Peter knew what he carried. “What I do have I give to you.” He carried the authority of Christ. And because he carried it, he could release it. You cannot give what you do not carry. Discipleship begins with walking closely with Jesus — so that when the moment comes, you are not empty-handed. But... Continue Reading

Did you notice that Jesus never actually meets the centurion in the story? Everything the centurion says he says from off-stage, through messengers. Even so, Jesus is amazed at him. That’s what we read in vs 9. Jesus says: I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel. That’s a more... Continue Reading

The Christian practice of Sabbath rest has foundations that were laid long before our days of smartphones and remote work. They were laid before the time of Christ and before the time of Moses. They were laid even before “thorns and thistles” sprang up to make our work in a fallen world more toilsome and... Continue Reading

As soon as things go sideways, God makes it clear that He has a plan to put everything back in order. It won’t come through a bolt of lightning, a reset of humanity, or a divine re-ordering of creation, it will come through this unnamed “He.” Who is this He that will crush the head... Continue Reading

The supper is Christ’s gift to sinners who need grace, not a painful punishment for those who haven’t had a perfect week. The primary qualification for the table is union with Christ and a willingness to walk in unity with his people.   The congregation moved forward to receive the bread and wine, but I... Continue Reading

We are not asked to create sacred moments but to recognize God’s presence within the moments already given. Awareness grows slowly, often after the fact. That is all right. Faith learns by remembering.   We are often surprised to discover that God meets us in places we thought were ordinary. “Surely the LORD is in... Continue Reading

When the nations are raging and morality is spinning like a weathervane, Christians must refuse to panic. Anxiety is not a fruit of the Spirit. God has not surrendered His rule over history just because society decided to redefine itself. Scripture says He “works all things according to the counsel of His will” (Eph. 1:11).... Continue Reading

Praising is praying in that we tell God how great he is, and ask Him to glorify in us his name. This creates in us awareness of his majesty and authority, resulting in humble dependence on his sovereign will.   We usually think praise is singing to the Lord with songs, music and words, combined... Continue Reading

In such times, I choose also to remember that even if another person will not forgive me, I have the forgiveness of God. and I must move on.   I choose not to say or do those things that would dishonor Him; and when I do, as I will fail, I must ask forgiveness not... Continue Reading

Qualified, godly, Spirit-filled men were chosen by the people and called by the Apostles to oversee the daily distribution. In this moment we see the beginning of what would become the diaconal office: servants entrusted with the ministry of mercy, stewardship, and care.   Recently, I had the privilege of preaching at our ordination and... Continue Reading