Recent Entries

• Letters to the Faithful – Romans 1:11

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 26
  Berean Standard Bible For I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you,   For I long to see you Paul expresses a deep desire to visit the believers in Rome. This longing reflects his pastoral heart and commitment to the spread of the Gospel. Historical...

• Letters to the Faithful – John 1:13

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 26
  Berean Standard Bible children born not of blood, nor of the desire or will of man, but born of God.   children born not of blood This phrase emphasizes the spiritual nature of the new birth, contrasting it with physical descent. In the Jewish context, lineage and ancestry were significant,...

• Letters to the Faithful – Matthew 1:13

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 26
  Berean Standard Bible Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor.   Zerubbabel the father of Abiud Zerubbabel is a significant figure in Jewish history, known for leading the first group of Jews back from the Babylonian exile and for his role...

• Letters to the Faithful – Psalm 2:5

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 26
  Berean Standard Bible Then He rebukes them in His anger, and terrifies them in His fury:   Then He rebukes them in His anger This phrase highlights God's response to the rebellion of the nations and their leaders, as described earlier in the psalm. The concept of divine rebuke is consistent...

• Letters to the Faithful – Revelation 1:7

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 25
  Berean Standard Bible Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him—even those who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. So shall it be! Amen.   To the beloved community of faith, scattered across nations and gathered under the banne...

• Letters to the Faithful – Romans 1:10

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 25
  Berean Standard Bible in my prayers at all times, asking that now at last by God’s will I may succeed in coming to you.   To the faithful ones across every land, called to be saints, grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.   I thank my God thro...

• Letters to the Faithful – John 1:12

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 25
  Berean Standard Bible But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God—   To the beloved children of God, gathered in spirit across nations and generations,   Grace and peace be multiplied to you through the matchless...

• Letters to the Faithful – Matthew 1:12

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 25
  Berean Standard Bible After the exile to Babylon: Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel,   To the beloved community of faith, scattered across the nations, yet united by the Spirit of grace and truth,   Grace, mercy, and peace be multiplied to you fr...

• Letters to the Faithful – Psalm 2:4

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 25
  Berean Standard Bible The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord taunts them.   Grace, peace, and unending mercy from the Lord of heaven and earth. As I pen these words, my heart is stirred by the timeless wisdom of Psalm 2:4: "He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall hav...

• Letters to the Faithful – Revelation 1:6

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 24
  Berean Standard Bible who has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and power forever and ever! Amen.   To the beloved community of saints across every nation, tribe, and tongue, called together by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and united in th...

• Letters to the Faithful – Romans 1:9

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 24
  Berean Standard Bible God, whom I serve with my spirit in preaching the gospel of His Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you   Grace and peace to you, beloved brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.   It is with profound joy and reverence that...

• Letters to the Faithful – John 1:11

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 24
  Berean Standard Bible He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.   To the beloved in Christ Jesus, scattered across nations yet united in spirit:   Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessin...

• Letters to the Faithful – Matthew 1:11

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 24
  Berean Standard Bible and Josiah the father of Jeconiah and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon.   To the beloved people of God, scattered across nations yet united by the Spirit, greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. May His grace and peace abound in your ...

• Letters to the Faithful – Psalm 2:3

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 24
  Berean Standard Bible “Let us break Their chains and cast away Their cords.”   Grace and peace to you from the Sovereign Lord, who reigns over all creation, and from His Anointed, Jesus Christ, our eternal King. I write to you as one entrusted with the ministry of the Word, urgin...

• Letters to the Faithful – Revelation 1:5

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 23
  Berean Standard Bible and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has released us from our sins by His blood,   May the abundant peace of God, who was and is and is to come, rest upon you. I greet ...

• Letters to the Faithful – Romans 1:8

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 23
  Berean Standard Bible First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being proclaimed all over the world.   Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,   First, I give thanks to our God through Jesus Christ for each and every one of you. Your faith resoun...

