Giants. We must face them. Yet we need not face them alone.

In March 2011 I'm trying to decide on a sermon series that I will preach in January 2012. So, I'm about six months out.

Initially, when I first became a Christian and got into ministry, my thought was that God existed to make my life better and to take me to Heaven. Now I realize that it is not about me at all. It is all about God and that He did this to display His plan to restore the Earth to the Garden of Eden state.

I think there is, not in the sense that I enjoy it, but that it's an important question. It's the question, "Does the presence of pain mean God doesn't care? Does God not love me anymore?" I think that's a very common connection we tend to make.

I really believe the purpose of Scripture is to give us this authoritative handbook.

The difference between mercy and grace? Mercy gave the prodigal son a second chance. Grace gave him a feast.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek his grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.