When God is not at the center of our lives, something else will be. We must examine ourselves to see if we have any pleasant plants we have been tending.
Tending our Pleasant Plants
Fulfill the Ministry
See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord. - Colossians 4:7 "Fulfill the Ministry." Paul initially said this to Archippus, but was this a warning or encouragement? Since we do not know much about him, it is hard to tell. Some have suggested that Archippus was the first pastor to the … Continue reading Fulfill the Ministry
Longing for Home
For Your salvation I wait, O LORD. Gen. 49:18 In our text we see Jacob, who is coming to the end of his life, prophesying over his sons; the twelve tribes of Israel. As we read the text, we can see him propped up in bed weak from age, blessing his sons with perfect accuracy … Continue reading Longing for Home
Christ Jesus is the One
Pastor Jeff Saltzmann gives us five soul-searching questions to drive home the fact that we are secure in Christ.
Every Fear Must Bow
You, O Lord, are my refuge and strength. No matter what fears assail me, they cannot stand before you. Whether my anxieties are based on reality or the result of my doubting heart, you are the calmer of my soul. There is no darkness your light cannot penetrate. You are my peace. Every fear finds … Continue reading Every Fear Must Bow
Trusting God With Your Greatest Fears
And as for me, if I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved. - Genesis 43:14 Jacob had lost Joseph, or so he thought he had, and he was terrified of losing Benjamin as well. So much so that we are told his whole life was bound up in Benjamin. If Benjamin were to … Continue reading Trusting God With Your Greatest Fears
The Benefits of Adversity
The Prayer The daily battles never cease. Adversity is a companion I know too well. My strength is gone, and despair brings me low. I ask again for release from this, for I fear it will be the end of me. The enemy gathers to devour me, and their strength seems overwhelming. Lord, if it … Continue reading The Benefits of Adversity
The Pain of Discontentment
We have hearts that long after fulfillment, but far too often we seek that fulfillment in things that fail to deliver. As we long for them we find that our hearts begin to ache. If the desire is strong enough and what we want is out of our reach, it can even lead to depression … Continue reading The Pain of Discontentment
The Fight of Faith 