• Letters to the Faithful – John 1:10

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 23
  Berean Standard Bible He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him.   To the beloved children of God, united by faith in Christ, scattered across every land and tongue,   Grace and peace be multiplied to you through the Lord Jesus Chr...

• Letters to the Faithful – Matthew 1:10

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 23
  Berean Standard Bible Hezekiah was the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amon, Amon the father of Josiah,   To the beloved in the faith, scattered across nations and united under the banner of our Lord Jesus Christ, grace, and peace be unto you in abundance.   It is with grea...

• Letters to the Faithful – Matthew 1:9

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 22
  Berean Standard Bible Uzziah was the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah.   To all who dwell in the light of the Almighty, scattered across the cities and fields, to the faithful and the seeking, to those who labor and those who rest—grace to yo...

• Letters to the Faithful – Romans 1:7

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 21
  Berean Standard Bible To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.   Beloved brothers and sisters, may the love of Christ, which surpasses all understanding, fill your hearts and minds with the fullness of ...

• Letters to the Faithful – John 1:8

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 21
  Berean Standard Bible He himself was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light.   Grace and peace to you from the eternal God, who in His infinite wisdom has called us to be His witnesses in this age. May your hearts be encouraged and your spirits uplifted as we reflect on the sa...

• Letters to the Faithful – Matthew 1:8

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 21
  Berean Standard Bible Asa was the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah.   Greetings to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, whose arrival into this world fulfilled the eternal promises of our Father. I write to you as a fellow servant of...

• Letters to the Faithful – Psalm 2:2

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 21
  Berean Standard Bible The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One:   I write to you in the name of our Lord and Savior, whose wisdom surpasses all understanding and whose sovereign hand guides the affairs of nations an...

• Letters to the Faithful – Revelation 1:4

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 20
  Grace and peace to you from Him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before His throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.   Beloved brothers and sisters, let us contemplate ...

• Letters to the Faithful – Romans 1:6

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 20
  Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. It is with a heart overflowing with gratitude and love that I write to you, not as one deserving of this privilege, but as one redeemed and compelled by the Spirit of God to share His truth with all who will listen. Though we may ...

• Letters to the Faithful - John 1:7

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 20
  Grace and peace be with you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.   I write to you with a heart overflowing with gratitude for the love and faithfulness of our Lord. As the apostle John declares in his Gospel, “He came...

• Letters to the Faithful - Matthew 1:7

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 20
  To all those whom the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ have reached, beloved in the faith and called to walk in the light of His truth:   Greetings in the name of Jesus, who is the Alpha and Omega, the One in whom the fullness of God's plan is revealed!   As we reflect upon the...

• The Image of God

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 19
  The Image of God   In boundless deep, where silence sings, A thought took flight on unseen wings, The image of God, a seed, a gleam, Awoke the void with living dream.   Not bound by clay, nor chained to skies, It dances free where wonder lies, A prism vast, refracting light, Thro...

• Letters to the Faithful - The Pursuit of True Joy

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 14
  Letters to the Faithful - The Pursuit of True Joy   Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us that we might live in the light of His love forever. I greet you, dear brothers and sisters, as one called to proclaim the goodness of our Savior, ...

• Letters to the Faithful - Romans 1:1

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 14
  Letters to the Faithful - Romans 1:1   Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. I, a servant of the gospel, though unworthy apart from His grace, greet you in the name of Him who is our hope and our salva...

• Letter to the Faithful - Isaiah 1:1

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 14
  Letter to the Faithful - Isaiah 1:1   Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. I write to you, dear brothers and sisters, not as one who stands above you, but as a fellow servant of the Word, compelled by...

• Reflecting on Isaiah 1:1

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 14
  Devotional: Reflecting on Isaiah 1:1   Scripture: "The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah." (Isaiah 1:1, ESV)   Introduction: Isaiah 1:1 introduces us to the profound and comp...

