Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not conceited
1 Corinthians 13:4, HCSB
In a world of pain, violence, and oppression, God empowers us to live out the same love and grace that Jesus showed through the cross. The Church should be the place that this is lived out the most in harmony, forgiveness, and patience.
17 years ago this day, God blessed me with an amazing helper and friend, my wife Caitlin.
She has been with me through years of want and years of plenty.
We have encouraged each other through college degrees, and she made it possible to finally finish my M.Div. after two attempts and two schools.
We have been members (or “members”) of six churches, four of which I have been in leadership roles of some capacity. She has helped me grow in Christ and as a leader, especially as a pastor. This has helped me step into a new pastoral role, and she is an amazing pastor’s wife.
I know she has grown in Christ, for I have seen it, yet I pray she continues to grow deeper in her love and commitment to Christ and in drawing others nearer to Him.
She’s also beautiful and has become quite the amazing cook!
To quote The Beatles, “and I love her.”
Thank You, Lord, for this blessing. May we be a picture of Christ and His Church.
I love you, Caitlin!
Signed,
Daniel
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him.
James 1:5, HCSB
In a world of pain, violence, and oppression, we need the wisdom of God who took these on Himself through the cross of Christ. We have the solution. Let us share Christ with the world.
Wait for the Lord; be strong and courageous. Wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27:14, HCSB
The world is full of pain, violence, and oppression, but we do not fear and can even bring comfort to others because we know that God is strong and on our side. He took these things on the cross for our sake, so we now take His peace and freedom into the world.
Those who are persecuted for righteousness are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
Matthew 5:10, HCSB
In a world of pain, violence, and oppression, we join in Christ’s redemptive work knowing we may treated the same way He was. Faithfulness to Christ amidst violence and hatred may draw them to Him.
I found out about a 7.8 earthquake on Sunday on the southern end of the Philippines when I noticed a major dip in my blog views. I have a large audience from that area, so their inability to get online and subsequent absence from my views alerted me to look up the area.
If you have not seen the destruction from buildings collapsing and tsunami damage, they are in pretty bad shape.
Let us lift up the entire region, that they may recover quickly, mourn those lost well, and find comfort in Christ and His Church during this time. Pray for those searching for missing people, strength to endure, and help to come quickly.
I preached again!
We are continuing the series in Philippians, tackling the first six verses. As usual, my PowerPoint in included below the video.
The peacemakers are blessed, for they will be called sons of God.
Matthew 5:9, HCSB
In a world of pain, violence, and oppression, God calls us to bring His peace which was given to us by the Son through the cross.
The pure in heart are blessed, for they will see God.
Matthew 5:8, HCSB
In a world of pain, violence, and oppression, those who seek the goodness and justice of God combat these things with His love and grace shown through the cross and delivered by the Holy Spirit.
Our congregation currently has communion on second Sundays each month (though I would like to begin moving toward more often), so I will wait a week on following this advice.
Also, it is good advice, for we remember that this ordinance is a connection to our Lord and Savior who has called us to fellowship with Himself.
Daniel
This Sunday at Church I want to encourage you to do the following: This Sunday: Enjoy Communion at Church Today.
This Sunday: Enjoy Communion at Church Today
a simple man of God 