steps. They devoted themselves to the... Read more
You shall not go out in haste…for the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard. Isaiah 52:12 As the new year takes hold, we are often riddled with thoughts of regret and missed opportunities. We want to do better in the coming days, weeks, and months. Don’t we? God is always present with us Of course we do! And the promise of new beginnings is always something hopeful as we enter... Read more
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5: 10 God’s grace is abundant As we begin this new year, many folks make resolutions, make commitments to do better, determine to never make the same mistakes. So what’s the problem with these lofty ideals? We can never, ever attain to our own... Read more
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint... Read more
The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm... Read more
For God gave us a spirit of not of fear, but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 I hurt. You hurt. We all hurt. It’s a given. At one time or another, we all feel the anguish of some measure of emotional pain. As humans, we are too often emotionally driven, at the mercy of our ever-changing feelings, and far too dependent upon circumstances around us. Take personal responsibility Clearly, some individuals “emote” more than others.... Read more
God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 When we are facing troubles what is our default response? Do we look to God and his Word for our perfect and present help? Or do we succumb to the emotional roller coaster ride that swings between sudden distress and overwhelming panic? The Choice is Ours When life doesn’t make sense, God promises... Read more
In the post below, I’ve selected brief excerpts from my column which will help us to settle ourselves into a quiet and calm state of mind. We are all in need of these holy silent moments where we exhale our worries and burdens. We must learn to daily quiet our hearts by stepping out of the hustle and bustle so characteristic of this season. Instead of focusing on everything we must get done, all the gifts we still need... Read more
Has a nation changed its gods, even though they are no gods? But my people have changed their glory for that which does not profit. Be appalled, O heavens, at this; be shocked, be utterly desolate, declares the Lord, for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water. Jeremiah 2: 11-13 Paul Tripp writes in his book, New... Read more
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12: 1-2 What does it mean... Read more
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