• Letters to the Faithful - Loving One Another

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 13
  Grace and peace be to you from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, who loved us with an everlasting love and calls us to be His witnesses in the world. I write to you today, not as one above you, but as a fellow servant of the Gospel, compelled by the Holy Spirit to stir up in us all a renewed...

• Letters to the Faithful - John 1:2

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 13
  Grace and peace be unto you, beloved in Christ Jesus, from God our Father and from the Lord, the Word made flesh, who reigns forever at His right hand. I write to you, not as one who boasts in his own wisdom, but as a servant of the truth revealed through the Holy Scriptures, that you may be strengt...

• Letters to the Faithful - Ecclesiastes 1:1

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 13
  Beloved, I write to you concerning a matter of the heart and mind, drawn from the sacred writings of old, which the Spirit has preserved for our instruction. You who cherish the Scriptures, who seek to live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God, hear now the opening of the Preacher&rsquo...

• Letters to the Faithful - The Love of Jesus

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 12
  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us that we might be redeemed unto eternal life. I, a servant of the gospel, write to you, dear brothers and sisters, scattered among the congregations, united by faith in the Savior, to stir your hearts afresh...

• Letters to the Faithful - Matthew 1:1

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 12
  Grace, mercy, and peace be to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As we gather in spirit to reflect on the Holy Scriptures, I invite you to turn your hearts and minds to the very first verse of the Gospel according to Matthew: "The book of the genealogy of Jesus Chris...

• Letters to the Faithful - Psalm 1:2

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 12
  Grace, peace, and love be to you, beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Word made flesh and the fulfillment of all righteousness. I write to you, scattered across the nations yet united in the one Body of Christ, to reflect together on the ...

• Letters to the Faithful - John 1:1

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 11
  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Word made flesh, the eternal Son through whom all things were made. I write to you, dear brothers and sisters, scattered across the nations yet united in the one hope of our calling, that you may be strengthened in fait...

• Embracing our Humanity - A Devotional

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 11
  Opening Prayer   Heavenly Father, You created us in Your image, fragile yet fearfully and wonderfully made. Help us today to see ourselves as You see us—beloved, human, and called to reflect Your love in this world. Open our hearts to embrace our humanity, not as a burden, but as a gift...

• The Cross of Christ

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 11
  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us that we might be redeemed from the power of sin and death. I greet you, dear brothers and sisters, in the name of Him who is our hope, our righteousness, and our eternal joy. Blessed be the God and Father o...

• Letter to the Faithful - Matthew 5:9

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 11
  Grace and peace to you, beloved in Christ Jesus,   To the churches scattered across the nations, to the faithful who bear the name of our Lord, and to all who seek the kingdom of God—may the Holy Spirit enlighten your hearts as we meditate together on the words of our Savior: “Ble...

• Jesus and Justice

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 10
  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory forever and ever (Galatians 1:3-5).   Dearly beloved in Christ,    It is with ...

• Daily Devotional - Matthew 4:17

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 3
  Scripture: Matthew 4:17 (NIV) – "From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’"    Introduction: A Turning Point in Time   Matthew 4:17 is more than a simple statement—it’s a declaration that echoes throug...

• The Wilderness Word

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 2
  The Spirit led where shadows reign, A forty-day and forty-night, Through hunger’s grip and silence plain, The Son prepared for coming fight. No bread to break, no stream to sip, Yet in His soul, a wellspring grew, The tempter watched with eager lip, A clash of wills the desert knew.&nbs...

• A Pastoral Message on Matthew 4:10

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 2
  Grace and peace be to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who calls us to walk in faithfulness and victory through the power of His Word and Spirit. Today, I invite you to reflect deeply with me on a moment in the life of our Savior that reveals both His divine authority and the path ...

• Daily Devotional - Matthew 4:10

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 2
  Scripture: Matthew 4:10 (NIV) “Jesus said to him, ‘Away from me, Satan! For it is written: “Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.”’”   Context and Background Matthew 4:10 occurs during the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, a pivotal moment f...

