January 2025
-
I’ve always struggled with insecurity. From the overly shy elementary kid to the now doctorate-wielding pastor, I still struggle at times. Whether it’s feeling like I’m “not enough,” “what do I have to offer,” or “I can’t compete with that,” these thoughts and several others are ones I attempt to take captive every day. Even
-
Do you read the verses around your favorite Bible verse? We should. They will keep you from misinterpreting Scripture. Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” That’s one of my favorites. This Scripture means Jesus doesn’t change. He’s constant. He’s always been…timeless…trustworthy. It was interesting to read the verses before
-
Tonight, there was a sweet spirit of the beginnings of revival during a church prayer meeting. The Spirit moved as we worshipped, read the Word, prayed, and sought the Lord. There was confession of sin. People were on their knees praying, crying out to the Lord. People lingered at the altar. I openly repented of
-
My new Easter devotional, 40 Jesus Filled Days of Easter: Devotionals to Help Us Keep Our Eyes on Jesus is ready…and FREE to download! I hope it blesses you and your church as you prepare for Easter (April 20, 2025). I designed the book to be a resource for Lent and start on Ash Wednesday,
-
I am finishing a pastor retreat with a few pastor friends from across the State this weekend. What a joyful time of fellowship, prayer, and renewal in the Lord. I plan to take a couple weeks away from regular daily writing as I am finalizing and proofing a new book for Lent (47 total devotionals
-
Chastity outside of marriage and fidelity inside marriage have always been Christian values. God created marriage for one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24), and it was affirmed by Jesus (Matthew 19:6) and the Apostle Paul (Ephesians 5:31). The Bible teaches that any transgression or perversion of that is sin. It also teaches God created
-
A few years ago, I went deep-sea diving with my father-in-law. We geared up, dove in, and prepared to explore. Every diver has a tank of breathable air that will last approximately one hour (depending on how deep you dive, how you regulate your breathing, etc.). As an inexperienced diver, I used my air pretty
-
Let’s face it…the longer we live, the more opportunities we have to be offended. It’s inevitable. The only way to never be hurt, offended or disappointed is to live alone in a cave in a remote island somewhere far away. Even then, the thought of people from your past can cause you problems if not
-
“Jesus said, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.’ This is the most important, the first on any list.” – Matthew 22:37-38 MSG Jesus gave us the most important command – Love God! He said it should be first on any and every list. Before you and I can
-
Now, I didn’t say church is for entertainment. And there are certainly times for seriousness. But do we look like we like each other when we assemble or that we are happy to even be there? Do we reflect joy – which is supposed to be present even in difficulties? Joy is contagious. It can’t
stephen R Harrison 