A footstool
Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy. – Psalm 99:5 Proportionately speaking, a footstool is a small accessory compared to a throne. Picture it: God is on the throne (big) and we are welcome to approach His footstool (small). While many Scriptures emphasize God’s imminence (nearness), this one reminds […]
Our work environment
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up. – Ephesians 4:29a Recently our church staff revisited several core values that shape our work environment. To function as a unified team, the need for unanimous “buy in” on several, key values is critical. At […]
A place of brokenness
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. – James 5:16 I’ve learned much about confession over the years. Sadly, due more to personal experience than earnest study. I’ve learned that confession as “cathartic release” […]
Good men to do nothing
“Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.” – Psalm 82:3 The saying, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing” comes to mind upon studying the above verse, especially in its context. God is calling out those who […]
What’s in it for me?
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. – Proverbs 3:5 Counterintuitive. I love writing this word on a whiteboard and asking a group what it means. After a lively discussion, it’s established . . . “to go against what comes naturally (our intuition).” We are separated from […]
Not exactly a pleasant topic
Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. – Matthew 10:32 Martyrdom. Not exactly a pleasant topic, but one repeatedly addressed in Scripture—including the context for this one—as well as throughout church history and in headlines today. Apparently, holding a belief that a benevolent creator has chosen a particular […]
He has yet to fail me
Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us… – Hebrews 12:1c Typically, I abstain from corporate motivational posters. The one exception: A majestic sunrise, underscored with, “PERSEVERANCE: Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising each time we fall.” Honestly, there are moments I am tempted to give up. […]
What has you fretting?
He says, Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. – Psalm 46:10a Ever fret over the economy? Worry about godlessness in the nation? Wonder how God can allow evil and oppression to continue? Even if you haven’t yet, if the […]
The parts that still hurt
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. – Deuteronomy 6:5 Funny. I just glanced this verse over and noticed the autocorrect had inserted “hurt” where I must have mis-typed “heart.” As I pondered the “mistake,” I realized that what prevents many men from […]
Moments I am tempted to give up
Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us… – Hebrews 12:1c Typically, I abstain from corporate motivational posters. The one exception: A majestic sunrise, underscored with, “PERSEVERANCE: Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising each time we fall.” Honestly, there are moments I am tempted to give up. I […]