While not a Christ-centered song played at Christmas, “Winter Wonderland” is a favorite – and can point us to Jesus. It reminds me of childhood play in the snow with my family and friends. It reminds me when kids played outside, used their imaginations, and created fun. It reminds me while winter may seem gloomy…

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David began Psalm 144 by giving praise to the Lord (v. 1). Instead of petition (asking God for things), shouldn’t we begin our prayers with praise (making Him the main thing)? David praised the Lord for giving him the ability to be a great warrior. David needed this skill when he fought off the lion…

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This morning, we are continuing to pray through the book of Joel in our church staff prayer (we recently finished Revelation). In Joel’s three chapters, two events stand out: 1) an invasion of locusts (1:4) and 2) the promise to pour God’s Spirit out on all people (2:28-29). One event was horrible, stripping the land…

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I spent some time tonight reflecting on the past 25+ years of ministry. What a joy! What a ride! There have been many victories and trials, laughs and tears, and joys and heartbreaks. I thought of all the weddings I’ve had the honor of preaching (two more in the next two weeks). And all those…

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Have you ever been given the cold shoulder by someone? We all have at some point. That happened to me once with another believer. While seeing them in a grocery store, I spoke, waved, and nothing. Just a glare. I even tried it again at another time. I heard him say to his wife, “You…

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Of all we have to be thankful for, the greatest is Jesus!Colossians 2:6-7: “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.”

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First Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” You know what this verse reminds us to do: LIVE A LIFESTYLE OF THANKFULNESS. I’m not sure about you, but I’ve heard one too many complaints in 2020. Here’s the truth: THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING FOR WHICH…

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I recently sat through a refresher of biblical counseling 101. It actually was refreshing. Counseling is something that is part of my job and calling. People often ask for advice in many situations and come to me as their pastor wanting biblical wisdom and instruction. This week, I counseled a couple about their family dynamics…

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In my last post, I discussed how to leave a church well. I thought posting about how to join or choose a church well would be an appropriate followup. As I thought about it, several major factors dominated all the reasons one could use to find the church in which God is calling them to…

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Our local church has had at least three new member classes this year as pathways for people to join in membership. Being a member of a local church is where and how we worship, pray, grow, give, serve, and fellowship with other believers face to face. We must assemble – gather – live for Christ…

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