Author Archives: stevenrealife

Isaiah 30:1-2 says, “‘Ah, stubborn children,’ declares the LORD, ‘who carry out a plan, but not mine, and who make an alliance, but not of my Spirit, that they may add sin to sin; who set out to go down … Continue reading →

I continue to experience just how much reading my Bible and praying belong together! They fit together like cheese and a burger! This cheese burger from the Cup & Saucer Cafe in Monterey, TN was as good as it looks. … Continue reading →

Matthew 5:6 says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” (ESV). One aspect of this yearning for righteousness is yearning for Jesus Christ’s Kingdom. He will reign on David’s thrown on earth forever … Continue reading →

This is the first Christmas Eve night in 28 years that Barb and I will be by ourselves! And that is okay. One son cannot make it home for Christmas. Our other children are coming over tomorrow. Joy does not … Continue reading →

Flying back from Dallas this week, I looked out to see that we were flying above the clouds. The sun was shining. It was beautiful. We descended into the cloud cap and could see absolutely nothing. The pilot was flying … Continue reading →

Having been a pastor now for 28 years, I clearly see the vital importance of staying refreshed. One of the main ways to do this is to prioritize what the Lord sets as a priority. Acts 6:4 delineates top priorities … Continue reading →

This is one of my favorite spots on Ocracoke Island, on the Outer Banks of NC. Each morning I usually get up before Barbara and head out here on the porch with a  cup of coffee and my Bible for … Continue reading →

This little gem came from my father’s library. I just read it today. Wow! What a great read! Vernon Grounds, President Emeritus of Denver Seminary who passed away in 2010, penned an easy-to-read, concise explanation of how to be a … Continue reading →

In my 28 years of being a pastor I have found a constant reality: I let down people. I fall short. I say things or do things that disappoint, that hurt. Or I fail to meet expectations by not saying … Continue reading →

Do you ever get down on yourself? It is easy to say things to ourselves like, “I should have done this better! I should have done this sooner! I should have . . . .” Feelings of inadequacy can weigh … Continue reading →