7 Lessons From Paul’s Letter to Philippi

1. When we look at the letter Paul wrote to the Philippians he refers to himself and Timothy as bond-servants of Christ Jesus, verse 1. Can we legitimately use that title, ‘bond-servants of Christ Jesus’ for ourselves? How are we serving? Are we serving with joy and willingness? 2. Paul thanks God for the believers at Philippi, verse 3. Often we might pray for our church members and Christian friends but do we think to thank God for our fellow Christians as Paul did? 3. Paul prayed for the Philippians with great joy for their ‘participation in the gospel,’ verse … Continue reading →

God Centeredness in a Post 9-11 World

I think we all struggle to come to grips with what happened six years ago. It’s unfathomable that people would cause other people such misery and destruction. On 9-11 I was here in New York City. As the rest of the world watched the horrors unfold, I was in a hurried mode getting kids packed to go into school for the day to help where I could there. We went into overdrive trying to make sure family members were safe, (one brother in law is a pilot who was flying at the time), and I knew that I had work … Continue reading →

The Healer of a Broken Heart

“Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am weak; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are troubled; but You, O LORD—how long? … I am weary with my groaning; all night I make my bed swim; I drench my couch with my tears… For the LORD has heard the voice of my weeping. The LORD has heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.” (Psalm 6: 2-3, 6, 8-9) Have you ever found yourself feeling like David has in the Psalms? I sure have. Unfortunately, during our times of brokenness we may be reluctant to take the … Continue reading →

The Mighty Ocean

One of the most spectacular sceneries I’ve viewed is the Pacific Ocean. The mountains are beautiful as is the Grand Canyon and Yellow Stone National Park, but it’s the ocean that has fascinated me the most. From a distance one can see the pounding of the waves but when walking along the shore, it’s easy to forget that body of water is powerful and ought to be feared in a sense of respect. One summer while on our family vacation, my friend and I decided to go out playing in the ocean. Thought we felt the strength of the current … Continue reading →

The Lighthouse

I was browsing eBay today and came across some certified prints from one of my favorite artists, Thomas Kinkade. One in particular of a lighthouse really inspired me to write. Well, actually, what it did was remind me of a song sung by the Christian band Audio Adrenaline called “Lighthouse” (lyrics provided at the bottom of this article). I began to think of my life and what it was like when I was drifting aimlessly while my eyes were shut. I can recall the spiritual battle for my soul; one side encouraging me to open my eyes and fix them … Continue reading →

Amazing Grace: Grace Like Rain

Outside the front door of our home is a cross which sights the lyrics to “Amazing Grace” on it. I just fell in love with it when I found it at a Christian book store. The lyrics to the song are incredibly humbling and reason for me to rejoice. The cross is a fresh reminder each time anyone walks through the door of our home of God’s grace. At this time our church is doing a series called “Living in Amazing Grace.” I too often forget how precious God’s grace really is and this series has been a great reminder. … Continue reading →

Where is Your Secret Place?

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.’” (Psalm 91:1-2) A “secret place” is somewhere you can commune with the Lord; you can seek Him and pour out your soul. It’s a safe place where it’s just you and God; where the cares of the world cease. Sometimes we can get too wrapped up in our day to day life and forget the need to connect, just us with … Continue reading →

God is Big Enough to Carry You

I think this is something too often many of us forget. Just because God is invisible to us does not reduce Him to anything weak or less significant. When in need, not every person goes running to God first. Many of us have been taught at a very young age to look for tangible outlets when in need first such as medicine, friends, an addiction, time in isolation, exercise. While some of these things are helpful, an absence of God is not going to bring benefits only the Lord can. Sometimes it takes until every tangible support is gone for … Continue reading →

Coasting In Life

You go to church, you read the Bible a few years ago, you are generally a good person and most importantly you have asked Jesus to be Lord of your life. Now it’s smooth sailing, except you can’t help but feel something’s missing… While I was in church one Sunday, our pastor said something that really stuck with me. He said, “When coasting in life, you are always going down hill.” He continued by reminding us we need God’s help to go up. Indeed, heaven is up, not down. You would not eat one good meal and suggest you never … Continue reading →

Three Thieves of Joy

God wants His children to have joy and peace in their lives. Nehemiah 8:10 says, “…for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” In God we find an inner strength and peace that surpasses anything we could ever find elsewhere. The joy that the world gives is fleshly, superficial and fleeting at best. Only the joy that comes from God can sustain and inspire the believer to be more and do more for God. It is this same joy which flows from the heart that shows those around you that you have something they need: A relationship with Jesus … Continue reading →