James 5:19-20 “My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” Rip Van Wrinkle. That’s who John Benton, Director for Pastoral Support at Continue Reading…
Luke 18:1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. I’ve read the parable of the persistent widow many times, but a few mornings ago the words seemed to jump off the page. I embraced Jesus’ words—to always pray Continue Reading…
Philippians 2:4 “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Yippee! I got a window seat! I had not flown on an airplane in a long time. Continue Reading…
Psalm 17:7 “Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand” We sing about it, read about it. It’s so familiar we almost trivialize it. Yet, I can’t think of a better time of year to ponder and proclaim the wonders of God’s love. This Continue Reading…
Matthew 7:11 “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Sometimes I get overwhelmed with God’s good gifts. About 17 years ago, a friend asked if our Continue Reading…
Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” I need God. And the more I sense my spiritual poverty, the richer I become. No matter where I am or what I’m doing, my lack always leads me to his abundance. As some of Continue Reading…
Luke 15:24 “For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” Prodigals. They can be found in every spectrum of Christianity. They flee from religious establishment congregations as well as free-in-the-spirit flocks. Kids raised on the Donut Man, Veggie Tales and Jesus Continue Reading…
Psalm 18:2-3 “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies.” Do you see God as your deliverer, the one who Continue Reading…
Mark 2:4-5 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are Continue Reading…
Acts 20:35 “…remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Do you ever think about how you posture yourself for the day? I whispered a quick prayer the other morning before I left for my meeting. “Lord, please change my mindset Continue Reading…