Articles published in 2018

Overcoming Fear

1 John 4:18 “There is not fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.”
 
What causes you fear? Every one of us deals with fear from time to time.
Tags:  overcoming fear, John, fear, perfect love

Against the Odds

Judges 7:2 The Lord said to Gideon, “You have too many men. I cannot deliver Midian into their hands, or Israel would boast against me, ‘My own strength has saved me.’” 
 
We all love a good underdog story. Whether it is a movie like Rudy about a walk-on player who plays at Notre Dame or a movie about a boxer from Philadelphia named Rocky who overcomes all the odds to win a championship.
Tags:  Against The Odds, Underdog, Judges, Gideon

Overcoming Skepticism

John 20:25 “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” 
 
There is an old saying that goes “Seeing is believing.” But this is not always true. In scripture many people had the opportunity to see Jesus and chose not to believe. Biblical faith is a trusting response to Jesus that leads to worship. There are many reasons we doubt: our sinful nature and desire to lead our own lives can get in the way. Also, our lack of spiritual maturity: the faith of a 9 year old will
Tags:  John, Skepticism

Overcomer

John 16:33  “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

There is nothing like the feeling of overcoming a great challenge.  Maybe you faced a project at work that is finally completed: Overcomer!  Maybe you faced a relationship issue that is resolved: Overcomer!  Or maybe you faced a medical challenge and you heard the words, “The scan is clear!”  Overcomer! 

Tags:  Overcomer, Easter, Matthew

Live on Mission

Matthew 28:18-20  “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Tags:  Matthew, The Great Commission, Marines

Not So With You

Matthew 20:25 “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant . .
Tags:  Not So With You, Matthew, Leadership

Made Whole

John 5:6-8  “Do you want to get well?  Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” 

When I was young I worked part-time for my father who owned a family business.  My dad is a happy person and always enjoyed his work.  That is why I was surprised the day I walked into the office and heard him talking to a customer in a tone that was less than happy.  After hanging up he looked at me and explained, “That customer has the product and is delaying payment.  It is time to make us whole!” 

Tags:  Made Whole, John, Pick Up Your Mat, Get Up

Not My Fight

2 Chronicles 20:15 “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.”
 
Like you, I am a man of action. When a challenge comes my way I immediately start to form a plan of attack. I get excited about strategy and I am not afraid of hard work. Now all of these things are good but there is a weakness in this mindset. Sometimes, I become overwhelmed because I pick up challenges that are not my fight. 
 
In 2 Chronicles 20, the King of Judah, Jehoshaphat was overwhelmed by the
Tags:  Not My Fight, Challenges, 2 Chronicles, Battle

Wait For It!

Acts 1:4 “On one occasion, while eating with them he gave them this command: ‘Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised.’”
 
A number of years ago I served as a Chaplin for a Division 1 football program. In many ways this was a perfect union of two of my greatest loves - God and Sports! One of my favorite memories of this ministry was standing in the locker room just before a game. I never missed this moment. The energy was palpable and the anticipation was high. The coach would call the team together to give them a talk that w
Tags:  Patience, Waiting, Anticipation, Disciples, Acts, Luke