phillies0179

Order of Operations

I love it when an author or speaker says something that challenges the way that I think about a core tenant of our faith. Something that makes me stop and reconsider something that I might otherwise gloss over as a known, a basic understanding that I take for granted. That happened this morning in myContinueContinue reading “Order of Operations”

Moving at the Speed of Christ

God’s timing doesn’t always match our plans, and that’s a good thing! I’ve known for a while that God has been calling me into the ministry and after much prayer and discernment I went to my pastor and shared my calling with him. He agreed and together we approached our District Superintendent with my callingContinueContinue reading “Moving at the Speed of Christ”

The Provision of Grace

In reading today in Luke 22 I was caught off guard by a verse, on of many I’ve skimmed over throughout the years. “but I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. When you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”‭‭Luke‬ ‭22‬:‭32‬ ‭NET‬‬ What is interesting about this is the part whereContinueContinue reading “The Provision of Grace”

The Relationship of Prayer and Peace

It’s been a while since I’ve posted and while I’ve been meaning to get back to it there’s always been an excuse as to why I haven’t journaled. Whether it be too many commitments, challenges from work or with my family, they are all just excuses and distractions from what is most important. Journaling hasContinueContinue reading “The Relationship of Prayer and Peace”

What Kind of Father Am I?

Our devotion this week is focused on our relationship with our children as seen through the eyes of Christ. It has been an interesting ride as it has challenged my thinking, pushed my boundaries and made me analyze by behaviors. We’ve talked about how children’s behaviors are a outward expression of what is in theirContinueContinue reading “What Kind of Father Am I?”

Living in Peace

Romans 12:14-19 (NIV)14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[a] Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evilContinueContinue reading “Living in Peace”

The Joy of being Unneeded

Psalm 50:9-12 (NIV)9 I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens,10 for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.11 I know every bird in the mountains, and the insects in the fields are mine.12 If I were hungry I would notContinueContinue reading “The Joy of being Unneeded”

Getting Back on Track

Life lately has been interesting, hectic and stressful. At times I feel incredibly over-committed and not the husband and father that God calls me to be. I’ve been using this level of over-commitment in my life as an excuse and a crutch for a lack of quiet time with the Lord. Excuses like, “God understandsContinueContinue reading “Getting Back on Track”

Humility

My youngest is part of a travel soccer team and this weekend they had a tournament where over 120 different soccer teams came together to play. Most of the weekend went well until their last game when the final team they were playing decided that the rules of fair play did not apply to them. ContinueContinue reading “Humility”

Learning to Commune

Life has changed significantly since I last posted to my blog. One big change is that our old congregation has found a pastor which made my wife and I feel less responsible for the church which was a good thing. Our interactions became challenging after I had to share the criteria for eldership with aContinueContinue reading “Learning to Commune”