Category Archives: General

Two weeks ago my wife spoke at church and shared a very raw and authentic message that I know was impactful for many people. In her message she was vulnerable and honest about taking on an offense that wasn’t hers to take on. It was a great reminder that all of us fall short atContinue reading “What Do You Think Jesus Thinks?”

If you’ve been around me at all, you know that I don’t have a problem carrying a conversation. My wife, on the other hand, struggles at times with conversation. That is: if I’m not around. If I’m at her side, she’s fine, because she knows she won’t have to worry about those awkward moments ofContinue reading “Step Into the Silence”

Years ago, when I was in youth ministry, I had the opportunity to have lunch with a Foursquare pastor from Germany. During that lunch we talked about numerous things concerning ministry, but there is one part of that conversation that I still remember to this day. We were talking about goals and accomplishments in ministryContinue reading “In It For The Long Haul”

Today I read the story in Exodus 14 where the Israelites were finally leaving Egypt and the oppressive rule of Pharaoh. But if you’re familiar with the story you know that after the Israelites left, Pharaoh changed his mind and he and his army take off after them. And so the Israelites find themselves betweenContinue reading “Let Him Be Your Deliverer”

This week, I once again read a scripture that changed my life years ago. It’s the story of the rich young ruler found in Matthew 19:16-22. If you aren’t familiar with the story, this rich young ruler approaches Jesus and asks Him what he must do to receive eternal life. Jesus responds by telling himContinue reading “Do You Love Jesus More Than Anything?”

This past week, I drove down to my parent’s house in Eugene. It’s a nice little drive that takes me through some beautiful farming country here in Oregon. As I was driving, I was actually praying about my devotion for this week. Then on a yard sign in front of one of the houses wasContinue reading “Approaching People With Love and Humility”

In Exodus 34, we read about Moses coming down from Mount Sinai after spending 40 days and 40 nights in the presence of the Lord. And at the end of verse 29 it says: “He was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD.” His face was literally glowingContinue reading “Radiating His Light”

In my church I’ve talked frequently about taking time to pause. It is so important to take time in the busyness of our lives and days to stop and allow the Lord to be our strength and rest. I know my times of pause are life-giving and I realize that these simple times are helpfulContinue reading “Waiting Quietly Before God”

I spent some time this week reflecting on the story of Thomas in John 20, where he didn’t believe that Jesus had risen from the dead even after the other disciples had seen Him. In verse 25 he says, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nailsContinue reading “A Mysterious and Complex God”

In Mark chapter 2, Jesus heals a man who’s been paralyzed for years with a few simple but powerful words: “Son, your sins are forgiven.” His choice of words bothered the religious leaders, because they didn’t believe Jesus had the power to forgive sins. The fact is: Jesus did have the power to forgive sins.Continue reading “The Power of Forgiveness”