Groaning with Hope

I recently preached a message on Sunday morning from Romans 8:18-25 about how all creation groans  under the curse (including Christians).  The message was entitled Groaning with Hope.  I often feel that I have only skimmed the surface of deep truths as I leave the pulpit.  This is certainly the case any time preaching in [...]

When did Christmas Begin?

Every year I am captivated by some new facet of the Christmas story. As if a splendid diamond was turned revealing a new shimmer, glint or sparkle of light never bent or reflected that way before. This year I’m captivated with when the Christmas story truly began. Christmas is the time when we celebrate the [...]

Is Your Child in the 12%?

This article had some great thoughts about parenting.  Here is just one of them for you to consider: According to Search’s nationwide study,12% of youth have a regular dialog with their mom on faith/life issues.   In other words, one out of eight kids talks with their mom about their faith. Deut. 6:6-7    And these [...]

Are You Wearing Your Gospel Glasses?

Woe!  What a noticeable difference when you remove your glasses!  Don’t try that while you are driving! Things that were once so clear are immediately so blurry.  You’re looking at the same stuff.  Your situation hasn’t changed.  But your ability to decipher it clearly and respond appropriately is greatly impaired. Have you ever noticed how [...]

A God Who Delights to Make Wrong Things Right

“We serve a God who delights to make wrong things right.”  The words from Dr. Dan Davey’s message have been ringing in my ears this week.  They rang in my ears as I stood with the Emr family and prayed that God would heal little infant, Vera.  I heard them again as I prayed for the Stolvoort family as they hope [...]

What Defines You?

John 17:14-16 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even [...]

Day 5: Consider His Glory – Praise Emphasis Week

Philippians 2:5-11  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:  Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:  And being [...]

Par is Not Perfection: Born to LIVE as well as Die

At the Christmas season we often hear the phrase “Born to Die.”  While this is certainly an accurate statement there are other glorious gospel truths that complete the story.  Christ was also born to live for us. Let’s consider three gospel thoughts  (original by Dave Harvey):  par is not perfection, perfection for us, and the [...]

Thoughts from a Former Youth Pastor (part 2 of 2)

Sometimes when you’re in the role of youth pastor there are things that need to be said, but you really can’t. It may come across as harsh or even my motives might not be right even though I’m speaking the truth. These thoughts are meant to be a help to parents and I trust you [...]

Thoughts from a Former Youth Pastor (part 1 of 2)

I can write this because I am no longer a youth pastor. Right? No hidden motives or secret agenda because it no longer affects me. These are things I have wanted to say, but couldn’t for fear of wrong motives, being unkind or not being spirit-filled. I write these things to be a help to [...]