Someone then says, “All hope is lost!”  I would like to really evaluate that statement. Is “all hope” REALLY lost? Where does your hope come from?  Where do you find rejuvenation and an encouraged spirit?  Where do you anchor your soul ..read more

When the believer is disconnected from regular relationship with Jesus, he will struggle with a contented mind.  The gauge of our “contentedness meter” is overwhelmingly connected to living in the reality of the presence of God ..read more

Our natural response to betrayal is hurt, depression, and even anger & bitterness.  However, the Lord did not choose these.  The supernatural response (Holy Spirit empowered) is burden for the betrayer, forgiveness, and continued sacrifice.  ..read more

David was sure of his refuge and safety!  He is using strong words like “rock”, “salvation”, “defense” when describing the kind of trust he had placed in his God!  Do you realize that for Absalom to have defeated David he would have had to cancel David’s salvation, crush his rock, and conquer his defense ..read more

Satan would have you and I to add something to the finished work of Christ.  David knew better.  David’s sin exposed him to this “friendly fire” (his own family leading this coup against him) and he knew only God’s merciful hand would save him.  He knew his defense…his salvation…was found in ..read more

In 1973, a horse named Secretariat became a legend in his time. Not only did Secretariat win the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, but he did it with an unprecedented performance. At the Belmont Stakes, he not only won the race by 31 lengths, but he set new records along the way as he went faster with each phase of the run. For 1.5 miles, that famous thoroughbred ran faster every second. Secretariat was accelerating at such an incredible pace that his trainer noted if the race had been extended another lap, his heart would have literally exploded. It is always tempting to settle in to statu ..read more

What makes you want to give up?  Is it too long, too hard, or too much?  Is it too lonely or too unappreciated?  We often fill our excuses with many “toos-toos!”  The church is called to stand firm and persevere. STAND FIRM (4:1) Paul begins this section of scripture conveying his deep love for these converts with whom he has personally invested with prayer and discipleship.  Paul uses two Greek words to convey this deep personal emotion: “beloved” and “longed for.” The term “beloved” is used 27 times in his epistles.  The term “longed for” is also a repeated them ..read more

Someone asked an elderly Christian lady, “Does the devil ever trouble you about your past sins?” She answered, “Yes.” When the inquirer asked what she did then, she replied, “Oh, I just tell him to go east.” “What do you do if he comes back?” “I tell him to go west.” “And when he comes back from the west, what do you do then?” She said, “I just keep him going from the east to the west.” “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12).  Satan often uses the past to stir up guilt, fear, anger, and worry.  Preoccupation with o ..read more

It is the police officer giving you a second warning for speeding.  It is the food package warning of peanut exposure for those with allergies.  It is the pharmacist warning of possible medication interactions.  We are amply warned in many ways, but it is up to us to heed the warnings.  Refusal to heed will result in an expensive ticket, a possible experience with anaphylactic shock, or some potential serious health issues.  The cause and effect is also clear in scripture.  We are repeatedly warned, but in the end, we must choose to yield to and follow Jesus. REJO ..read more

Last year, some of the men at our church gathered together at a farm for some food, fellowship, and target practice.  Some brought food, some brought their guns, and everyone had a good time.  Several of the guys had a very good shot.  They were quick and accurate!  Then it was my turn.  I had only fired a gun one other time in my adult life and also shot a bee-bee gun a few times as a teenager.  So, among these more experienced shooters, I felt insecure. The men were very helpful with words of encouragement and practical tips as I stepped up for my turn.  I ..read more