Scripture References: John 14:15, Romans 4:1-3, Genesis 12:2, Genesis 15:1, 5-11, 17, Ephesians 2:8 Introduction: We live in a performance-driven culture. We feel that constant pressure to perform on a daily basis. Whether that is at work, school, family responsibilities, community activities…you name it. This may lead us to ask questions regarding our relationship with God. What does God expect…
Scripture References: Hebrews 13:8, James 1:26-27, Isaiah 58:3-9a, Micah 6:8, Matthew 22:36-40, Matthew 28:19-20a Introduction: The God of the New Testament is the God of the Old Testament. Perhaps the author of Hebrews states it even better: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” – Hebrews 13:8 ESV I begin with this, because I think we are…
Imagine with me the following scenario. You are having a conversation with a loved one on the couch (you get to pick whether it’s a spouse, parent, child, grandparent, friend—whomever you like). You realize that you left something on the end table next to their end of the couch. You politely ask them to pass you the item. To which…
Isaiah 40:29–31 He gives power to the faint,and to him who has no might he increases strength.Even youths shall faint and be weary,and young men shall fall exhausted;but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;they shall mount up with wings like eagles;they shall run and not be weary;they shall walk and not faint. When my family first…
Scripture References: Exodus 1:22, 2:2-10, 2 Kings 11:1-3, Matthew 2:13-16, Luke 2:10-14, Isaiah 52:7 Introduction: I work in Data Analytics, and one aspect of my job that I enjoy is taking raw data, organizing it – then using that structured data to identify patterns that can provide useful business insights. But perhaps one of the most important pieces of my…
I read a quote the other day that goes like this:“Sin is not so much a situation of guilt that has to be forgiven as a plight from which one needs to be set free.” When my kids were little, in an attempt to teach them to be compassionate and have good manners, whenever they did something that hurt their…
Scripture References: Genesis 3:15, 1 Corinthians 15:45-49, Matthew 2:3-15, Hosea 11:1 Introduction: Being a part of the worship team and writing these devotionals has personally helped me take a deeper look at the lyrics we are singing and how they can point us to Scripture. Leading up to Advent, I’ve had time to read through lyrics in some of our…
The holidays are one of the busiest travel seasons of the year. People are traveling to see family and friends or just to get away. Over years of travel around this time of year my wife and I have realized that I make a terrible road trip companion… I’m not patient enough. Growing up, we would take a 12–hour trip…
Scripture References: Matthew 28:18-20, 1 Kings 8:27, Hebrews 8:1-6, 2 Chronicles 36:19-20, 22-23, 1 Corinthians 3:16, 2 Corinthians 6:16, Ephesians 2:19-22, 1 Peter 2:4-5. Introduction: “Oh your grace so free, washes over me. You have made me new, now life begins with you.” -Death was arrested A fitting lyric for this week. There is nothing quite like a baptism service!…
When I first started getting involved in music ministries, there was (at that time) a “new” rendition of Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing. It was widely embraced as a great modern take on a beloved hymn. However, there was a problem — I had little to no idea what the lyrics meant. I wasn’t the main leader at that…