• Steadfast in the Wilderness

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 1
  In desert wild, where winds deceive, The Tempter wove his web to weave, “Cast thyself from pinnacle high, Let angels swoop from boundless sky. If Son thou art, as thou dost claim, Prove now thy God, exalt thy name.”    But Jesus stood, His spirit bright, A beacon pierci...

• A Message on Matthew 4:7

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 1
  Grace, peace, and strength be unto you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who endured all things for our sake and left us an example that we might follow in His steps. Today, I write to you concerning a powerful word from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 4, verse 7, where our Lord declares...

• Devotional Matthew 4:7

  by Russ Hjelm Mar 1
  Scripture: “Jesus said to him, ‘Again it is written, “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.”’” (Matthew 4:7, ESV)   Reflection: In Matthew 4, we find Jesus in the wilderness, facing temptation from the devil. After fasting for forty days, He is...

• Justice in Christ

  by Russ Hjelm Feb 28
  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the righteous judge and the source of all justice. As I write to you today, my heart is moved by the cries of the world—cries for justice amid suffering, division, and inequity. In every age, the people of God are cal...

• Not Bread Alone

  by Russ Hjelm Feb 28
  In desert sands where hunger gnaws, The Savior stood with steadfast cause. Not bread alone sustains the soul, But words divine that make us whole.    The Tempter whispered, "Turn this stone, To fill your need, to claim your own." Yet Jesus spoke with gentle might, "God’s voic...

• Bread Alone?

  by Russ Hjelm Feb 28
  Grace, peace, and the boundless love of God be with you all. As I sit to write to you today, my heart turns to a moment in the Gospel that feels both timeless and timely—a moment when Jesus, weary and hungry in the wilderness, speaks a truth that echoes through the ages: “Man shall not l...

• Sustained by the Word

  by Russ Hjelm Feb 28
  Scripture: “Jesus answered, ‘It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” – Matthew 4:4   Reflection: In this moment, Jesus is in the wilderness, hungry after forty days of fasting. The tempter comes, ur...

• Fulfilling Righteousness

  by Russ Hjelm Feb 27
  Grace and peace to you all in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Today, I invite you to reflect with me on a moment in Scripture that speaks to the heart of who we are called to be as God’s people—a moment of humility, obedience, and purpose.   Picture the scene: the J...

• Righteousness Fulfilled

  by Russ Hjelm Feb 27
  Beneath the Jordan’s gentle flow, The Savior stooped, His heart aglow, To John He spoke with tender plea, “Let it be so, this task for Me.”    No sin to wash, no guilt to bear, Yet humbly bowed in waters there, The sinless One, God’s holy Lamb, Fulfilled the...

• The Humility of Obedience

  by Russ Hjelm Feb 27
  Scripture: “Jesus replied, ‘Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then John consented.” (Matthew 3:15, NIV)When John the Baptist stood at the Jordan River, preparing to baptize Jesus, he hesitated. John knew who Jesus was—the si...

• The Light of Wisdom

  by Russ Hjelm Feb 26
  In the stillness of the morning, where the dew begins to gleam,There whispers a gentle calling, a wisdom in a dream.It speaks not with thunder, nor with a tempest’s roar,But in the quiet moments, its truths begin to pour.   From the heart of God, it flows like a river pure and wide,A gi...

• A Message on Proverbs 19:17

  by Russ Hjelm Feb 26
  Grace and peace be with you all. As we journey through life together, I find myself drawn to a beautiful piece of wisdom tucked away in the book of Proverbs—a verse that speaks to the heart of who we’re called to be. It’s Proverbs 19:17, which says, “Whoever is kind to the po...

• Kindness That Echoes

  by Russ Hjelm Feb 26
  “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” – Proverbs 19:17 (NIV)    Have you ever noticed how a small act of kindness can ripple out in ways you never expect? Maybe it’s dropping a few coins into a stranger&r...

