Following Jesus is not a solo pursuit. We need each other—whether we realize it or not. God has purposed to use other people to accomplish our sanctification. One of the clearest statements about this is found in Hebrews 10:24–25 (NIV) - And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, … [Read more...]
Getting to the Bottom of It
The village of Ada has been undergoing a major redesign. They are not simply placing new street signs or lampposts. They have been tearing down buildings. They have shifted main street one block to the north. And Ada Drive is currently closed as they raise the road 6 feet to align with new elevations. It has been costly – and a painful disruption … [Read more...]
Drastic Measures
God delivered his people out of slavery in Egypt and brought them to Mt. Sinai where he established a covenant with them. Moses was instructed to go up on the mountain and receive God’s law. He was there for 40 days and while he was gone, the people constructed a golden calf which they proceeded to worship. Before Moses had even returned with the … [Read more...]
The Wounds of a Friend
Proverbs 27:6 says, “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” In other words, sometimes the things that we want to hear are not the things that we need to hear. And words that hurt might be like the surgeon’s scalpel that cuts in order to heal. Most people avoid conflict when possible. So when a friend works up the … [Read more...]