In a little while, the winter Olympics will be in full swing. Athletes from all over the world will compete against each other. Their talents will be on display for all the world to marvel at. Their goals are not ambiguous, and their hearts and endurance will be tested. The author of Hebrews in chapter 12 verse 1 compares our lives … Read More
All Glory be to Christ
Well it’s that time again, the beginning of another year. In an instant we moved from 2013 into 2014. One thing that I heard continually as I watched the television broadcast from New York is city was “Its 2014, it’s a new year and a new slate for all of us. We can forget about 2013 and move into 2014.” … Read More
Three Responses to the Arrival of King Jesus
Christmas is a wonderful time of celebration. It’s a time when we get together and exchange gifts, share a meal and enjoy each other’s company. But most of all it’s a time of celebrating the coming of King Jesus nearly 2000 years ago. King Herod’s Response In Matthew chapter 2 after Jesus was born a star was placed in the … Read More
Distracted?
Thanksgiving – what a day. 4am alarm clock, 5am trip to the airport, long flight, rest, food, football, family, more food, more football, rest again, more food, more football…and throughout all of that the underlying conversation of “so what do you have to be thankful for this year?” And for me, as I hope is the case for you, though … Read More
Give Thanks
In just a week Thanksgiving will be upon us. It made me consider the questions, “Are most us truly thankful? If so, to whom?” As Christians, we should be the most thankful people of all. Why? God’s gift of our Savior, Jesus Christ is the reason why. I don’t remember who said it, but I remember the quote: “All … Read More
The Other Story
Pretty much every Wednesday night I get the privilege to share with our BASICS (middle school) group. And this Wednesday in particular I shared out of Luke 7 and I wanted to take this time to share it with you as well. The lesson this week was called “The Other Story” and it was all about getting to know someone’s … Read More
Be Still
I wrote a series of devotional readings for the upcoming youth group trip to Kingdom Bound. One of the most convicting ones for me was my reflection on Psalm 46:10. I have adapted it for a different audience, but the message of the text remains the same (and equally convicting, blogs would be much easier if they didn’t have to be … Read More
Freedom In Christ
Happy Independence Day! The Birthday of our Country’s Independence is a time of joyous celebration. It is also a time to reflect on the fact that our freedom did not come without great sacrifice. Freedom is costly. A well-known phrase in the United States Declaration of Independence is “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” This phrase gives examples of … Read More
The Mission Field In Our Backyard
Recently the Barna Group came out with a new study that showed Albany/ Schenectady/Troy as the #1 Post Christian Cities in America (See study HERE) and the 2nd from the bottom of the most Bible-Minded City in America (See study HERE). It is easy to see his finding when looking around at our immediate culture. We think, “ya, that makes … Read More
The Blessings of the Work of God
As I prepare to officiate a wedding this weekend, and three more in August, I am reminded of what a blessing and privilege I have to be involved in the lives of God’s people. God has given me a tremendous love for His people. And in doing so, He has allowed me the honor to see Him work healing in … Read More