While in High School, I vowed not to attend any further education! Little did I realize that my education would take me through my B.A. in Pastoral Studies at Cedarville College (now a University) and a Master of Divinity from Grand Rapids Baptist College. From High school I went through 7 1/2 more years of education, but what I learned in all my education is that all that education did was prepare me to be an eternal learner! Paul writes in Philippians 4:9 that we are to do the things that we have “learned.” To often we play Jeopardy with the knowledge that we learn. It becomes trivia that we can impress people with, instead of information to shape us into a better person. Godliness is a lifelong pursuit, not a destination that we arrive at. As we live our lives, we are to learn the truths of God’s Word so that we can be conformed into the image of God’s Son. Learning the truth is important, but it is only valid as we apply the teachings of the Word of God to our lives. Growth is inevitable, but will our growth lead us to higher living, or will it … READ MORE

Glorifying God is an outgrowth of our desires as a believer, and our maturity as a His child. It is our responsibility as His children to learn to stimulate each other to further growth and development. In Philippians 4:9 Paul challenges believers to continue to practice what they have learned, received, heard, and seen in him. This sounds a little arrogant on Paul’s part, but I would suggest that we are each to stimulate one another to a life of godliness. It is in living a life that is pleasing to God that we will find and enjoy the peace that God offers to us. We are reminded in 2 Timothy 2:2 “the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Whether we like it or not, we have a realm of influence. Some have a larger circle than others, but we all need to be aware of the circle. Commit the truth to others, for that truth comes with eternal dividends. Nothing we do has the eternal results that our influence has on others. We do not understand the ripple effect that we are … READ MORE

I remember when my wife had what I thought was a “routine” Dr. appointment. When I came home from work that day, she sat me down and said, “I have something to tell you” She told me that the doctor found a tumor and the “C” word was used in their meeting. That was the last think I expected, and the last word I wanted to hear. She was good with the diagnosis, and I found my head spinning as we considered the consequences. The good news was that they were able to remove the tumor, and all is good today, but that did not change the challenge that the initial diagnosis provided. While God may have different purposes in the trials that we face as His children, one overriding result of all trials is clear: “SUFFERING REFINES PEOPLE’S FAITH.” Genuine faith is indestructible for all eternity, because God values a fire-tested faith. All of us has faith that is mixed with improper attitudes and sinful motives, and those things need to be purged, and our true hearts revealed. The fire of difficulties and suffering tests the genuineness of our faith. If we, as believers, can trust God and rejoice … READ MORE