Posts by Richard Parrish

Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie! — Psalm 40:4 (ESV) “False News!” That claim is not limited to political candidates. Suppose we hear something we don’t like, a claim that may be uncomfortable, or an assertion…

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. – John 15:16 (ESV) Here’s a question. Is your life frantic or fruitful? Several…

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” – John 20:19 (ESV) I met him for the first time at the airport. He was…

“Your plane’s delayed,” the airline employee said. It wasn’t the first time I’ve heard those words. I’m sure it won’t be the last. When I was younger, delayed flights would annoy me. I would find myself complaining. Why me? There’s an important meeting I’m required to attend. Or, I’ve been gone long enough, and I…

Strength may be overrated! Since I was a child, I’ve been keenly aware of my weakness. At times my sense of deficiency has been debilitating. Rather than risk failure and embarrassment, it’s tempting for me to refrain from participating. It was apparent to me — even at an early age — that I wasn’t the…

“Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” – John 14:27 (ESV) Dickens’ memorable opening paragraph from A Tale of Two Cities is as relevant today as it was during the…

Increasingly I find myself in conflict with our culture. And that struggle seems to intensify each day. As a follower of Jesus, I’m obliged to be obedient to his teachings. Although I fail at times and certainly have not obtained perfection, my imperfection does not release me from my obligation. So, when I fail, I…

Have you noticed it? When life gets uncomfortable, we want our circumstances to change; the faster, the better. We’ll stop at no end to find ways to restore comfort as quickly as possible — even if the solutions may be harmful. Don’t believe me? Just ask the addict who has resolved to quit hundreds of…

“I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel? “Lord, they…

“When Phinehas the priest and the chiefs of the congregation, the heads of the families of Israel who were with him, heard the words that the people of Reuben and the people of Gad and the people of Manasseh spoke, it was good in their eyes.” – Joshua 22:30 (ESV). Being an instrument of peace…