He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. -Psalm 18:34, NIV Pastoring is a very non-concrete profession. It is hard sometimes to see progress. One thing I do for my own self-care is pursue my hobby as an amateur powerlifter. This is one hobby where you see your progress … Continue reading “Hobby Milestone Yesterday – 605 lbs (274kg) on bench press (equipped)!”
Category: Encouragement
Happy Easter! He is risen.
He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. -Matthew 28:6, KJV I love Easter. This holiday reminds us that God conquered the grave. I find this comforting as I go through life’s stresses. Whatever comes, the worst enemy–death–is defeated. In the spirit of that … Continue reading “Happy Easter! He is risen.”
The beauty of Holy Saturday
59 Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. -Matthew 27:59-60a, NIV Everything looked lost. Jesus was dead. He was buried along with all his followers’ hopes and dreams. This is Holy Saturday. Can you relate? What I love … Continue reading “The beauty of Holy Saturday”
Jesus was not passive on Good Friday
20 “I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. 21 Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.” John 18:20-21, NIV Today is Good Friday. We remember Jesus’ sacrifice today. It is a day where … Continue reading “Jesus was not passive on Good Friday”
No more condemnation for faithful spouses!
It is the Sovereign Lord who helps me. Who will condemn me? They will all wear out like a garment; the moths will eat them up. -Isaiah 50:9, NIV God is on the side of righteousness. In the case of adultery, that means God is on the “side” of the faithful spouse. He is not participating in their condemnation. I … Continue reading “No more condemnation for faithful spouses!”
My happiest day! An important anniversary.
Tomorrow is our anniversary. Mrs. DM and I will be officially married for seven years tomorrow. This is a very significant number for me (besides being the perfect number in Scripture.) My first marriage lasted merely six years and a few months. To say the last year of it was turbulent would be an understatement. … Continue reading “My happiest day! An important anniversary.”
Just a historical fact
The Lord blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former part. -Job 42:12a, NIV Looking back is odd these days, I feel like I am considering a stranger as I think about my first marriage. God has truly blessed the second part of my life. I feel tremendously grateful for all He has poured … Continue reading “Just a historical fact”
Look for a pastor with empathy!
Then Jesus wept. -John 11:35, NLT When looking for a pastor, I would encourage you to consider empathy and compassion as necessary traits. The “answer man” or “answer woman” is not what a hurting heart needs. Today, I read an excellent article about the importance of this trait in pastors. It was written by … Continue reading “Look for a pastor with empathy!”
Strengthen through music!
When I was struggling the most, I would spend time soaking in the tub at my condominium while listening to music. The music was songs that reminded me of truths about God. They were songs to remind me of God’s love for me and to give me hope. I recommend this practice of listening to … Continue reading “Strengthen through music!”
Divorce Minister is a Gospel Ministry
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the … Continue reading “Divorce Minister is a Gospel Ministry”