When you read through the gospels, you learn that people were amazed by Jesus. When he taught with authority (Matthew 7:28), calmed the stormy wind and waves (Matthew 8:27), or healed the sick (Matthew 9:33), people were amazed. But as…
Category: Life Lessons
God’s Sovereignty in Life’s Storms
Reflections on Acts 27 Acts 27 fascinates on many levels. It gives us a vivid, first-person account of a hair-raising nautical adventure, complete with danger, intrigue, shipwreck, and survival. It showcases what courageous Christian leadership looks in a chaotic situation. …
Why Can’t We Walk Straight?
Even those who want to walk with God find they sometimes wander off the path. As Isaiah wrote, "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned--every one--to his own way" (Isaiah 53:6). We all need the Good Shepherd…
Learning from the Russians (and Ukrainians)
Over the past few months, I’ve spoken to a number of pastors who’ve been discouraged and depleted by dealing with COVID issues. They’ve found it challenging to adjust to changing government regulations. But that’s not been the hardest part for…
Mother’s Day in a Pandemic (Again!)
Last year at this time, I was asked to record a Mother's Day sermon for a nearby church. My message focused on how mothers can impact the lives of their children in a powerful way. My hope was that the…
The Open Secret of the Christian Life
The secret of the Christian life is no secret. In fact, it's written down plainly in God's Word for everyone to read. I'd summarize this open secret in three words: Union with Christ. Every spiritual blessing we have and everything…
Forgiveness Indifference
If you want to read a jarring juxtaposition, take a look at Luke 23:34: And Jesus said, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And parting his garments among them, they cast lots. The first half of…
Leading Slow Movers
Several years ago, I did a lengthy study in the book of Joshua. As I went through the book, one of my areas of focus centered on discovering leadership lessons from Joshua's life. I wasn't surprised to learn many valuable…
Bible Study Resource: Standing Firm
Like it or not, all of us live on a spiritual battlefield. But many of us live as if life were more of a playground than a battlefield. In his book Epic, John Eldredge writes, I am staggered by the…
Carry It Forward
The juxtaposition of the two movies could not have been more different. Deciding to stay current with my now adult children, I (Linda) offered to watch the extended version of The Lord of the Rings. This has all the details,…
Rick and Linda Reed 