Month: November 2016

Wings of the Morning

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july_morning_sunbeams_by_jchandersI like to return to my favorite Psalm (139) when I am in need of comfort and guidance.  Such was the case, after my dear wife died in her sleep a year ago.  The morning of her funeral, I opened my old tattered bible to this Psalm to give me bravery, hope, and peace.  I have had this old friend for most of my Christian life; this friend with its stained, underlined verses could do that.  This old friend could comfort me in the loss of my oldest friend.

I began to read these verses, which seem to me to be very intimate  Continue reading →

Update 11.23.16

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news_headline_300TWELVE MONTHS/ ONE YEAR

It is hard to grasp the range of emotions that I have felt in the last year.  The tears, the anger, the frustration, the loneliness, but there was/is also the comfort I received from the Lord, from my family, and from my friends.  The greater love I have come to understand from my Lord and a greater appreciation of the love I had with Terrie. Continue reading →

Requiring All

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emptypockets300I think we live in a society that doesn’t want to get involved, doesn’t want to be counted on, doesn’t want to be committed – unless it’s fun and you can “come and go” as you like, and you can remain un-attached, remain unanimous and if it doesn’t cost you much.  It has to revolve around the individual –it’s all about me and what I want.

This philosophy manifests itself in relationships, families, and churches, organizations in lack of participation, faithfulness, attendance, and giving.    In each of these examples commitment and taking responsibility are lacking.

There are few who will empty their pockets to give their all, to be totally committed to something or someone.  But Jesus, when questions by the scribes, said that is what we would need to do when we love Continue reading →

Essentials For A Christian Life – Chapter Two

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CHAPTER TWO

Sin And Thenewgrowth_300 Saint (Finding Forgiveness Through Jesus)

Our sin debt was paid for by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 5:21).  It is by His grace that we were given a new life, but why do we sin after we’re saved?  Is that normal?  The Apostle Paul was one of the strongest Christians that we know of.  Yet, he described himself as the chief of sinners (1 Tim. 1:15).  He knew how our thoughts affected our lifestyle and how bad decisions would lead to sin (Rms. 8:5-11).  As the “chief sinner”, he knew in order to have a right relationship with the Lord, it is essential to seek forgiveness of our sins.  The sin and the sinner must be separated.  How does that happen?  Only through Jesus! Continue reading →