Archived Messages

Tales for 2020: Building on the Right Foundation

There is a difference between being an admirer of Jesus and being a disciple of Jesus. The difference is whether or not we practice, that is, actually do what Jesus teaches. The parable of the two foundations, rock and sand, confronts us with the question of whether or not we are truly His disciples. This year we all should make the wise decision to not only admire Jesus' words, like the crowd, but to obey them.

Post-Christmas Perspective: Psalm 73

After the joys and good times of Christmas, we have to return to the realities of everyday life. We need to pay our bills and go back to work and school and stress. Asaph, in Psalm 73, faced the let-downs and hardships that can come with facing reality and envying those better off. He was not content. Others’ lives were so much better. But, he had a total change of perspective when he realized that he was not right in his assessment. He came to understand that God was in control and that these people will not last. There are more important things, eternal things, than those with which we generally use for comparisons.

Advent Patience: Waiting and Watching

The Advent of Jesus into the world is presented today as though it happened really quickly. But the reality is that there was a lot of waiting and watching. Mary had to wait for the birth to take place. The shepherds were watching in the fields. We also need to faithfully wait and watch for God to work in our lives.

Advent Patience: Being Patient with Yourself

When we drive a motorcycle or car, we need to look at precisely where we want to go. Similarly, we need to NOT focus on obstacles or hazards because we will then tend to drive right at them. In our Christian life, we should also not focus on our own deficiencies but on God's strong mercy toward us. We need to be patient with ourselves.

Advent Patience: Patience with People

Patience is enduring difficulty, delay, or annoyance without getting angry or upset. God commands us to be patient but it is hard. But He is patient with us, therefore we can also be patient with others.