Resurrection Prayer:
Grant, O Lord, that in your wounds I may find my safety, in your stripes my cure, in your pain my peace, in your cross my victory, in your resurrection my triumph, and a crown of righteousness in the glories of your eternal kingdom.*
Paul writes, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he [she] is a new creation; the old is gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV).  Click to read more »

Have you ever considered laughter as part of worship?  So often worship is defined by music, music style, or a sermon.  As I was running early this morning, I listened to the April 6 sermon by Erwin McManus entitled "Refresh Your Soul."  In his message, he spent a significant amount of time helping us to know that God made us to experience play and laughter.  He mentioned the story in Luke 15:11-31 of the Father of two sons.  When the younger son returned home after squandering his share of his father's inheritance, rather than  Click to read more »

It's a beautiful morning on the 8th at the Mattaponi River.  I'm on two day retreat with a group of pastors through RASNET www.rasnet.org.  We meet several times a year and have a retreat in the spring and fall.  It's a great time for networking, sharing, fellowship, and prayer. 
As I look out over the river earlier, I see its quiet flow.  I hear the geese.  And last night we ate from its bounty -- fresh catfish and all the fixings.  I thank God for creating such treasures for us to enjoy!   Click to read more »

Here's a great daily devotional that Mike Pittman shared from MRO.  Please check it out http://www.go2mro.com/CurrentDidYouKnow.html
The home page for MRO is http://www.go2mro.com
Blessings, Pastor Bob

In my devotional this morning, I read these verses from Psalm 37 (NIV).  The writer says that "trust, delight, and commit are [our] keys to success.  Give up trying to handle life by yourself.  Put it into God's hands and allow him to work.  He's neither intimidated not stumped by [our] circumstances."  Nothing is too hard for the Lord!   Click to read more »

Today's 10k was lots of fun -- www.sportsbackers.org and I saw several church members along the way!  This year I was not able to train so much as my bout with the flu really set me back.  Today my goal was to run a good steady pace and finish well.  And I did!  Still waiting for my official time but I think I finished in about 60 minutes.     Click to read more »

The Bible says, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith...."  Let's keep our eyes fixed on Jesus today not just as the "finish line" but as our example for the race of life. 
This Saturday I'll join 31,000 others in the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10-K race.  I want to finish well!  To finish the race of life well, let's keep our eyes fixed on Jesus as we run!
Blessings, Pastor Bob

This morning I read of God's command to Moses to appoint and commission Joshua as Moses' successor.  Verse 18 stood out where God says of Joshua, "A man in whom is the spirit" which we understand as the Holy Spirit of God. 
A prayer for believers is that we hope that the presence of the Spirit is sensed by those around us.  Lord, help me be a person in whom is the Spirit.  Click to read more »

Here's the top five list from my iPod:

1. "Made to Love" by tobyMac
2. "Blessed Be Your Name" by Tree 63
3. "Word of God Speak" by Big Daddy Weave
4. "Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)" by Chris Tomlin
5. "Strong Tower" by Kutless

Most recently added song "Jesus and Gravity" by Dolly Parton as sung on 4/2 American Idol from her "Backwoods Barbie Album."   Click to read more »

In my devotional today, the writer offers four steps to overcome procrastination:  Click to read more »