Addiction, Blessings, and the Book of Job

One of the best definitions of addiction I have come across is someone who treats objects like people and people like objects. People become something to be used rather than someone to have a relationship with. Objects transform from something to be used to someone to have a relationship with. Funny thing is the way [...]

Overcoming the Christian Misperceptions of What Blessings are All About

One of the problems we face as we think about blessings is that Christian teaching and preaching have typically viewed the blessing as being about the receipt of material or spiritual benefit. As Kent Richards points out in his article on blessing in Anchor Bible Dictionary, “The primary factor of blessing is the statement of [...]

Ten Things I Am Thankful For

1. A wife who loves me and is spending 24/7 making a baby for the last 7 months.
2. Our baby boy who we have only seen pictures of but won’t meet for 2 more months when he is born!
3. A church that is genuine, friendly, and seeking God.
4. Friends who would give us whatever is [...]

What is the Hardest Thing About Being a Christian?

Being a Christian is tough work. I know Jesus said his yoke is easy and his burden is light. I know he said that we should come to him and find rest. But then he tells us that once we get there we have a cross to take up and follow him. How do the [...]

What Was Your Favorite Thing About Christmas?

I was almost surprised at how much I didn’t care about commercialism/materialism this Christmas. As appreciative as I was of everything I received I really enjoyed time with family and friends the most. Stores cannot sell the best gifts. You cannot go out and buy a gift card that guarantees more time with a loved [...]

Vegetable Soup for the Soul

In the midst of all the grief and emotions of last week we were sitting with Missy’s parents in our living room. We decided it was time to eat, even though none of us really felt all that hungry. After discussing some possibilities we decided we wanted some vegetable soup. As Missy’s mom got ready [...]

New Lord’s Supper Presiding Record & a Bunch of Thank You’s

Has anyone ever presided over the Lord’s Table more than 4 times (3 times at one service) in one Sunday? If not I may have set a record!
The Lord’s Supper is another one of those things that we have stressed the importance of taking it so much that people think all that matters is that [...]

Count Your Blessings

If you were to make a list of your top ten blessings what would they be? I wonder how many of them would be spiritual and how many material. I have been thinking about how I am so blessed to live where I live and do what I do. I have been thinking about how [...]

The Lost Art of Blessing – 3

Jacob and Esau is the old familiar story of a sibling rivalry that even started in the womb. From day one, these brothers were in contention. Esau was firstborn and with that came a great responsibility – dedicated to God, 2nd in command to the head of the household (Isaac), a responsibility to carry on [...]

The Lost Art of Blessing – 2

Let’s unpack the blessing found in Number 6:22-27.
This blessing is directed to the people of God – Israel. The ironic thing about the blessing being on Israel is that Israel are those who strive with God and prevail. Israel was Jacob, who wrestled with God and what did he ask for before he would let [...]