Psalm 32:1-2 says “Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.” “Transgression,” “Sin,” and “Iniquity” are rarely used words in our language and culture. Let me take a minute to define them as they would [...]
Nobody likes admitting that they messed up. Here is a picture of Natalie when she was a little kid. One night for dinner, Lara gave each one of the kids a little bit of cooked spinach to eat as their vegetable. They were instructed that they were not going to be able to get up [...]
Senior Pastor Mark Stafford “Whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” This verse is a warning that demands our most urgent attention because you and I are in danger of being lured in by the false promises of pleasure from a God-ignoring, fallen [...]
It is much easier to fall into temptation if you are right next to it. · If you make a plan to follow through on your desires, it becomes more and more difficult to stop that process. · On the other hand, if you make a plan to avoid temptation, then is becomes harder and [...]
Jesus came to establish a foundation of grace and truth so that we could have peace with God Jesus provides a way to have peace with God. Romans 5:1 says, “ Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” The Book of Romans begins with [...]
Long ago, I played in a Christian alternative rock band named Everybodyduck. I was the "long haired" guy in the band. One of our more popular songs contained a lyrical hook in the chorus that said, "If Jesus sees my heart, how come you only see my hair." (Here's a link to the [...]
Psalm 51 is the song that David wrote when he repented of his sin with Bathsheba. It says in verses 1-2: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!” Man’s greatest need is for [...]
David was divinely chosen by God and anointed as King over God’s chosen people. He was the nation’s spiritual leader, as well as their political leader. He had set up the worship of God in the land and was even the writer of many of the songs they used during their corporate worship gatherings. David [...]
Matthew 5:4 says, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” The question that is immediately raised in our minds and hearts is, “How can a person be blessed if they are mourning?” Only the people of God understand the answer to the paradox in question here. No one ever spoke like Jesus. Blessedness coming [...]
Matthew 5:3 says, 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” The first step to entering the kingdom of heaven is to admit our spiritual bankruptcy. When we are no longer trying to get into heaven on the basis of our own merit, then God can grant us the free gift of [...]
