Summer Tuesdays with Ezra (Chapter 2)

Ezra 2 The closing verse of Ezra 1 speaks of “exiles” who were “brought up from Babylonia to Jerusalem” (1:11).  Chapter 2 provides a record of which Jewish families and towns were represented among the exiles who returned to repopulate…

Summer Tuesdays with Ezra (Chapter 1)

This year I spent time digging into the Old Testament book of Ezra. While the book contains a fascinating historical account of the return of the Jewish exiles after the Babylonian captivity, it's more than a history book. It's a…

Why is Getting Rid of Sinful Baggage Is Still So Hard

Do you ever get frustrated with yourself? Do you ever get tired of the struggle with a habitual sin? Do you ever wonder if you'll ever get rid of it? If so, you're not alone. In fact, the apostle Paul…

Praise and Prayer Update (May 23, 2025)

A few weeks back, I asked you to pray with us about some upcoming ministry opportunities Linda and I were anticipating.  I (Rick) was scheduled to speak at a men’s conference and also invited to train a group of pastors…

How to Navigate Through Life’s Rough Waters (Part 2)

If you could use some inspiration and motivation to anchor your life in God’s Word, you should read Daws, the biography of Dawson Trotman.  His life story shows the stability and strength God gives to those who saturate their hearts…

How to Navigate Through Life’s Rough Waters (Part 1)

I don’t have to tell you life is not exactly smooth sailing right now.  Internationally, the waters are choppy and chaotic.  Closer to home, we feel storm tossed by rising prices and falling stock markets.  It’s hard to stay steady…

Resource Spotlight: Help with Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel

Some of the richest parts of the Old Testament can be some of the most difficult to understand. I'm talking about the prophetic books written by Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. In these powerful books, we get to know God in…

Tips for Teachers: Learning from Billy Graham

As I type these words, I’m listening to Billy Graham preach.  It’s a rebroadcast of one of the messages he preached decades ago.  You can tell that from the hairstyles and clothes worn by those in the arena. But while…