Truth
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Weekend Thought: Jesus Calls Us His Friends
You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. – Jn 15:14-15 These are such sweet words from our… Continue reading
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What Are You Building?
Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unlessthe Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.– Psalm 127:1 I’ve always loved building things. One of my fondest memories takes me back to my senior year of high school, where I was in vocational school (carpentry)… Continue reading
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Comfort? Or Truth?
Then the prophet Jeremiah said to Hananiah the prophet, “Listen, Hananiah! The Lord has not sent you, yet you have persuaded this nation to trust in lies. Therefore this is what the Lord says: ‘I am about to remove you from the face of the earth. This very year you are going to die, because… Continue reading
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God As He Is
For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. – Romans 1:21 In his commentary on Romans chapter 1, R. C. Sproul observes, “The most fundamental sin in our fallen, corrupt nature is the sin of idolatry,… Continue reading
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In The Midst of Our Doubts…
“God always gives us light in the midst of our doubts when we have no other purpose but to please Him.” – Brother Lawrence, Fourth Conversation That quote above by Brother Lawrence speaks to something that most of us know by experience, even if we don’t always recognize it in the moment. God’s light doesn’t… Continue reading
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Confession is Essential
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9 John doesn’t allow much room for pretending, does he. “If we claim… Continue reading
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Little Conversations
I had a conversation recently that’s been sitting with me. It started the way these conversations often do – grief. Someone talking about losing a person they loved. Then the familiar sentence: “At least they’re in a better place now.” I didn’t pounce or preach. I just listened. But I did notice the door cracked… Continue reading
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The Darkness We Must Confront in Genesis 19
Lot went outside to meet them and shut the door behind him and said, “No, my friends. Don’t do this wicked thing. Look, I have two daughters who have never slept with a man. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do what you like with them. But don’t do anything to… Continue reading
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The Good Shepherd’s Prayer
[Jesus said] I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. – John 17:9 His work was almost finished. With the cross only hours away and the weight of the world pressing in on Him, Jesus wasn’t thinking about Himself – He… Continue reading
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Truth Overcomes Fear
Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, “He is a good man.” Others replied, “No, he deceives the people.” But no one would say anything publicly about him for fear of the leaders. – John 7:12-13 It’s interesting to me how divided people were about Jesus, even back then while walking… Continue reading
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If You’re Not Reading Your Bible, How Do You Know What’s True?
Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. – John 17:17 Truth is under attack. Always has been. Satan’s not subtle about it – well, he is subtle, actually. He doesn’t just come out and lie; he twists the truth, mixes in half-truths with lies, and makes it all sound reasonable. Jesus called him… Continue reading
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At What Point Does “No Big Deal” Become One?
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything. – 1 Cor. 6:12 I read this verse over the weekend and for some reason I keep thinking about it. It’s not like Paul was saying “don’t do… Continue reading
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No More Guilt and Shame
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. – Romans 8:1 If anyone knew what it felt like to live with regret, it was the Apostle Paul. He did everything in his power to destroy the early church. Imagine the memories that must have haunted him – the faces of… Continue reading
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Why “Just Follow Your Heart” is Horrible Advice
“I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” – Jer. 17:10 In Jeremiah chapter 17, the Lord’s prophet draws a sharp line between those who trust in human strength and those who trust in the Lord. Judah’s sin was… Continue reading
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More Than Lip Service
“It is easier to be enthusiastic about Humanity with a capital ‘H’ than it is to love individual men and women, especially those who are uninteresting, exasperating, depraved, or otherwise unattractive. Loving everybody in general may be an excuse for loving nobody in particular.” C. S. Lewis C.S. Lewis had such a wonderful way of… Continue reading
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Ain’t It Good to Know You’ve Got a Friend?
I was listening to this song today while driving. It’s an old James Taylor song – one of those songs with beautiful lyrics that cause you to think of someone special in your life: When you’re down and troubledAnd you need a helping handAnd nothing, nothing is going rightClose your eyes and think of meAnd… Continue reading
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Good and Proper Thinking
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. – 2 Corinthians 10:5 As I reflect on 2 Corinthians 10:5 this morning, I’m reminded that Godly living isn’t just about my actions; it begins in my mind.… Continue reading
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God’s Kindness Opens the Door
Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? – Rom. 2:4 Have you ever considered how God’s patience and kindness in your life are gently calling you to turn away from sin and draw closer to Him?… Continue reading
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But That’s Not Fair!
