Psalm 1

The Gospel song, “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands,” is one of my favorite refrains. I particularly love the phrase that personalizes the lyrical message when it says, “He’s got you and me brother right in His hands.” Even now in my mind I can hear Judy Dent raising her melodious voice to a crescendo in confirming this blessed assurance that He is holding us in His hands. (more…)

Acts 4:13

Peter and John’s healing of the crippled man from birth is one of the best know and rehearsed stories in the Bible. See Acts 3. This event and Peter’s subsequent sermon that resulted in the number of believers to reach five thousand people precipitated Peter and John’s imprisonment. (more…)

2 Timothy 1:13

As Paul sat in a Roman prison he sensed that his life’s journey and ministry was coming to a close. His pastoral instruction to Timothy has a note of finality and urgency that’s centered in Jesus Christ. (more…)

Matthew 8:5-8

The faith of this Centurion was so strikingly powerfully in absolute trust and confidence in the power of Jesus’ word that it took His breath away. See Matthew 8:10. Jesus was astonished and amazed by this Roman official’s trust in his word. (more…)

Psalm 46:10

Have you ever been to a land fill? One is overwhelmed by the acres of useless junk and abandoned materials that are being buried in the earth. It is analogous to the superfluous clutter and pointless activities that fills our minds and lives which erodes our ability to hear God’s voice. Our lives begin to look like these land fills – filled with everything but God. (more…)

1 Samuel 3:8-10

This week we are studying the Pauline theme of “living to please God.” The fact of the matter is when pleasing God is the motivation of my life, then the basis for Christian authenticity, altruistic service, and true happiness is legitimately experienced and constructed. (more…)

1 Thessalonians 4:1

As Paul concludes the first epistle to the Thessalonians, he admonishes them “how to live in order to please God.” 1 Thessalonians 4:1. This was not an uncommon theme in his letters to the churches. He instructed the Ephesians’to “live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” Ephesians 4:1. (more…)

1 Thessalonians 2:13

The Word of God: what a profound statement. For some the Scriptures are an objective entity that can be studied, handled, and mastered solely for informational purposes. But it’s so much more than another literary source that’s the subject matter for scholars, preachers, and even skeptics. (more…)

Colossians 4:2

Paul closes his stirring letter to the church in Colosse with the vital instruction: “devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert at it with thanksgiving.” Colossians 4:2. In the original language (Greek) of the New Testament the word “devote” means to be “steadfastly attentive unto something, to persevere and not to faint.” (more…)

Revelation 3:19

How often have you heard the expression “tough love?” More importantly, how often have you had to administer it to your erring child? The challenge for any parent is to administer correct discipline in an appropriate way and never in anger. If the truth is told, it’s a feat easier said then done at times. (more…)