Author Archives: Rick

Today’s Encouragement is Luke 9:62 “Jesus said to him, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’” Look back – Consider an ancient plow, probably pulled by an ox or cow. And the farmer who ‘puts his hand to the plow’.  The farmer guides theContinue reading “Looking back”

Today’s Encouragement is Deuteronomy 17:19 “And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God by keeping all the words of this law and these statutes, and doing them” Read in it all the days of hisContinue reading “Read the Word”

Today’s Encouragement is John 20:16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). He could have:  Appeared to rulers and kings when He was resurrected, but appeared to Mary Been born in a palace instead of a barn Taught well-educated, erudite scholars the finer points ofContinue reading “He could have”

Today’s Encouragement is Psalm 94:19 “When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.” Cheer my soul – My friends we have a treasure trove of blessings, comfort, and consolations in God’s Word.  As believers, when we are hurting, confused, uncertain, needing direction, comfort, peace… ‘when the cares of my heartContinue reading “Cheer my soul”

Today’s Encouragement is Psalm 118:8 “It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.” Take refuge in the Lord –  Who can you trust?  It seems everyone today (especailly politicians and preachers!) seem to get caught up in some sin, some scandal, some allegations of inappropriate behavior (what we used toContinue reading “Take refuge in the Lord”

Today’s Encouragement is Rev 1:17 When I saw Him, I fell at his feet as though dead.  But He laid His right hand on me, saying, “Fear Not, I am the first and the last.” When I saw Him –  (Please forgive me for this!) In the hilarious and irreverent scene from the movie “Talladega Nights”Continue reading “When I saw Him”

Today’s Encouragement is Matthew 16:20 Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ. Tell no one – This has always puzzled me, why would Jesus command His disciples to tell no one who He was?   As with much of scripture, it can only be understood in context.  Just aContinue reading “Tell No One”

Today’s Encouragement is Luke 4:40 “Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them.” Every one of them – Imagine the disciples saying, as the sun was setting, “It’s gettingContinue reading “Every One of Them”

Today’s Encouragement is Luke 1:34 & 37 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” [37] [And the Angel answered her] “…For nothing will be impossible with God.” How will this be, since-  Mary, in her innocence and purity, encountering, conversing with the angel Gabriel, responded to him…Continue reading “How will this be”

Today’s Encouragement is Luke 1:24-25 After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying, [25] “Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.” The Lord has done for me – Elizabeth was the motherContinue reading “The Lord has done for me”