About nine in the morning he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. He told them, “You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.” So they went. – Matthew 20:3-5 I have to admit, my natural instinct bristles at Bible stories like this… Continue reading
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God’s Morning Notes by the Coffee Pot
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.– Proverbs 16:9 Scott, while you were sleeping (quite loudly, I might add… might wanna schedule a sleep study soon!), I went ahead and reviewed your schedule for today. Now, a few quick updates. Notice I changed some things: 9:30 a.m. “Call insurance… Continue reading
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But He’s Such a Good Fellow!
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6 Many today don’t want to think about God, about eternity, about heaven and hell. For to think about such things inevitably leads to some very uncomfortable questions, of which require even… Continue reading
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A Warning About Pretending
But there was a certain man named Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira, sold some property. He brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it was the full amount. With his wife’s consent, he kept the rest. – Acts 5:1-2 After witnessing the selfless generosity of Barnabas, Ananias and Sapphira found themselves longing… Continue reading
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A Glory That Far Outweighs Any Temporary Pain
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. – Romans 8:18 The apostle Paul knew a thing or two about pain. Before meeting Christ, he dished out suffering as Saul, persecuting believers. Then later, as a follower of Jesus, he endured beatings, imprisonment, and… Continue reading
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A Heart Broken by Sin
For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Psalm 51:3 A life surrendered fully to God is one that faces sin head-on, not with excuses but with a heart broken by its offense against a holy and righteous God. Here in Psalm 51, we see King David, a man after God’s… Continue reading
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God’s Spiritual Conditioning Program
When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time. – Luke 4:13 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. – 1 Peter 5:8 As we come to Luke 4:13, we find a sobering moment in the life of… Continue reading
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Tent Living
So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the body of this earthly tent, because I know that I will soon put it aside,… Continue reading
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A Faith That Can Be Seen
When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” – Luke 5:20 Have you ever thought about what faith looks like? We often think of faith as something private, tucked away in our hearts… just a quiet and simple trust in God. And sometimes it is. But there are moments when faith… Continue reading
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The Problem with “Just Follow Your Heart”
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?Jeremiah 17:9 Have you ever stood at a crossroads in life, feeling a strong pull in your heart to go one way, certain that it was the right choice? Maybe it was a decision about a job, a relationship, or perhaps even… Continue reading
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Spiritual Dehydration
You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. – Psalm 63:1 Ever found yourself feeling stuck? Like you’re in a deep spiritual rut and no matter what you do – nothing changes? And… Continue reading
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The Parable of the Three Travelers
In a distant land, there was a great city known as Haven, ruled by a wise and merciful king. The road to Haven was long and winding, and many travelers sought its gates, for it was said that those who entered would find peace and purpose. But the path was narrow, and the king required… Continue reading
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From Grief to Joy
Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. – John 16:20 As Jesus spoke these words, the shadow of the cross loomed large. He knew the pain His disciples would soon endure – heart-wrenching sorrow as they watched their… Continue reading
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More Than Religion
Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. So you are ignorant of… Continue reading
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A Call to Holiness
“You must destroy all the peoples the Lord your God gives over to you. Do not look on them with pity and do not serve their gods, for that will be a snare to you. – Deuteronomy 7:16 This verse can be difficult to understand, especially when viewed through modern sensibilities. Why would a loving… Continue reading
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God Won’t Share His Throne
“Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you; for the Lord your God, who is among you, is a jealous God and his anger will burn against you, and he will destroy you from the face of the land.” – Deut. 6:14-15 God isn’t casual about your loyalty. He’s not okay… Continue reading
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Not Even One
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” – John 8:6b-7 The Pharisees dragged a woman before Jesus,… Continue reading
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Are You Going?
So he sent other servants to tell them, “The feast has been prepared. The bulls and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the banquet!” But the guests he had invited ignored them and went their own way, one to his farm, another to his business. – Matthew 22:4-5 Imagine being… Continue reading
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The Farmer’s Trade
They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. – Romans 1:25 Old Henry had worked the land his whole life. From the time he was a boy, he knew that if he wanted something, he had to earn it. His… Continue reading
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The Whole Truth and Nothing But the Truth
I am the way and the truth and the life.– John 14:6 When we become a friend of Jesus, something revolutionary happens inside us. He doesn’t just tweak a few things here and there – He transforms us completely. Our hearts soften, our perspectives shift, and our ability to love expands in ways we never… Continue reading
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Thinking Like Jesus
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 2:5 (NKJV) There are days when my thoughts get the better of me – when pride, impatience, or self-interest creeps in before I even realize it. Then I read this verse and it stops me in my tracks. Am I really… Continue reading
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When Hope Feels Lost
“But we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel.” – Luke 24:21a You ever have those moments where your hope feels crushed? Where the thing you were so sure God was going to do just… doesn’t happen? That’s where these two disciples were on the road to Emmaus. They’d… Continue reading
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What Do You See?
