And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you because you obey the voice of the Lord your God. Deuteronomy 28:2 It's testimony time, so buckle up. Some of you have heard this, but most of you have not, so here we go... Let's start off by saying God is amazing. He is … Continue reading Overtaken
Samuel had to learn the voice of his God and didn’t know it initially but we are his sheep and we know his voice — the voice of a stranger we will not follow. It was during one of those moments recently, where my mouth was shut and my ears were open, that God spoke.
If you’re staring down a decision and it seems like a good idea to you, make sure it’s also a good idea to God. (It’s also a smart thing and check in to see if He hasn’t already said which direction to go — or not.) I know what you’re thinking, “Duh, that seems pretty … Continue reading It Seemed Good
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. (Isaiah 1:18) I don’t remember my Grandpa Clyde’s voice. I think about him often, but his voice always eludes me. Then … Continue reading He Saw the Lord
One of my favorite worship bands came out with a new album the other day. I sat there listening to it, fully enjoying what I was hearing until one song came on. As I listened I heard the phrase, “We’re waiting on you Lord.” I bristled. I fumed. I hate that statement. It’s stupid. Waiting … Continue reading Waiting On God
But thou art holy, O thou that inhabits the praises of Israel. (Psalms 22:3) Do you ever wonder if God looks down from heaven at our worship and thinks, “Huh..well isn’t that just…precious.” We stand there in our dimly lit sanctuaries and mumble some words while swaying to the beat of the music. Occasionally we … Continue reading Wimpy Worship
Let me just encourage you with this statement today: In a world filled with Sauls, be a Samuel. I’ll say it again. BE. A. SAMUEL. Samuel heard God and obeyed. Saul did what was right in his own eyes and then refused to take responsibility when he was called on it. Don’t be that guy. … Continue reading Be a Samuel
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2) Have you ever seen a person bound up with depression receive the joy of the Holy Ghost? Have you ever seen … Continue reading Unrecognizable
There have been a great many worship songs released in recent memory that talk about the grave. So much so, that it has got me thinking periodically of the many times that I have been there. Times where I was duped and times where I willing walked back in and plunked myself down. Enough times for feelings of condemnation and great guilt to settle in. During a time of prayer I heard God whisper, “There’s no shame in the grave.”
In Genesis 3:1 the serpent approaches Eve and seeks to ensnare her with a very loaded question -- one she knew the answer to, but didn't KNOW the answer to. To Eve's credit she came back at the serpent with, "We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die." Now if their conversation had ended there, our story would've concluded with -- and they lived happily ever after. But, sadly, we know it doesn't.
Things Pondered 