The Lord is my Shepherd – Psalm 23:5

In the middle of our chaos, God can provide a space to receive His grace.  The shepherd knows his sheep are weary and hungry in the dark areas of life.  He also knows that in the treacherous terrain that there are dangerous enemies waiting to attack.  Still, in the midst of an uncertain place, theContinue reading “The Lord is my Shepherd – Psalm 23:5”

The Lord is my Shepherd – Psalm 23:4

The fourth verse of Psalm 23 is very popular and has been quoted by people from different walks of life.  Not just by Christians either.   It is a very relatable verse.  However, this flippant usage of this verse underlies a more damaging notion.  It is an approach called moral therapeutic deism.  What does that mean?  Let’sContinue reading “The Lord is my Shepherd – Psalm 23:4”

The Lord is my Shepherd – Psalm 23:3

So far, we have seen that in the Lord, we do not lack in the first verse.  In the second verse, we find provision and rest.  As we continue, we see restoration for our souls. “He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” – Psalm 23:3 ThisContinue reading “The Lord is my Shepherd – Psalm 23:3”

The Lord is my Shepherd – Psalm 23:2

  My wife and I like to tease each other about our different perspectives on a restful vacation.  I think her motto is rush instead rest.  Abbie loves holidays involving Disney and Pigeon Forge.  Lot’s of going and doing.  For myself, look more towards camping and fishing.  I guess we each have a different perspective ofContinue reading “The Lord is my Shepherd – Psalm 23:2”

The Lord is my shepherd – Psalm 23:1

The following series of blog post will explore each verse of the beloved twenty-third Psalm.  These posts are based on a set of sermons I preached through in the summer of 2017.  I pray for your soul to find encouragement, comfort, and challenge through this psalm. Why Psalm 23?  Out of the 150 Psalms, whichContinue reading “The Lord is my shepherd – Psalm 23:1”

Three Reflections on the Old Testament Tabernacle

We recently had the opportunity to co-host a course on the Old Testament Tabernacle in Ashland, Kentucky.  A long-time family friend facilitated the sessions and shared many fantastic points about the Old Testament Tabernacle.  After I few days of reflection, I want to offer three observations from this course.     The Old Testament and allContinue reading “Three Reflections on the Old Testament Tabernacle”

Preaching in the New Testament

John the Baptist was the last Old Testament preacher (Luke 16:16), and Jesus became the first New Testament preacher.  In fact, for preaching, John Stott (1982) wrote, “The only place to begin is with Jesus himself” (p. 16).  Jesus, the quintessential person, finds Himself in the preacher’s shoes according to scripture.  In relating God’s Word to us, it wasContinue reading “Preaching in the New Testament”

But, be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

The Lord will prepare us for what comes to pass in life.  Scripture even tells us that God will provide a way out of our trials and temptations (1 Corinthians 10:13).  In the sixteenth chapter of John’s Gospel, Jesus was preparing the disciples for His departure.  He even prophesied that they would be scattered.  However,Continue reading “But, be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

Scripture Reading Challenge (#32)

Did you know that Israel was tempted in keeping up with the Joneses. They were still on the roller coaster of morality and obedience that we found in the book of Judges. Even Samuel, who was a great person, could not keep his children in the fear of the Lord. The people who had notContinue reading “Scripture Reading Challenge (#32)”

Scripture Reading Challenge (#31)

The story of Samuel is one of my favorites.  Here is a man who both began and finished well.  That is a rare feat among today’s leaders and even many of the leaders in the Bible (of course not all the leaders in the Bible are trying to be good).  However, Samuel is one whoseContinue reading “Scripture Reading Challenge (#31)”