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Speak
It happened in a nondescript field somewhere just beyond Juno Beach. With more than 150,000 troops landing on the Normandy coastline, it would have been easy to miss a few men here and there. Soldiers stumbled over their fallen brothers as they made their way into the occupied zone. One foot at a time, they took back control from the entrenched Germans. Soldiers made their way into the open fields to fight the occupied forces. A few of them, barely past their 19th birthday, breathed their last breath as they were caught in a sudden crossfire. They fought briefly, but…
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… come in the wait …
The Construct of Impulsivity may seem like a lofty word, but the reality of it is quite basic. Behavioral science has spent years researching impulsive natures in regards to motor functions and rash responses. The advertisement/product world has relied upon this research in the study of consumer spending habits. In a broader view, emotional decisions are being made everyday in relationships, jobs, and church affiliation that often lead to regret. Marriages are taking place with almost no forethought. Large purchases are made without considering the ongoing cost. Movements are taking place with the promise of something better, many of which…
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Whispers and shadows … the sum of our lives
I was young the first time I heard a choir sing, “Only What You Do For Christ Will Last.” The song invaded my ambitions; most of which did not include preaching. The prevailing thought among my peers was to make our mark. Tangible success was the goal. The lyric became a roadblock to those ambitious ideas. Being a part of the Kingdom was all that mattered. Not notoriety or position. Justus did not win the casted lot in Acts chapter 1. Matthias won and it was he who took the seat of Judas Iscariot. History records Justus as a disciple…
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Giving Mom
The prevailing thought of motherhood has taken some odd turns in the last few decades. While the traditional definition still holds true, current culture has included a host of other descriptions that are far from the original, biblical model. These distorted views have caused a disruption regarding the call of God in the lives of many would-be ministers. In some circles, the Giving Mom has been limited to the work, time, and energy given on behalf of her children. We see her as the selfless one cooking, cleaning, and working long hours without complaint. This description is the common view…
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Disciplines of a Godly Home
It happened in a season when kings would go off to war. Perhaps the trophies and treasures of past victories had spoiled David’s desire to lead his army into yet another battle. Instead, David remained in Jerusalem while his faithful men journeyed to confront the enemy. A series of missteps and broken roadblocks led this passionate king to move outside of his God-appointment. David wandered aimlessly atop his palace where temptation took the lead. The tragedy of his undisciplined life resulted in adultery, murder, the death of a son, a fractured kingdom, and a pointing prophet. Like the falling of…
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CORE: These Two
Peeling away the outer layers of almost any subject, it is most likely you will discover the motive or the reason. Within this thought resides “The Heart of the Matter” or The Core. Ishmael was born because of Abraham’s root problem of patience and trust. David’s issue came about through lust and displacement; Saul fell through pride. All were exposed when they dismissed their Core Principles and God’s directives. The healing of the nation comes about through a return to the Law of the Lord. Psalms 33:12 “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD.” The world looks to…
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‘spirit of the age’
This may be bold, but it is apparent that the ‘spirit of the age’ has infected a host of Pentecostal homes. The root of the matter lies in what is called postmodernism. The thought here is subjectivism. Israel experienced this calamity: Judges 17:6 “every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” Many are developing the fleshly habit of thinking scripture and spiritual authority can be negotiated based on the circumstance. The end of that road is the exclusion of biblical doctrines. We were once emphatic that there was only One Lord, One Faith, and One Baptism (Ephesians…
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Balance
In respect to the time, it is apparent that our western culture has seen its most violent shifts in the last few years. Governments, debt, divorce, crime, and a host of other factors make our generation a stark contrast to those before us. The American way of life has become disheveled. While there is a difference between the saint and the sinner, I have found that what exists in everyday life often makes its way into the mindset of the Church Body. One of the issues is that of Balance – I am not speaking of a steady equilibrium. I…
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The Passover
By the time Moses had retreated and Pharaoh had dug in, the land of Egypt was wasted. Nine plagues had ravished both water and land; crops and livestock. The residue of God’s judgment could be seen in every corner of the nation. God made His intent clear when He said, Exodus 14:18 “And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD…” Of the ten plagues only one was able to afflict both Hebrew and Egyptian. The tenth plague would know no boundary. The ninth was that of Darkness, and yet, there was light in the land of the Lord’s…
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“Seed”
November 11, 1918, marked the beginning of the end of World War I. An armistice was signed shortly after 5 a.m., but the cease fire would not be in effect until 11 a.m. Those six hours were said to feel like an eternity. Even afterward, some of our soldiers which were entrenched did not want to celebrate or come out of their bunkers. War develops heroes, but it also produces profound fear. The news of the war’s end was not readily received by all. A few even thought of digging in a little deeper. They heard the report, but did…