I suppose I should start out with a disclaimer so some of you don’t turn me off before reading any further: I do not support the spirit behind the image posted to the right. I really don’t think it’s helpful (clever as it may be). However, it highlights an important point that deserves serious attention:…
Tag: Christianity
Idols of the Heart
Rarely do I teach a class or deliver a message that hasn’t already penetrated my soul and taught me first. I think that the only way a message is really exceptional is if the Holy Spirit has brought the hammer down first in the teacher/preacher’s life so that the passion can come from a place…
A song for the wilderness. I talk a lot about “The Wilderness.” All of us experience it and often we have no idea why we’re there or how or when we’ll ever get out. We ask a reasonable question: “If God loves me, why doesn’t He deliver me?” Well, I’ve often said that God is…
This is perhaps the most incredible video I have ever seen. I cannot encourage you enough to watch it. It’s well-worth the 33:03 you will invest…and watch it to the end! You are encouraged to share this with as many people as possible. There are some scenes that are graphic in nature so be advised….
A California couple is being fined for conducting a Bible study in their homes. Admittedly, it is a rather large Bible study on Sundays with up to 50 people. The city has determined it should considered a church and, thus, should apply for permits and provide ample parking and handicap access. In short, it comes…
Who’s to Blame?
Ever wonder who’s to blame for all the junk in your life? When you sin, did the Devil make you do it? When you stumble, is it because your parents didn’t teach you well enough? Are you overweight because McDonald’s serves those dog-gone fries? We’re great at assigning blame. That’s nothing new, of course. Remember…
The Amazing God of Manasseh
To read the account of Manasseh (2 Chronicles 33:1-17, 20) is absolutely amazing in regards to the mercy of God. Manasseh did everything he could to provoke God. Reading about his faithlessness and sin toward God is like watching a fatal train crash. I found myself actually getting angry at him myself as it was…
If you say that you’re a follower of Jesus, but you’re not actually following Jesus, then you’re not really a follower of Jesus. David Price
Fear Factor
I’ve been thinking alot about fear lately. As a matter of fact, it’s what I talked about this past Sunday at The Gathering. I’m not talking about just any fear, but the fear of living honestly before people. Being authentic without feeling the need to alter who you are to please someone else…
Walking Through the Wilderness (and living to tell about it!)
Yesterday at The Gathering, I read part of an old post I wrote for my former blog, Espresso Roast, in which I was struggling through a wilderness experience. Through it, I learned to trust God where I was, embrace the wilderness, and grow through it. I hope it encourages you, as well. ~ dp Originally…
Sign of the Times: Woman Sentenced for Spanking Child
In a bizarre ruling this week, a Texas woman has been sentenced to five years (!) probation, ordered to pay a $50 fine and will be required to undergo parenting classes…for spanking her child. Not beating, but spanking…open-handed…on the bottom…no bruising…spanking. Yeah. It’s Only Mostly Legal So, in spite of the fact that it is not illegal…
Everyone’s A Critic
Criticism is one of the most common and deadly forces in our world today. You’ve experienced it, right? Probably on both the giving and receiving end. It’s a weapon used regularly by friend and foe alike through innocent sounding “jabs,” thinly veiled attacks through a Facebook post, or blatant “in your face” attacks. Regardless of…
A Healthy Prayer on Blessings
“If it be consistent with thy eternal counsels, the purpose of thy grace, and the great ends of they glory, then bestow upon me the blessings of thy comforts; If not, let me resign myself to thy wiser determinations.” ~ from The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions
Quick Test of a Thankful Heart
“A thankful heart is constantly extending grace because it has received grace.” ~ Paul E. Miller, A Praying Life
Quote of the Day
Love this: “It is not unloving to do good to another for the sake of reward if part of our reward is their participation in it.” ~ John Piper Do you agree?
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,…
Resurrection Weekend at The Gathering
This weekend is going to be huge in the life of The Gathering. We are going to start the weekend with an incredible time of reflection and worship at 7:00 PM Friday, celebrating Communion together. This has always been very special to our Gathering Family and this year promises to be even better! If you…
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…
Love Wins, Part Deux: The Review
Borrowing the words of that great pop-philosopher, Charlie Sheen, Love Wins is a, “Duh, winner!” Not so fast. Would anybody else second that? Depends on your theological persuasion. Love wins has been reviewed now and the verdict is about the same as before: If you’re interested in Universalism, this book is for you. If you’re…
What a Gift!
Amazing video of the Kimyal people receiving the Bible into their own language for the first time. This is a good reminder to me on this Christmas Eve of the blessing of Christ coming and the very Scripture that reveals Him that I so quickly take for granted. God, forgive me. To have that kind…
First Baptist Church of…the Republic?
Over at the White Horse Inn, there is a good article on the Church and politics called, No Nation Under God, that I’ve included in my Google Shared Items Page and I encourage you to read it in its entirety. In this article, Pastor Jason Stellman discusses the way in which the political process has…
