Pastor’s Blog

Daily Devotion August 31, 2023

Posted on Aug 31, 2023 in Pastor's Blog |

“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collection” (Matthew 18:15-17).

Conflict is nothing new to humanity. Disagreement has been with us since the days of Cain and Abel. Whenever two or three are gathered together, our human differences are certain to arise.

Daily Devotion August 30, 2023

Posted on Aug 30, 2023 in Pastor's Blog |

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV).

My wife and I recently adopted a pair of Lhasa Apso puppies. They are siblings. We named them Miriam and Moses. All of our pets have biblical names. Such is the consequence of living in a pastor’s home.

Daily Devotion August 29, 2023

Posted on Aug 29, 2023 in Pastor's Blog |

“Each of you should continue to live in whatever situation the Lord has placed you and remain as you were when God first called you” (1 Corinthians 7:17, NLT).

Recently, I was rummaging through boxes in the basement and came across a Buzz Lightyear action figure. I purchased the toy for my youngest son when our family visited Disney World several years ago. Buzz was Garrett’s constant companion during his toddler years.

Daily Devotion August 25, 2023

Posted on Aug 25, 2023 in Pastor's Blog |

“Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him. Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes” (Proverbs 26:4-5, NIV).

I do not know Tim Tebow personally, but I like what I see and hear from him. Mr. Tebow came to prominence during the Florida Gator’s national football championship run in 2006. (Actually, the guy broke my heart by beating my beloved Ohio State Buckeyes.)

Daily Devotion August 24, 2023

Posted on Aug 24, 2023 in Pastor's Blog |

“…go down to the shore and throw in a line and open the mouth of the first fish you catch. You will find a coin to cover the taxes for both of us; take it and pay them” (Matthew 17:27, TLB).

Some of the best fishing stories involve the one that didn’t get away. Such is the case for a high school freshman from Minnesota. Connor Halsa reeled in an unusual catch while fishing with his family in Iowa. Connor set his hook into a wallet filled with $2000 in cash at Lake of the Woods.

Daily Devotion August 23, 2023

Posted on Aug 23, 2023 in Pastor's Blog |

“There Elijah went into a cave and stayed all night. Then the LORD spoke his word to him: “Elijah! Why are you here?” (1 Kings 19:9, NCV).

I encountered a nudge yesterday. It wasn’t the first time she had prompted me. My wife asked me for the umpteenth time if I had spoken to a dear friend. I hadn’t. I can’t recall the last time my friend and I spoke.