Steve's Blog
Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ. Ephesians 1:3 (CSB)
The venerable song of the church urges us to “Count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.” The command sounds good until we realize we have more blessings than we could count. What did Paul mean when he told us that God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing?
Perhaps instead of mer...
Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered. Psalm 108:6 (NIV)
Words are interesting. While English may not be as expressive as other languages, including Greek, studying and understanding how we use language is still important. Today, we want to look at what it means to be delivered. A pregnant woman will deliver a baby. A postal worker delivers mail. An athlete who comes through in the clutch delivers results. God delivers us from evil and other assorted p...
If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored— so clean up your life. Job 22:23 (NLT)
Restoration is big business. People spend countless dollars restoring antiques, fine art, vehicles, homes, and much more. In the end, however, there is often little practical value. For example, certain restored antique cars are valued at millions of dollars but are rarely, if ever, driven. The cars and trucks are hauled on trailers from place to place, and people admire the craftsmanship, but they no...
They will be called “The Holy People” and “The People Redeemed by the Lord.” Isaiah 62:12 (NLT)
When I was a boy, “trading stamps” were a big deal. I remember my mom and grandma collecting S&H Green Stamps and pasting them into books. When they accumulated a sufficient quantity, they brought them to the redemption center to exchange for a desired product. It seemed like a big deal at the time, but it is trivial compared to being “The Redeemed of the Lord.”
According to the dictionary, to r...
It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 1 Thessalonians 4:3 (NIV)
“Saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Ghost!” It was not unusual in the churches I grew up in to hear people begin a testimony with that declaration. Is sanctified a word that has, for the most part, disappeared from our vocabulary? How many people know what it means? Is it still necessary?
The dictionary tells us that to be sanctified is to be set apart for a sacred pu...
The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV)
It is possible, and perhaps all too common, to be underwhelmed by the thought that God loves us. It might be easier for us to accept that he saves us than it is for us to comprehend just how much he loves us. Granted, theologically, we may receive that God loves us in theory, but how often do we take a moment reverently and consider his great l...
Jotham grew powerful because he was determined to please the Lord his God. 2 Chronicles 27:6 (NET)
Determined is a good word. Some synonyms for determined include decisive, purposeful, resolute, steadfast, and even tenacious. Determination begins with a decision that we resolve to follow through to completion.
The Bible gives us examples of determined people. Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. Daniel 1:8 (NLT) When Naomi rea...
For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. Colossians 1:13–14 (NLT)
Rescuer or rescued? The “American Spirit” was often characterized as self-reliant and independent. It is debatable how prevalent this characteristic is today, but a significant number of us still would rather be a rescuer than be rescued.
We admire “first responders” who risk their well-being to come to the aid of th...
And God has made all things new, and reconciled us to himself, and given us the ministry of reconciling others to God. In other words, it was through the Anointed One that God was shepherding the world, not even keeping records of their transgressions, and he has entrusted to us the ministry of opening the door of reconciliation to God. 2 Corinthians 5:18–19 (TPT)
Reconciliation is a word that is used primarily in relationships and financial transactions. In relationships, reconciliation occu...
I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:14 (NLT)
In our previous post, “Start Well,” we emphasized the importance of starting well in our faith to construct a life that will withstand the storms and earthquakes that everyone faces. To build securely, we must dig down deep (Luke 6:47-48) to lay the foundation of our life on the Solid Rock.
It may require multiple attempts and failures before we...
In the Beginning God… Genesis 1:1
How important is it to start well? A good start is critical in a 100-meter race, often decided by hundredths of a second. But a fast start is only one aspect of starting well. One must also begin in the right place and at the right time. It may be possible to overcome a poor start in a race, but only with exceptional talent. However, starting at the wrong place or at the wrong time will result in disqualification.
In The Sound of Music, the song “Do Re M...
Where then is my hope? Can anyone find it? Job 17:15 (NLT)
The Associated Press reported last week that the number of suicides last year in the United States reached an all-time high of 49,500 people. While other factors may be involved, hopelessness was undoubtedly a significant factor. Is there anything that we can do to bring hope to the hopeless?
Depression, anxiety, or fear will confront most of us at some point during our lives. The Psalmist faced great despair: From the depths of ...
The Lord your God is testing you to see if you truly love him with all your heart and soul. Deuteronomy 13:3 (NLT)
Does anyone enjoy being tested? In the previous article, “Test Everything,” we saw the value of examining preaching and prophecy to ensure they align with God’s word. But we start to feel uneasy when the attention is turned toward us. Some people face tests confidently, believing that they are equipped and capable, but with many of us, fear and doubt creep in and torment our in...
