February 2, 2022 - In Luke 5, we see Peter catch a ridiculous amount of fish. In John 21, we see the same thing. The difference? In the first, Peter seeks to be distanced from Jesus; in the second, he does everything he can to be near Him. Why? Because Jesus is the forgiver of sin. Special thanks to my professor, Dr. Schmitt. I am honored to be able to continue learning from him, long after my seminary years.

We are one in Christ, but we are not all built and gifted the same way. It is crucial to remember the difference between unity and uniformity. We are intentionally placed in the Body of Christ to serve in various roles all for the common good and toward the common goal of glorifying the Name of Jesus.

January 26, 2022 - Looking at Psalm 6, we see a prayer of David. As we go through seasons of trial in our lives, we join our voices with his. Though we suffer in this world, we can be confident that the Lord hears and accepts our prayers. He has saved us because of His unfailing love.

Paul proclaimed in 1 Corinthians 12:7 "A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.” While this is true, it is so much more than that. It is the uses of those gifts that God actually unites us as his Body.

In stories and movies, we tend to identify as the main character. Sometimes, we do the same thing with Scripture, making ourselves the protagonists instead of having the Lord as the center of the story. The Bible is not primarily about us; it is about the God who rescues us.

As the Israelites prepare to cross the Red Sea, there is great turmoil and terror. Yet, God comes to their rescue. He is the God who fights for His people… and He still does that today.

As we celebrate the Baptism of our Lord, it reminds us of our own Baptisms, where God has washed us clean of sin and calls us His own beloved children.

January 5, 2022 - If you look at the two texts: Matthew 2:6 and Micah 5:2, there’s almost what seems to be a disagreement. One says that Bethlehem is small… even too small, to be a clan in Judah. The other says that Bethlehem is by no means least in Judah. So which is it? Why the difference?  I don’t know, but here’s a thought on it.

The wise men (or magi) are more than just gift-givers. They are representatives of a larger people group who have faith in the Messiah. They are proof that Jesus came not just for the chosen people of the Old Testament, but for all people. They remind us that God’s loving rescue plan includes you and me.

December 29, 2021 - What we see in John 1:16-17 is that the Law is good for us, but that in Jesus Christ, we have something far better. Instead of just showing us our need, Jesus provides for our need.