Courage
-
Like Oil and Water
What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? ~ Mark 8:36 Ahab was considered the worst king ever in Israel’s history. 1st Kings 16:30 tells us so: “Ahab son of Omri did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him.” He repeatedly disobeyed God,… Continue reading
-
A Preacher’s Courtroom Defense
King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.” Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” – Acts 26:27-28 The Caesarean courtroom was the highest political setting in the region. And it was there that the Apostle Paul… Continue reading
-
Delightful Obedience
[Saul said] “Tell David that all I want for the bride price is 100 Philistine foreskins! Vengeance on my enemies is all I really want.” But what Saul had in mind was that David would be killed in the fight. David was delighted to accept the offer. – 1 Samuel 18:25-26a (NLT) This account in… Continue reading
-
For Such a Time as This
When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s… Continue reading
-
Beautiful Feet Bring Good News!
Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. – Rom. 10:17 When William Tyndale set out to translate the Bible into English, he knew what it could cost him. In his day, the church and the crown had forbidden ordinary people from reading the Scriptures in their own language. But Tyndale couldn’t… Continue reading
-
The Power of a Desperate Prayer
Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. – 1 Samuel 1:13 In the ancient world, a woman’s ability to have children, and especially to provide her husband with a son, was considered an expression of God’s favor and blessing. But a woman’s inability to have… Continue reading
-
I’m Thankful Jesus Picked ‘The Twelve’ He Did
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” – Matthew 19:26 There are times when I’m reading my Bible and I think to myself, “What’s the point? I’m not smart enough, I’m not brave enough, I’m not disciplined enough, and I’m not good enough. What use… Continue reading
-
A Few Good Men
Remember me with favor, my God, for all I have done for these people. – Nehemiah 5:19 Nehemiah was a man who lived for God and His people. His life, as we see in the Book of Nehemiah, shines as a powerful example of what faithfulness truly looks like. He was faithful to the Lord,… Continue reading
-
Has Someone Ever Stolen Your Thunder?
But when David’s oldest brother, Eliab, heard David talking to the men, he was angry. “What are you doing around here anyway?” he demanded “What about those few sheep you’re supposed to be taking care of? I know about your pride and deceit. You just want to see the battle!” “What have I done now?”… Continue reading
-
Unashamed: A Reflection on Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. – Rom. 1:16 For the Apostle Paul, preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others was much more than a passionate endeavor; it was a divine calling and an… Continue reading
-
Do You See Giants, Too?
Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” – Numbers 13:30 You know that moment when you’re staring at something big – maybe a dream, a challenge, or a step you know God’s nudging you toward – and… Continue reading
-
Calm Seas Don’t Make Skillful Sailors
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. – 1 Cor. 16:13 It’s easy to be bold when there’s no cost. It’s easy to stand tall when the crowd is with you, when the waters are calm, and when doing the right thing doesn’t demand much. But life isn’t always… Continue reading
-
What Year That Was!
Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established. – Proverbs 16:3 Well… I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to stepping into a brand new year. And not because 2024 was a year to forget. It was, however, a year of dramatic change for me and my family. My… Continue reading
-
“My Name is Scott, and I’m….”
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.– Romans 1:16 As a recovering alcoholic, I’ve been actively involved in a 12-Step recovery program for several years now. This program has been an incredible… Continue reading
-
Do Not Be Afraid!
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.” So Paul stayed there for the next year and a half, teaching… Continue reading
-
Is The Lord With You?
“Let us find a good musician to play the harp whenever the tormenting spirit troubles you. He will play soothing music, and you will soon be well again.” “All right,” Saul said. “Find me someone who plays well, and bring him here.” One of the servants said to Saul, “One of Jesse’s sons from Bethlehem… Continue reading
-
Caring Too Much About What Others Think
Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human praise more than praise from God.– John 12:42-43 Have you ever found yourself holding back when… Continue reading
-
Jesus Never Played it Safe, and Neither Should We
“Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” His parents answered, “We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. But how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age.… Continue reading
-
Responding to Correction
“Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.” Proverbs 27:6 We often seek out friends who are kind, supportive, and affirming. But true friendship goes beyond just making us feel good; it also involves being honest, even when the truth hurts. In the passage above, Solomon reminds us that a… Continue reading
-
Fear, Pride, And Deadly Schemes
Then Saul told his men to say to David, “The king really likes you, and so do we. Why don’t you accept the king’s offer and become his son-in-law?” When Saul’s men said these things to David, he replied, “How can a poor man from a humble family afford the bride price for the daughter… Continue reading
-
When All is Not Good in The Neighborhood
So Saul summoned the men and mustered them at Telaim—two hundred thousand foot soldiers and ten thousand from Judah. Saul went to the city of Amalek and set an ambush in the ravine. Then he said to the Kenites, “Go away, leave the Amalekites so that I do not destroy you along with them; for… Continue reading
-
God’s Unseen Hand
Esther was taken to King Xerxes at the royal palace in early winter of the seventh year of his reign. And the king loved Esther more than any of the other young women. He was so delighted with her that he set the royal crown on her head and declared her queen instead of Vashti.… Continue reading
-
Winning it All
The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. – Romans 8:34 (The MSG) Imagine that your favorite sports team won the championship last year. You recorded every game, and now you’re going back and replaying the entire season… Continue reading
-
A Courageous Response
“But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God.” – Daniel 6:10 (NLT) When he won the gold medal… Continue reading
-
New Year, New Challenges, Same God
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” – Is. 43:19 Well, congrats! If you’re reading this, you survived 2023. Of course, we have the national election to look forward to this upcoming fall…… Continue reading
-
God’s Jealous Eye
When a company decides to hire a new talent from the outside instead of promoting someone from within, it can potentially result in increased productivity and a much-needed boost in morale for the entire team. Sometimes all that’s needed to get to the next level is finding the right person who has some fresh ideas… Continue reading
-
Godly Inspiration
One of the most important things a head coach will ever do for his team is pick the right player from his roster to be the team captain. As he looks through his list, he’s not only considering each player’s level of skill. He’s also looking for a player with experience, who is fearless, who… Continue reading
-
A Little Faith Can Lead to Bigger Faith
From the Treasury of Charles H. Spurgeon: The Importance of Faith “Faith is sometimes weak and comparable only to a very slender thread; but it is a very precious thing for all that, for it is the beginning of great things. Years ago they were wanting to throw a suspension bridge across a mighty chasm,… Continue reading
-
A New Lease on Life
In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, “This is what the Lord says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover.” Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to… Continue reading
-
Just keep holding on. It’s worth it.
