Rev. Paul J. Miller

Do You See This Woman

Do we really "see" people, or just see people as a problem? A Pharisee invited Jesus over for dinner and an unwanted guest showed up. The host saw her as a problem to be avoided, Jesus saw her as a person who was both loved and forgiven. 

Why are you so afraid?

Our fears can block our faith and hamper our ability to see that God is ready to help quiet the storms in our lives. Two stormy adventures on the Sea of Galilee reveal how the faith of The 12 was growing, though quickly lost when they focused on the storm instead of the One who can calm the storm. 

Who do YOU say Jesus is ?

Who is Jesus? Who do you say that He is? Even though Peter boldly answered that very question on behalf of the 12, their idea of what the Messiah's purpose would be was not what Jesus had in mind. It's not about gaining power, but about denying self. It's about winning, but about losing life to find it. 

Changing the Mess Handed to You

Sometimes we have to clean up from our own failures, and sometimes we have clean up the mess created by others. A young king named Josiah had to lead his nation to reform after the deep damage done by his own father and grandfather, who reigned before him. Like Hezekiah, he acted acted decisively, humbly, prayerfully, and led his people back to their God. 

Leading with the heart of God - Hezekiah

With the very survival of his nation and his people at risk, Hezekiah turned first to God. He restored worship, he welcomed the lost, he put the heart ahead of the rules, he instilled courage, and he prayed for and with others when it mattered most. 

What Good Leaders Do

Godly leaders believe in educating people, but are also ready to listen & learn more; they pray when trouble comes, but they don't wait for trouble to start praying; they delegate responsibilities, but still personally carry out what's most important in a responsible manner; they use their authority to encourage worship, but humble themselves before the greatest authority. This is all true of a king named Jehoshaphat. (1 Chronicles 17-20)

Maintaining the Peace

Keeping the peace is one of the main tasks of a king, a teacher, a boss, a parent, and anyone else who holds a position of leadership. In 2 Chronicles there is a king named Asa who gave us a good example of how to manage and keep the peace. 

Barriers to Contentment

Contentment can be allusive and hard to maintain. What gets in the way? It could be subtle things like comforts, conveniences, competition, or collections. Do you trust God to provide what you really need? 

Strength to Be Content

It takes a lot of strength to find, and to maintain, contentment. Thankfully, this is the promise of Philippians 4:13. The Apostle Paul lived through circumstances and situations that no one wants, but still maintained peace with God. We can too.

Joy: Step One to Defeat Anxiety

When stress builds up, anxiety quickly follows. It doesn't have to. This battle is hard, but choosing joy in the midst of the stressors can lead us to the peace of God.