Articles

Early in Israel’s history was a period when God raised up men (and a woman) to deliver them from their enemies. They were called judges. Samson was the only judge announced to his parents by the angel of the Lord. In other cases, God chose an individual to do his will, but in this case, he gave a previously barren woman a child who would become a great deliverer of Israel (Judges 13:1-5) against t...

The recent storms that spawned at least a dozen tornadoes across the state of Oklahoma in the U.S. also sparked a spike in some peoples' faith. I don't doubt the sincerity of folks who were "thankful to God" for being safe through the killer winds but I sometimes wonder where that faith lies when skies are blue and the weather is calm. I suppose that it's human nature to look towards heaven when t...

Have you ever been to a Thunder game? There are thousands of people there to watch and cheer for their favorite team. You can usually tell some people are a lot more passionate about the game than others. A small percentage of the crowd are apathetic and lack interest in what is happening. They might look like a Thunder fan, but they are just going through the motions. Their heart isn’t in the gam...

God gave man dominion over the creation in the beginning (see Genesis 1:26-28). This leads me to believe that God designed man with a good inclination to assume dominion over himself and his environment constructively and deliberately. Then came the fall, after which the fleshly part of man’s being caused man to focus on his own will, rather than God’s. We call it “ego”. So now from a very young a...

Sadducee: A member of a Jewish party of the period between the Old and New Testaments consisting of a traditional ruling class of priests and rejecting doctrines not in the law such as resurrection, retribution in a future life, and the existence of angels. Matthew 22:23-34 Jesus silences them in his answer about a wife and resurrection.Pharisee: A member of a Jewish sect of the period b...

“A genuine Christian is the best evidence of the genuineness of Christianity.” “The true expression of Christianity is not a sigh, but a song.” “Christianity is a ‘roll up your sleeves’ religion.” “Satan is perfectly willing to have a person confess Christ as long as they do not practice his teachings. “ “The better we understand Christianity, the less satisfied we are in our practice of it.” “Chr...

What the Holy Spirit had Bible writers put down in words is priceless. Sometimes, however, what he has not had them to write is also very revealing.  Pentecost, for example. Peter testified about how Jesus was proven to be the Messiah by miracles, wonders and signs and how he was rejected and put to death, but resurrected the third day. When he concluded by saying that God made this one they ...

Your life here will never be completely right.  Disease and sickness will persist. Natural disasters will not be brought under control. People will continue to be weak in character and morals and strong on self-will and ego. Loved ones will die and friends will disappoint. Sometimes, we will be the ones who disappoint, even when it is not our intention. No matter. Actually, it is only in faci...

One of my most favorite hymns is one we have been singing recently, entitled: “Day by Day”. It’s one I learned growing up, it’s one I’ve sang to each one of my children when I would rock them to sleep, and now it’s one we sing as a family most nights before bedtime. I’ve always been “in love” with the wonderful, simple melody, the arrangement, and especially, the lyrics. It is a short, simple song...

What is there about my life that would make Jesus seem attractive to other people? Can we offer them a smile, perhaps? Never underestimate the impact of a smile. Jesus told his apostles to be of good cheer (John 16:33) even in the face of trouble. If we do not have reason to smile because of Jesus, who does? Sure, this world has plenty of troubles and it shares them generously with you and me. But...

Men like to watch. They like to watch sports or sit on the porch and watch cars go by. My father-in-law used to like sitting in his rocker and watch his children talk and interact with each other while his grandchildren played on the floor. He rarely said much, he just liked to watch his family as they gathered for meals and conversation taking great satisfaction in simply observing them. Fathers ...

In Mark 7:1-23, some Pharisees and scribes have come to be with Jesus. During their time with him, they notice that some of the disciples are eating with unwashed hands. Holding to the traditions of men, the Pharisees judge the disciples and their actions, and it seems they believe the disciples, who are eating without first washing their hands, are sinning against God. Sinning because they are no...

Have you ever said to yourself, “I really need to read my bible more?”. When this conviction happens, you may grab your bible and get your mind ready for this great time you’re going to have getting to know God better. Perhaps you find a nice cup of coffee or tea and grab your favorite blanket and chair in the peace and quiet of your favorite room.As you get more excited and ready for this time, m...

I believe Genesis 26:26-31 is the first Biblical record of solidifying a covenant with a shared meal. Isaac and king Abimelech had been at odds with each other, but the king saw that God was with Isaac and so sought to make peace. Abimelech prepared a feast for the occasion and then the two exchanged vows of peace. A few chapters later (Genesis 31:43-54) we see Laban suing for peace with Jacob his...

Recent studies published in The Journal of Marriage and Family concluded that the feeling of dissatisfaction was a significant cause of stress, and depression in today's society. In other words, people rise to high levels of achievement, have lovely homes and healthy families but cannot seem to find contentment even when they possess all these things. This situation reminds me of the Apostle Paul ...

Keep your feet on the ground For God said pride goes before a fall When your head gets too big You forget what you should recall You strive and work for it all Be careful; you should listen for God's call Open your hearts & do your best God has promised to give us rest God's calls now through His word Not in the past as others have heard Jesus is the Savior who calls us to be God's friend Being wa...

Jesus & his disciples were in a boat on the sea of Galilee. While Jesus was taking a nap (setting for us one of my favorite examples of Godly behavior) a violent storm arose and scared the disciples into thinking they were about to die (Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41 and Luke 8:22-25). In their fear, they woke Jesus up asking him to save them. With a word of rebuke he calmed the storm and then aske...

One of the things I keep thinking and praying about during our associate minister search is whether or not the person we pick will be self-starting & devoted to service in stirring & strengthening the Body. I believe it is important to have a good preacher, but I also believe it is equally important for this next hire to be a man invested in the people at Choctaw. Meaning, we need a man who notice...

We sing a song, I Know Who Holds Tomorrow, written by Ira Stanphill. As I focus on trying to write something that is encouraging and uplifting, these lyrics continually play in my thoughts. So, I would like to share the words of this hymn with you today and I pray they give you encouragement and, if you need it, the peace to keep moving forward. 1 - I don't know about tomorrow, I just live from da...

How many can you answer correctly before you look them up? Some questions may have multiple answers. You will find the correct answer in the Book Chapter and Verse provided for each question. Question 1 - Acts 8:5-13 Where did Phillip begin a successful ministry, doing many miracles, and converting a former sorcerer named Simon? SamariaJerichoCapernaumPhilippiMexico Question 2. - Acts 3:1; Acts 4:...