Morning Briefings

Be careful with your words - but that is n'ere impossible unless you have a pure heart.

Why did J-Phat win the battle? What can you learn from him? Only a lot. 2 Chronicles 20.1-30

What to do when the battle is hot. Plus---- learning so much I never knew... a beautiful, life-changing practice that will open new neuropathways in your brain

James talked about the tongue, but really it is about the words that come off our tongues, from our text messages, Snapchats, TikTok's, emails, etc. Our words build up or tear down. Please take a look, perhaps in the mirror--the power of our influence and communication. James 3.1-11

You make choices every day but what about choices to grow closer to God, to move boldly in the direction of what God would have you do--letting the Holy Spirit radically transform you? For this would be a defining moment!

What the two had in common - what their courage and faith says to us. They had their defining moments ... what about you? What will you do when your defining moment comes?

Just contrasting faith/works and faith/grace: of James and Paul...mentioning 'For by grace you have been saved,' - grace? Oh, yes, beautiful, powerful, evocative grace. 'I know nothing, except what everyone knows — if there when Grace dances, I should dance.'

James says one thing, Paul another? Some people live for this sort of thing--conflicting statements in the Bible. See for yourself - no error, no conflict in doctrine. Being 'good enough' is sheer folly.

The most popular Morning Briefing I ever wrote came out of James chapter two; James, who has already taught us a lot about living life well--authentically, joyfully, wisely, with a great love of God. And now, he launches into how we ought treat others: without favoritism or judgment--but instead, freely dispensing m.e.r.c.y.

Perhaps it will seem elementary; but it is not. We must exercise self control in being quick to listen, but slow to speak -> and then we will be much less likely to be quick to anger.

Where does temptation come from, anyway? And when we are tempted, what ought we do? James tips his hand as does Thomas a Kempis in 1441. Check it out - while you have some control!

We must never forget: freedom is not free; it cost many their lives. Our Christian freedom was not free either; it cost Jesus everything. Let's live THANKFUL.

Did the apostle James 'bury the lead' in this passage of Scripture? When I picked up on this line, it captured my heart, my mind and attention.

Tough times have a way of working us over - causing us stress, anxiety, worry and fear! There is another way, a better way.

Do these go together? Turns out that from God's perspective, they absolutely do! James writes to the dispersed and to us. Check it out.

What moves someone from skeptic to believer to sold-out follower of Jesus Christ? Evidence, experience. James had both and was moved to pick up his pen and author this powerful letter. "The Author" also a God-honoring song.

What? It's a Southern expression, but it captures a great concept for us. Resources to grow in our relationship with Jesus - careful with who, what and where we give our attention.

Who cares what a woman wants really? I want to know what God wants - and I find out all that he wants from his precious Word.

It almost seems the terms would be at odds--power and hope; one is strong, the other weak, based on wish or whimsy. Nope! Give this a listen.

We could read it, we could love it and leave it be; but what if we grabbed ahold of it and made it our own? Well that makes the 23rd Psalm come alive, and our prayer lives too!

The Good Shepherd promises his goodness and mercy all of our lives - just think what that means, especially when we are trying to battle the storms of life. Listen.....

What will dinner with the King of Heaven be like? hmmm.... just imagine! This setting got me thinking about it and how David described the Good Shepherd preparing a table for him--in the midst of his enemies no less!

hmmm...the right path, how do I know? The sheepherder uses his staff to guide his sheep and make his presence known. We have a Good Shepherd--how does he lead us? How can we hear his voice? O, and this song? This song!

Our Good Shepherd ... does he protect us? If so, how?

Exploring more of the treasure trove in the 23rd Psalm

Is contentment possible ... I mean, really? I believe it is.

If you are not somewhat 'squared away', if you do not have a solid relationship with Christ, you will not have anything to give another! Consider this beautiful psalm. Take it in, read and listen to it... pray it!

I've been the first call a number of times over the years. Sudden tragedy, loss of unimaginable proportions...what can be done?? Is there a way to bring comfort or hope?

Sometimes it seems life just may get the best of us...how can we make sense of the difficulties? Doesn't God just want me to be happy...what in the world?? Where is he now?

I trust God...truly, I do! But, sometimes there is a disconnect between my mind and my emotions--what I know to be true and my nervous system! And then I remember what I know to be true about God over a lifetime of relationship with him. Give this a listen.

Prayer is not meant to be boring; it is meant to be vital!

Mary Magdalene heard Jesus speak her name; she who was chosen to be the first to know that Jesus rose from the dead.

This is not just an annual holiday... O, so much more.

It is Good only cuz Sunday's coming.

Jesus Christ - put through 6 'illegal' trials, flogged, sentenced to be crucified.

Passover night around the table, Jesus has a lot to say. Here is a little in part!

Gethsemane. The Garden.

The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem - covered in all four gospels, critical knowledge for all followers of Jesus Christ

How did Jesus know it was time to go to Jerusalem... for Passover, arrest, and crucifixion? How did Jesus know the time for anything he did? We must take a page out of Jesus' book. Easter, 2026

Luke ends the book of Acts with Paul in a rented home in Rome, still preaching to those who came to him. But what happens after? What of Paul? And what are we to take of this epic story of Acts!

At long last, Paul reaches Rome. Though shackled to a Roman guard 24 hours a day, it doesn't stop him... Acts 28, incredible!

God is always right on time, as we see in Paul's life. Not always when we want him to, but he is faithful. Acts 28.1-10. Good stuff, great takeaways.

What happens as Paul rides a board to shore on Malta, we learn a lot. The fact is - in this life - snakes are inevitable. We must be aware and ready.Acts 28.

Paul is a prisoner on his way to Rome to stand before Nero; on the way, a storm... a shipwreck, but GOD

Paul, in the will of God and "safe"? No! In the will of God and in a battle of a storm. Luke was there; he tells the story, Acts 27 - Acts 28.15

Acts 25 - 26. Whoa, Paul. How much we learn from your life!

The juxtaposition of Disney World and war... Paul vs. the Jews and Romans... what is real? what matters? How to stay strong: consult Psalm 121.

Paul could not have kept going to Jerusalem or on to Rome... he could not have done what God called him to do unless he was a good thinker, a man who disciplined his mind.

God speaks to Paul in two different ways in Acts 20-21. Does God speak today? He does! Here is how to hear him.

Acts chapter 20 - what drove Paul to Jerusalem, knowing what awaited him--prison, chains, death? And what gave him strength to stay the course? Where does our strength come from? Give this a listen.