Pastoral

  • Devotional notes Psalm 123+John 11

    MORNING Psalm 123 B1 What does this mean? C1 We look to Yahweh for help and guidance first. C2 We watch for His answer (waiting). C3 Many do not love God, His ways, His rules, His lifestyle, or His worldview, so they persecute our brothers and sisters for their faith. B2 How do I…

  • Devotional Notes Psalm 120+John 8

    MORNING Psalm 120 B1 What does this mean? C1 Deliver me from my lying lips and more likely those who lie about me/us. C2 Compare Jeremiah: Jeremiah 20:10 NLT I have heard the many rumors about me. They call me “The Man Who Lives in Terror.” They threaten, “If you say anything, we will…

  • A Few Thoughts on John 20:8

    John 20:8 GW Then the other disciple, who arrived at the tomb first, went inside. He saw and believed. Happy Resurrection Day The setting B1 Jesus was murdered by crucifixion by the Romans with the blessing of the Jewish leaders. B2 Despite all protections by the Roman guard, the tomb is empty. B3 Now…

  • A Few Thoughts About Good Friday

    Good Friday is when we remember the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus. What day did He die? B1 Those who teach Friday, here is one example. B2 Those who teach Thursday, here is one example. B3 Those who teach Wednesday, here is one example. B4 Personally, I don’t care. I am thankful that Jesus…

  • The Pedestal

    I posted this 16 Feb 15 but thought I should post it again – People have a tendency to elevate individuals to practically god-like status in which everything they say or teach is the truth. Many popular preachers of all stripes have their own unappointed apologists. When one popular preacher’s teaching was criticized there…

  • A Few Thoughts About Subconscious Sin—Part 2

    Types of sins B1 Of ignorance, that is, did not know or did not pay attention, but either way, it was not subconscious. Leviticus 5:17 NLT Suppose you sin by violating one of the LORD’s commands. Even if you are unaware of what you have done, you are guilty and will be punished for…

  • A Few Thoughts About Subconscious Sin—Part 1

    Examples: B1 Sermon I heard recently. Speaking about pride, the preacher mentioned, “If you have pride in your life, God will resist you. Right? Didn’t we just read that? (1 Peter 5:5—editor) We receive power from God, when we humble ourselves and that is called grace. Okay, so that’s why it is really, really…

  • A Few Thoughts About Frustration

    Definition B1 Frustration C1 Source #1: in connection with attempts to do something, to cause disappointment, anger, or confusion in (a person). (Source) C2 Source #2: The act of preventing the accomplishment or fulfillment of something: (Source) C3 Frustration In psychology, frustration is a common emotional response to opposition, related to anger, annoyance and…

  • A Few Thoughts About “Nearer My God To Thee”

    Lyrics: Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! E’en though it be a cross that raiseth me Still all my song would be nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! – Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down, Darkness be over me, my rest a stone…

  • A Few Thoughts About Worry

    I heard an online sermon the other day where it was stated, “If you worry, it means you are not trusting God. It means you are proud…” Is worry pride? Is worrying being prideful? Definitions: B1 Pride: C1 Definition 1 (Source) D1 Definition of worry (Entry 2 of 2) 1a: mental distress or agitation…