Philippians 4:9New Living Translation (NLT) 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. Education begins with the reality of God's existence and the fact he...

I had coffee the other day with a good friend of mine. Joining us, was a gentleman I’d not had the pleasure of meeting prior. We spoke for approximately an hour, about our lives, the church, Jesus and the designs God has for each of us. When it was time for the gentleman to depart, he thanked me for the conversation and said, “it was a pleasure”. To which I replied, “likewise”. He responded again with, “this was enjoyable, Scott. You are an usual man”. I thanked him for the splendid compliment.

“Unusual?” I thought as I headed on about my day. I received it as a compliment, which I truly believe it was intended. Not long ago I would not have known how to receive it. “That doesn’t matter really,” I pondered. “This is the first time someone has ever really described me that way, with that intent.”

What was it about this encounter that made me appear unusual? The only conclusion I can come to is, Jesus. Jesus has been working on my heart. He’s been shaping me and molding me into the man that He would see me be, a man He can use.

When your friends, family or strangers in the community interact with you, do your words and actions seem peculiar to them? They should. If you are pursuing Jesus, allowing Him to work on your heart, others should see that and those of the world should find it peculiar.

Often, when taking a car trip, you have several options as to which route to take to get there.  You can take the ‘fastest’ route, which usually involves major highways and may be a longer distance, but often has fewer stops.  Then there is the ‘scenic’ route, which...

I don't know about you, but I enjoy talking, especially about things I either really like, or things I really DISLIKE. You get me going about some of my big likes, the Chicago Cubs (especially this season!), bicycling, and ministry and it's hard to get me to stop....

Deuteronomy 20:4New Living Translation (NLT) 4 For the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and he will give you victory!’ Ever feel that your losing the war in life? Do you feel like you are losing battle after battle? Do you...

James 4:8New Living Translation (NLT) 8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Quest: The act or an instance of seeking or pursuing something; a...