Posts by Richard Parrish
Curse, Conflict, and Christ
We aren’t very old when we realize that something is very wrong with the world. We begin to experience outward pain. We begin to see relationships fraught with struggle. We begin to understand that every area of life—every piece of our glorious world—is permeated, in one way or another, with conflict. When our desires are…
Read MoreTwo Paths
Her instructions were clear. Her cute British accent was sophisticated—and confident. I listen to and trust her, often. That day was different. A significant—early morning meeting—was scheduled on the other side of town, but I had given myself sufficient time, allowing for traffic. She’s most accurate with her instructions. But that day, I chose not…
Read MoreConnection with Christ: our Comfort in Conflict
Conflict is a gift. But discovering this gift requires an intentional desire for an intimate connection with Christ. Many are familiar with pressures that feel as if they will crush us: Secularism, non-stop demands of others, how to reflect Christ in a non-Christian world, staff and board disputes, unrealistic expectations, how to balance a healthy…
Read MoreFree To Serve Others
“Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God…” (Romans 1:1 ESV). “For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them” (1 Corinthians 9:19 ESV). Much is said today regarding “freedom”—the power or…
Read MoreTrusting God’s Word in a World Gone Wild
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” (Psalm 56:3-4 ESV). Who among us is not troubled by the conditions of our world? The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Armenia and…
Read MoreFree from SIN, Not Righteousness
“… Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! [T]hanks be to God, [you] who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of…
Read MoreFree 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 More