“…they went far from me, and went after worthlessness, and became worthless.” (Jeremiah 2:5) What we pursue matters. It’s what we become.
Category: Devotions/Biblical Insights
Gloriously Inadequate
I was reading this morning in Jeremiah. The first part is the calling of the prophet and how he, sort of like Moses, says he can’t speak. Unlike Moses, though, Jeremiah claims that he is too young…just a youth. I love God’s response: “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to…
Holy Rebellion: Making the Determination to Stand
I refuse to be defeated. That statement sounds a bit absurd, if you think about it. I mean, if I’m standing in a boxing ring in front of a 230lb well-tuned fighting machine, I’m not sure that my attitude matters very much. I don’t think he cares what I refuse to do. He’s going to…
When Life Gets Tough
Life is tough. Everybody knows that. There is no way for us to get away from the troubles and difficulties that we all have to face. Sometimes, it’s little more than the inconveniences of traffic, dealing with an overbearing boss, or misplacing a wallet. Other times, it’s infinitely worse. Those are events in life that…
Come and See
As someone who has studied apologetics extensively, I know and have used all of the logical arguments for the existence of God, the deity of Christ and the reality of miracles. I have talked with people about the rationality for believing in the reliability of Scripture and the resurrection of Jesus. As a natural skeptic,…
Reboot Required
Every so often the computer gets backed up and the “pinwheel of death” on my Mac gets to spinning. That’s when I know that it’s time to restart my computer. Too many operations are going that have clogged up the system so that nothing that I’m trying to accomplish is working. A reboot is required….
I’m Journibling Romans
No, I didn’t misspell it. I’m actually Journibling. It’s supposed to be a combination of “journal” and “Bible” in which you become a scribe, actually writing out the text of Scripture, giving you an opportunity to think through what you are writing and also, by writing, a greater shot at retention. It’s a pretty cool…
[Flashback] Dead Man Walking: A Little Story of Sin and Redemption at the Price House
Reading through some old posts from my former blog, Espresso Roast, I came across this story from February 22, 2006 of a tough lesson learned by my then 5 year-old son, Jacob…a lesson we all need to learn. Yesterday my wife discovered a nice, big circle on our dining room table. Actually it was more…
Psalm 25
Psalm 25:1-7 1 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.2 O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me.3 Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous. 4 Make me…
Quiet the Chaos
Do you ever get to that place where you get so busy and so stressed that all you want to do is climb in a corner and hibernate? Or cry? Or drink five Monsters and end it all right there? You feel like you’re at the end of the thread that’s hanging off the end…
don’t know if you can zoom in and read this, but if you can, you should. Good stuff from “The Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions” (Taken with Instagram)
Mission…Impossible?
How often do we limit ourselves based on what think we can and cannot do? “I can’t” is the rally cry of the weak. Yet, Scripture says that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” (Philippians 4:13, emphasis added) and that “we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us.” (Romans 8:37). So,…
The Death of Sin
I read this morning about killing sin. Killing. Sin. Hm. Seems only fair since sin is in the business of killing us. Promising the world and delivering the grave. I had to question whether or not that is really possible. As a pastor and follower of Christ, I know that He has overcome sin, but…
Where Is Your Faith?
Last night, during Worship Out Loud at The Gathering, I spoke on Luke 8:22-25. Here are the thoughts on that passage that led to that talk. Jesus gave His disciples a command: “Get into the boat and let’s go to the other side of the lake.” They obeyed. First step of a good disciple…when you’re…
When “Judging” Isn’t Judging: Thoughts on Matthew 7
1 Judge not, that you be not judged.2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?4 Or…
Deception
Do you have a pet peeve? Is there that one thing that just sets you off quicker than anything else? I heard one person whose pet peeve was people who have pet peeves. Hmm. I think one of my greatest pet peeves is deception. I hate when people try and deceive me…especially when I know…
Devoted to Destruction
Along with several others at The Gathering, I’m reading through the Bible chronologically. Today, I read the account of Joshua leading the people to take Jericho and came across his instructions. He first told them that all within the city was devoted to destruction (people, animals, and everything but the gold). I know that sounds…
The God of Manasseh
2 Chronicles 33:1-17 2 Chronicles 33:20 To read the account of King Manasseh of Judah is absolutely amazing in regards to the mercy of God. Manasseh literally did everything he could to provoke God to fury. Reading about his faithlessness and sin toward God is like watching a fatal train crash in slow motion. I found myself actually getting…
My Enemy is NOT My Brother
In this battle, I must be keenly aware of the tactics and make sure I can identify the nature and strategy of my enemy and attack HIM and not engage in “friendly fire.” I must humble myself and realize that I can so easily put rounds in the barrel and the cross-hairs on my friends…and I’m not afraid to pull the trigger.
The Testimony of God – 1 John 5:6-10
It has always been said that actions speak louder than words. It’s one thing to make a claim, it’s another to back it up. In 1 John 5:6-10, the apostle tells us that Jesus did both. He not only claimed to be the Son of God and savior to the world, his actions are evidence…
The Circle of Love – 1 John 5:1-5
If you can get past John’s mental gymnastics, you’ll find a pretty simple concept in 1 John 5:1-5: The love of God and the love of others is so entwined that you cannot have one without the other. To get a little more complex in my explanation (as does John to a further degree), as…