But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you…

Heart of the Staff, Bro Jim September 2023 In the rotations of the Heart of the Staff, my last post was in March 2023.  I continue with The Home – Is it Made, Purchased, or Given, specifically, The Home – Sealed in Marriage. “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground,…

When you read the stories of the “giants” of the Bible like Abraham, Moses, David, Peter, or Paul, we see recorded for all of time the details of some amazing victories and some massive failures.  While I wouldn’t want my mistakes and downright blatant sins discussed in Bible study groups across the world, I am…

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!2 Corinthians 9:15 Gifts.  I cannot think about Christmas without thinking of gifts.  I am the kind of person that loves looking for the perfect gift.  All the time and effort searching for the thing that fits their personality and interests is always worth it when I see the…

As I think back over these past 8 months, I am encouraged with the outpouring of support and encouragement I feel each Sunday when I stand in front of you, strum my guitar, and lead you in your worship of the King of the Universe. It is safe to say that we have overcome some…

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:6 I have experienced moments in my life where I have felt hunger and thirst. Depending upon the circumstances the severity of those needs was quite different. But in each situation, my focus and desire were fully on filling that…

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies” Psalm 23:5 This verse it is part of a VERY familiar and popular passage of scripture that I have rushed past numerous times.  It wasn’t until recently after I started a new book and bible study that focused on the 23rd Psalm that…

Recently during our Sunday Night Bible Study, we were discussing how the Lord listens to us when we pray.  I was reminded of a little four-year-old girl at the preschool where I was teaching music years ago.  This little girl was quite shy, didn’t speak a lot and allowed the others to boss her around. …

“But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart” Luke 2:19 ESV To ponder, Webster’s dictionary defines this as to reflect, to think on quietly, soberly, and deeply.  There is another word used in scripture with a similar meaning….to meditate.   God’s Word refers to the practice of this numerous times.  “I remember the…

“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.  I will ponder all Your work and meditate on Your mighty deeds.” Psalm 77:11-12 Hindsight is a beautiful thing…to be able to look back and see how God worked and moved to bring me to my current situation.  When I take the time to…