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Approach the Throne Boldly
- -Have you ever wondered if you’re bothering God with repeated requests for help? I have, at times. When we ask for God to intervene, and then experience what seems to be a delay in his response, we can become heartsick. We can lose patience, and even listen to the devil’s… Read More -
Let Us Not Weary the Lord with Our Words
-Life is full of tests. Have you noticed that? Whether believers or not, we all encounter tests of integrity, strength, endurance, knowledge, and patience. It’s the way things are under the sun. I am a writer, a singer, a teacher, a counselor—in short, a communicator. My life is an endless… Read More -
The Seal of God
- -Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. (Song of Solomon 8:6) Occasionally I will buy or be given a product that is… Read More -
Limping Around the Altar
- -Strange title, right? It comes straight out of Scripture. What I’m about to share with you is not soft, warm and fuzzy. I just take Scripture as it presents itself to me and try not to avoid things that are uncomfortable. And then sometimes I share them with you, dear reader.… Read More -
Hear in Heaven, Lord: A Way to Pray for Israel Today
- -As I read the narratives surrounding David’s son Solomon, and the establishment of his kingdom in Israel, I am struck by the incredible relevance of Solomon's prayers to the current horrific conflict happening in Israel. We read that Solomon, “had dominion over all the region west of the Euphrates from… Read More -
Be Ye Reconciled!
- -Paul taught in his second letter to the Corinthians that Christ-followers have been given a word of reconciliation and a ministry of reconciliation. As with other deep theological truths, there is great mystery here, because the initiator of reconciliation is God, whose ways are never fully explainable by human beings.… Read More -
Craving the One Right Thing
- -This year I’ve been reading the English Standard Version in my daily devotionals. Any time that I use a less familiar translation (for many years prior I have used either KJV, NKJV, NIV, and NLT) I notice words and phrases that are translated differently. This makes me pause and ask… Read More -
What Are You Seeking?
- -This fall our Bible study group is starting an inductive, verse-by-verse study of the Gospel of John. We’re only to Chapter 2, and already it has been so drenched with truth and application that I can hardly keep up. Last night we were discussing how Jesus began gathering his disciples.… Read More -
Contempt Kills Love, Honor, and Peace
- -When contempt for God and for people creeps into relationships—relationships with God, with spouses, with friends, with political allies or opponents, or with brothers and sisters in Christ—it metastasizes to destroy love, honor, and peace. Early in the book of 2 Samuel, there are several stories that illustrate this truth.… Read More -
God's Mercy in Jonah's Story--and Ours
- -Sometimes atheists and antagonists of Christianity say they can’t or won’t believe in a God they perceive as mean and angry. They may think Jesus is OK, but the Old Testament God, they believe, is like the ancient gods who must be appeased, and that he happily smites people who… Read More -
Making Music in God's House
- -Last week's blog described David’s music ministry toward Saul. I explored how God often uses music to inspire us, instruct us, convict us, and even heal us when we are broken. This week, I want to share some thoughts about music ministry in the church. I have a long perspective,… Read More -
Music as Therapy for Soul and Spirit
- -I’ve been a musician since early childhood. Music has been playing in the background or foreground through all of my developmental stages and in all of my many adventures. I didn’t plan or predict it, but long before I was educated in counseling, I earned a BFA in jazz guitar… Read More
The Scripture Comes to Life Blog
One of my greatest joys is reading and studying the Bible. While I do so, I pray that God will give me supernatural insight I’ve never seen or heard preached before. He has faithfully done so. A teacher at heart, my study is driven by a desire to teach and share the wonderful truths he reveals.
I’ve written on a wide variety of themes and topics. The blogs are searchable by topic and with keywords.
As you read, may Scripture come to life for you in many marvelous and helpful ways.