Author Archives: Intentional Faith

As I write this, Rock Hurley lies in a CCU awaiting open heart surgery.  Phil Darlage had a filter implanted to prevent more clots in his lungs.  I am now heading to meet with a family in Columbus to prepare for the father’s funeral service.  So time is precious.  I have borrowed from Marcia’s meditationContinue reading “No Better Friend”

Ephesians 6:13-18 I don’t know about you but these weathermen could use a little help.  My coat never quite matches the weather and I find myself too hot or too cold.  Then the idea struck me.  What if knew what spiritual weather I would face today?  Would that help me? It would if I dressedContinue reading “Dressed for the Weather”

Good Morning: My wife and my daughter watched the Oscars last night.  I assume they did because I didn’t.  It’s not that I don’t like the Oscars but more a guy thing.  I preferred a movie.  But it gave me pause to consider the impact that these awards were having here and around the world. Continue reading “Here’s Your Oscar”

Found this picture.  It gave me comfort.  Thought you would enjoy it. Remember, you are a light set upon a hill.

READ Titus 2:11-15 Who is a servant of God? Ask the average church-goer that question, and he will most likely point to his pastor or some Christian celebrity.  He almost certainly will not say,“I am God’s servant.” The church has a mixed-up idea that believers are separated into servants—that is, individuals in full-time ministry—and layContinue reading “To Be or Not to Be”

READ Acts 5:17-42 Today in a nation around the world and here at home, someone was physically assaulted for their belief in Jesus Christ.  Now more than any other time in the history of the church, followers of Jesus are paying for the faith big time. Imagine receiving a beating as a warning to stopContinue reading “When You Love Too Much”

READ Ephesians 5:15-21 Why would God command us to thank Him regardless of the circumstances?  The idea defies human logic.  But then, the Lord rarely binds Himself to man-made rules.  Scriptural principles serve specific purposes in the Christian’s life. Gratitude keeps us aware of God’s presence, which builds our trust and ultimately strengthens our peace. Continue reading “Thanks Anyway”

READ:1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Some verses are easier to memorize than practice. If we could simply remove a word or two from these verses, God’s command would feel doable.  Giving thanks is easy, but giving thanks in everything is a nearly impossible task. Often gratitude seems our last choice, considering the depth of pain or turmoilContinue reading “When Its Hard to Say Thanks”

READ: Philippians 3:3-12 In today’s world, “passion” usually refers to sensuality or sexuality.But the word’s meaning—an intense desire toward something or someone—can apply to any area of life, including spirituality. Indeed, the one place passion ought to appear is in the believer’s life: We should fervently seek to know the Lord Jesus Christ who savedContinue reading “Passion”

READ: I Corinthians 13 On this special day, I thought it would be appropriate to refer to the love chapter once more. (I Corinthians 13).  The love I am speaking of is God’s love (called agape).Divine love empowers us to respond calmly to difficulties, to demonstrate patience in seasons of waiting, and to sacrifice withoutcomplaint.Continue reading “A Little More Love”