I have had many people (of other faiths) try to challenge my belief in Grace. They say things like, “Pastor Bill, it seems like many Christians claim they just pray a prayer, and even if they live like hell, they go to heaven. That doesn’t seem fair.”
It’s an honest question. And if Grace simply meant “say a few magic words and do whatever you want,” I’d agree. That definitely wouldn’t seem fair at all.
It’s been exactly one year since my son was able to come home from the hospital. Due to many complications, what started out as appendicitis turned into forty-something days in the ICU and on the surgical recovery floor. During that time, he won over every tech, nurse, and doctor with his patience and kindness. His perseverance and long-suffering were truly amazing. I didn’t hear him complain one time.
On a typical day during his time in the hospital, I would spend the night there. My wife and the girls slept at home. In the morning, my wife would come to the hospital, and we’d take care of our son together for a few hours. Then I’d go home and sleep during the day while my wife took over at the hospital. My daughters did school, chores, etc. I’d eat dinner with the girls, and then we’d all go to the hospital, where we’d be together until my wife took the girls home. And the routine would start all over again.
Comments Off on The Promise Fulfilled — Christmas Series 2025
“For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory.” — 2 Corinthians 1:20
Christmas is approaching, and it brings our four-week series called “The Promise Fulfilled.” We’ll discover how the promises of God find their ultimate fulfillment in the birth of Christ: beginning with ancient prophecies of hope, continuing to the angel’s songs of joy, celebrating the Prince of Peace born in Bethlehem, and embracing God’s gift of love revealed in Jesus.
“There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.” Proverbs 29:20 (NLT)
Speaking without thinking can get people into quite a mess, can’t it? We definitely see this in our world every day. Especially with social media. People post almost everything they say and do online. Not just in the form of videos but also in the comment sections. And too often this ends up negatively.
This is certainly not a recent problem. People did not just discover this phenomenon with the World Wide Web. In fact, Solomon recognized this danger in the 10th century B.C. when he penned the book of Proverbs. Today, access to seeing everyone’s words and thoughts online has only increased their visibility.
Carefree Comments
I’ll be honest, my loose tongue can get me into hot water from time to time. It’s easy for me to sink into making jokes or being carefree with my comments. To my shame, this is often at someone else’s expense. I don’t always consider how my words may affect someone else. Even the most innocent of my nonchalant quips has offended someone. Or at least made them uncomfortable.
Of course, I’m not saying God has no sense of humor. And I’m not saying joking around is always wrong. However, I am convicted to consider, “Am I thinking before I speak?”
Proverbs 15:2 says, “The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.”
Downright Hurtful
I can also be thoughtless in my speech when I am frustrated or angry. Sadly, when walking in my flesh, it can be so easy to sink back into heedless comments. My speech can be cold, dismissive, or thoughtless. Sometimes, even downright hurtful. Unfortunately, those closest to me are the ones who catch a good deal of those reckless words.
And what does the verse above in Proverbs 29 say? In those moments when I speak without thinking, I am worse off than a fool. And if you know Proverbs, Solomon already has a low view of fools. Truly, to have less hope than a fool is pretty hopeless.
Mercy
However, praise Jesus for His mercy that is new every day. Hallelujah for His patient, loving kindness for a fool like me. Along the way, He sanctifies me by His grace to be more like Him in my speech. And at the same time, more thoughtful before I speak.
Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”
Lord help us (help me) to think before we speak. To be self-controlled with our tongues. Equally important, to be considerate of others and what honors You. Help us to always “speak life” to those around us.
Every once in a while, I get myself into a situation where I know I’ve been misunderstood. There are also times when I realize that I’ve misunderstood what somebody was trying to tell me. Without a doubt, we all experience this, don’t we?
As I’ve thought about this, I’m struck by the story in Joshua 22 (verses 10-34). It’s an example of a misunderstanding that certainly could have ended in disaster. In fact, if one group of people hadn’t explained themselves to another group, there would have been a war.
Ephesians 3:14a (NIV84) “For this reason I kneel before the Father…”
Last Thursday, my wife (Mary) and I put our 20+ year-old furniture on the driveway with “FREE” signs attached. We then held hands and prayed, “Lord, have someone take these before the day is over.” Four hours later, a neighbor a few doors down claimed the well-worn couches for her daughter. Soon after, Mary and I held hands (again) and thanked the God who answers prayers!
The word “Noel” has several meanings. Most notably, it communicates the news of God’s goodness and love expressed through the birth of His son, Jesus Christ.
The Rock Music has recently released our new EP, “No One Knows Me Like You.” Writing, recording, and playing music for Jesus and the local church is so gratifying. These songs are some that I am most proud of as a musician. At the same time, serving the Lord in this way humbles me. One common theme of this new music (mainly subconsciously) is finding a home in Jesus. And ultimately, a place where He knows me and I can rest in Him.
I gained encouragement during some interactions I’ve had with my oncologist. I will share it with you in the hope that you will be encouraged as well.
My oncologist has helped me with my ongoing cancer challenges and was at the helm through my sweet wife Jeanne’s battle with cancer. Back then, we used to joke with him that we were his two-for-one clients. I often thank him for his tireless attention to his cancer patients. He genuinely cares for me and my family. Consequently (and like all of us), he was especially burdened when Jeanne lost her battle with cancer.