• Prayer February 26

  by Russ Hjelm Feb 26
  Heavenly Father,   We come before Your throne today with reverence and gratitude, lifting our voices to You, the God of all creation. You are the One who lifts up the lowly, who sees every tear, and who knows every need before we even speak it. Your Word in Proverbs 19:17 reminds us of Your t...

• Eternal Clock 

  by Russ Hjelm Feb 25
  A day unfolds, a fleeting breath, To us, a span from birth to death, Yet in His eyes, so vast, so grand, A thousand years slip through His hand.    The ticking clock, our earthly guide, Marks every tear, each prayer we’ve cried, But God, unbound by time’s swift stream, ...

• Trusting God's Perfect Timing

  by Russ Hjelm Feb 25
  Time is something we often feel we can’t control. We check our watches, mark our calendars, and grow impatient when things don’t happen as quickly as we’d like. Yet, in 2 Peter 3:8, we’re reminded that God’s perspective on time is vastly different from ours. What feels ...

• Faith

  by Russ Hjelm Feb 25
  Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,   Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As I write to you today, my heart is filled with gratitude for the family of believers we share—a tapestry woven together by the unshakable thread of faith. It is this faith, ...

• A Call to Love

  by Russ Hjelm Feb 24
  In the silence of the morning light,A whisper calls us, pure and bright, To walk the path of love and grace, Reflect the beauty of His face.   For in the heart where love abides, God’s gentle spirit ever guides, A beacon in the darkest night, A hand to hold, a source of light.   ...

• Message on Meekness

  by Russ Hjelm Feb 24
  In a world that often celebrates power, dominance, and self-assertion, the gentle spirit of meekness shines as a beacon of Christ-like humility and grace.   What is meekness? It is not weakness or timidity, as the world might mistakenly believe. Rather, meekness is a quiet strength, a gentle ...

• The Strength of Meekness

  by Russ Hjelm Feb 24
  The Strength of MeeknessBeneath the shadow of the cross so dear,A whisper calls through storm and fear,Not with the clang of pride’s loud boast,But meekness, gift of the Holy Ghost.The Savior knelt, a servant low,With hands that washed where love would grow,No crown of gold adorned His brow,Ye...

• Empathy's Grace

  by Russ Hjelm Feb 17
  In the quiet chambers of the heart, Lies empathy, a gentle art. A bridge of kindness, pure and true, Where I reach out to walk with you.   Through joy and sorrow, smiles and tears, Empathy whispers, “I am here.” It binds our souls in tender grace, A mirror of the human race....

• Embracing Empathy

  by Russ Hjelm Feb 17
  Scripture: "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." - Romans 12:15 (NIV)   Reflection: Empathy is at the heart of Christ's teachings. When we embrace empathy, we align ourselves with Jesus' example, who continually reached out to others with compassion and understanding. ...

• Morning Prayer February 17, 2025

  by Russ Hjelm Feb 17
  Heavenly Father,   As the dawn breaks and a new day unfolds before us, we come to You with hearts seeking to reflect Your love and compassion. You, O Lord, are the God of all comfort, who knows every sorrow and every joy that dwells within us. This morning, we ask for the gift of empathy&mdas...

• Evening Prayer February 16, 2025

  by Russ Hjelm Feb 16
  Dear Lord,   As we come to the close of this day, we gather our hearts in Your presence, thankful for the moments we've lived and the kindness we've shared. We ask for Your grace to reflect on our actions, to cherish the kindness we've given, and to learn from where we might have fallen short...

• On Being Kind

  by Russ Hjelm Feb 16
  In the vast tapestry of human experience, each thread of kindness you weave into the fabric of life adds a vibrant color of hope, warmth, and connection. Kindness is not merely an act but a way of being, a lens through which the world can be seen and transformed.   When you choose kindness, y...

• What is Kindness?

  by Russ Hjelm Feb 16
  In a world where the rapid pace of life often pulls us in different directions, it's easy to forget the simple, yet transformative, power of kindness. Kindness, in its purest form, is an act of selflessness, an offering of the heart that seeks nothing in return. It is the bridge that connects us, tr...

