Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR The Cloud of Witnesses May 20, 2020 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith. ~ Hebrews 12:1-2a ESV ~ My father passed away suddenly when I was fifteen, and well I r ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR Me First? No Way! May 18, 2020 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.  ~ Philippians 2:4 ESV ~ "Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4 ESV) Besides the fact that so many are sick and dying, what is happening in this ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR *Too Near the Sting* May 17, 2020 Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak! ~ Matthew 26:41 NLT ~ "Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!" (Matthew 26:41 NLT) I was as close as I dared to ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR The Only Genuine Love: God's Love in YOU, Part 24 May 15, 2020 Jesus asked him, 'Tell me your name.' He replied, 'My name is Mob. I'm a rioting mob.' Then he desperately begged Jesus not to banish them from the country. A large herd of pigs was browsing and rooting on a nearby hill. The demons begged him, 'Send us to the pigs so we can live in them.' Jesus gave the order.  ~ Mark 5:9-12 ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR A Perfect Time to Pray May 13, 2020 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. ~ Hebrews 4:16 KJV ~ "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16 KJV) If ever ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR The One Who Cares: God's Love in YOU, Part 23 May 11, 2020 "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me--watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." (Matt ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR Be a Blessing May 10, 2020 Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the LORD delivers them in times of trouble.  ~ Ps. 41:1 NIV ~ On a Sunday over 32 years ago, we were experiencing a rather warm day for where we lived in Nebraska. A few months prior to this particular day, Christa and I had experienced a life changing event that has affected us in the most awesome ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR These Three Remain: God's Love in YOU, Part 22 May 8, 2020 "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.." (1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV) "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV) God's love pours out upon us every day, and He asks us to shine that same ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR What's That I Smell? May 6, 2020 For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death to leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life to leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ. ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR I Had a Dream: God's Love in YOU, Part 21 May 4, 2020 When perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.  ~ 1 Corinthians 13:10 NIV ~ "When perfection comes, the imperfect disappears." (1 Corinthians 13:10 NIV) Do you remember when you were really young? I remember when I was about 5 months old, I was in my mother's arms, and I rememb ...Continue Reading