“When Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him.” -Luke 8:40 (CSB) Rejection. Such a dark word and such a painful experience. Rejection can make us feel ugly, unwanted, unappreciated, and alone. And yet, in spite of the loneliness which often accompanies it, rejection is an experience almost universal to humanity. … Continue reading Dealing with Rejection: Luke 8:40
Author: Dr. Jake Brock
Love Your Enemies: Luke 6:27-38
“But I say to you who listen: Love your enemies, do what is good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If anyone hits you on the cheek, offer the other also. And if anyone takes away your coat, don’t hold back your shirt either. Give … Continue reading Love Your Enemies: Luke 6:27-38
Thoughts About Salt (Luke 14:34-35)
“Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” -Luke 14:34-35 (ESV) Purity is an important concept – both for physical … Continue reading Thoughts About Salt (Luke 14:34-35)
The Extraordinary Ordinary: Thoughts on Luke 5:1-11
The Lord has an astounding ability to turn every day, ordinary circumstances into extraordinary moments. We expect God to work mightily in the unique, special, and critical moments of life – weddings, funerals, births, graduation ceremonies, illnesses, family crises (and sometimes combinations of these) just to name a few. However, it sometimes feels hard to … Continue reading The Extraordinary Ordinary: Thoughts on Luke 5:1-11
Thoughts on Mother’s Day
Like many special days, national holidays, and periods of celebration, Mother’s Day has an interesting history. The movement to establish a day to recognize and celebrate the impact and influence of mothers in the United States began in the late 19th century as a result of the work of two women: Ann Reeves Jarvis and … Continue reading Thoughts on Mother’s Day
Facing the Unknown: Thoughts on a New Year
As I write this, I have been reflecting on 2017 and the many things that have taken place in my life, the life of my family and my church, and others around me during the past year. The past year contained many blessings, as well as many challenges. As we shortly turn the page and … Continue reading Facing the Unknown: Thoughts on a New Year
Thoughts on saying "No"…
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. – James 1:12 One of the most difficult things to learn in life is how to say “no.” There are some opportunities that present themselves … Continue reading Thoughts on saying "No"…
The Last Things
What would you do if you knew the future? This is a deeply stirring question, and one that most people have pondered at some point. I have often spent time wondering – and I’m sorry to say, worrying – about what will happen in the future. Next month, next week, tomorrow, later today….there’s so much … Continue reading The Last Things
Introduction
First, let me say that I am relatively new to the world of blogging. I have blogged before, but don't have a lot of experience with it. The purpose of this one is simply to share thoughts and stories which I have experienced in the hopes that it might encourage someone else.The name for this … Continue reading Introduction