Category Archives: God

The Story: Tempted

Posted on October 19, 2013 by Jason

The Story: Tempted – Matthew 4:1-11 “Virtue is not virtue if it be untested and unexamined.” – Origen Immediately following his baptism, the Holy Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness. The wilderness calls to mind Israel’s desert / wilderness experience … Continue reading →

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The Story: The Return Home

Posted on September 20, 2013 by Jason

Do unfinished projects bother you? I have to confess to you that unfinished projects drive me crazy. I tend to be more task-oriented; I love to cross things off the to-do list; so nothing irritates me more than an unfinished … Continue reading →

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The Story: The Kingdom’s Fall

Posted on September 12, 2013 by Jason

The Kingdom’s Fall – Jeremiah 29:1-14  Imagine two cities: The first city is a bustling metropolis, full of frenzied activity. Think New York, London, Rome, L.A.. It’s a city that never sleeps, a city of constant sights and sounds and … Continue reading →

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All Things New

Posted on August 9, 2013 by Jason

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” — Revelation 21:5 A few weeks ago, we decided to get away for a short vacation. On the heels of an extremely busy summer, … Continue reading →

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Finish Strong

Posted on July 17, 2013 by Jason

A few years ago, I wrote about my respect and appreciation for my father-in-law, Alan Shates. In that blog post, I recounted the story of our twins who spent time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) after being born … Continue reading →

Posted in Another Man, Eschatology, Family, God, Kids, Sunny | 11 Comments

The Story: The Trials of a King

Posted on June 5, 2013 by Jason

2 Samuel 7 has been called one of the high points of the OT. As king over Israel, David builds for himself a majestic palace. But after completing it, he makes a sobering realization: “I’ve built this palace for myself … Continue reading →

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The Story: Giants

Posted on June 4, 2013 by Jason

David and Goliath.  It’s the classic story, firmly etched in our collective consciousness. The Philistine giant and the young shepherd boy. Brute strength vs. bold faith. The Bible presents Goliath as the Philistine champion. Standing over 9 feet tall, this … Continue reading →

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The Story: The Lord Looks At the Heart

Posted on May 23, 2013 by Jason

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks … Continue reading →

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The Story: Light to the World or Like the World

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Jason

Faithful to her promise, Hannah gives her son, Samuel, to the Lord’s service. Samuel grows to become a mighty prophet, a man of God recognized from Dan to Beersheba (the Israelite way of saying “from north to south”). Everyone acknowledged … Continue reading →

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The Story: Given to the Lord

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Jason

There was a ceratin man of Ramathaim, a Zuphite from the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Elkanah son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, and Ephraimite. He had two wives; … Continue reading →

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