30 Jun

Defeating Temptation

What do you do when you face temptation? Temptation is a part of our everyday lives, but thank the Lord we never have to face it alone! The truth remains, however, that we do face it. So what do we do? It is important that you never underestimate temptation. It is a snare that catches you when you least expect it. It may appear small, but even the smallest temptation can grab hold of your life and open the doors to larger temptations. Having said that, it is also important  that you never overestimate temptation. There is no temptation you will face that cannot be conquered by God’s grace! As Romans 6:6 tells us, because our old self was crucified with Christ, we are no longer enslaved to sin. When you face temptation, even the smallest temptation, here are four actions you can take. Pray. For any trial we face, the first action we take should always be prayer. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5) Take time to look at the outcome, the consequences of your decision. If you give in to the temptation,...

14:30 / Weekly Blog

21 Jun

To Do or Not To Do?

“You are NOT to do whatever you want” (Gal. 5:17). To Do or Not To Do? “Do whatever you want.” Those words usually come after you have asked someone’s advice or input and they know you aren’t going to follow it. Or maybe your spouse says, “I would rather … but do whatever you want.” I would guess that most of the time those words mean the exact opposite; that person truly thinks you are making the wrong choice. Our culture, however, has taken those words and run with them. We live in a time of “Do whatever you want.” Advertising, sitcoms, movies, music, and even our politicians tell us that our happiness comes from buying, listening to, watching, and doing what we want. Impulse buys come from “doing whatever you want.” Eating that second serving, even though you are already full, comes from “doing whatever you want.” Listening to music that is offensive or hurtful to those around you comes from “doing whatever you want.” Opening our mouths and saying hurtful things happens because we decided to “do whatever you want.” Are you seeing a trend here? Very little that is fulfilling, enriching, and gratifying to God comes from making that decision...

19:54 / Weekly Blog

15 Jun

#DadsMatter

Being a parent is not easy. It takes time, dedication, effort, strength, love, patience, and so much more. But having access to both parents or having strong parental role models can be vital to a child’s development. As we approach Father’s Day, I have a special message for all of the Dads out there and for those who fill that role for children who need a father figure. #DadsMatter! I can’t think of a single part of my life more difficult and rewarding than being a Dad. But I wouldn’t trade a minute of it! This weekend, I would like to ask you to join me as we honor those men who step up and accept the call to be a Dad! In Ephesians, Paul notes that the command to honor your father and mother is the first commandment with a promise. Children honor their parents so “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” As Followers of Jesus, we do not need to be told about the importance of fatherhood. Scripture is filled with dozens of verses on fathers and the responsibilities of fatherhood. Fathers are essential to the well being of their children. You...

15:26 / Weekly Blog

08 Jun

Live a Life that Matters

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; I do not give it to you as the world does. Do not let your hearts be distressed or lacking in courage” (John 14:27). We take this time each year to celebrate the hard work and dedication our graduates have put into their academic pursuits. What an accomplishment! They are entering a new season of life, ready to take on new challenges and step into new opportunities. When you look at being a graduate that way, aren’t we all graduating into new opportunities and seasons of life? Just as I would say to each of those graduates, I want to say to each of you: Live a Life that Matters. Seize those opportunities and embrace the season you are entering. Here are three ways you can live a life that matters: Live with Passion Jesus says in John 10:10, “I came so that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” Embrace the awesomeness of our world, enjoy yourself, and share that passion by living the life Jesus calls you to. Live Life with Humility Paul writes in Philippians 2 that even though Jesus was God’s Son He took on the very nature of a...

15:09 / Weekly Blog

01 Jun

Expect Miracles!

I EXPECT miracles from God. I don’t just hope for them. I don’t just pray for them. I believe in faith that God can do anything, remove any roadblock, and turn any situation around, even things I would never think of! I’m defining a miracle here as “an intervention in the natural universe by God, a phenomena that transcends natural laws, or a divine act by which God reveals Himself to people.” God created everything, and He has the power to change that creation. Natural laws do not constrain Him, they are His laws! Perhaps the greatest miracle is when He chooses to reveal Himself to people directly. What a blessing! The Bible is full of miracles. Look at Daniel and his miraculous protection from the lion. God used Moses for a whole string of miracles: the plagues that led to God’s people being released from slavery, drawing water from stone, the parting of the Red Sea, miraculous provision in the desert, and the gifting of the Ten Commandments. During Jesus’ time we see healing and casting out of demons, water turned into wine, Peter walking on water, and thousands fed by bread and fish that would barely feed a family. Scripture is...

12:19 / Weekly Blog