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Conflict
Today’s reading is Galatians 2.
Galatians 2 is most famously known for Galatians 2:15-21 where Paul’s letter to the church in Galatia focuses on being saved by faith and not by works. Let’s talk a little bit more though about what led up to this in Galatians 2:11-14.
Here in these verses, Paul is upset with Cephas (Peter) at Antioch because he’s eating foods Jews don’t eat with the Gentiles (non-jews) and then as soon as other strict and influential Jews show up, he stops doing so. Although Peter knew the Gentiles were saved by faith and not by what food they eat, his pull back and return to only eating food Jews were allowed to eat seemed to imply again that someone can be saved by the law (works) and that you are not only saved by faith alone. Not only did Paul believe this was hypocritical and tore down the truth of the Gospel, you are saved by faith and not by works, but it also negatively influenced Barnabas to follow him. Our actions matter and lead others in a positive or negative direction.
Paul teaches us a great lesson here in Galatians 2:11.
But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.
One of my mentors shared with me something he learned which was that you should “seek conflict.” This may seem sound strange, but there is a difference between “creating conflict” and seeking it. What he meant is that when there are conflicts, talk about it and discuss it. Face it head on. Don’t let it fester..that will only make it worse. Also, don’t just talk about someone or something you don’t agree with behind their back..address it directly with them. Conflicts and disagreements will undoubtedly occur, and this is how you solve them. Paul models this and teaches us this important lesson.
Jesus also teaches us to face conflict with someone else directly.
5 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
Matthew 18:15-17
Here Jesus not only tells us to face conflict with others, but He also tells us a 3 step process on how to do it. You face it with them privately, then with one or two others if they don’t stop, and thirdly, address it with the church.
Let us pray for wisdom for the courage to face conflicts head on and to do so in the manner Jesus outlined.
Dead to Sin, Alive to Grace
Romans 6 reminds me that grace is not just forgiveness for the past; it is power for a new life. Paul asks, “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” The answer is clear: because I have been united with Christ, I am called to walk in newness of life. I am no longer mastered by sin, resentment, pride, or selfishness. I belong to Christ.
That means the grace God has extended to me must also flow through me. Someone in my life may need patience, forgiveness, or a fresh start from me—not because they have earned it, but because I have not earned the grace God has given me either. Extending grace does not mean ignoring truth; it means refusing to let bitterness rule my heart.
Who needs me to extend grace? The person I am most tempted to judge, avoid, or hold at a distance.
What concrete act will I take in faith? I will reach out, speak kindly, pray for them by name, and choose one practical way to show love without expecting anything in return.
Lord, help me live as someone who is dead to sin and alive to You. Let Your grace change not only what I believe, but how I treat others today.
A New Season
A new season is pending for our family – another move across the ocean back to the United States after over eight years living abroad in two different countries. I could share volumes as to the emotional roller coaster, how it impacts each of us individually, for my wife and me as a couple, and for us as a family, but the words aren’t there in this moment and the move is a few months out.
1 God is our refuge and strength,
always ready to help in times of trouble.
2 So we will not fear when earthquakes come
and the mountains crumble into the sea. (Psalm 46:1-2)
What is marking these times is the potential for stress and worry as the to-do list grows faster than the list of completed tasks, as the reality starts to set in, and as the “one last time” events occur.
Will our faith be shaken?
Will our God abandon us? Has he ever?
Will we be grateful for all that we have, for what God is doing and will do in our lives?
Are we putting Him in his rightful place as Lord and Savior?
Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! Romans 11:33
We are not and will not be defined by our circumstances – no matter how joyful or painful. What defines us today and every day, in this season and the next, is how we respond. We have already seen miracles and have been blessed by the encouragement of so many people who know our story and care about us. Kind words from lifelong friends as well as people we barely know or haven’t had contact with for many years, offers to help, prayers, and more.
These beautiful and warm responses have come just at the right time, when it seemed like we were barely holding on, and for that we say thank you, and we praise God for you. These are reminders of God’s love, that we don’t deserve it yet he gives it freely. These are also reminders for us to love and encourage others along the way.
My prayers at this time are that people see our faith in action, that we give God the glory, that we draw nearer to him and to each other. I pray that our faith is authentic, that all of this will influence others to see Christ in us and want to understand the reasons for our faith.
“Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.” (Psalm 46:10)
This is also another reminder to pray for our nation on its 250th birthday, for us as a nation to turn to our Creator, to embrace the principles that the United States was founded upon, and to be grateful for the freedom that we have.