• The Ballad of Kindness

  by Russ Hjelm Feb 16
  In a world of rush and hustle, Where hearts can often harden, There lies a gentle, subtle touch— The art of kindness, golden. Kindness, not in grand displays, But in the quiet act of seeing, A smile to one who's lost their way, A moment of true being. It's in the hand that helps to lift, The e...

• A Heart of Kindness

  by Russ Hjelm Feb 16
  Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:32 - "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."   Reflection: Kindness is more than a simple act; it is a reflection of the heart, an outpouring of love that mirrors the character of Christ. In our ...

• Morning Prayer February 16, 2025

  by Russ Hjelm Feb 16
  Heavenly Father,   As we awaken to this new day, we come before You with hearts filled with gratitude for the gift of life. Today, we seek Your guidance to embody kindness in all that we do.   Lord, let kindness be the first word on our lips and the guiding force behind our a...

• Reflections on Matthew 1:1

  by Russ Hjelm Jan 3
  This is the record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham:Matthew 1:1 Berean Standard Bible (BSB) The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.Matthew 1:1 King James Bible (KJV) This is the record of the genealogy of Jesus...

• Evening Prayer October 31, 2024

  by Russ Hjelm October 31, 2024
  Father in Heaven,   Holy are You, Lord God Almighty! You alone are worthy to receive glory and honor and power; for You have created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created. You are our Rock, our refuge, our shelter in times of storm. We stand in awe and wonder before Y...

• Reflections on John 1:4

  by Russ Hjelm October 27, 2024
  In Him was life, and the life was the light of mankind. John 1:4, Modern English Version (MEV)   From Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible we find:   “In him was life - The evangelist had just affirmed John 5:3 that by the λόγος ...

• Morning Prayer October 27, 2024

  by Russ Hjelm October 27, 2024
  Father in Heaven,   Holy are You, Lord God Almighty! You alone are worthy to receive glory and honor and power; for You have created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created. You are our Rock, our refuge, our shelter in times of storm. We stand in awe and wonder before Y...

• Reflections on Proverbs 1:5-6

  by Russ Hjelm October 24, 2024
  ... a wise man will hear and will increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, to understand a proverb and the interpretation, the words of the wise and their riddles. Proverbs 1:5-6, Modern English Version (MEV)   Of course, it's not just the naive or the yo...

• Evening Prayer October 23, 2024

  by Russ Hjelm October 23, 2024
  Father in Heaven,   Holy are You, Lord God Almighty! You alone are worthy to receive glory and honor and power; for You have created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created. You are our Rock, our refuge, our shelter in times of storm. We stand in awe and wonder before Y...

• Reflections on Romans 1:7

  by Russ Hjelm October 23, 2024
  To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 1:7, Modern English Version (MEV)   To all those who are God’s beloved saints in Rome: May grace and peace from God our Father and the Lo...

• Morning Prayer October 23, 2024

  by Russ Hjelm October 23, 2024
  Father in Heaven,   Holy are You, Lord God Almighty! You alone are worthy to receive glory and honor and power; for You have created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created. You are our Rock, our refuge, our shelter in times of storm. We stand in awe and wonder before Y...

• Reflections on Psalm 2:7-9

  by Russ Hjelm October 22, 2024
  I will declare the decree of the Lord: He said to me, "You are My son; this day have I begotten you. Ask of Me, and I will give you the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for your possession. You will break them with a scepter of iron; you will dash them in pieces like a potter'...

• Morning Prayer October 22, 2024

  by Russ Hjelm October 22, 2024
  Father in Heaven,   Holy are You, Lord God Almighty! You alone are worthy to receive glory and honor and power; for You have created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created. You are our Rock, our refuge, our shelter in times of storm. We stand in awe and wonder before Y...

• Reflections on Matthew 1:20-21

  by Russ Hjelm October 21, 2024
  But while he thought on these things, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for He who is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His...

