He Delivers You always

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all” (Psalm 34:19, NKJV) Isn’t it good to know that we serve a Deliver? You might feel afflicted today, but God is working to bring you out of that difficult situation. It may not be in the way you thought, but you have to trust that God has your best interest at heart. An affliction is defined as the cause of persistent pain or distress. I know that afflictions can take on many forms — a sickness or hardship, a temptation, a coworker or family member. There...

Seeking and Finding

At one time or another we've all misplaced some item, like car keys, a cell phone, a ring, or the like. Then, watch out!--we turn the house or office upside down, frantically searching for that thing we think we can't live without. More often than not it's found sooner or later, under a seat cushion or a pile of mail, or maybe even right in plain sight where we just overlooked it. What relief and exhiliration we feel when that happens!  Of course, sometimes what we seek is never found, and on top of all the time and effort expended looking...

Music to My Ears

Ephesians 6:13-17 (NET) - For this reason, take up the full armor of God so that you may be able to stand your ground on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand. Stand firm, by fastening belt of truth around your waist, by putting on the breastplate of righteousness, by fitting your feet with the preparation that comes from the good news of peace, and in all of this, by taking up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Several weeks ago, I was...

Help Another, Help Yourself

Life's many problems can leave one feeling overwhelmed, alone, and helpless--an emotional paralysis that makes it impossible to cope.  One way to escape this cycle of despair is to focus on someone else who is in serious need, and devote substantial thought, energy, and prayer toward helping that person. The benefits are many, and "losing yourself" in this way is sure to lighten your own load!Among other things, doing this helps to put your own problems in perspective--no matter how bad things look for you, there is ALWAYS someone in much...

Thinking About Evangelism

I realize that we are just into October, but I am looking forward to November with great anticipation. One of the great joys in my life is teaching Sunday School and beginning in November I plan to lead my students through an in depth study of The Pilgrim‘s Progress by John Bunyan. Though written in the 1600’s, this allegory has stood the test of time. One unique aspects of Bunyan’s work lies in the fact that he gives his characters names that denote their spiritual roles and personalities. On the positive side we meet characters like Faith, Mercy, Hopeful and the main character Christian. On...