Steve's Blog
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...
View all of The Will of God for You
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...
View all of Power and Authority
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,...
View all of Inviting His Presence
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...
View all of Presence, Power, and Purpose
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...
“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” Psalm 46:10 (NLT)
It is spring, and there are signs of new life all around. We may see hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies flitting from place to place. They do not stay still for very long. It is almost as though they have a form of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). But that is their nature. It is what they do. God may not have commanded the birds and the insects to be still, but cl...
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...
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
My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? James 2:1 (NLT)
A poignant scene in the Jesus Revolution Movie was when Chuck Smith (portrayed by Kelsey Grammar) was at the church’s front door, washing the feet of the hippies who had come. Earlier, his elders had issued him an ultimatum. They did not want to see “this kind” in their comfortable little church. Chuck Smith stood his ground and said this to tho...
View all of Jesus and Torn Jeans
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…
Then Ezra praised the Lord, the great God, and all the people chanted, “Amen! Amen!” as they lifted their hands. Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. Nehemiah 8:6 (NLT)
I recall a conversation with a friend who has many years of experience as a worship leader. The essence of the discussion settled on the fact that worship encompasses more than singing. We can sing songs of praise sincerely and with the right motivation but still not be a worshiper of God...
View all of From Praise to Worship
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.”...