Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his …
Getting God’s Guidance (Part 5)
The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity… Plans are established by seeking advice. So if you [undertake important things], obtain guidance… A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way? (Proverbs 11:3; 20:18,24) Pastor Octavius Winslow (1808-1878) warns, “Beware practical atheism which excludes God from …
Whiter Than Snow
Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. (Isaiah 1:18) Winter snow reminds me of Jesus’ precious gospel, announced 700 years ahead of His first coming by Isaiah, Christ’s prophet, in the Scripture above. Isaiah …
Jesus: Our Mighty God
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6) Who is Jesus? That’s the ultimate issue now and it was 2,000 years ago also. Seeing Christ’s marvelous deeds and hearing His exciting, …
Jesus: Our Wonderful Counselor
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6) We hear these words in Handel’s oratorio “Messiah.” But long before Handel and 700 years before Jesus came the first time God spoke …
One Anothering, Part 4 (Fellowship Among Christ’s People)
Used at Belhaven University, River Pointe Church, prison ministry, and pastoral counseling. Jesus said—“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35) This posting is Part 4. You can read One Anothering, …
One Anothering, Part 3 (Fellowship Among Christ’s People)
Used at Belhaven University, River Pointe Church, prison ministry, and pastoral counseling. Various Bible translations are used. Jesus said—“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35) This posting is Part 3. …
One Anothering, Part 2 (Fellowship Among Christ’s People)
Used at Belhaven University, River Pointe Church, prison ministry, and pastoral counseling. Various Bible translations are used. Jesus said—“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35) This posting is Part 2. …
One Anothering, Part 1 (Fellowship Among Christ’s People)
Used at Belhaven University, River Pointe Church, prison ministry, and pastoral counseling. Jesus said—“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35) We will deal with our Lord’s commandment later in this …
Giving Others the Benefit of Doubt
Surely the human mind and heart are deep, mysterious, unsearchable, and complex. (Psalm 64:6 paraphrase) Christ-like Love Christian mercy includes giving people the benefit of doubt and not making assumptions about them. Various Scriptures lead me to this conclusion: “The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out….For who knows a person’s …