Jesus is a Forgiving God
Luke 7
This chapter of Luke is packed with some awesome stories that show the compassion, love, and grace of our amazing God. The passage starts with a centurion recognizing and trusting the authority of Jesus. Jesus mentions that He hasn’t seen this kind of faith, not even in Israel. Jesus heals his servant from afar displaying the power of God.
The very next day, Jesus is heading into this town called Nain. As he is walking into the town he sees a funeral procession for a young man, the son of a widow. The love of Jesus is on display here. This widow, without a son or husband would have an extremely hard time providing for herself, if she could at all in this culture. Jesus not only has compassion on her because she was weeping, but because Jesus recognized what this woman’s life would be like without a protector and provider.
The very next passage contains Jesus’ cousin’s disciples asking a pointed question; “Are you the Coming One, or do we look for another?” Jesus then quotes prophesy from Isaiah indicating He is the Messiah and has fulfilled the prophecy that the blind sees, the deaf hear, the lame walk, and the lepers are cleansed.
One of the coolest passages of scripture in this chapter is the last one. The subtitle is a Sinful Woman Forgiven. Jesus was asked to share a meal in the home of a pharisee. At some point in the evening, a sinful woman shows up. We can conclude that this woman was a notorious sinner and likely a prostitute. This prostitute showed up to the pharisees house, an act of courage and faith, and wept at the feet of Jesus. She then used her hair to wipe His feet and anointed His feet with an alabaster flask of fragrant oil. Someone who was once an outcast and notorious sinner was now broken by an encounter with Jesus. Jesus teaches us a simple lesson. He who has been forgiven much will love much. This woman had Faith that her sins could be forgiven so she went to Jesus and worshipped the Messiah who would take away her sins.
You are not too far gone. Your children are not too far gone. Your coworkers are not too far gone. The lesson to learn here is to keep praying for those people in your life that have hard hearts toward God. Keep praying for those prodigals who need to come home. When they come home, they will no longer be enemies of God, but important vessels of love for God and His Church. The second lesson is to not think lowly or put down “notorious” sinners in your life. God is a much bigger God than you think. In fact, He is infinite. So don’t count certain people “out” because of a pattern of sin. God is a forgiving God who stands at the door and knocks. Whoever opens the door, God will come in and dine with. Pray the radical prayers and fix your eyes on the Lord to see what He will do!
Be On Guard
Today’s Reading: Jude 1
What prayer does this text invite you to say right now? These are verses that made me reflect on where we are at right now.
In the last times, there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires. These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the spirit. But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus to bring you to eternal life.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You knowing the truth of Your word. We see the division in our world, the disbelief, and the temptation to follow fleeting desires and natural instincts rather than Your guidance. Lord, guard our hearts against cynicism and protect our minds from being drawn into the strife that divides us.
Instead of being worn down by the world, help us to purposefully build ourselves—and each other—up in our most holy faith. When we are weak or unsure, we ask that You fill us with Your Holy Spirit. Guide our thoughts and intercede for us, teaching us how to pray in the Spirit even when we lack the words.
Lord, anchor us deeply in Your love. Whenever we are tempted to drift, remind us of Your steadfast grace. Give us patience and endurance as we look forward with hopeful expectation for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. May the promise of eternal life sustain us through every challenge we face today.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen
Community
Today’s Reading: I Peter 5
So many times in our current society, we have placed a big emphasis on individualism and independence. So many times we try to accomplish things by ourselves and without the help of others. Sometimes we think that this is a sign of strength, but it could also be a sign of weakness.
One of the strongest things that we have as a society is community. Community is more than just the gather of people, but it is a connection in a relationship between individuals.
In these writings of Peter, Peter is telling us how to become a community. He has given us information of how to lead and also how to follow. He is saying that each one is necessary for the growth of the whole.
When God, who is the best shepherd of all, comes out in the open with his rule, he’ll see that you’ve done it right and commend you lavishly. And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for—
God has had it with the proud,
But takes delight in just plain people.
6-7 So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.
There is a native people in Tanzania called the Maasai, these nomadic people have as a right of passage, a hunting of a lion. This is where a young juvenile goes out into the wilderness and comes back with a lion to prove his ability to provide and to protect for the family and for the group. This is a very strenuous and a very powerful ritual. The individual has to prepare his entire life to be ready for this.
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.”
Now, when individuals are not for the Massai group and they are on Safari, sometimes they will gather sharp branches and trees, and around the encampment to protect from lions, leopards, and hyenas.
We see here that with the proper training, the lion’s roar cannot affect a train hunter, but without that training you would be frightened by the prowling and roaring of the lion. But when you are in community, the lion’s roar would be less threatening. You have other individuals to help you and protect you.