• Morning Prayer October 21, 2024

  by Russ Hjelm October 21, 2024
  Father in Heaven,   Holy are You, Lord God Almighty! You alone are worthy to receive glory and honor and power; for You have created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created. You are our Rock, our refuge, our shelter in times of storm. We stand in awe and wonder before You. ...

• Evening Prayer October 20, 2024

  by Russ Hjelm October 20, 2024
  Father in Heaven,   Holy are You, Lord God Almighty! You alone are worthy to receive glory and honor and power; for You have created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created. You are our Rock, our refuge, our shelter in times of storm. We stand in awe and wonder before You. ...

• Morning Prayer October 20, 2024

  by Russ Hjelm October 20, 2024
  Father in Heaven, Holy are You, Lord God Almighty! You alone are worthy to receive glory and honor and power; for You have created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created. You are our Rock, our refuge, our shelter in times of storm. We stand in awe and wonder before You. There is...

• Reflections on John 1:2

  by Russ Hjelm October 18, 2024
  He was in the beginning with God. John 1:2, Modern English Version (MEV)   As we might imagine, all of this was a lot to take in for those who knew Jesus and had been around Him for very long. John was driving home the point that yes, this Word, Jesus, the One they had been around day ...

• Reflections on Proverbs 1:4

  by Russ Hjelm October 17, 2024
  ... to give subtlety to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion— ... Proverbs 1:4, Modern English Version (MEV)   In Clarke's Commentary we find:   “To give subtilty to the simple — The word simple, from simplex, compounded of sine, without, a...

• Morning Prayer October 17, 2024

  by Russ Hjelm October 17, 2024
  Father in Heaven,   Holy are You, Lord God Almighty! You alone are worthy to receive glory and honor and power; for You have created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created. You are our Rock, our refuge, our shelter in times of storm. We stand in awe and wonder before Y...

• Reflections on Romans 1:6

  by Russ Hjelm October 16, 2024
  ... among whom you also are called by Jesus Christ: ... Romans 1:6, Modern English Version (MEV)   Paul was commissioned by Jesus to take the Good News to the Gentiles, and guess what? That includes all of us! Jesus called us to himself, and He is calling everyone who has ears to hear ...

• Morning Prayer October 16, 2024

  by Russ Hjelm October 16, 2024
  Father in Heaven,   Holy are You, Lord God Almighty! You alone are worthy to receive glory and honor and power; for You have created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created. You are our Rock, our refuge, our shelter in times of storm. We stand in awe and wonder before Y...

• Evening Prayer October 15, 2024

  by Russ Hjelm October 15, 2024
  Father in Heaven,   Holy are You, Lord God Almighty! You alone are worthy to receive glory and honor and power; for You have created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created. You are our Rock, our refuge, our shelter in times of storm. We stand in awe and wonder before Y...

• Eyes That Do Not See

  by Russ Hjelm October 15, 2024
  We have eyes and do not see. Kempis, The Imitation of Christ   Do any of us really see what is in front of our faces, or have we grown so used to everything that blind to almost everything? We get is such a hurry, and so focused on some task we need to accomplish, that we don't really ...

• Reflections on Psalm 2:4-6

  by Russ Hjelm October 15, 2024
  He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord ridicules them. Then He will speak to them in His wrath and terrify them in His burning anger: "I have installed My king on Zion, My holy hill." Psalm 2:4-6, Modern English Version (MEV)   Those of us who are disciples of Christ tend to g...

• Morning Prayer October 15, 2024

  by Russ Hjelm October 15, 2024
  Father in Heaven,   Holy are You, Lord God Almighty! You alone are worthy to receive glory and honor and power; for You have created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created. You are our Rock, our refuge, our shelter in times of storm. We stand in awe and wonder before Y...

• Reflections on Matthew 1:18-19

  by Russ Hjelm October 14, 2024
  Now the birth of Jesus Christ happened this way: After His mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child by the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man and not willing to make her a public example, had in mind to divorce her privately. Mat...