Steve's Blog
As the time approached for him to be taken to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. Luke 9:51 (NIV)
As with many quotations, it’s difficult to determine who first said, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Here in Luke, we find Jesus facing his final journey into Jerusalem. The emphasis was on the time for him to return to heaven, but the cross was in the way.
We might struggle to get going when you and I face overwhelming obstacles. We must understand and focus on...
View all of When the Going Gets Tough...Consider Jesus
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)
Pain, suffering, and tribulation are not pleasant topics of conversation. It is natural to desire to avoid pain. And yet, Jesus is telling his disciples that “in this world,” they would experience trouble, pain and suffering, tribulation, and ultimately, all of them except John would face martyrdom because of their faith.
The th...
Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness, for without it no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14 (NET)
It is time to renew a conversation about holiness. The reactions will vary from “what is holiness?” to “isn’t holiness about not wearing makeup and jewelry, were not going to the theater?” It is a subject fraught with opinions, informed or otherwise. And yet, the Bible emphasizes its importance as critical and essential.
If we take Hebrews 12:14 seriously, ignoring holiness would put us in...
View all of Let's Talk About Holiness
You meant to hurt me, but God turned your evil into good to save the lives of many people, which is being done. Genesis 50:20 (NCV)
One of the first movies I remember seeing in the theater was the “Sound of Music.” In that movie, Julie Andrews sang the song “My Favorite Things.” The favorite things enumerated in the song are not extravagant, lofty, or expensive items but relatively simple things like “raindrops on roses, and whiskers on kittens,” and so on.
Likewise, my favorite words may...
When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” “Be quiet!” many of the people yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, “Tell him to come here.” So they called the blind man. “Cheer up,” they said. “Come on, he’s calling you!” Mark 10:47–49 (NLT)
In the 1980’s television series, The A-Team, the lead character, John “Hannibal” Smith, often proclaim...
View all of Divine Interruptions
For I did not keep from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. Acts 20:27 (MEV)
The apostle Paul was giving his farewell speech in Ephesus. To say that Paul was concerned about what would happen in the church after his departure is not an overstatement. Paul had invested three years of his life and ministry with these people.
He told the Ephesian elders that he knew “that after my departure, dreadful wolves will enter among you, not sparing the flock.” (v. 29). This is the same Ephesi...
View all of The Truth, the Whole Truth…
So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)
Throughout the ages, it was not customary for subjects of a king or other authority to approach with boldness. Notable exceptions would be the children of monarchs who could come up to the throne boldly and approach the king.
We are children of the King of kings, and he is extended an invitation to us to come before him with bol...
View all of Let Us Come Boldly
I am resolved to obey your statutes to the very end. Psalm 119:112 (CSB)
It is the time of year when people make New Year’s resolutions, or more accurately, New Year’s good intentions. We joke that we forget most declarations by the middle of January. Many New Year’s resolutions involve diet or exercise; even though we make commitments with the best intentions, the temptation is always present.
Making resolutions is easy; keeping them is hard. Sometimes, even immediate goals prove difficult...
Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.” Hosea 6:3 (NLT)
For you need endurance, so that after you have done God’s will, you may receive what was promised. Hebrews 10:36 (CSB)
In the great hymn Amazing Grace, John Newton gave us these words: “Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; ’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.”...