Devotional by Stephen Estock October 1, 2013 I hate waking an hour or so before the alarm is set to go off. 95% of my rest is complete, and my mind begins the schedule of the new day–especially if life is hectic. I find that I argue with myself. I devise a contingency for some problem [...]

Devotional by Stephen Estock October 7, 2013 As a parent, one lesson we tried to instill in our children was to say, “please” and “thank you.” Children tend to want and grab, and then have an attitude of entitlement when they receive what they desire. Though no longer a child, I am still learning that lesson. [...]

Devotional by Stephen Estock October 14, 2013 In February 2013, I read an internet article on NPR.org (“Gorilla Hiding in Plain Sight”) about a study by Harvard researchers, which was based on a 1999 study on selective attention (“The Invisible Gorilla Study”). They presented a group of radiologists a picture of a lung scan and superimposed [...]

Devotional by Stephen Estock October 21, 2013 In February 2013, I was faced with the decision about what to do with my life insurance policies. How much is enough? Is the cost of the policy worth it? The watching eye of the agent made me feel pressure, and I was tempted to let fear rule my [...]

Devotional by Stephen Estock October 28, 2013 In early March, I added something to one of the bookshelves in my new office. It was a picture of the sanctuary of the Kirk of the Hills. Under the picture was a note indicating the years I had served as a pastor. I placed it on a shelf [...]

Devotional by Stephen Estock November 4, 2013 See what kind of love the Father has given to us,  that we should be called children of God; and so we are. (1 John 3:1 ESV) The kind of love the Father has given to us is a purifying love. The voices of our world are quick to [...]

Devotional by Stephen Estock November 11, 2013 Recently I met a great man. A fellow pastor set up the meeting. I was to have lunch with a very successful businessman who had a passion for teaching God’s people about generosity. I thought to myself, “Here’s the answer to my prayers for our financial struggles. This man [...]

Devotional by Stephen Estock November 18, 2013 In preparing the house for the move to Atlanta, Susan was working hard to keep everything clean and “show ready.” As a loving husband, I wanted to do what I could to help. After I finished brushing my teeth and shaving, I thought I would quickly rinse out the [...]

Devotional by Stephen Estock December 2, 2013 What do you hope to get for Christmas? That question (or something like it) is asked frequently at this time of year. Christmas is a season of hope, but often our hope is centered only on the “stuff” of Christmas. The excitement and joy getting what you hoped for [...]

Devotional by Stephen Estock December 9, 2013 There is a poison that sours lives and relationships, and it seems to spread easily at this time of year. Busyness. We fill our lives with schedules and events and cards and calls and shopping and cooking and ... We live in a constant state of busyness, which leads [...]