In 2 Thessalonians 1:5-12, the Apostle Paul conveys to the Thessalonian church a deep and meaningful message of hope and assurance. However, we also find a rather surprising and straightforward statement of the coming judgment on those who afflict these believers. Paul brings several powerful and profound truths to light in this passage. First, our … Continue reading Reflections on 2 Thessalonians 1 – JESUS, AFFLICTION, AND JUDGEMENT
Author: Wayne Smith
Reflections on Amos 9:11-12
The book of Amos is a book both of judgment and mercy. When I read the words of Amos 9:11-12, I cannot help but be struck by the incredible promise of restoration that God offers to His people. The prophet Amos speaks of a day when the fallen tent of David will be restored. The … Continue reading Reflections on Amos 9:11-12
Reflections on Psalm 31
As I meditate on Psalm 31, I am struck by the deep intimacy and trust that the Psalmist has in God. This trust is not superficial or fleeting; rather, it is rooted in a lifetime of experience and relationship with the Almighty. The Psalmist begins by declaring God as his refuge and fortress, a place … Continue reading Reflections on Psalm 31
Genesis 4 and Matthew 18
Interesting poetic parallelisms and contrasts occur in the Genesis narrative at the end of chapter 4. The story picks up after Cain kills Abel (4:1-8). The Lord deals with Cain by casting him out from his family, after which it states, "Cain went away from the presence of the Lord…." This statement is likely more … Continue reading Genesis 4 and Matthew 18
I Don’t Want you to be a Christian
I don't want you to be a Christian. If your definition of Christian is looking at a list that says, "Mark the one that fits you: Islam, Judaism, Christian." You mark Christian because you aren’t one of those other religions. Or perhaps your definition of Christian is a voting block on election day. Or maybe … Continue reading I Don’t Want you to be a Christian
River Rafting with Jesus
Several years ago, my wife, Ali, and I were on a Pastor’s retreat to Lost Pines Resort in Cedar Creek, Texas. The retreat planners planned time for the couples to spend together relaxing and investing in each other. One of the amenities we took advantage of was the lazy river. The first time I was … Continue reading River Rafting with Jesus
Praying for Ukraine
As I start my Saturday in the comfort of my home study, I am bombarded with thoughts of the people of Ukraine. Like many of you, I have friends from Ukraine who have moved to the US and other ministry contacts in Ukraine or surrounding areas. My response today is in two forms: prayer and … Continue reading Praying for Ukraine
Painting Pictures of devotion
“In his pictures, Arelius painted all faces after the manner and appearance of the women he loved, and so to everyone paints devotion according to his own passions and fancies. Someone given to fasting thinks himself very devout if he fast although his heart may be filled with hatred….Another person thinks himself devout because he … Continue reading Painting Pictures of devotion
Thoughts from 2 Corinthians 5:6-10
"Therefore, we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body, we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make … Continue reading Thoughts from 2 Corinthians 5:6-10
Martin Luther King Day 2022
Yesterday was Martin Luther King day. Every year when this day comes, I listen to his final speech in Memphis, my hometown, and his "I Have a Dream" speech, delivered on Aug. 28, 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.The first time I remember hearing his powerful words was in a communications class at … Continue reading Martin Luther King Day 2022