The Delayed & Destructive Consequences of Sin
God’s grace is a central theme in the Bible. This unmerited favor is the greatest gift one could ever receive. Why? Because we, as men, are imperfect and flawed. We ALL have a tendency towards sin. Sin is an unbelievably destructive force. It wreaks havoc on marriages, families, relationships, businesses, and governments. God has a clear warning in His Word...
The Greatest Prayer
After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed. John 17:1 Men, take a moment today to read and reflect on Jesus’ last prayer found in John 17. With the weight of the cross pressing in, Jesus makes a passionate plea to His Father on our behalf. Jesus’ hour has finally come. Judas and a battalion of Roman soldiers...
He Will Do It!
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5: 23-24 Men, I think we would all agree we’d like to have a spirit, soul,...
So Give Your Servant a Discerning Heart
So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor...
It’s Not About You
There’s no denying that I’m the least important person in my home during the Christmas season. My wife proudly decorates every corner of the house the moment we finish eating our Thanksgiving meal. Our tree is full of a mix of homemade ornaments but none of my childhood decorations make the cut. We have four stockings hanging on our mantle,...
Nor Were They Thankful
One of the benefits of growing up poor is that every little thing becomes a blessing. One Christmas I remember getting a football jersey with my name and number on the back. Thomas in bold letters with the number 49 below. As I wore my new jersey to school, I felt like a big deal receiving compliment after compliment from...
The Victor’s Crown
You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. Romans 14:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good...
Steel Rudders
What’s the most important part of a boat? Ask 100 mariners and you’ll hear a combination of the helm and rudder; both used to steer the vessel. I’d venture to say that everyone reading this could identify a rudder on a boat especially if you grew up in the south. It’s the vertical, blade-like appendage mounted either on the boat’s stern or below...
Speak, for your servant hears
I want God to speak to me and I want to be ready to listen and act. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been camped out in 1 Samuel. It’s a great book set in the middle of the Old Testament and full of practical wisdom and wild stories. The book chronicles the life of several key leaders in Israel...