Many years ago Dr. Gary Chapman became known by his classic book on the five love languages. It is said that everyone has a love language. We accept love and communicate love in different ways. The five love languages identified by Dr. Chapman include: words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, and…
It is in this special time of year that we celebrate the coming of our Savior to the world. One of the ways we remember the meaning of this time of year is by lighting the advent candles. Advent is basically a four-week period of time counting down the days until Christmas. The word ‘advent’…
We all have a story. Every story is unique and different. Every story is real. When it comes to telling others about Jesus, the best method is to tell your story. Share your testimony. Tell how your life has been changed by the power of the Gospel. No one can argue with your story. …
When I go into a restaurant with my family, I always position myself where I can see the room and the nearest exit. I guess this is the protective nature in me as a man. When I go into a public place (especially with my family) I look over my surroundings and even consider various…
A few nights ago we were watching Captain America. The setting is World War 2 and before Captain America was allowed to engage the enemy and save the world, he was given a P.R. assignment. He traveled from city to city performing on stage to promote the war effort. No doubt you have seen the…
The anthem of the Christian faith is none other than Amazing Grace. It is a hymn that has been sung millions of times by great choirs to soft whispers at the death bed of a loved one. I doubt John Newton would have ever imagined that his hymn would be the most sung and recorded…
There are many things that describe Jesus. We have seen some of those descriptions in our study thus far in the Gospel of John. Remember, the purpose of John’s Gospel is to reveal who Jesus is. He is the Word that became flesh. He is the light of the world. He is the bread of…
One of my favorite treats is a Krispy Kreme Doughnut. There are only two doughnuts worth eating: original glazed and chocolate glazed. A few years ago I told my wife that they need to sell in the store a box of a dozen doughnuts that has six original glazed and six chocolate glazed. Low and…
Over many years of pastoral ministry, I have seen many things. Nothing really surprises me anymore. One of the most heartbreaking experiences is seeing a marriage in trouble. When a spouse breaks trust it opens the door to all sorts of consequences. When someone crosses that forbidden line; it takes a miracle for there to…
Stewardship Devotional Day 10The Treasure Principle #3 – Treasure In addition to stewardship of our time and talents, we are also to be good stewards of our treasure. This is the part of stewardship that is most common to our vocabulary. It has to do with money. How we invest the resources God has…
Stewardship Devotional Day 9The Treasure Principle #2 – Talents In God’s Divine Sovereignty and by His grace, He has given every person certain talents and abilities. He has also given by the Holy Spirit, every born-again believer certain spiritual gifts. These talents and spiritual gifts are to be used for the edifying of the…
Stewardship Devotional Day 8The Treasure Principle #1 – Time Randy Alcorn has a fascinating book called The Treasure Principle. It is a simple book that deals with the simple truth that God owns everything and we are the stewards or managers of what God has entrusted to our care. Matthew 6:19-21 is the classic…
Stewardship Devotional Day 7Experiencing God Reality #7 – You come to know God by experience as you obey Him, and He accomplishes His work through you. Philippians 2:13 says, “for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” One of the things I often pray…
Stewardship Devotional Day 6Experiencing God Reality #6 – You must make major adjustments in your life to join God in what He is doing. In Joshua 24:15 we find this statement: “…choose you this day whom you will serve…” When it comes to serving the Lord there is no middle ground. God calls us…
Stewardship Devotional Day 5Experiencing God Reality #5 – God’s invitation for you to work with Him always leads to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action It is often said that the Word of God demands a response. Every time you read the Word, hear the Word preached, or have the Word…
Pastor Chris Noland 