The state of the heart

Reform, renew or replace? It is interesting to see how quickly people minds jump to political or “Church” side of things… in my case this morning it is a personal question.  The answer to these is a resounding YES in my life.  But I contend that the last one “replace” may be the first thing […]

Anger

A wise man says, “Every man takes care that his neighbors shall not cheat him—but a day comes when he begins to care—that he does not cheat his neighbors. Then all goes well.”  The scripture teaches us LOVE covers a multitude of sins.  The longer I live and the deeper I love the more I […]

Discernment

Discernment is not a matter of simply telling the difference between what is right and wrong. It is knowing the difference between right and almost right. — CH Spurgeon

Ministering well

I met a gifted lady this afternoon. I watched as she entered in and out of the ministry she has. I was amazed at her patience and love that was shown in every kind word and each tender touch. I saw her struggle to find her place and meet her own needs all the while […]

Shower Thoughts

Shower Thought: The “walking the extra mile” wasn’t for the benefit of the Romans, it was for the working of humility of the doer.   So many times we get in danger of letting our fleshly pride getting in the way of the work of the Lord. Learning the mirrored face of Christ’s righteousness is […]

From the Cross flows – John Flavel

Out of this fountain [the cross] flow all the blessings that believers either have or hope for. Had it not been for this, there had been no such thing as justification, adoption, salvation, peace with God and hope of glory, pardon of sin, and divine acceptance: these and all our best mercies had never been.  […]

The Death and Excellency of Christ

The Death and Excellency of Christ. Isa. 13. 12     1    The things on earth which men esteem,             And of their richness boast,         In value less or greater seem,             Proportioned to their cost.     2    [The diamond, that’s for thousands sold,             Our admiration draws;         For dust men seldom part with […]

How do we reflect that which we do not see?

“The turning of the mind upward is half the battle. We cannot expect it to reflect that toward which it does not turn.” — Charles H. Spurgeon Thinking this morning on Colossians 3 about keeping our focus on God.  It is so hard in this world of entertainment and escapism to find a focus that keeps […]

Psalm 1 speaking the heart

Psalm 1

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MNj3N9F3F4[/embedyt] Speaking to … …to the heart of the Child of God. …to the state of the heart of the wicked.

Caring for our city

Rockford, Illinois Police Body Worn Cameras

Rev. Stephen Bowie and Rev. Julane Nease were at City Hall today (Thursday) to present a check for $500 from Northwest Neighbors, Inc. to go toward the purchase of body-worn cameras for the police department. The Mayor and two Deputy Assistant Chiefs were present.    The goal of Northwest Neighbors, Inc. is to create a […]