For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. – Romans 1:20 Have you ever stood beneath a star-filled sky at night or… Continue reading
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Only Jesus Could Do That!
When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to meet with the believers, but they were all afraid of him. They did not believe he had truly become a believer! Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus and how the Lord had… Continue reading
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“Did God Really Say…?”
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what… Continue reading
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Are You In or Out?
The teacher of religious law replied, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth by saying that there is only one God and no other. And I know it is important to love him with all my heart and all my understanding and all my strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. This is… Continue reading
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The God Who Knows and Sees
When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.” “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you… Continue reading
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Merry Christmas!
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had… Continue reading
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What We Think About Matters
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. – Philippians 4:8 A few weeks ago a friend called me, frustrated and overwhelmed. There were some situations going on at home that were stressing… Continue reading
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Despite All That We Are
Understand, then, that it is not because of your righteousness that the LORD your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stiff-necked people.– Deuteronomy 9:6 Israel stood on the threshold of the Promised Land, and Moses made it clear – they were not about to receive God’s blessings because… Continue reading
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“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
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Created For His Purpose
Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. – Ephesians 5:17 God placed each of us on this earth for a purpose. Yet many people drift through life unsure of what God’s will is for them. Instead of seeking His direction, they remain caught up in their own plans, wasting valuable… Continue reading
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Confidence in God’s Word
Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write an accurate account for you, most honorable Theophilus, so you can be certain… Continue reading
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An Awesome, Humbling Business, Indeed…
I can hide my heart, and my past, and my future plans, from those around me, but I cannot hide anything from God. I can talk in a way that deceives my fellow creatures as to what I really am, but nothing I say or do can deceive God. He sees through all my reserve… Continue reading
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Faithful Stewardship: Living to Please God
Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful. As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. I don’t even trust my own judgment on this point. My conscience is clear, but that doesn’t prove I’m right. It is… Continue reading
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Holding On Until the Blessing Comes
So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob… Continue reading
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Hard Conversations Taste Better When Seasoned with Salt
“Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” – Ephesians 4:15 To speak the truth without love can wound deeply, but love without truth lacks substance and direction. When we blend the two – truth and love –… Continue reading
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The Problem with Human Perspective
But Caleb tried to quiet the people as they stood before Moses. “Let’s go at once to take the land,” he said. “We can certainly conquer it!” But the other men who had explored the land with him disagreed. “We can’t go up against them! They are stronger than we are!” So they spread this… Continue reading
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The Parable of Two Politicians
In Luke 18:9-17, Jesus tells a story about a Pharisee and a tax collector who went to the temple to pray. The Pharisee, confident in his righteousness, compared himself to the tax collector and began to thank God that he wasn’t like him or other sinners. But Jesus says it was the tax collector, humble… Continue reading
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How About Your Self-Confidence?
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” Jesus answered, “I tell you,… Continue reading
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The Truth of God’s Love
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. – Ephesians 5:1-2 There’s a simple yet profound truth that flows through Paul’s words in Ephesians 5:1-2: We are called to… Continue reading
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We Have Heard it From His Own Lips!
At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and the teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them. “If you are the Messiah,” they said, “tell us.” Jesus answered, “If I tell you, you will not believe me, and if I asked you, you would… Continue reading
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Wrestling With The Truth
Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the… Continue reading
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Even In the Hardest of Times
Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and… Continue reading
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Bringing Back The Wanderer
My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.– James 5:19-20 It’s not uncommon for people to drift from the… Continue reading
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The Ultimate GPS: God’s Positioning System
There is a way that appears to be right,but in the end it leads to death. – Proverbs 14:12 Have you ever made a decision that seemed perfectly reasonable at the time, only to later discover it led you down the wrong path? Proverbs 14:12 warns us about this very thing – a way that… Continue reading
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A Sojourner’s Uncompromising Resolve
But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. – Daniel 1:8 Daniel could have easily compromised. He was in a foreign land, living under the rule of King Nebuchadnezzar, and had been chosen to undergo training… Continue reading
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Grace Over Perfection
Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. – Romans 3:20 One of the most frustrating jobs I ever had was back when I worked in construction many years ago. And it wasn’t because it was physically… Continue reading
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The Breakfast Sandwich Confessional
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown,… Continue reading
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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
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The Noble Pursuit of Truth
Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. – Acts 17:11 Before beginning his sermon, the pastor made this announcement to the congregation: “Today we will be reading… Continue reading
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What Matters Most
“You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.” – John 5: 39-40 Imagine someone who reads a cookbook every day, memorizes the recipes, and understands all of the culinary… Continue reading
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When The Evidence is Undeniable
When Samuel reached him, Saul said, “The LORD bless you! I have carried out the LORD’s instructions.” But Samuel said, “What then is this bleating of sheep in my ears? What is this lowing of cattle that I hear?” Saul answered, “The soldiers brought them from the Amalekites; they spared the best of the sheep… Continue reading
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An Unpalatable Truth
Samuel said to Saul, “I am the one the LORD sent to anoint you king over his people Israel; so listen now to the message from the LORD. This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘I will punish the Amalekites for what they did to Israel when they waylaid them as they came up from… Continue reading
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Do They See God’s Love to You?
