Wednesday, November 11, 2026

 

Good morning!

 

On this Veterans Day let us take a few moments to remember, with gratitude, all those who have served, and are serving, our country in the armed forces.

 

And, let us pray for the well being of all of our soldiers and sailors, especially those who are stationed in dangerous places around the world.

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Blessings,
 

Pastor Karl

Tuesday, November 10, 2026

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All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.  (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

 

 

The Apostle Paul has given us three truths about scripture.

First, scripture is inspired.  While scripture has been given to us through various human agents (Moses, Elijah, Matthew, Paul, etc.), it has one, divine author—God Himself.  This means we can trust scripture.

 

Second, scripture is useful.  Specifically, it’s useful for: teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.  Scripture is one of the tools that helps form us into the people our Lord wants us to be.  Therefore, we submit ourselves to scripture’s teachings.

 

Third, scripture has a purpose.  It’s purpose is to equip us for good works.  Our progress in faith is not a matter of status, but rather a form of apprenticeship in the ways of our Lord.  We don’t study scripture merely in order to know.  We study scripture in order to do good works.

 

An old adage says, “When all else fails, look at the instructions."

 

Scripture is God’s gift of instructions to us.

 

We would be wise to consult this gift regularly, in order that we might not fail…quite so often.

 

Blessings,

 

Pastor Karl

Monday, November 9, 2026

 

“Be dressed and ready for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks.  Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes…"  (Luke 12:35-37)

 

 

A very old picture shows Jesus standing at a heavy wooden door, knocking.  Jesus is outside; the latch is on the inside.  This picture was inspired by Revelation 3:20.  “Behold, I stand at the door and knock…"

 

I have understood that picture as depicting the opportunity for individuals to open the door to their hearts for the first time.

 

In Luke 12 Jesus spoke differently about opening the door.

 

In this passage servants are waiting for their Master to return from a wedding feast.  It’s their responsibility to be ready, at any and all times, for their Master to arrive.  The servants are to open the door for their Master’s return (Luke 12:40).

 

We sometimes speak of the Lord “opening a door” for us.

 

What if we think of ourselves, Jesus’ disciples, as servants who open the door for Him?  

 

Could it be that our task is that of coaxing individuals to open the doors of their hearts just a crack so that Jesus might enter in?

 

Could it be that our task is that of living lives alert to His promised return so that we can facilitate His entry?

 

We are convinced Jesus opens doors for us.

 

Maybe, just as importantly, we open doors for our Lord.

 

Whatever latch is before us, let us keep our hands on it, looking for the moment we are called to effect its release.

 

We might just be opening the way for our Lord’s entry.

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Blessings,

 

Pastor Karl

Friday, November 6, 2026

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To make an apt answer is a joy to anyone,

and a word in season, how good it is!  (Proverbs 15:23)

 

 

One of the most personally satisfying statements we can make is, “I told you so!"

 

Most of us have learned, “I told you so," is also one of the most unhelpful, relationship destroying, statements we can make.

 

The Old Testament book of Proverbs gives us practical advice concerning everyday life and everyday speech.

 

In Proverbs 15:23 King Solomon tells us to aim at the apt response that brings joy.  This apt answer takes into consideration the circumstances at hand.

 

Notice how this issue involves our response to something that has already taken place.  We are answering, responding.

 

Depending on the circumstances...

There is a time for instruction.

 

There is time for rebuke.

 

And, there is a time for empathy.

 

It’s our responsibility to figure out “what time it is.”  Then we need to speak words “in season."

 

So, let us...

(1) Resist speaking those words that might be so very satisfying to utter.

 

(2) Seek to understand the season in which we speak.

 

(3) Imagine how we may bring joy to many — though not all — situations through our well chosen words.

 

Understanding what not to say (i.e. “I told you so!”) is a great step forward in determining how we might speak words that bring joy in the many seasons of life.

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Blessings,

Pastor Karl

Thursday, November 5, 2026

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Therefore you are great, Lord God; for there is no one like you, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears.  (2 Samuel 7:22)

 

 

Scripture is clear — there is only one, true God.

 

Scripture does speak of other “gods” (little “g”).

 

When it does so it is speaking about the false gods human beings worship as if they were actually God.

 

Our call is to put the false gods "in their place”; and put the true God in His place.

 

We are in error if, like many of the ancients, we worship the sun.

 

However, we do well when we appreciate the warmth and light of the sun and give thanks to the God who made it.  It’s a matter of putting things in their right and proper place in our lives.

 

The Lord is the one true God deserving of our worship, praise, and devotion.

 

Blessings,

Pastor Karl