Steve's Blog
Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Ephesians 5:16–17 (NLT)
Getting older should change our perspective on life. When we are young, and the majority of our life is still in front of us, the value of time can be lost to us. One of my favorite quotations is from missionary C. T. Studd: “Only one life, ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.”
Whether we are young, or older (please not...
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
What causes anxiety? Living is the simple answer. Each day we are confronted with potential sources of anxiety. There are things we have no control over, but we can have anxiety over things that we “think” we have a measure of control. We can even have anxiety, but not know or understand the cause.
Regardless of the cause, anxiety is not good for our health, or well-being. Anxiety can cause elevated heart rates, high b...
And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives. Jude 22–23 (NLT)
Our mission field is filled with great opportunities while simultaneously confronting us with hazards and dangers. We need to see how important it is to keep our eyes on the Lord and draw close to him for our strength and support while we do our mission.
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She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem. Luke 2:38 (NLT)
Expectations are funny things. At times, we have “great expectations,” while we only anticipate disappointment or dread on other occasions. The Advent of Christ elicited hopeful expectations from Simeon and Anna. Granted, it is possible that they did not foresee a Messiah who would be cr...
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...
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 ...