Author Archives: asimpleguy

This past Sunday, our church began the yearly tradition of lighting the Advent candles. If you aren’t familiar with the lighting of these candles, it takes place on the four Sundays leading up to Christmas and concludes on Christmas Eve.  The word “advent” actually means coming or arrival. So, we light the Advent candles inContinue reading “A Season of Hope”

There are a handful of scriptures in the Bible that talk about running the race or seeking to receive the prize. One of those verses is found in Hebrews 12:1-2 where it says: “…And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”Continue reading “Running the Race”

In Matthew 5:1, it tells us: “Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.” Some of you may be familiar with this section of scripture and remember this is what is known as the Sermon on the Mount.Continue reading “Being Part of the Crowd Isn’t Enough”

As believers, we are called to be light in a dark world. It’s something I talk about often. But one of the things I’ve realized is that our light often shines the brightest in the midst of adversity. People aren’t drawn to someone who finds joy in the midst of prosperity. Because the truth is,Continue reading “Shining in Adversity”

I talk to a lot of people who deal with insecurities and self-doubt. And if we’re being honest, we probably all deal with this at times in our lives. We have this way of comparing ourselves to others and feeling like we just don’t measure up. Or we realize the realities of our sin andContinue reading “More Than Enough”

I’m realizing that, the more I watch the news, the more people I find to dislike. We live in a time where people can voice their opinions more freely than ever before. This can—and should—be a good thing. But, unfortunately, it also has many negative aspects. The news and media continually platform people with extremeContinue reading “Love Your Enemies”

As I was praying and seeking the Lord on what to share this week, the scripture that popped into my head was John 3:16. It happens to be the first scripture I ever memorized as a little 5-year-old.  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believesContinue reading “For God So Loved”

Whether we realize it or not, living our lives for Jesus is a risky business. Yes, God is good and yes, we can experience His many blessings. But the fact that we’re called to “take up our cross daily” reminds us that living our lives fully for Him involves risk. Those that know me, knowContinue reading “Risky Business”

This week, I’ve watched the parking lot at our church transform from an old lot full of pot holes and cracks with faint lines that you could barely see to a brand-new lot with fresh pavement and crisp, beautiful lines. It’s amazing the difference between how it was before and how it is now. AndContinue reading “New Every Morning”

A question I’m asked often as a pastor is: “How do you hear the voice of God?” It’s a great question and actually an easy one to answer—“Take time to stop and listen.” We live in a world that never stops. We are continually bombarded with one thing after another. There is so much chaosContinue reading “Stop and Listen”