“Is it true that God is love to me as a Christian? And does the love of God mean all that has been said? If so, certain questions arise. Why do I ever grumble and show discontent and resentment at the circumstances in which God has placed me? Why am I ever distrustful, fearful, or… Continue reading
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Only God Knows
The astrologers answered the king, “There is no one on earth who can do what the king asks! No king, however great and mighty, has ever asked such a thing of any magician or enchanter or astrologer. What the king asks is too difficult. No one can reveal it to the king except the gods,… Continue reading
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If Jesus Had Been a Football Star…
Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. He was amazed at their lack of faith. – Mark 6:4-6 (NIV) When… Continue reading
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Ain’t You Tired?
If you’re looking for an easy and enlightening read this summer, I highly recommend Brant Hansen’s book Unoffendable. Today’s devotional is an excerpt from one of the stories in his book, (p.59-60). Brant writes: “[God] wants to know us, and he wants us to know Him. He wants us to want Him. Not ideas or… Continue reading
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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
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With Truth and With Love
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. – Prov. 15:1 While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, the teachers of the law appeared and brought a woman before him. “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery,” they said to him. “In the Law, Moses commanded… Continue reading
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A Patient Faith
“Patience is more than endurance. A saint’s life is in the hands of God like a bow and arrow in the hands of an archer. God is aiming at something the saint cannot see, and He stretches and strains, and every now and again the saint says–‘I cannot stand anymore.’ God does not heed, He… Continue reading
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The Hope You Have
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”1 Peter 3:15 When asked to be a guest speaker at a recovery meeting, the speaker is usually given… Continue reading
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Like a Dog Begging for a Treat
“If you were to die tonight and you were gaining entry into heaven, what would you say? If you or I answer it in the first person, we’ve immediately gone wrong. “Because I believe.” “Because I have faith.” “Because I have done this.” and so on; Loved ones, the only proper answer is in the… Continue reading
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The Truth Never Sleeps!
As the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and told the leading priests what had happened. A meeting with the elders was called, and they decided to give the soldiers a large bribe. They told the soldiers, “You must say, ‘Jesus’ disciples came during the night while we… Continue reading
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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
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The Joy of Being Pursued
When I first met my wife, I knew right away that the search was over. The only problem was that she didn’t know it at the time. And so it would take several months of diligent planning to somehow win her love. Our situation was quite delicate. We were both in the army – she… Continue reading
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The Fruit of Faithfulness
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. – Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV) Over the past week we’ve been working our way through the Fruit of the Spirit, and we’ve looked at Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, and Goodness. This… Continue reading
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The Fruit of Goodness
A certain ruler asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone.“– Luke 18:18-19 Today’s meditation is on the fruit of Goodness. And I think it’s important for us to look at this fruit from two different perspectives:… Continue reading
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The Fruit of Kindness
While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said,… Continue reading
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Former Blind Man Owns Pharisees, Gets Excommunicated
“Ever since the world began, no one has been able to open the eyes of someone born blind. If this man were not from God, he couldn’t have done it.” John 9:32-33 (NLT) There are numerous “mic-drop” moments in the Bible. But this one has to rank right up there near the top. A man… Continue reading
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Do You Ever Feel Forgotten?
“The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.” – Gen. 40:23 Do you sometimes go through periods in your life where you feel unappreciated, perhaps even unnoticed? Like everything you do seems to matter to no one? Maybe sometimes even wondering if perhaps even God has completely forgotten about you? Maybe you’re… Continue reading
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Are You Willing?
