Author Archives: pastorsteverichards

This word – waiting – has appeared in the scripture reading the past few days. The word brought to mind a memory from my childhood when I was told to wait until my dad got home. That instruction almost always … Continue reading →

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner Jesus has entered on our behalf. Hebrews 6:19 Christian hope is not an optimism that things … Continue reading →

To not work, but to find rest. The idea of Sabbath was introduced in the first chapter of Genesis. On the seventh day, God rested. If God could work for six days and rest on the seventh, then surely we … Continue reading →

What is it that gets done today, because it can’t wait until tomorrow? Those tasks where there is a deadline of today. A sale price that expires today. Those things that could be delayed but are tasks we like to … Continue reading →

What do you do when you have done everything else and it has not brought about the desired effect? Let’s say it is a child. You have talked and talked and scolded and taught and provided examples. And still no … Continue reading →

At least once a day, I look in the mirror. It is generally before I leave the house. I want to be sure the image that others will see is the image that I think they will see. Unlike the … Continue reading →

When am I closest to God – during good times or during bad times? The prophet Amos speaks during a period of prosperity for Israel and Judah. He delivers an angry message of coming judgment because in the midst of … Continue reading →

What if my relationship with God was central to everything in my life, and my hope of completeness and prosperity was possible only to the extent that my relationship with God was central? In other words, would I say that … Continue reading →

As we read the tangled history of the kings of Judah and Israel, it appears that Jehu finally (and violently) restores the focus of the northern kingdom of Israel on the LORD God. For the next hundred years, life will … Continue reading →

Each week, my faith group memorizes a verse of scripture. This week’s verse is Proverbs 21:21 – Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. This verse is an appropriate summary of the readings these past few days … Continue reading →