“The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to
Author: Gary Combs
Focusing on one thing
“… this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14 KJV). The apostle Paul said, “This one thing I do.” He didn’t say, “These 100
Coming down from 35,000 feet
I just finished reading a book entitled, Innovative Planning: Your Church in 4-D, written by my good friend, Bud Wrenn. Bud is the founding pastor of Integrity Community Church, the Director of the Innovative Church Community and a former corporate executive. His book reflects the wealth of experience that he has gained in all those positions.
Cathedrals and crosses come near
“So I will come near to you for judgment. …but do not fear me,” says the Lord Almighty” (Malachi 3:5 NIV). “Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (James 4:8 NIV). “That’ll make a great picture!” said passerby after passerby
Hitching up for a holiday baptism
“As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized?” (Acts 8:36 NIV). I helped hitch up our baptism trailer this morning. We have a portable baptistry stored in a trailer. We are one of three churches that went in together
Wisemen on the deck
“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh” (Matthew 2:11 NIV). Last Sunday when I returned from church I found the three wisemen from our
Which king to worship?
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him’” (Matthew 2:1-2 NIV). “Worship is pulling our affections
Who gets the credit?
“For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen” (Matthew 6:13 KJV). “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit” (President Harry Truman). I’m a first born and as such, I’ve always struggled with wanting the lime light. I enjoy being the
Turkey temptations
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak” (Matthew 26:41 NIV). We’re traveling to Virginia to be with family for Thanksgiving. I’m loading up my Ford Expedition with eight adults (otherwise known as the “Combs Clan”). It’ll be fun, but it’ll be exhausting
Let forgiveness flow
“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12 KJV). “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one