Blog
Some of the most intense truths in Scripture are the final words of Jesus to His disciples after the Last Supper. His words were spoken in recognition of a world that rejects the truth and persecutes those who follow Him. We want to get along with all people, but a...
I was hiking a trail on the hills above our home when I came across a rare flower in full bloom. The flower was from the lily family of plants called the Gentner’s Fritillaria. This little lily only grows in a microclimate found in Southern Oregon. God was very...
We are familiar with the stunning miracle of the healing of a blind man at the Pool of Bethesda and the Pharisees' negative reaction. The healing of the blind man took place on the Sabbath—a day no one was allowed to “work.” They called his parents in for questioning....
There are times when we are led to speak the truth to people. When the truth is spoken, some will accept it, but others will respond by saying something similar to, “How dare you interrupt my delusions!” When this happens, it is wise to exhibit patience by...
Jan and I have never viewed tithing as a form of law but as a way to honor the Lord. In some circles, it's popular to neglect, demean, or dismiss the practice of tithing, considering it an out-of-date practice from the Law. Posting what I am about to write will raise...
We tend to form our faith around people with similar beliefs and actions. We create systematic theologies and codes of religious conduct that limit our interaction with other believers. Once those things are in place, we can become exclusive. There is nothing wrong...
While our faith is secure and protected by the Lord, when we allow our assumptions to lead us, we position ourselves in a place of vulnerability where the devil can have his way with us. We can attend religious gatherings like a church service and think we are good...
Jan and I were returning home, driving along Interstate 5 south of Canyonville, Oregon. On this part of the freeway, the roadway is surrounded by steep canyons and sharp curves where Interstate 5 cuts through the mountains. It was on that stretch of road that we had a...
In prayer, I saw an image of believers who had experienced a fresh outpouring of the new wine of God’s Spirit. They did not just taste the new wine. It was poured upon them, drenching them from head to toe in a fresh experience with Jesus. When they returned to the...
Whenever we try to make things right, we will not always do so perfectly. In some of our attempts, we will make a mess before righteous change comes. This is not just in our personal relationships. It affects even how a nation is governed. We are seeing examples of...
After Jesus was born, two prophets confirmed His assignment. One prophet was named Simeon, and the other was Anna. Both were advanced in age. Regarding Simeon, it was written that, “The Holy Spirit was on him” (Luke 2: 25). As Simeon waited for the Lord’s...
We have been called to follow the presence of God, not our emotions or any human prediction of success. This calling will look and sound strange to those not in an intimate relationship with the Lord. It will reveal the life of someone who has remained faithful to the...
Before each duty shift, when I worked as a patrol officer, I was required to dress according to department regulations. We called it “gearing up.” My uniform, my badge, and each piece of duty equipment, like my weapon, ammunition, handcuffs, and baton, had to meet...
There is a vast difference between hoping for something good to happen and placing our hope in the Lord. The Lord will faithfully lead us through the negativity and doubt that will come when we focus on resolving the circumstances that are creating our fear, rather...
After the COVID-19 vaccines were administered globally, it has now become evident that the vaccines pose significant risks in some people. Notable physicians and scientists sounded the initial alarm, and the pharmaceutical/industrial complex rejected their warnings....