Weekly Thoughts From Outside the Boat

Hey guys, This week’s Thought comes from 1 Timothy 1:19. As I read it, there was one word that leapt off the page and grabbed me. Paul is writing these words to Timothy, one of his disciples and a coworker in the faith. He tells Timothy to “cling to your faith in Christ and keep your conscience clear.” The word cling resonated with me. When I picture the word "cling”, I picture desperation. Maybe it’s because I’ve seen a few movies recently where people were hanging from pl

Hey guys, I just finished up my personal study of the book of Daniel, and let me tell you, it is deep water! There are biblical prophecies that cover thousands of years. Some of these prophecies are found in the book of Revelation and everywhere in between. There are also great stories in there that maybe you grew up on: Daniel in the lion's den, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace, the writing on the wall, and the kings’ dreams that Daniel interprets. I rea

Hey guys, Today, I want to share something a little bit different with you. Usually, I pick a verse or two to share with you, but today’s Thought focuses on a theme that shows up in Daniel 3 & 4. In verse 26 of chapter 3, we see Nebuchadnezzar call Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego “servants of the Most High God.” If you skip down to verse 28, Nebuchadnezzar says, "Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.” Then in verse 29, after they get out of the fiery furnace

Hey guys, This week’s Thought comes from Daniel 1:1-2. Starting with verse one, “During the third year of King Jehoiakim's reign in Judah, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it.” Horrible news! The enemy of God's people has conquered God's people and God's holy city! Then, in verse two, “The Lord gave him victory over King Jehoiakim of Judah and permitted Nebuchadnezzar and his men to take the sacred objects out of the temple of God.” Two points

Hey guys, This week’s Thought comes from Ephesians 6:6-7. In verse 7, Paul says, “Work with enthusiasm as though you were working for God and not for man.” Some translations say, “whatever you do, work at it as if you're working for God, not for man.” I've heard that verse used in multiple contexts: a pastor from the pulpit on Sunday morning, a Sunday school teacher, a coach, or even a boss. Work at the task you have in front of you as if you are working for God and not for