Devotionals
Sticks and Stones…Practical Advice Regarding the Weaponry of Words
Few statements are more untrue than this: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” The truth is, words are powerful, because words are spiritual. They can be seeds to produce a harvest of blessing and peace, or swords to wound and destroy a person’s reputation. The world was created by God’s words. That same creative force has been given to us! Kingdoms, nations, businesses, churches, and marriages are either built up or destroyed by words. The writer of Proverbs said: “Death and life are in the… Read More
Imagine Your Life Without Jesus
If it had not been the Lord who was on our side when people rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us; (Psalm 124:2-3 ESV) There are some phrases in the Bible that seem to always stop me in my tracks. This is one of them – “If it had not been for the Lord who was in my side…” I remember driving on the interstate in Virginia, coming around a curve and losing control of my vehicle. Apparently there had… Read More
Each Meal Is an Opportunity
Our fast-food society must rediscover the value of the covenant meal. Whereas many people think that each meal is all about the food, generations of our ancestors understood that meals were opportunities to enjoy and build relationships. Certainly ancient Jewish families understood the value of eating together. Paul wrote a letter to the church in Corinth, reminding them to not lose sight of the true value of the covenant meal. For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. (1 Corinthians… Read More
No Longer Bound by Sin and Shame
Filled with shame, he regretted his decision to eat of the forbidden fruit. Then he heard the footsteps of God. Embarrassed and humiliated, she hung her head as her accusers publicly exposed her adulterous relationship. Then she heard the footsteps of Jesus. Our sins leave the residue of shame, humiliation, and regret. That’s what sin does – it lures us into momentary pleasure, but leaves us with a lifetime of pain. But it doesn’t have to be that way. In the Old Testament, God had Moses build a tabernacle, which served to… Read More
Give People Hope
Everybody needs hope. Nearly every person we encounter today is facing a difficult, if not desperate situation. Jesus was a new voice, a relatively unknown man, until the miracles began. Once people began to be healed and delivered, word spread and the crowds multiplied. That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. (Mark 1:32-33 ESV) As a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, I have been entrusted the power and privilege to carry on… Read More
Pastor Dale Jenkins 