Posts by Richard Parrish
A 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…
Read MoreHow Well Do You “Shabbat?”
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8 ESV). “It is a sign forever between me and the people of Israel that in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed” (Exodus 31:17 (ESV). It was apparent my friend was searching for the…
Read MoreGuard Your Anger
“A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression” (Proverbs 29:22 ESV). Have you noticed? There are a lot of angry people today. Public protests regarding any issue increasingly move from dialogue to insults and, often, from name-calling to violence. Angry people are quickly offended and reactionary. I’m not…
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