“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6 As the calendar turns from October to November every year, my family begins the season of preparation. … More A Season of Preparation

“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” – Proverbs 29:18 Have you ever noticed the size difference of the rear view mirror in a car compared with the windshield? The windshield is much bigger than the rear view mirror. As a driver, this makes sense because we spend more time looking out the windshield … More A Non-perishable Vision

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8 Last Sunday, we began new message series in our worship services on the vision of our church. Throughout this series, we … More The Church of Tomorrow

“Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise rebuke to a listening ear.” – Proverbs 25:12 Several years ago, I joked with a friend when I said, “I’ve only made one mistake in my entire life…I once thought I was wrong.” The truth is I have been wrong many times in … More The Wise Rebuke

“An intelligent mind acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” – Proverbs 18:15 Every time I read through Proverbs, I love the practicality of the proverbs. Within each chapter I can find advice on how to be a better husband, father, friend, pastor, leader, and follower of Christ. Throughout Proverbs, there is … More Acquiring Knowledge

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace; but wisdom is with the humble.” – Proverbs 11:2 I can remember a professor in college asking me how he could pray for me. He said, “Matt, if there is one thing I could pray for, what would it be?” I asked him to pray that I would not … More The Wisdom of Humility

“I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness. When you walk, your step will not be hampered; and if you run, you will not stumble.” – Proverbs 4:11-12 Robert Frost once penned the words that became known to millions of high school students: “Two roads diverged … More The Path to Wisdom

In the first chapter of Nehemiah, we read a prayer that Nehemiah offers to God for the Israelites. It is a beautiful prayer that petitions the mercy and grace of God to the unfaithfulness of the Israelites. Nehemiah believes that God will do amazing things and wants for the Israelites to be part of God’s … More The Cupbearer to the King

“One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord, and to seek him in his temple.” – Psalm 27:4 Do you remember the movie City Slickers? There is a popular scene … More The One Thing

“Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.”– Psalm 80:3 Have you ever heard someone described as glowing? You might sometimes hear a woman who is pregnant described in this way. Or perhaps the young couple who announces their engagement. Maybe it’s the student who has just graduated … More The Face of God