“Looking Unto Jesus”   For many years I aspired to be a world class runner.  I did all the research, read all the books and applied the training.  I was disciplined in my training, diet, sleep and habits.  I looked to many of the great runners of my time as inspiration: Steve Prefontaine (Oregon); Bob Kennedy (Indiana); Bill Rogers (Boston), to name just a few.  Although I set many...

The Brooklyn Church of God is celebrating (“Homecoming”) 52 years of life and ministry this Sunday, October 4th, 2015!   I am thankful for ALL those who have sacrificially given of their time, talent and money to the ministry here - past, present and future!   As pastor, I recognize that although I am entering into others labour (cf. John 4: 38), I must continue to build upon that one foundation - Jesus Christ.  I, like Paul, claim...

I believe we would all agree that life can be challenging and difficult at times. You might even say, “Life is not fair!”  And you would be right.  No one knew (other than Jesus) that more than...

As Christ followers we are commanded to love God and love others (cf. Deuteronomy 6: 4-6; Matthew 22: 36-40).  Jesus said in the gospel of John, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep my word.” (cf. John 14:23)  Jesus said  the world will know that you are my disciples, “if you love one another” (cf. John 13:35).   Jesus even told us to “love our enemies.” (cf. Matthew 5:44) This raises the question, “can we....

“Jesus, Jesus, Jesus there is just something about that name!”   Jesus has many other Names, seven of which can be found in Psalm 23:

Jehovah Rohi - The Lord is My Shepherd.

Jehovah Jireh - The Lord will...

The body of Christ is made up of a diverse group of redeemed people.  Individually we come from different backgrounds and vocations. We have uniques gifts, interests and passions.  We also have different strengths and weaknesses.   Our lives have taken us down different paths in life and ministry.  From the “onlooker” some of our paths have been one of ease (looks are deceiving).  For others it has been one of many heartaches, disappointments and set-backs.  But, no matter which path we find ourselves currently on, life in general has a way of “robing” us of our Joy.  Even the everyday routines and responsibilities of life can “squeeze” the Joy from our souls.  But does this have to be the case?  Can we live our lives without losing our “Joy?”  The Bible says,...

As a follower of Christ, do you seek His will for you?   And if so, does God really have a perfect will for each one of us?   Well, what does the Bible say?  We read in 1 Thessalonians 4:3, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification.”   First, we know from scripture that God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (cf. 2 Peter 3:9) (first work of grace).  Secondly, we know that...

“When peace like a river attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll, Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught be to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.”  These lyrics by Horatio G. Spafford were birthed out of hardship.

Our response to the difficult situations and circumstances of life are in direct proportion to our...

When you think of the role of the Holy Spirit, what descriptive words might you use?  Convicts; purifies; empowers; reveals; teaches; helps; directs; comforts; heals; unifies -might be a few!   Jesus told us, His followers, that it was needful for Him to ascend back to His Heavenly Father so that He could send the Holy Spirit - the third person of the Trinity!  The Holy Spirit is a person, not an it!   The Holy Spirit continues to...

Becky and I visited the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina.  It is the largest privately owned home in America.  Built in 1895, after having taken six years to complete.  George W. Vanderbilt invested his time, talent and money to create the finest in architecture, landscape and interior design.  Mr. Vanderbilt liked to travel and during his travels he collected furnishings and artwork from around the world.  He also loved books (man after my own heart), and had 23,000 in his personal library.  Words and pictures fall short to the magnitude of this family estate.  I say all that to say this, ...