This is what Peter is alluding to, when we are in community, we can build each other up and not be frightened as easily by the Iion’s roar. When we are community and we understand that we need each other and our different skills and strengths help to make us all better.
The community that we have is through the body of Christ. So many times we can forget through the different dogma of religion that we all connected. The body of Christ is not just for one individual denomination, but it’s for all of those who believe in Christ and the connection that we have through God.
May we continue to connect and share our love for Christ and each other and our love for community this week. May we be examples of Christ love for us.
Be blessed.
Community gathering around a central idea – Hog Roast
So Sleepy
I pretty much slept through high-school. As soon as I took my seat at my desk, opened the book and tried to listen, I got tired. It’s not because I was overworked or even overstressed. No, this was a different sort of tired. It’s marked by boredom and disinterest. This was true of most subjects but math and world history stand out to me. Funny thing is I knew that both were useful information. I actually enjoyed math, I even liked the drama of world history, even so, I couldn’t keep my eyes open.
I wonder if that’s what Paul is talking about in 1 Thessalonians 5. He warns us about two ways we go through our Christian lives sleepy, and drunk. Sleepiness is what happens when I slowly stop paying attention to God. Drunkenness is what happens when I intentionally look somewhere else to satisfy or numb my soul. One is drift; the other is escape. Both leave me unprepared for the life God has called me to live. Sometimes, my Christian life is just like that world history class, unmotivated, disinterested, and disconnected.
The remedy, as Paul puts it, is to put on our armor. The breastplate of faith and love and the helmet of the hope of salvation. Remember your armor? The faith that God is for you and a love that dies for you. But don’t forget hope. Remember the promise that he is coming? A day is coming where sin, darkness and deception are gone. These are not just our protection but also our motivation.
Faith trusts God today.
Love serves others today.
Hope keeps our eyes on tomorrow.
Even If
Today’s reading is 2 Corinthians 12.
7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations,[a] a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
As I’ve shared in the past, I was diagnosed with spinal stenosis in my neck in 2018. This caused tingling in my spine, loss of coordination, and atrophy and loss of strength in my right and later my left hand. I was recommend to have a spinal fusion at Mayo but by the grace of God was connected by my sister-in-law Kim through her sister Diane to a doctor in Pittsburgh who fixed my issue through 5 minimally invasive surgeries in 2019 and 2021 without fusion and its negative side effects.
By no coincidence I’m sure, 2 Corinthians 12 has been my assigned writing multiple times since 2018. Below is an excerpt of a writing from November 2021 after my 5th and final surgery.
Paul states that his affliction (we are not sure what that affliction is) keeps him from being conceited. Is this the case for me? I don’t know..maybe. I know one thing..I’ve been blessed in my life with some things I don’t deserve that unfortunately not everyone has…loving parents, a loving and supportive wife, four healthy kids, financial blessings, and a stable career I love. If I didn’t have some “thorn(s),” would I even think I needed God? I realize God had His hand on my life when he led me into the field of financial planning, rather than dentistry/orthodontics, my original dream career which I was ready to apply for at the University of Illinois, which I would not be able to do with my hand issues. If these surgeries were not possible due to modern medicine, I would be like the man at the pool in the Bible..paralyzed eventually. He led me to a surgeon and surgery options by His grace that were better than what Mayo even proposed. I can still throw a ball with my kids and type on a keyboard which is needed in my career. I’m extremely grateful for His provision through all of this. I’m also grateful these challenges are mine and not my wife or my children.
Most importantly, as I look down and see my puny, almost withered, right hand or need my wife Shannon or my kids help opening something or doing a button for me..I’m reminded what Paul says here in 2 Corinthians 12:10…when I am weak, then I am strong. His grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in my weakness. It’s all that matters and all I really need in life. Ironically, as another Paul, my good friend and Christ follower Paul Kelly, stated the following to me recently in a text message dialogue after a sermon…
“My desire to be the best version of myself will never be good enough. So..it’s in our weaknesses that God unveils our greatest gifts..His love is incomprehensively good and although I’ll never be worth it…I will forever be grateful.”
Thank you, Paul…no truer words can be said.
I have never heard the audible words of God. But there are times where I have been 100% certain God was speaking to me through other ways. As we were pulling out of the driveway to go to Mayo for my consultation in the summer of 2018 and I was not certain what my future held when it came to my ability to walk or use my right hand, the song Even If by Mercy Me came on the radio. I broke down. It reminded me that God could fix my issues if he thought it was best, just like Paul, but if he didn’t…He was and is enough. Today, while my issues are “fixed,” I still have atrophy, weakness, and loss of some motor functionality in my right hand. As I stated back in 2021, the challenges I still have today make me extremely grateful for what I am able to do and how much worse it could have been…as well as how much different my life could have been if God didn’t lead me down my current career path. I’m extremely grateful for His infinite wisdom, provision, and plan.
