This week I happened upon this statement in reflection upon Satan’s tempting of Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4.1-11): The evil one offers Jesus everything God the Father offers Him, but on a different timetable and with different requirements. Jesus remains sinless and validates His readiness to begin making Himself known as the Messiah.1 I believe we all […]
Warnings Against Troublemakers
Christians play on a team, and if you forget that you’ll lose your way.
August 6
As I write I am in the midst of a home maintenance situation that has me seeking gracious words, instead of self-pitying ones, along with clear thinking and creative action. And patience. And humility – always a lesson to be learned, a sinful attitude to acknowledge and repent of. So yesterday I was telling myself, This is not […]
Paul Lays Out His Future Plans
Make your plans, move forward, and be flexible if God should call an audible.
July 30
Which is more dangerous, do you think? The new stop sign on a street you travel regularly? Or the stop sign removed along one of your typical routes? I have got one of each on my usual routes through my neighborhood. In my mind they are both new happenings, though both changes occurred a few years ago. Still, I have to think about them […]
God’s Old Testament Salvation Promises
When we extend patience and mercy to one another God is glorified.
July 23
One of the things I love most about living in the Pacific Northwest is that we enjoy four distinct seasons. Unlike most, Summer is not my favorite. I am more partial not to the sunny months but to the under 70 degree days with more clouds than sun. Yes, blue skies with a few fluffy cumulous clouds are […]
Don’t Trip Up, Build Up
Paul urges the strong to make allowances for the weak.