Devotional by Stephen Estock February 17, 2014 How do you respond when you feel inadequate? In May 2013, Mike Kennison preached a sermon on 1 Cor. 4. His explanation and application challenged me in specific ways. He mentioned that a common response in dealing with inadequacy is to flee. I encounter a tough problem at work, [...]

Devotional by Stephen Estock February 24, 2014 Back in June I was thinking about the challenges of the day and how to persuade others (I can’t bring myself to say “manipulate,” though that might be closer to the truth) to do what I want them to do so that it makes my life easier and “successful.” [...]

Devotional by Stephen Estock March 3, 2014 “You get what you want, but it is never enough.” I know I have said it more than once, as I addressed a vexing tendency in our children. They are eager to get something (toy, airsoft gun, electronic game – the list seems endless). After frequent requests, they finally [...]

Devotional by Stephen Estock March 10, 2014 This week I was thinking about spiritual warfare with demons. I read an article about a missionary whose family experienced demonic oppression - and it gave me the willies. I later saw an ad for a movie about paranormal activity - and I shuddered inside. I'm afraid of that [...]

Devotional by Stephen Estock March 17, 2014 It was true that the person had been wronged, but the situation still did not feel right. There we were in a group of ministry leaders. All had suffered because of opposition from ministry coworkers or supervisors (some of them pastors), and each wanted to tell his or her [...]

Devotional by Stephen Estock March 24, 2014 The end result is nice, but getting the job done can be overwhelming. People call it “spring cleaning,” when the dreary deadness of winter is cleared to make room for the newness of spring. Yet, the job can be so big; it is hard to know where to start. [...]

Devotional by Stephen Estock March 31, 2014 WSC 1 – “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.” Jesus describes what it takes to glorify God in John 15:8 (ESV): “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” As the New Year dawned, [...]

Devotional by Stephen Estock April 7, 2014 A few weeks ago, I was completely out of joint. Rising from a chair was an ordeal because standing led to a shooting pain across my lower back. My walk seemed uneven, like one leg was shorter than the other. And the muscles in my neck cramped, which led [...]

Devotional by Stephen Estock April 14, 2014 “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.” (Philippians 3:12 ESV) For those who have been redeemed by Christ, life always has meaning. We are captured for a purpose. [...]

Devotional by Stephen Estock April 21, 2014 Whether the root cause is busyness or faithless anxiety, sometimes the mind races with the thoughts of the day. Emotions swirl between excitement and dread, happiness and depression. There is a longing for the presence of God. The psalmist pictures such mental and emotional churning with the image of [...]