I reviewed notes from our district’s February 2020 Winter Retreat. Mike McCoy of 360 Church compared effective discipleship to an AA group. He said Christians really need a spiritual sponsor to meet with each week. We most often address the real-life issues in our lives in small, personal settings where there is high trust. Without …
I listened to a thought-provoking John Maxwell podcast on “Facing Fear with Nic Wallenda.” 2020 has brought fear into the spotlight. We all have fears (especially in a pandemic). Some fears are more obvious than others, but it is just a matter of what we fear and how we express it. One person fears being …
How do we take down a huge Cottonwood tree that leans dangerously over a garage? We don’t. We didn’t have the manpower, expertise, experience, or the equipment. Even the local professionals didn’t have equipment big enough to fell this tree—and save the garage. A half dozen experienced guys worked with two cherry pickers, chainsaws, ropes …
Hebrews 12:1-3 tells us to run the race with perseverance. It can be done because Hebrews 11 is a listing of people who did it well in difficult circumstances. Marathon running in the Christian life means throwing off sins, possessions, habits, and distractions that slow us down. It means knowing the course that God has …
We are arriving at that time of the year that we use gloves more often. My favorite pair of gloves are a heavy pair labeled Dekalb. My stepdad sold Dekalb corn seed. He gave me those over 40 years ago. While hunting last year I learned that putting on vinyl/latex gloves first really makes a …
Moses receives the call of God to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian slavery and take them to the Promise Land. He is told in Exodus 3:5 to take off his sandals because he is standing on holy ground. Where was he? He was not in some grand cathedral with beautiful arches and stained-glass windows. He …
Priscilla has a knack for making homemade bread. Salt is one of the few ingredients, but it is touchy. No more salt than is used, you wouldn’t think it would be important. But without enough salt, the bread simply doesn’t taste good. Add a bit too much of it and the yeast doesn’t rise. Leviticus …
I Peter was written to Christians suffering for their faith. Peter gives some astounding advice to them in I Peter 5:5-11. Let go of pride and practice humility toward others. Let go of control and remember God’s mighty right hand is in control. Let go of anxiety and trust God to know about our needs …
Jeremiah wasn’t very popular. God sent Judah good prophets to warn them about the consequences of their idolatry and immorality. Instead, they listened to soothing false prophets who criticized Jeremiah. Even though Judah had already witnessed God sending Israel into captivity because they would not repent, Judah refused to repent. Pastors always have this challenge …
David writes, “Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.” Psalm 68:19. The word “daily” stands out to me. Our minds go instantly to Matthew 11:28 where Jesus invites all who are weary and burdened to come and receive rest from Him. I am reminded of the old hymn …
