James 1:2-4,12 ESV “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when … Continue reading Lacking in Nothing
Behold, God is My Salvation
Isaiah 12:1-3 ESV “You will say in that day: ‘I will give thanks to you, O Lord, for though you were angry with me, your anger turned away, that you might comfort me. “’Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my … Continue reading Behold, God is My Salvation
Watch Out for Liars and Deceivers
Proverbs 14:2, 5, 25 ESV “Whoever walks in uprightness fears the Lord, but he who is devious in his ways despises him. A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness breathes out lies. A truthful witness saves lives, but one who breathes out lies is deceitful.” In America, many people profess to be … Continue reading Watch Out for Liars and Deceivers
The Role of the Pastor
1 Peter 5:1-4 ESV “So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God … Continue reading The Role of the Pastor
With You in Weakness
1 Corinthians 2:1-5 ESV “And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and … Continue reading With You in Weakness
The Good Fight of Faith
1 Timothy 6:3-5 ESV “If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, … Continue reading The Good Fight of Faith
Pervasive Influences
Matthew 16:5-12 ESV “When the disciples reached the other side, they had forgotten to bring any bread. Jesus said to them, ‘Watch and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’ And they began discussing it among themselves, saying, ‘We brought no bread.’ But Jesus, aware of this, said, ‘O you of little faith, … Continue reading Pervasive Influences
God is our Refuge and Strength
Psalms 46:1-3,10-11 ESV “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah” “‘Be still, and know that … Continue reading God is our Refuge and Strength
Where the Good Way Is
Jeremiah 6:10 ESV “To whom shall I speak and give warning, that they may hear? Behold, their ears are uncircumcised, they cannot listen; behold, the word of the Lord is to them an object of scorn; they take no pleasure in it.” Sadly this describes many people professing to be Christians in America. So many … Continue reading Where the Good Way Is
For I Wait for You
Psalms 25:4-5, 8-10 ESV “Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” “Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. He leads … Continue reading For I Wait for You