February, 2018

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Faith

Wednesday, February 7th, 2018

During my devotional times each day I read from several different sources. One is Whiter Than Snow by Paul David Tripp, and another is The ESV Reader’s Bible, along with New Morning Mercies.  Today was one of those mornings where what I read really hit a nerve. I’d like to share it with you.

Whiter Than Snow: “The way that seems wise to me isn’t wise, and the way that is wise looks to me to be the way of the fool.” That reminds me of the Scripture which says, “There is a way which seems right to man but in the end is judgment.”

My reading in Mark was the woman with the blood-not-stopping issue and Jairus’ daughter. Both instances required faith: the woman that she could be healed (even if it was a “what have I got to lose?” approach); and Jairus, that Jesus would heal his daughter, then ultimately bring her back to life.

I need that kind of faith. Faith that sees no end but believes. Faith that take Jesus at His Word.  One side thought: I think it is interesting that Jesus did not seek the limelight when healing someone. Exact opposite actually. Says something about today’s hucksters don’t you think?

For more reflections on my reading check out my other blog: http://betransformed.ovcf.org/

 

Posted in Christian living, Doctrine, Opinion | 4 Responses »

Covered

Sunday, February 4th, 2018

I am, if the truth be known, an eclectic listener of music. I can jump from Tommy James and Frankie Valli to rock to melodic metal to worship music to classical. There are certain kinds I won’t listen to (country, rap, R&B, and opera to name a few).  Personal preference I know. That is why there are so many genres I suppose.

Last week during our worship music set we sang the following song. I heard it about a year ago sung by a high school student who was worshiping with us before she shipped out to the military.  We have since sung it with our worship team.  I LOVE this song!  If it wasn’t for Good, Good Father, it just may be my favorite.

This is my song of the week. My prayer is it will be meaningful start to your week.  It is a little long in this version but we have shortened it.

 

Posted in Christian living, Doctrine, God, Grace, Music video | 15 Responses »

Tested

Thursday, February 1st, 2018

In last week’s sermon I talked about True Love. You can read more about it here. But you know as well as I do talking about love, defining love, does not a lover make. The real test of love is when love is put to the test.

Despite all our learning or lack of it; despite all our high-falootin’ talk or lack of it; despite our rhetoric or lack of it; everyone one of us knows we will not get along with everyone. Wishful thinking. Dream thinking. “Not possible” thinking actually. “Ain’t going to happen” thinking.  Yeah…I hate to be the one to burst the bubble, but we will not be able to get along with everyone.

So…how do we keep the peace?

So…what do we do with enemies? With those who want to make our life miserable? In fact, that seems to be their mission in life. How are we supposed to act and react to our enemies?

My sermon this weekend will get down to that nitty-gritty. When you have been abused, walked on, used as a doormat or a ladder, had lies told about you, or have been stolen from…what to do? How would love respond?

Romans 12: 14-21 is not an easy passage to deal with but it can’t be skipped over either. I’d appreciate your prayers for this weekend.

I’m posting this early because Jo and I will be heading to Evansville, IN to see one our young men play one of his last two games in Indiana (Saturday is the other). He graduates from Maryville College in St. Louis this year. So we will be out and about and I will be away from a computer. I’ll have my phone to approve comments, but I despise typing anything of length on my phone. Have a great weekend!

Posted in Christian living, Family, Friendship, Grace, Preaching, Sermon Series/Topic | 5 Responses »

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