I recently discovered this new product from Crossway called the Scripture Journal. Crossway has produced a paperback Bible for each book of the Bible (OT and NT) that contains an entire blank page with each opening. These Bibles are inexpensive and very user-friendly. They are great for taking notes and personal study of a text. …
September 2019 archive
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Sep 18
Am I Living Wrong, because God Doesn’t Answer My Prayers?
Prayer is difficult! It requires faithful persistence (Luke 18:1-8). We may pray for something for years and God never grant the prayer as we desire. This causes us to question God, our own righteousness, and the purpose of prayer. In the opening of Luke’s gospel he tells about an older couple named Zechariah and Elizabeth. …
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Sep 17
Getting On and Off the Ministry Highway
The interstate system developed during the 1950s is successful because of the ease of getting on and off the road. The highway never stops. It is a constant flow of 65+ mph traffic. Drivers choose when they want on and when they want to get off. We call these entrance and exit ramps to allow …
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Sep 11
Never Forget!
I write these words on September 11, 2019. My Facebook news feed is filled with posts about 9/11. Most of the posts say something like . . . “Don’t Forget,” “Remember 9/11,” “Never Forgotten,” or “Always in Our Hearts.” All of these expressions of remembrance caused me to reflect on the importance of remembering. Remembering …
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Sep 11
The Suffering Shepherd
Being an elder in the Lord’s church is a daunting and stressful task. It comes with sleepless nights, sharp criticisms, and the burden of wayward sheep. While the concept of a suffering shepherd isn’t ideal–Heb. 13:17 encourages sheep to let elders serve with joy and not groaning–it is often the reality for shepherds. Thus, modern …
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Sep 09
Leading Like Jesus
Was Jesus a great leader? This question may seem blasphemous to even ask, because the answer is so assumed by us today. After all, he has led millions to follow him down through the ages. So let me ask the question more directly, “Was Jesus a great leader by the world’s standards?” The world’s common …
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Sep 04
Fake Enemies
Have you ever heard of the First United States Army group of WWII lead by General Patton in a mission called Operation Fortitude? What about the British 12th Army division which was equipped and trained to move in invading Europe? Neither of these armies actually ever existed in reality. They were invented by British and …
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