I have lived long enough to watch things change. Not all at once, and not in ways that draw attention right away, but slowly and quietly over time. It is the kind of change that happens beneath the surface, where most people do not notice until much later. And in these later years, I find… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Mikes Blog
Not Retiring – But Being Refining
This morning, I found myself slowing down, reflecting, and praying about where I stand in this season of life. It is a time when many step away, when they begin to lay things down after years of labor, looking forward to rest and the freedom to do what was once postponed. I understand that season,… Read more »
The Difference Is Distance
“And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. And they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid.” (Mark 10:32) They were all on the same road, walking toward the same city, following the same Jesus. But the experience was not the same for everyone…. Read more »
Known by God – Not Judged by Man
There is a great desire within all people to be seen, valued, and accepted, yet from the beginning, humanity has looked to one another for that acceptance instead of looking to God. People measure themselves against others, building their worth on opinions, appearance, and approval, even though no person has ever been given the authority… Read more »
Where Contentment Is Really Found
The book of Job has never been one I’m naturally drawn to, because it refuses to soften the reality of suffering. It brings you face to face with loss, confusion, and the kind of pain that doesn’t come with easy answers. But if you stay with it—if you follow Job all the way through—you begin… Read more »
NOT TIME – BUT DESIGN
Last night was long and restless. Sleep wouldn’t come, and the pain in my gallbladder made sure I felt every minute of it. Lying there in the quiet, with nothing to distract me, my mind drifted to my body—not the parts I can see, but the ones I never think about. The hidden places. The… Read more »
More Than Words
This morning in my quiet time, I opened my Bible and found myself in Luke 11. As I read the disciples asking, “Lord, teach us to pray,” something in me slowed down. It wasn’t just their question anymore—it became mine. Not how to say the right words, but what prayer actually looks like when it… Read more »
Not Perfect – But His
There are many in this world who say they are Christians, so what truly makes a person a Christian? Many are familiar with Jesus. They have read His words, heard His teachings, and may even admire the life He lived. They can speak about Him, quote Him, and even agree with Him. But knowing… Read more »
Visions for America
Yesterday during my prayer walk I passed the courthouse downtown. Written in chalk across the steps were the words of protesters speaking out against immigration enforcement. The messages read, “No more wars,” “Defend democracy,” and “Bring back the Constitution.” As I stood there reading those words, something struck me. In many ways I agreed with… Read more »
The Call of Jesus
Ezekiel 44:7 declares, “You brought foreigners uncircumcised in heart and flesh into my sanctuary, desecrating my temple.” God was rebuking the leaders of Israel because they allowed people who had no heart for Him to participate in what was meant to be sacred worship. The issue was not merely that outsiders were present, but that… Read more »