21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue:and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Proverbs 18:21 My two oldest daughters were just discovering the fun of makeup and beauty products when we traveled the country gathering support for missions many years ago. A young, gorgeous Pastor’s wife in Washington …
Radical Reconciliation Before Worship
Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? 1 Corinthians 6:7b Joni Eareckson Tada, who has spent more than fifty years in a wheelchair after a diving accident, often reminds her listeners, “God allows what He hates to accomplish what He loves.” While she refers to …
Worship: Loving God with All My Mind
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true…think on these things. Philippians 4:8 Who has walked through the valley of depression without learning a few lessons about how thoughts and emotions intertwine? Anxiety, panic attacks, and highly stressful situations can also teach us a similar lesson. It may seem like emotions are in the driver’s seat, …
Worship: A Personalized Journey
Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. John 21:22 If there is anything that trips up my personal worship of my Savior, it is the same comparison trap Peter struggled with in his post-denial, post-resurrection conversation with Jesus. Paraphrasing, Peter queries, …
Abiding: Worship Beyond Sunday
Abide: “To remain or stay in a given place, state, or relation. It conveys a sense of persistence and continuity, often implying a steadfastness or enduring presence.” In the New Testament, it pictures a continual connection with Christ. (Bible Hub definition from Strong’s Concordance) Abiding is not a difficult concept when we consider occupying our …
New Year Resolutions or Who Will I Worship?
14 For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God: Exodus 34:14 Humans are given to excess. If it is available, easily accessible, and satisfying to the flesh, whatever “it” is can quickly become an idol. New Year’s resolutions reflect this truth every year. What do …
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The Branch: A Nobody from Nowhere
Advent Day #22 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene. Matthew 2:23 Interestingly, there is no direct quote from the Old Testament of this prophecy Matthew cites, but there are dual meanings associated with his …
A Pretense of Worship
Advent Day #20 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him …
The Piercing Sword
Advent Day #17 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be …
Worthy Beyond Human Expectation
Advent Day #16 Glory to God in the highest,and on earth peace,good will toward men. Luke 2:14 The Shepherds must have done their assignment well that first Christmas night because the Angels’ refrain was sung again on Palm Sunday when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. And when he was come nigh, even now …
His Song in the Night 