“Think about Jesus’ example. He held on while wicked people were doing evil things to him. So do not get tired and stop trying.” – Hebrews 12:3 (NCV) Many of them would die at the hands of Nero in AD 64. But up until that point they had largely avoided execution. Still, life was not… Continue reading
-
Don’t Let Others Define Who You Are
Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are – John Wooden As Jesus was preparing to go back to Bethany to see Martha and Mary and raise Lazarus from the dead, his disciples said, “But Rabbi, a… Continue reading
-
There Will Be Opposition
When Satan sees the advancement of God’s plans, he responds by immediately going on the offensive. He actively searches for willing instruments to discourage, distract, and disrupt God’s will from being carried out. If we’re not careful, we can fall right into the enemy’s trap. After the Exile, Nehemiah had tasked the remaining Jews in… Continue reading
-
When Your Mind Goes On a Test-Drive
“Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, “Come to bed with me!”” – Genesis 39:7 It’s not a sin to be beautiful, nor is it a sin to be wealthy. But arguably no two attributes known to man can make him more vulnerable… Continue reading
-
When You’re Faced With a Battle Before the Big Battle
“Now Eliab his eldest brother heard when [David] spoke to the men. And Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, “Why have you come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.” And David said,… Continue reading
-
When the Going Gets Tough
“Men,” [Paul said], “I believe there is trouble ahead if we go on – shipwreck, loss of cargo, and danger to our lives as well.” But the officer in charge of the prisoners listened more to the ship’s captain and the owner than to Paul.” – Acts 27:10-11 Although not a sailor himself, the Apostle… Continue reading
-
Admitted to God, Ourselves, and Another Human Being
“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. – James 5:16 (NLT) There is nothing easy about the 5th Step in Alcoholics Anonymous. But if we wish to remain sober, we know… Continue reading
-
All Gain, No Vain
“For to me, living means Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be better for me. But for your sakes, it… Continue reading
-
They Knew No Shame
“For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die.” – Philippians 1:20 These are powerful words from a man… Continue reading
-
Faith Doesn’t Grow in the Comfort Zone
“Lord, if it is you,” Peter replied, “Tell me to come to you on the water.” Matthew 14:28 Recently while I was away on a trip with a good friend, we were looking for a place to eat. I casually mentioned to him (according to Google Maps) that there was a chain restaurant about 30… Continue reading
-
Winning with Grace
“How beloved and gracious were Saul and Jonathan! They were together in life and in death. They were swifter than eagles, stronger than lions.” – 2 Samuel 1:23 Imagine giving the eulogy of someone who on numerous occasions in the past tried to have you killed. This is essentially what David did in 2 Samuel… Continue reading
-
Fearless Living is a Choice
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.” – Philippians 4:6 A recent study revealed that 86 percent of those surveyed described themselves as worriers. The study then went on to conclude that the average person spends one hour and fifty minutes… Continue reading
-
Nine out of Ten Lions Prefer Satrap Succotash Over Jewish Jambalaya
“At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent.” – Daniel 6:4 King Darius liked Daniel. And for good reason.… Continue reading
-
Following and Sometimes Failing > Failing to Follow
“If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise.” – Proverbs 15:31 He was often impulsive, brash, and overly confident. Sometimes he spoke without thinking. And during three key moments in his life when his faith would be put to the strongest test, he was overcome with fear and stumbled… Continue reading
-
Defining Moments
“But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works. – Psalm 77: 11-12 My hands were shaking, and I instinctively backed away. “You can do this,” I said under my breath. “You’ve… Continue reading
-
There Is None Like It
David asked Ahimelek, “Don’t you have a spear or a sword here? I haven’t brought my sword or any other weapon, because the king’s mission was urgent.” The priest replied, “The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the Valley of Blah, is here; it is wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod.… Continue reading
-
Faith Comes Before the Solution
“He asked the king’s officer, “Why did the king issue such a harsh decree?” Arioch then explained the matter to Daniel. At this, Daniel went in to see the king and asked for time, so that he might interpret the dream for him.” ~Daniel 2:15-16 The temperature of the atmosphere was well over 200 degrees,… Continue reading
-
The Candle in a Cave
“How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? ~ Psalm 13:1-2 Have you ever experienced a season in your life when… Continue reading
About Me
Welcome! I’m Scott (aka Former Blackout Artist), and I’m so happy you decided to drop in! I hope you find the content here spiritually enlightening and uplifting. Most of all, I hope that my love of Christ is revealed through my writing and that it encourages you in some way today. Thanks for stopping by!
Former Blackout Artist 