A Pastor in The Northwest

I've been reading a book which documents various daily rituals of creative people - musicians, writers, artists and even some scientists.  Why?  Well, it is like a sneak peak into the private lives of those who we've admired over the years for the work they produced.  As I read through the various daily rituals of these prominent creatives, I was struck by when they tended to get out of bed, how late they stayed up, what 'vices' they entertained and, of course, when they did their best work.  Turns out, the morning hours are the most talked about productive 'creative' time.  Also, naps are a thing that seems quite consistent! There were also a few oddities, like F. Scott Fitzgerald drinking gin because he didn't think it could be detected by smell and Hemingway's tendency to write standing up at a chest-high bookshelf that his typewriter sat on.   One takeaway of many for me is that these creatives figured out where and when their best work happened, a...

There is an old hymn that I often return to in my prayers which is titled "And Can it Be" by Charles Wesley (music by Thomas Campbell) from the early 1700's. Here are some of the familiar words from this hymn: And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Savior's blood? Died he for me who caused his pain? For me, who him to death pursued? Amazing love! how can it be that thou my God, shouldst die for me? Amazing love! how can it be that thou, my God, shouldst die for me! How can it be indeed. Today let us all just reflect on Messiah Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith who, for the joy set before him, endured the cross for us! Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you fi...

In a devotional thought I read this morning by Paul David Tripp, he speaks of the temptation to make Jesus into a 'suggestion box' teacher not the sovereign Lord of our lives.  Instead of seeing His Word and commandments as life-giving (see Psalm 119), we water His teaching into mere suggestions and decent advice.  The result of this?  Disaster.  Paul David Tripp writes, "Maybe you want the Suggestion Box Jesus, whose law is more advice than command. He will be nothing less than the sovereign Savior King." The author continues,  "One of the sad and destructive desires of the sinful nature is the desire for self-rule. One of the dark delusions of sin is that it causes us at times to buy into the insane thought that we might be smarter than God." May this never be! Lord, may we take in Your Words and the very 'words of life' today! -Paul David Tripp's New Morning Mercies, Sept 8th devotional  Photo by Kelli McClintock on Unsplash

We have entered September, folks, and wow, summer felt so quick to me - how about you? Days will get shorter and the weather will cool, and kids will be a learnin' in school. Also, we have college and professional football and soon baseball playoffs, but I digress... I like beginnings and starting new things. It feels fresh - like a new project or experience sharpens the senses, right? In Revelation, we get this 'new' statement from Messiah Jesus: And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” -Revelation 21:5 NLT Jesus is actively making things new and will one day bring fulfillment of the new heavens and earth. He's also doing new & beautiful things in our lives every day. What NEW thing are you believing and praying for from the Lord today? This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has...

I read this today in a devotional (commonprayer.net): Church father and “golden-mouthed” preacher John Chrysostom said this in the fourth century: “Our spirit should be quick to reach out toward God, not only when it is engaged in meditation; at other times also, when it is carrying out its duties, caring for the needy, performing works of charity, or giving generously in the ser-vice of others. Our spirit should long for God and call him to mind, so that these works may be seasoned with the salt of God’s love, and so make a pleasing offering to the Lord of the universe.” Hmm. God in our everyday moments.  When we walk, when we wake, when we talk when we work.  Lord, help me invite You into it ALL today! Prayer:  "God, help us to show kindness and unrivaled hospitality as the natural extension of our commitment to you. Use us to bring hope and comfort to the abandoned and forsaken corners of your creation. Amen." Photo by Eric Rothermel on Unsplash

I read this today and thought it was worth sharing.  It is about the tragic, beautiful, and confusing story of Job: Job wanted answers, too. He longed for God to make Himself known and settle the matter (Job 9:3). Job mourned that he had no way of defending himself before God: “There is no arbiter between us that he might lay his hand on both of us. May he remove his rod from me, and let his dread not terrify me; then I would speak and not fear him, for in myself I am not fearful” (Job 9:33–35). In the end, when Job requested an answer from God—who alone could answer his questions—God silenced him. He restored Job’s prosperity, but Job still had to live without knowing why. When we don’t have the answer, we should still affirm God’s love and goodness, acknowledging that “He is the one who does great things beyond understanding and marvelous things beyond number” (Job 9:10). And we do have one answer that quiets our fretful hearts—we know the arbiter and what He has done for us, whi...