Please read the lyrics to Even If by Mercy Me, as well as here is the link to the lyric video.
https://youtu.be/B6fA35Ved-Y?si=qZdheCOPt_gpYuid
Even If by Mercy Me
They say sometimes you win some
Sometimes you lose some
And right now, right now I’m losing bad
I’ve stood on this stage night after night
Reminding the broken it’ll be alright
But right now, oh right now I just can’t
It’s easy to sing
When there’s nothing to bring me down
But what will I say
When I’m held to the flame
Like I am right now
I know You’re able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone
They say it only takes a little faith
To move a mountain
Well good thing
A little faith is all I have, right now
But God, when You choose
To leave mountains unmovable
Oh give me the strength to be able to sing
It is well with my soul
I know You’re able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone
I know the sorrow, and I know the hurt
Would all go away if You’d just say the word
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone
You’ve been faithful, You’ve been good
All of my days
Jesus, I will cling to You
Come what may
‘Cause I know You’re able
I know You can
I know You’re able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone
I know the sorrow, I know the hurt
Would all go away if You’d just say the word
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone
It is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul
Please Handle With Care
2 Corinthians 4
Paul’s Letters
God gave us all a new way, a new opportunity, and there is no room for quitters. We are not messing around with sneaky, manipulative tactics. No spin or deceit, just the straight truth and everyone else can judge us off that. If others still cannot see it, it is because the enemy has their blinders on from seeing how amazing Jesus really is. We weren’t put on this earth to promote ourselves. Jesus is King. The same God who flipped a switch and said “let there be light” also made it so the light shines in our hearts so that we could know the glory of God, and that is through Jesus.
If we are not willing to recognize the sin in our lives, we refuse to see the truth and cannot accept the gift of forgiveness that God offers us through a relationship with Jesus. As we reflect honestly on our lives, God will help us see where we need to change. Then we can confess our sin and trust Jesus to forgive us to make the needed changes.
Here is the catch…. We are of the most fragile of any living thing to exist. We are breakable. We don’t see it, but we are all wrapped in “Handle With Care” tape. But that is also the point. When something this powerful comes though people this weak, it is obvious the power isn’t coming from us, it is coming from God. We are pulled in every direction. We get knocked down but never knocked out. As others see God’s work in our lives, they may hopefully gain the courage to face and conquer their own sins and areas of weakness with God’s help.
Well, we are not quitting! Sure, our bodies on the outside tend to dwindle as the years go by, but on the inside we are being renewed every single day. This hard stuff we go through?? It is actually producing something – a weight of eternal glory so massive it makes the suffering look tiny by comparison. The key is keeping your eyes on what you can’t see. Everything you can see is just temporary. Everything you can’t see is forever.
We may have to wait awhile for God’s eternal blessings, but if we trust Him to help us in this life of decay, we can be sure of his blessing in the future.
My prayer:
Father, when I feel squeezed, confused, and knocked down – remind me that I am not crushed, abandoned, or destroyed. You are renewing me from the inside out, even when I cannot feel it.
Contentment, Fatherhood, and God’s Peace
Philippians 4
Philippians 4:7, NKJV says,
“and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4 reminds me that contentment is not found in perfect circumstances, but in the presence of Christ. Paul writes about rejoicing, praying instead of worrying, thinking on what is good, and learning to be content in every season. That kind of contentment does not come naturally. It is learned through surrender.
As I reflect on Father’s Day, I am grateful for the blessings God has placed in my life: my marriage, my children, and the sacred responsibility of being a husband and father. These are not roles I want to take for granted. They are gifts from God. My marriage has taught me the beauty of covenant love, patience, forgiveness, and daily faithfulness. Fatherhood has taught me that love is often expressed through sacrifice, steady presence, correction, encouragement, and prayer.
Yet I also recognize my weaknesses. I can become anxious, impatient, distracted, or focused on what still needs to be fixed instead of what God has already given. Philippians 4 calls me back to gratitude. It reminds me to bring every concern to God with prayer and thanksgiving, trusting that His peace will guard my heart and mind.
God’s strength is perfected in weakness when I stop pretending I can lead my family well on my own. His strength meets me when I admit I need more patience, more wisdom, more humility, and more grace. My weakness becomes the place where God teaches me dependence.
Today, I offer Him my weakness of trying to control outcomes and carry burdens alone. I ask Him to replace that with contentment, gratitude, and peace. Lord, help me love my wife well, lead my family faithfully, and rest in the truth that Your strength is enough.
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