We know the story well: David vs. Goliath. A true underdog classic. Against all odds, the newly anointed shepherd-boy-king bravely faces the evil warrior-giant in battle when no one else would. With a holy and public zeal, he defends the name of his God from disgrace and his countryman from Philistine slavery or worse. Rejecting …
Continue reading You Are Not Your Own Knight in Shining Armor
Jeremiah 17:8 - He will be like a tree planted by water: it sends its roots out toward a stream, it doesn’t fear when heat comes, and its foliage remains green. It will not worry in a year of drought or cease producing fruit. Anxiety may be king in our day. Its influence is inescapable, …
Continue reading God’s Faithfulness in the Midst of Unknowns
“It is the presence of God that makes all things sweet and comfortable.” - Richard Sibbes The Puritans wrote a lot about comfort. But their idea of comfort is not the American ideal of “ease of life” or “freedom from pain”, rather they were describing the solely Christian experience of assurance. Christian assurance is the …
(A follow-up article to a sermon I preached on Song of Solomon 2:8-17) Song of Solomon is a poetic book that praises the practice of marital intimacy God’s way. Throughout history all the way up to our current cultural moment it’s message is indispensable. But, we tend to believe, it is narrowly focused: the message …
This year our church, Green Pond Bible Chapel, put together an Advent Devotional. With contributions from many of our members, we took focus on the hope, love, peace, and joy that Christ brought us and how we can respond in faith this Christmas Season. Below is my submission on Jeremiah 31:31-34 and the hope we …
Continue reading Advent Devo – Jeremiah 31:31-34: A New Heart’s Hope
Colossians 3:17 - And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everythingin the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanksto God the Father through him. Whatever we do we do in thanks to God. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you …
Continue reading An Eternal Perspective on Hardship and Trials
In Joshua 9, Joshua and the Israelites are deceived by the Gibeonites, a Canaanite people. The Gibeonites tremble at the news of what the Lord has done to Jericho and Ai. So the Gibeonites go to Joshua and put on an elaborate show and story trying to convince Israel to make peace. It works! Joshua …
Mirrors do a great job at reflecting reality. The reflect exactly what is before them - for better or for worse. Yet, even the slightest imperfection or defect can distort their reflection. Jeremiah's ministry to Israel is in part an effort to help Israel realize their state before God. Israel is stubbornly fixed in idolatry, …
Singing is inherently inspired. Songwriters write about their most awe-held topics. Singers sing about their most beloved experiences. Musicians muse over their most unshakeable hopes and dreams. We sing from our heart’s ever-flowing fount of wonder. Furthermore, singing is inherently inspirational. Teens lose their minds over the latest pop song. Armies have rallied to victory …
God’s providence leads us to John 3:16-17 this week – a great Christmas preparation passage. John 3:16-17 famously reads, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn …
Familyhood 