52 When Abraham’s servant heard what they said, he bowed down to the ground before the Lord. 53 Then the servant brought out gold and silver jewelry and articles of clothing and gave them to Rebekah; he also gave costly gifts to her brother and to her mother. 54 Then he and the men who… Continue reading
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Has the Arm of the Lord Come Up Short?
“We remember the fish we used to eat for free in Egypt. And we had all the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic we wanted. But now our appetites are gone. All we ever see is this manna!” – Numbers 11:5-6 (NLT) The Lord said to Moses, “Tell the people, consecrate yourselves in preparation for tomorrow… Continue reading
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I’m a lot like Jonah.
“But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord. Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent… Continue reading
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Blindsided by Money
“Now, y’all would guess that more often than not, the highest paid player on an NFL team is the quarterback. And you’d be right. But what you probably don’t know is that more often than not, the second highest paid player is, thanks to Lawrence Taylor, a left tackle. Because, as every housewife knows, the… Continue reading
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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
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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
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Wisdom Without Action is Wasted
“Now, Lord my God, you have made me king instead of my father, David, but I am like a little child who doesn’t know his way around. And here I am in the midst of your own chosen people, a nation so great and numerous they cannot be counted! Give me an understanding heart so… Continue reading
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Acknowledging the Bad While Accepting the Good
“When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all… Continue reading
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Getting Better Requires a Change of Diet
They make a lot of recovery meetings. They may even sign up to make coffee for the group or greet members at the door once in a while. And some of them may abstain from drinking for several months, perhaps even a few years. But they still have the same problems that they had when… Continue reading
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How Clean Are Your Dishes?
When Jesus had finished speaking, a Pharisee invited him to eat with him; so he went and reclined at the table. But the Pharisee was surprised when he noticed that Jesus did not first wash before the meal. Then the Lord said to him, “Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and… Continue reading
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The Treasure of Truth
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” – Matthew 13:44 His neighbors are peering through their windows. “What on earth? There’s a swarm of people coming in… Continue reading
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A Man on the Run
The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So they asked Jonah, “What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?” He replied, “Pick me up and throw me into the sea and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon… Continue reading
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It Was No Ordinary Loogie
“He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?” He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.” Once more Jesus put his hands on… Continue reading
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Who is Your Nathan?
“Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.” – Proverbs 27:6 When David had Uriah killed, he thought very little of it. After all, he gave Uriah a chance to live. Had he only gone home to spend some time away from battle with his wife, like David had suggested…… Continue reading
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Is There Joy in Your Suffering?
“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.” – Philippians 1:29-30 Who among us enjoys dealing with physical or emotional pain?… Continue reading
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Praying for Discernment
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.” Philippians 1:9-10 Although teaching and encouragement helps, one of the most practical ways we… Continue reading
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Becoming Captive to the Kingdom
“Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.” – Colossians 2:8 (NLT) Have you noticed how the world seems to have all of the right answers to every problem? But there’s an obvious problem with… Continue reading
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A Faith that Pleases
“Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” – Hebrews 11:6 Believing God exists is only the beginning; even the demons believe that much (James 2:19-20). God will not settle for mere acknowledgement of his… Continue reading
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Had They Only Known
“At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him.” – John 12:16 As Jesus made his way into Jerusalem, his disciples had yet to understand that this journey was ultimately… Continue reading
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A Case of Unmistaken Identity
“Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me.” – John 12:44-45 One was named Joe, the other was Mike. They often wore the same clothes, they had the same voice, displayed the same… Continue reading
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Do I Truly Hate My Sin?
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. ~ Romans 12:9 There are few things more frustrating to me than watching a highly competitive sporting event between two teams that ultimately ends in a tie. Perhaps this is why I’ve found it impossible to develop more than a mere casual… Continue reading
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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
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God Lets us Fail Sometimes
When the soldiers returned to camp, the elders of Israel asked, “Why did the Lord bring defeat on us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the Lord’s covenant from Shiloh, so that he may go with us and save us from the hands of our enemies.” ~ 1 Samuel 4:3 “Whose… Continue reading
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Name Your Price
“Buy the truth and do not sell it – wisdom, instruction and insight as well.” ~ Proverbs 23:23 “Where did you hear that?” I was asked this question the other day as I was discussing something I saw on the news with another person. After I told them, they replied, “Oh. Well that makes sense… Continue reading
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Unwanted
“Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close.” ~Psalm 27:10 Fear can be a powerfully destructive emotion. It can drive us to think things, say things, and do things that create irrational responses to otherwise normal situations. But one of the most destructive fears we all experience in life… 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!
