The Father Gives Good Things

Matthew 7:7–11 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or which one of you, if his son asks … Continue reading The Father Gives Good Things →

Psalm 34:22 – Redeemed and Not Condemned

“The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.” (Psalm 34:22) Two promises are in this verse. First, we have the work of the LORD: He redeems the life of his servants. Second, we have the promised freedom from condemnation for all who take refuge … Continue reading Psalm 34:22 – Redeemed and Not Condemned →

Lesson Learned: Slow Change Is Still Change

"Be patient with yourself. A sense of urgency, yes; but not a sense of hurry. Overnight transformations are the exception, not the norm. Slow change is still real change." - Dane Ortlund1 I have enjoyed Dane Ortlund's books. I read Gentle and Lowly2 when I was facing a dark time of struggling with assurance of … Continue reading Lesson Learned: Slow Change Is Still Change →

Dad’s Mug

I have more coffee mugs than anyone needs. It is actually embarrassing the number of coffee mugs I have acquired over the years. Most of them have a specific memory attached to them. Whether a mug was a souvenir from vacation or a gift from a birthday or anniversary, almost every mug I have brings … Continue reading Dad’s Mug →

God’s Provision for God’s Service

“Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word.” - Psalm 119:17 There are three thoughts that I would like to put before you. This is a prayer for God’s care and provision. This is a prayer from a servant to his Master. This is a prayer with God’s glory as … Continue reading God’s Provision for God’s Service →

Prayers for the Church Gathering July 21, 2024

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory … Continue reading Prayers for the Church Gathering July 21, 2024 →

You Atone for Our Transgressions

When iniquities prevail against me,you atone for our transgressions.Psalm 65:3 Father, We know what it is like to be overwhelmed with our iniquities and sins. This has been part of your gracious way to bring us into the Kingdom of your Beloved Son. By your Spirit, you gave us life, opened our blind eyes to … Continue reading You Atone for Our Transgressions →

We Trust in the Name of the LORD Our God

Psalm 20:7–87 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.8 They collapse and fall,but we rise and stand upright. The events from this past weekend were startling. The assassination attempt of former President Trump was shocking. I opened my laptop to write on Saturday and … Continue reading We Trust in the Name of the LORD Our God →

Simple Guide to Family Worship

Family worship is missing in many Christian families. This is concerning, considering passages like Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and Ephesians 6:4 which make it clear that father's are expected to lead their families in discipleship and worship. The thought of leading family worship can be overwhelming, especially if it was not modeled by your parents. The following … Continue reading Simple Guide to Family Worship →

Faith: Trusting the One Who Knows Everything

A pastor friend once told me that faith implies not knowing. If we knew everything, we would not need to trust God. Faith includes an admittance of finitude. It requires that we acknowledge our limits of knowledge and ability. Faith includes admitting that we do not have all the answers or all the strength. We … Continue reading Faith: Trusting the One Who Knows Everything →