The Blackrock Challenge – A Story of Redemption
Jeremy was caught. For months he had snuck around the village stealing valuables and causing mischief. His latest misadventure involved stealing the Elder’s cherry pie as it cooled on the…
Greater Works Part 2 – John 14:14-17
Continuing His conversation with the disciples, Jesus provides three gigantic insights. Those insights further underscore the interconnectedness of our faith in Christ. In previous verses, Jesus declared, “Believe Me that…
His Banner Over You is Love
During the opening ceremony of the Olympics, the participating nations parade behind their country’s flag. Flags is a symbol of identification. The colors and patterns strive to contain a nation,…
Work Matters
One of my first jobs outside of the family farm was laboring for a landscape contractor. It was a summer job between my Junior and Senior year of High School.…
Greater Works – John 14:8-14
This past Sunday, I was honored to give the morning message at the Vineyard Church Peoria. That is our home church, and we are blessed that they financially support our…
Jesus Says Proclaim the Good News
There are some of Jesus’ commands that we elevate and others that we hide in a box. We don’t throw them away, we know better than that, but push them…
Don’t be Troubled – John 13:36 – 14:6
Have you ever watched an old movie or listened to an old song from your youth and saw something new? But now, watching or listening with older ears, you understand…
Leaning on Grace
As I look at my personal arc of faith from youth to where I am today, there are some amazing changes. Even a few things I wish my older self…
Prison Doors
Recently in our community group gathering my friend Rick said something that opened up a new way of thinking about a familiar teaching of Jesus. I love it when God…
A New Command John 13:31-35
One thing we learn from cars is that new is almost always better. A few years ago, a car show reviewed a couple of famous supercars from the 1980s. Those…
Walking Through 1st Peter, #10 – Chosen, Royal, and Holy
Folks go to great lengths to display who they are. The clothes they wear, the way they walk, the jewelry and accessories they choose to wear or not wear, even…
Judas – John 13:21-30
Somewhere around 1495, Leonardo DaVinci began painting a wall for a Dominican monastery in Milan, Italy. The result of his multi-year labor is the most recognizable piece of art ever…