Writing to Help You Find and Share the Hope of Jesus
In the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, Jesus shared a story of a servant who owed his king an impossible debt. Jesus said his debt was ten thousand talents (Matt 18:24). Now, one talent alone was an incredibly large amount. It was about twenty years wages for a typical laborer at that time. So 10,000 talents … Continue reading Our Impossible Debt
"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 If you're a Christian, this world is set against you. Whether it be persecution, suffering, sickness, death, grief, struggles, sin, or just the burdens of life, the enemy works endlessly to draw us away from Jesus. How do we then live … Continue reading The Personal, Joyful, Sure Care Of God
Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.' Matthew 16:24 This week is my wife’s and my 22nd wedding anniversary. When I think back on the kid I was 22 years ago, I realize I had absolutely no idea what … Continue reading How Do We Live With Jesus As King?
"For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace." John 1:16 Over the past couple years, many of us have probably complained at some point about different supply shortages that popped up as a result of the pandemic disruptions. I was talking to the owner of the coffee shop in our town earlier … Continue reading Disruptions In The Grace Supply Chain
“[Jesus] also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt.” Luke 18:9 Jesus warned us about self-righteousness. He made it clear to us that trusting in our own righteousness would never bring us into a right relationship with God. He also made the connection that … Continue reading The Logic Of Self-Righteousness
A common phrase we hear today is “God loves you exactly as you are.” This statement is both 100 percent correct, yet so often used in 100 percent the wrong way. On one hand, this statement is absolutely true. God absolutely loves you exactly the way you are right now. He knew you and the … Continue reading Since God Loves You As You Are, He Won’t Leave You As You Are
"... that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge..." Ephesians 3:17-19 One of my previous careers before becoming a pastor was working for the South Dakota … Continue reading Comprehend How Incomprehensible God’s Love For You Is
“For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles - assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you.”Ephesians 3:1-2 We are all stewards. We’ve all been given something that doesn’t belong to us. A steward is someone who manages … Continue reading Stewarding Grace By Multiplying Grace
My Grandma passed away on March 27, 2022. She was an amazing lady who loved Jesus and loved people. Below is a copy of the remarks I gave at her funeral on April 8, 2022. I understand more of the grace and faithfulness of Jesus today because of her. The best thing I can say … Continue reading The Beauty Of A Simple, Faithful Life
“As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”1 Peter 2:4-5 I was picking up my … Continue reading Living Our Purpose Together
A Thrill of Hope 