From Where Does Our Help Come?
I will lift my eyes to the hills; where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, Maker of heaven and earth! Psalm 121:1-2 I drove through the intensely beautiful scenery of western Maine. Mountains, waterfalls, and vast spruce forests; the region thrilled my soul. I know there is more to life than scenery. But the simple pleasure of experiencing joy and surprise still brings my heart close to the Almighty. Whether I’m driving, motorcycling, or hiking, moments of worship dot the day with each passing scenic pleasure. Psalm 121 announces King David’s exhilaration as he becomes enthralled by the hills where his eyes are lifted. He asks the question, perhaps rhetorically. But many would imagine rescuers bounding over the crests and into view, racing...
Read MoreAre We Celebrating God’s Planned and True “Freedom?”
“The person God sets free is free indeed.” John 8:34-38 Jesus said, “I tell you most solemnly that anyone who chooses a life of sin is trapped in a dead-end life and is, in fact, a slave. A slave can’t come and go at will. The Son, though, has an established position, the run of the house. So if the Son sets you free, you are free through and through. (The Message) You are slaves of sin, every one of you. And slaves don’t have rights, but the Son has every right there is! So if the Son sets you free, you will indeed be free.” TLB Many of us made plans for, hosted, or attended barbecues, gatherings, parades, and fireworks celebrations! While we definitely have reason to celebrate, is that reason the greatest one? Before we forget about those...
Read MoreOh, to Be in Hot Water!
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you… Hebrews 13:5 For a week my father had noticed water from the tap was no longer piping hot. It had regressed from giving off vapor to warm to tepid to lukewarm to room temperature. His diagnosis could be seen from the look on his face. The water heater had gone bad. He made a trip to the local distributor and purchased another one similar to the one that was there. We took the afternoon and replaced the defunct appliance. As I was dragging it to another part of the garage, I noticed the date of purchase of this former unit and I mentioned my surprise to my father. “It’s only a few years ago that I replaced the water heater I...
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Enjoy a Safe, Healthy, June
When you are ‘really’ REALLY upset, frightened, confused, who or what reassures, calms, or comforts you? Some of us are calmed down when we listen to music; others when we hear a familiar, trusted, and kind voice. God’s voice can be trusted. I will be with you; I will not leave you or forsake you.” Joshua 1:5 Drawing, painting, exercising and consuming protein bar are all great ways to “chill.” Some of us eat, eat, and eat more. Would it help you breathe easier, IF there was someone with you Who understood all your details, feelings, and concerns (even though your words don’t say them all). Perhaps it would help if you knew the person’s personal story of their own time of needing some comfort. How about if this Someone...
Read MoreWaves of Forgiveness
“God, be merciful to me because you are loving. Because you are always ready to be merciful, wipe out all my wrongs.” Psalm 51:1 ICB Have you ever been to the beach and noticed how the waves keep crashing onto the sand? As the wind blows over the ocean, it creates the waves you see crashing and splashing onto the shore. Big waves form with a strong wind, and smaller waves form with a gentle wind. No matter how windy it is, the waves always keep forming in the ocean and roll along until they land on the beach. Do you know what sin is? Sin is when we do things that God doesn’t want us to do- like not listening to your parents or being mean to someone. The Bible tells us that everyone sins. No one can be perfect all the time. It makes God sad when we sin. But...
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If it’s in the Bible, The Pirate Preacher knows the story. Monday nights he leads a “Jesus Study” in Moore Square, Raleigh, NC. Each Sunday you will find him in the park and at the bus station helping others enjoy the abundant life Jesus promised.
The Pirate Preacher helped launch Christian Devotions Ministries and is the former CEO of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, a Christian book publishing company. He’s also a “Blessed Selling” author and Writers’ Coach.
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Jehovah Jireh: The Incredible Provider — A super Hero Graphic Novel
