I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20).  An old car commercial boasts, “You are what…

Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. (Psalm 119:97-99) The power to obey the Lord requires that we know what honors…

When the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy. (Titus 3:4-5) Raising his family in the rural South, my father taught all his sons how to use a cross-cut saw. One brisk, fall morning, we began sawing through a…

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. (Eccl. 4:9-10) There are no shortcuts to spiritual victory, but thankfully there is no mystery either. Seeking prayerful associations and accountability with others is one key. As we support one another…

Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. (John 6:32-33) In the Old Testament, we see God providing…

Be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Eph. 5:1-2) My ministry began with the privilege of leading an historic church. I soon discovered that I was not prepared for the problems and pain of…

Stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. (Phil. 1:27-28 NIV) Do you remember those old…

God has established his commands in order to care for those his grace secures.

Trials come in many forms, but they all will come to a heavenly end for God’s people.

If we know there are always blessings and battles, we won’t be distracted by one or destroyed by the other.