Posts by Richard Parrish
Free From Slavery
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1 ESV). Most people today revolt against the thought of slavery—and rightfully so. Any condition where one human is owned by another or considered by law as property or chattel is appalling. When free…
Read MoreFree to Love, Not Lust
“For you were called to freedom, brothers [and sisters]. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13 ESV). We love freedom. But freedom is not a license to lust! The modern usage of the word “lust” is often confined to sexual desire.…
Read MoreA Fulfilled Life
It happens more frequently as we age. It wasn’t as noticeable when I was in my 20’s, 30’s, or 40’s. But lately, I’m more aware of how time appears to be passing, more quickly. Logic reminds me that time is established. There are only 24 hours each day. Each hour has 60 minutes, and each…
Read MoreThe Cost of Freedom
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19…
Read MoreAncient Landmarks…Modern Implications
“Do not move the ancient landmark that your fathers have set.” – Proverbs 22:28 (ESV) The wise words recorded in Proverbs can be challenging for people raised in a non-agrarian society. A farmer could increase the size of his property by decreasing his neighbor’s property simply via moving stones (ancient landmarks). Before sophisticated modern survey…
Read MoreTrusting the Lord and Doing Good in a World of Deception
“Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong. For like grass, they soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon wither. Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit…
Read MoreA Present Help in Trouble
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah” (Psalm 46:1-3 ESV). Even a casual look at the…
Read MoreShepherd or Starbucks?
For me, the ministry is more than a profession. Perhaps it’s that understanding that keeps me in the game. I admit: there have been times in my ministry when I’ve been enticed to believe that a position in a corporate setting would be more attractive. And, when times are unusually testing (like when the sheep…
Read MoreThirsty!
“As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God” (Psalm 42:1-2). Do you remember a time when your thirst was so intense, it was the only thing on your mind? Every time I read the Psalmist’s words, they transport me…
Read MoreWaiting In Hope
“Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord! O Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy!” (Psalm 130:1-2 ESV). Read those words slowly. What do you notice? Perhaps my struggle caused me to stop and re-read these words. Or possibly it’s my desperation…
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