Whose back do you have?

Trina and I just returned from a great time with an impressive body of believers in Central Texas.  Though the primary reason for our visit was to strengthen some longstanding relationships for the future, the trip expanded to include ministry to their two existing house churches and some of the future leaders of a third weekly house meeting due to …

Gad and the year of the warrior

As we pray and seek Jesus for direction at the beginning of 2025, there is an interesting prophecy in Genesis 49:19 NASB95 to consider: “As for Gad, raiders shall raid him, But he will raid at their heels.” There are many relevant aspects to this word but one inescapable facet is the conflict that was to always mark his life.  …

Giving thanks & being thankful

The people that discipled me, especially Robert F Terrell, made James 1:2-4 NASB95 an unforgettable part of my training: Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, [3] knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. [4] And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. It …

Possessed by God

It is difficult to overestimate the influence of culture on the way that a person approaches a subject.  Western perspective is largely dominated by rational thought and the leading of the mind.  Christians need to be careful that reliance on our minds doesn’t come at the expense of some of the most crucial truths of our faith.  Consider the implications …

Looking back before moving forward

Let’s review some of this scripture: 1 Peter 2:9-10 NASB But you are a CHOSEN RACE, A royal priesthood, A holy NATION, a PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; [10] for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are …

A Holy Nation

The God of The Bible is holy.  This fundamental trait permeates everything associated with our Lord and it characterizes all of His actions.  Revelation 4:8 NASB95 tells us, And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within; and day and night they do not cease to say, “Holy, HOLY, HOLY …

Truth in a world filled with lies

Do you ever find yourself asking the question of whether or not a seemingly objective statement is true?  Trina and I are into our sixth month living in England and traveling to Western Europe.  In both areas, we are consistently asked the question of whether or not reports from major US Media outlets should be considered accurate.  Sometimes the answer …

Royalty and Relationships

While there are significant overlaps in the practices of many western nations, unlike The USA, The UK & much of Europe have royal families that follow a natural lineage, featuring prominently in their respective societies.  None of the western monarchies, to my knowledge, continue to make direct decisions on matters of state, but their influence on the psyche of their …

God has chosen Israel & The Church

Natural Israel The God of scripture has always had a chosen people to accomplish His purpose on earth. From the promise of Abraham and the initial formation of Israel with Moses in Exodus, to the clear prescription on their behalf in The New Testament, Israel, the Jewish Nation, is special to God.  Look at multiple statements to this end in …

England thus far

Trina and I arrived in The UK on April 1 with a plan to spend time with people that we had worked with in the past and to visit several new areas. While this exploration remains ongoing, here is an update on some of the people, places and our spiritual perspectives in the various contexts. Greater London London was our …