2016: No Fear, No Regrets
In the Denton Record Chronicle each day is a section I enjoy reading that tells what happened on this day in history. It includes how many days are left in the year. It was exciting this morning to read that there were only TWO days left in 2015. For some of us, that is good […]
Why I’m Anti Grace
“From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.” (John 1:16, NIV) I’m anti grace. There, I’ve said it. And now I should probably explain it. In the verse above, John is talking about Jesus’ incarnation – how the Lord walked among us and we beheld his glory. And when […]
Prince of Peace?
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and […]
The Word became Flesh
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14, NIV) It’s hard to believe December is already here! If your home is like ours, the calendar fills up pretty quickly […]
Don’t Miss the Voice!
[Jesus replied] “Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.” (John 12:28-29, NIV) This is an interesting verse to me. Jesus has just made […]
Deacon Means Servant
When the church first began, they quickly ran into a challenge – there was too much ministry and too few apostles! The apostles couldn’t devote their time to prayer and preaching AND do everything else that needed doing. And so, the Spirit of God led them to create the office of deacon. The word deacon […]
Being the Church
Jesus was known to upset an applecart or two in his day. In his most famous sermon, he went through a whole list of cultural norms and modified them. One in particular was love. It is natural for us to love our friends and hate our enemies. But God wants us to extend our boundaries […]
In ALL Circumstances
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV). God told the Israelites (famously repeated by Jesus) that man cannot live by bread alone. When God first said that, Israel was wandering in a desert wasteland. They were learning to trust God for his physical […]
Sunday Worship
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test […]
Joy in the Holy Spirit
I’m sure you’ve heard of the KISS principle, right? Keep it simple, stupid. Things aren’t always as complex as they seem. Sometimes the answers really are easy. Sometimes you don’t need a five point game plan, you just need to pray. Sometimes you don’t need to go for more counseling, you just need to read […]
God Goes Before You
The LORD is the One who will go before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8, HCSB) We talk a lot about how God is always with us…but we don’t talk often about how God “goes before us.” I was […]
Thanksgiving in a Box
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts […]