Don’t brush off Spirit-inspired messages, but examine everything carefully and hang on to what is good. Avoid every kind of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:20–22 (CEB)
It is common for people to say that they dislike tests. People really mean that they have no desire to undergo testing themselves, but most assuredly, they are glad that their food, water, cars, and airplanes, just to mention a few things, are tested. Paul encourages us to evaluate prophetic messages to determine if they are worthwhile...
I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. John 17:23 (NLT)
Perfect unity? What does that even mean? We look around us and see a multitude, or more accurately, myriad assemblies of different churches, groups, and organizations claiming to serve Christ. Some of the disagreements seem minor, while other disputes form “Grand Canyon like” divisions.
If that is not discouraging, i...
The concept of time is fascinating. Each day consists of twenty-four hours, 1440 minutes, or 86,400 seconds. But all time is not the same. Everyone knows that “time flies when you’re having fun.” The Bible tells us of one occasion where time stood still (or at least the sun stood still Joshua 10:12-14). Perhaps even more amazing was when Hezekiah’s sundial reversed course and went backward. (Isaiah 38:7, 8; 2 Kings 20:8-11). Scientists have struggled with these two events, but God can do anythin...
“For the Lord is a great God, a great King above all gods.” Psalm 95:3 (NLT)
I have no idea how many people would agree with Psalm 95:3. We know that one day every knee will bow in acknowledgment, but how many people live their lives today with the thought of God’s greatness foremost in their minds? While we can’t speak for others, we can speak for ourselves, shouting and singing about our great God.
The percentage of Christians who would agree with the declaration “The Lord is a great Go...
Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (NLT)
I recall that as a young pastor, two questions frequently arose while counseling people. Perhaps the most frequent question was, “How much sin can I get away with and still be covered by God’s grace?” Another popular question was, “How can I know God’s will for my life?”
The first question still irritates me to this day, but I wonde...
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But you are a ‘chosen race; a royal priesthood’; a holy nation; a people for God’s possession. Your purpose is to announce the virtuous deeds of the one who called you out of darkness into his amazing light. 1 Peter 2:9 (BFE)
The challenge of identifying God’s purpose for us is daunting. Also, how does the presence and power of God amplify and clarify our purpose? The beginning of the Westminster Shorter Catechism states that “the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.” T...
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But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. Acts 1:8 (NLT)
Although the statement “with great power comes great responsibility” entered popular culture through the Spider-Man comic books, it was introduced centuries earlier. There is even a connection with, From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. Luke 12:48 (NIV).
I was blessed with a rich Pentecostal heritage. I remembe...
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There are times when we experience the presence of God in a real and powerful way. Perhaps we have had encounters like the two disciples on the road to Emmaus: “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24:32 (NLT).
At other times the presence of God brings conviction. Isaiah exclaimed: “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King,...
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They did what your power and plan had already determined would happen. Now, Lord, take note of their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with complete confidence. Stretch out your hand to bring healing and enable signs and wonders to be performed through the name of Jesus, your holy servant. After they prayed, the place where they were gathered was shaken. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking God’s word with confidence. Acts 4:28–31 (CEB)
Last week thre...
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The one thing I ask of the Lord— the thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple. Psalm 27:4 (NLT)
It was said of baseball Hall of Famer Ted Williams that his focus during the game was so intent that when he was at the plate, awaiting the pitch when the pitcher threw the ball, Williams could see the stitches on the ball and determine the type of pitch.
Contrast the focus of Ted Williams wit...
Don’t excuse yourself by saying, “Look, we didn’t know.” For God understands all hearts, and he sees you. He who guards your soul knows you knew. He will repay all people as their actions deserve. Proverbs 24:12 (NLT)
Humanity has been making excuses from the very beginning. It has almost become an art form. Adam started us off: The man replied, “It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it.” Genesis 3:12 (NLT). Shifting blame and responsibility looks like a genetic trai...
Andy was a nice enough guy, but he never seemed to stand out from the crowd. Andy was very insightful but not very vocal. He was a hard worker but not perceived as a leader. He demonstrated great care and concern for the well-being of other people. Perhaps what we notice most about Andy is how his brother overshadowed him. His brother was one of these “larger-than-life figures” who did everything at full speed.
Whereas Andy was cautious, his brother was bold and daring. Things didn’t always wo...