Marching Forth!

Our lives have the potential to make a huge positive influence on others.  For those in church ministry, it may feel like you aren't making much of a difference.  As I think about those who invested time in me as a kid, I remember and appreciate their sacrifice of time and faithfulness to God and His Word.  God is able to use straight-laced folks and complete characters to impact others for His glory. Ricardo Medina was a man I will not forget.  He was called by his friends the "crazy Cuban," and would wear a cowboy hat, boots and trench coat to church every week.  I heard stories about him going to local churches and being asked to leave because of his wardrobe.  All I know is the man loved the LORD, and he had the heart of a servant.  What I remember the most was the time he stood in as youth leader on a Sunday evening at church.  I was in grade 7 or 8, and though decades have passed I have always remembered the lesson: Ricardo taught us the ...

Suffering is an intrinsic part of life on earth.  Paul wrote all of creation is currently in the bondage of corruption brought by man's sin.  Romans 8:22 explains the scope and the effects of this corruption that brings death:  " For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now ."  It is not all bad news, for as certain as suffering and pain is present on earth, so redemption and freedom for eternity is assured for those who repent and trust in Jesus Christ.  Birth pangs are unbelievably painful, but necessary for the living miracle to be born. Jesus suffered pain on the cross and drank of the bitter cup of judgment man deserved so those who trust in Him could be delivered from sin and death.  Though Jesus has taken our punishment, pain and suffering is a necessary part of life for we all who are alive and remain - especially for those who take a stand for Jesus Christ and godliness.  Jesus promised tribulat...

" In God (I will praise His word), in the LORD (I will praise His word), 11 in God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me ?" Psalm 56:10-11 Jesus is the name of above all names, having been exalted over all others by His heavenly Father.  Jesus is the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us, and revealed God's love through sacrificial death and mighty power through the resurrection.  It is the scripture, the Word of God, by which we learn of the true nature of God in trinity:  one God revealed in the persons of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  We ought to place a high value on the Bible in study and practice, and Jesus displayed total mastery of the holy scriptures.  The Pharisees thought the study of the scriptures would give life, but the scriptures spoke of Christ who alone has the words of life.  The life is in Jesus, and by faith we can know Jesus through the written Word. One thing consistent in the book of Acts...

Years ago a mate of mine led my wife Laura and me on a trek through the National Pass at Wentworth Falls.  This morning I decided I would rise early and have a special morning with Jesus, worshiping and reading the Bible (with a Thermos of coffee!) at the base of the falls.  It was a moving experience.  With the access available to Christians by faith in Christ through the Holy Spirit to the Father, we do not need to rise from our beds to gave the presence of God with and in us.  But it is a profitable and glorious practice to set aside time to sit still before God when it costs something.  Jesus went away for solitary times with the Father, and we do well to follow His example. At the top of the falls, I was delighted by the crisp air and beautiful scenery.  The volume of water was not as much as I have seen before, but the water happily rushed along.  It was in my mind to head straight for the bottom of the valley, down the "Slacker Stairs."...