“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked…” (Ps. 1:1)We typically think of this verse as referring to following the many unhelpful voices that exist outside of us. But it is important to recognize that sometimes “the counsel of the wicked” originates in our own heart and mind. Sometimes it isn’t what other people are saying or doing that is the problem. Sometimes it is what we...  Read More

A poem to encourage those laboring in gospel ministry. To fixate our hope on fickle things makes for fragile joy,But peace endures and hope abounds for those in Christ's employ.His burden is easy, his load is light—though the work is hard,But faithfulness is his only demand and mercy his measuring yard.Dear ministers learn this lesson: the growth comes only from God!So plant in hope and water with...  Read More

Note: A poem based on the various gospel accounts of Jesus calming the storm. It is intended to capture the heart of that event, and God’s good purpose in it, (Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41;Luke 8:22-25). At the summons of God alone,  the storm begins to blow.Distrust and doubt provoked,The depths of the heart to show.We shout in fear and anger,"God, why would you do this to me?”His answer both fi...  Read More

Away from me oppressor! My joy you do confine.Remove your crippling limits; cast off your boundary line!The banks did not resist, but let the river flow.Twas only days ’til the question was raised, where did the river go?“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, there is none who does good,” (Psalm 14:1). ...  Read More

A life of true joy and peace that endures into eternity is a life of knowing and enjoying God. The chief way that we know and enjoy God this side of glory is by seeking him through his Word. According to our Savior, the Scriptures are heavenly bread given for the essential nourishment of man's soul, (Matt. 4:4). Just as the body without food cannot grow and be strong, so the soul that is starved o...  Read More

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.”  — Matthew 6:1When I first became a Christian I knew almost nothing. I could not quote a single Bible verse, I probably could not have even named as many books of the Bible as I have fingers on my hands. My understanding of theology was as s...  Read More

In Psalm 17:14, speaking of unbelievers, the psalmist says a phrase that struck my heart this morning:“…men of the world whose portion is in this life.”Even in this short phrase there is a bounty of truth for our souls.First, such is the pursuit of those who do not belong to God—worldly comforts and treasures. Their “portion” and pursuit are the riches of this world.Second, such pursuits, at best,...  Read More