Category Archives: General

Yesterday was Thanksgiving—a day set aside to give thanks for all the blessings in our lives. But how many of us truly pause and take time to give thanks? If you did, way to go!  The truth is for many, Thanksgiving has become little more than an excuse to eat turkey, watch football, and planContinue reading “Choosing Gratitude”

In Matthew 5:1-2, 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.” This passage introduces one of the most profound moments in Scripture: the Sermon on the Mount. And as Jesus begins to teach, there’s anContinue reading “Being His Disciples”

As we enter the rainy season in Oregon, it serves as a reminder of the natural rhythms God has woven into creation—not just in the changing weather, but in the patterns of our own lives. Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”  Each season,Continue reading “The Seasons of Life”

Today is November 8th, but I’m writing this devotional a week in advance because my wife and I are going away for a few nights to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary. So I’m actually writing this before the elections take place. Right now, I have no idea what the outcome will be, and it’s possibleContinue reading “Trusting God’s Plan”

In John 15, Jesus invites us into a life of deep, intentional connection with Him. “I am the vine; you are the branches,” He says in verse 5. “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” This call to “abide” is notContinue reading “The Call to Abide”

Last week I spoke out of 1 Samuel where King Saul had been pursuing David, hoping to kill him. From the moment he was anointed by Samuel, David faced many challenges—none more daunting than being pursued by King Saul. Yet, despite the danger and uncertainty, David’s heart was anchored in God’s promises. He knew thatContinue reading “The LORD is My Rock”

This week, I had the privilege of going to our district conference and one of the speakers talked about the church in Antioch. He referenced Acts 13:2, where we see a pivotal moment in the early church’s history. This is what it says: “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said,Continue reading “We’re All Set Apart”

If you’ve been at church the last few weeks, you know that I’ve been in a series on Jesus and Politics. The truth is, this political climate we find ourselves in has been divisive and polarizing. We see people taking sides, digging in their heels, and sometimes even dehumanizing others who don’t share their views.Continue reading “Caring for the Interests of Others”

In Philippians 1:3, Paul’s words, “I thank my God every time I remember you,” offer a powerful reminder of the importance of relationships in our lives. We were created for relationship—relationship with God and relationship with others. God has placed people around us, not by accident, but as part of His divine plan. Yet, theContinue reading “Thanking God for Our Relationships”

This week in my devotions, I’ve been reading in the book of Joshua and it talks about the Promised Land that was being divided up amongst the tribes of Israel. And at the very end of chapter 21, in verse 45, it says: “Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to Israel failed; everyContinue reading “Experiencing the Promised Land”