Just Another Blog

I remember a phrase that was tossed around some years ago (and probably is still today) that went something like this: "You just need to let go and let God."  Responding to this statement, people would shake their heads in agreement: "Yes, yes...those are such true words." And it's true: they ARE true words. We have to be willing and obedient enough in our Christian life to let go of whatever it is we are trying to control and let God be the one who steers the ship. Is this easy? Absolutely not. In 2 Samuel 6 we find the story of the Ark of God being moved. King David has put together a crack team of guys to go to Judah and bring the Ark of God to the City of David. At one point in the journey, one of the oxen that was carrying the Ark of God stumbles, causing the Ark of God to appear unsteady. In haste, one of the men helping with the transport - his name is Uzzah - reaches up to steady the Ark. This arouses the anger of God and Uzzah was struck de...

Years ago we used to sing a worship song called "Step by Step," and the lyric said "Step by step, You lead me, and I will follow You all of my days." The song is a kind of dedication or commitment made by a follower of Jesus to do just that: follow Him! Proverbs 20:24 says "The LORD directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way." I came across this in my daily Proverbs reading today, and unlike most of the book of Proverbs in my Bible, it was one of the verses that was not highlighted. (I love the Proverbs and read at least one chapter every day - I think it helps to keep me sane!) When I came across this verse in my daily reading, I read past it and then I stopped. I circled back around and read it again. And again. And again. As of late, I have found myself asking "Why?" over a number of issues and challenges I am facing, both personally and professionally. In my flesh, I often try to find my own solution to ...

When I was a little boy, I remember the envy that resided in my heart for the things that "everyone else got to do." The agonizing cry of desperation would emit from my very soul, weeping and begging with my mom (never my dad, because I KNEW what the answer would be!) to please let me do what they were doing! "Come on, Mom! Can I, please?" Anyone who has ever parented a child is familiar with the plea.  It is a plea to be part of the gang, a plea to be in the club, to be accepted, to get to participate. But it is also a plea that is rooted in sin that produces envy in our spirit.  We don't like to look at it this way; we would prefer to simply say it's something that we experience in our youth or in our physical and emotional immaturity.  The reality, however, is that it is neither physical or emotional maturity that spawns the spirit of envy. Rather, it is the immaturity of our spiritual life that creates this emotion that often translate into an action....

There are some who are living outside a relationship with Jesus Christ that would look into the life of a Christian and ask, "Why would God allow suffering in your life?" Sometimes the assumption is made that if "your God" is really who you say he is, he wouldn't allow anything negative to happen in your life.  If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you know that the reality of life in Christ is much different.  God never promises smooth sailing.  In fact, we know from scripture that the path of obedience to Christ is a challenging path to travel, but one that we can do because of the strength that God gives us through our obedience to Jesus. In the opening sentences of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, he talks about the comfort that God gives us.  Paul says that "God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort." Paul goes on to say that God comforts us "so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be ...

I recently preached a message that talked about living a life of checklist Christianity: the idea that we can somehow achieve what God has asked and required of us simply by living according to a checklist of religious activity.   Some of these checklist items include going to church once in a while (or even every week), giving some money to charity (or even being a faithful giver), helping with ministry in the local church (or even teaching a small group each and every week). Each of these things are checklist items that often make their way on to our Christian Checklist.  The idea is simple: if I do these things, or even some of these things, then I am doing "good."  I love to create lists.  I use them to keep myself on track and to make sure that tasks are completed.  I have even been known to put something on my list, just so I can cross it off and feel good about what I have done.  Pathetic? Probably. My list, however, is not what makes me s...

This past Sunday morning, I prepared in my office for the morning worship and teaching by reading and meditating on Psalm 118.  It was so moving for me in my personal devotions that I chose to share it in our time of corporate worship.  It truly is a great Psalm, focusing on the greatness of God, but even more, speaking of the importance of our expression of gratitude and thanksgiving toward our great God.  I was nearly compelled to have the congregation declare together, "His love endures forever," but refrained as I continued to share the entirety of this passage.  Why is it, I wonder, that we struggle to declare the goodness of God. I have seen articles floating around the internet for years now that tear down one style or format of worship or another. Everyone has an opinion and everyone has a better idea for how things are to be done.  But what does Scripture tell us about our worship of the Almighty? Verse 15 of Psalm 118 is just one picture of the wo...

Can I just be honest with you? I missed you at church today.  I know, you probably had a late night last night.  I am sure it must be difficult to have to get up and be somewhere by 10:45 in the morning. I missed you at church today.  I know, the kids had a game to go to.  I am sure that their future as a baseball/soccer/basketball/football star is more important than the influence you have on their lives and the example you set for them to seek God first in everything. I missed you at church today.  I know, it's hunting season again and Lord knows, those deer are only out in the woods on Sunday morning during church service! I missed you at church today. I know, you came to church last week.  It's tough to give up your time like that each and every weekend! I missed you at church today.  I know, you had a sick child in the family.  And, as a safety precaution, you kept everyone home.  You're right, that's much safer. I missed you...