Former Blackout Artist

Recovery Through Faith

Jesus

November 10, 2023

How Much Does It Bother You?

“With Christ as my witness, I speak with utter truthfulness. My conscience and the Holy Spirit confirm it. My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed – cut off from Christ! – if that would save them.”… Continue reading

Scott: Devotional

Christ, Faith, God, Grieving the Holy Spirit, Hope, Jesus, Love, Salvation, Sharing the Gospel, Testimony, The Cross, The Gospel, The Message, Witnessing
November 8, 2023

To the Churches in The Divided States of America: We Must Do Better.

“Once again, our political system has failed us.” I’m so sick and tired of hearing this. Every election cycle, it’s the same old thing. And not that elections don’t have consequences. They most certainly do. But the result of every election is largely related to the degree of influence and impact that the local church… Continue reading

Scott: Devotional, Sober Journal

Change, Christian Nationalism, Corruption, Culture Wars, Discord, Division, Faith, Hope, Immorality, Jesus, Message, Politics, Salvation, Sin, State of the Union, The Church
November 8, 2023

Weakness as a Reward

“Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weakness, so that the power of Christ can work through me.”2 Corinthians 12: 8-9 The Apostle Paul briefly talked… Continue reading

Scott: Devotional

Attitude, Change, Christ, Endurance, Faith, God, Hardship, Hope, Jesus, Love, Magnifying Christ, Perseverance, Reward, Strength, Suffering, Trials, weakness
November 7, 2023

Avoiding the Drift to Enmity Toward God

Just as a boat without an anchor becomes subjected to the laws of the sea, so too is the unanchored soul who subjects himself to the whims of the world. And yet as Christians we are called to live and serve God in a fallen world where corruption and sin abounds. The apostle James issued… Continue reading

Scott: Devotional

Cravings, Culture, Enmity, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Lust, Motives, Obedience, Pleasing God, Pleasure, Prayer, Pride, Pursuing God, Salvation, Sin, The Heart’s Desires, Transformation, Worldliness, Worldly
October 25, 2023

A Proud Mother’s Awkward Request

Being a good parent isn’t easy. Sometimes our children do and say things that frustrate us and cause us to question our parental abilities. But sometimes they make us proud, too. And when they do, there’s a natural feeling of pride and joy that overcomes us. The day that Jesus was baptized by John the… Continue reading

Scott: Devotional

Arrogance, Devotion, Glory, Humility, Jesus, Kingdom Life, Kingdom Living, Love, Obedience, Pride, Salvation, Servant, Service, Worldview
October 25, 2023

A Hard Day for a King

Being a strong leader requires God’s wisdom, courage, and the willingness to take necessary action. But what happens when the necessary action that is required puts someone you love in the crosshairs? This morning’s Scripture reading is from 2nd Samuel 19: 1-8. Word soon reached Joab that the king was weeping and mourning for Absalom.… Continue reading

Scott: Devotional

A Father’s Love, Absalom, Betrayal, Faith, Forgiveness, Grief, Heartache, Hope, Jesus, King David, Loss, Reconciliation, Salvation, The Cross
October 23, 2023

The Pharisee Who Prayed to Himself

Jesus said: Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: “I thank you, God, that I am not like other people – cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice… Continue reading

Scott: Devotional

Arrogance, Attitude, Forgiveness, Humility, Jesus, Parable, Prayer, Pride, Salvation, Self-Righteousness, Sin, The Pharisee and the Tax Collector, Works Based Salvation
October 20, 2023

That Time Jacob Gave an Angel All He Could Handle

Back in the late 1980’s they were called the Bad Boys of the NBA. They were the most hated team in the league, and no player, not even the great Michael Jordan, looked forward to playing against the Detroit Pistons. Their reputation was fed in large part by their three most physical henchmen: Rick Mahorn,… Continue reading

Scott: Devotional

Attitude, Blessing, Confidence, Crisis of Faith, Determination, Doubt, Faith, Fear, Hope, Jacob, Jesus, Spiritual Battle, Struggle, Testing, Trust, Uncertainty, Wrestling with God
October 19, 2023

Christian Zeal, by J. C. Ryle: Part 1

(If you have not read the Intro to Christian Zeal, click HERE) I. First of all, I want us to consider this question. What is zeal in Christianity? Zeal in Christianity is a burning desire to please God, to do His will, and to advance His glory in the world in every possible way. It… Continue reading

Extended Reading

Christian Theology, Christian Zeal, Christianity, Eagerness, Faith, J. C. Ryle, Jesus, Truth, Zealousness for Christ
October 19, 2023

Christian Zeal, by J. C. Ryle: Intro

It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you. – Galatians 4:18 Zeal is a subject, like many others in religion, which is sadly misunderstood. Many would be ashamed to be thought zealous Christians. Many are ready to say of zealous… Continue reading

Extended Reading

Christian Theology, Christian Zeal, Eagerness, Faith, J. C. Ryle, Jesus, Truth, Zealousness for Christ

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!

Jesus

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