Author Archives: normdave

“Then many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. Therefore the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘He said, “I am the King of theContinue reading “John 19: 20-22…”

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.””‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭33‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ Peace can only be found in Jesus Christ, in the person of Jesus Christ. There is trouble in the world, but weContinue reading “Peace…”

““I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.Continue reading “Seven Steps…”

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ “I am THE WAY..” Jesus is saying He is the way! No church or ritual can bring you to God. Jesus is the way. You are either in Christ or not,Continue reading “John 14:6…”

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.””‭‭John‬ ‭13‬:‭34‬-‭35‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ “These Christians are very strange people. They meet together in an empty roomContinue reading “John 13:34-35…”

““Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour.”‭‭ “He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and weContinue reading “John 12:27…”

“Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. Then Mary took a pound of very costly oilContinue reading “John 12: 1-3…”

“Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the lightContinue reading “John 9:3-5”

How God Speaks to Us, by David Hocking God speaks to us today through the Bible. Do you believe that? Can I tell you that God spoke to me this morning? Yes I can. How did He do that? Was it an audible voice? No. Well how did He do that? Through His word, HeContinue reading “God Speaks…”

“how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭9‬:‭14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ I do not work my soul to save— That work my Lord has done. But I will work like any slave For loveContinue reading “Hebrews 9:14…”

“And Moses indeed was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which would be spoken afterward, but Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.”‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ WhenContinue reading “Hebrews 3: 5-6…”

“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets,”‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ “There is something wrong with you if you can’t walk out and look up at the mountains, or go down to the seashore and look at the sea, or look up into the heavensContinue reading “Hebrews 1:1…”

“This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.”‭‭Titus‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ A believer is saved by the grace of God, but don’t sit down and pat yourself onContinue reading “Be careful…”

“but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.”‭‭II Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ We mutter and sputter; We fume and we spurt; We mumble and grumble; Our feelings get hurt. We can’t understand things; Our vision grows dim, When all thatContinue reading “Grow in Grace…”

“Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires.”‭‭James‬ ‭3‬:‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ A careless word may kindle strife; A cruel word may wreck a life. A bitter word may hate instill; A brutal word may smite and kill.Continue reading “James 3:4…The Tongue…”

“By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.”‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ “Life is to be mastered by faith, and not by doubt; it is to be forevermore illuminated by hope, and not darkened by despair;Continue reading “Hebrews 11:3”

If you have ever attended a worship service you probably have an opinion about the music.  You may prefer “contemporary” styles over the more “traditional” ones, or vice versa.  Certain instruments, like drums or pipe organs, have their proponents and critics.  Paradoxically, younger people, with good hearing, favor loud music more than older people whoContinue reading “Pastor Tom”

Luke 15: 11-32 “Come home with me,” said the prodigal son. “We’ll sing and dance and have lots of fun. “We’ll wine and dine with women and song. You’ll forget you’re a pig before very long.” So the pig slipped out while the momma was asleep, Shook off the mud from the mire so deep.Continue reading “A Pig is a Pig…”

“who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,”‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ “Brightness,” the outshining, brilliance, radiant splendor- Jesus Christ! The raysContinue reading “Sun,Son…”

Computers have been around for a long time1.  Around 2000 BC the Chinese invented the Abacus board to calculate simple arithmetic solutions.  In 1642 Blaise Pascal developed the first automated mechanical calculator.  The Differential Analyzer appeared in 1930 as the first electrical computer, able to perform 25 calculations in a matter of minutes.  The ElectronicContinue reading “Pastor Tom…”

‘And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee. And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he criedContinue reading “Man of the Tombs…”

“A spiritual kingdom lies all about us, enclosing us, embracing us, altogether within reach of our inner selves, waiting for us to recognize it. God Himself is here waiting our response to His Presence. This eternal world will come alive to us the moment we begin to reckon upon its reality.” A. W. Tozer.

“So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly toContinue reading “Homeward…”

“But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.””‭‭Acts‬ ‭23‬:‭11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The will of the Lord be done.””‭‭Acts‬ ‭21‬:‭14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ “The WILL of the LORD be done.” Amen…

Picture yourself tied to a tree, condemned of the sins of eternity. Then picture a spear parting the air, seeking your heart to end your despair. Suddenly-a knight in armor of white, stands in the gap betwixt you and its flight,And shedding his Armor of God for you – bears the lance that runs himContinue reading “The Suffering Prince…”

“Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. ThereforeContinue reading “OTR- Day 2…”

“Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household.”‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭16‬:‭30‬-‭32‬Continue reading “On the Road…”

Interest [on debt] never sleeps nor sickens nor dies; it never goes to the hospital; it works on Sundays and holidays; it never takes a vacation; it never visits nor travels; it takes no pleasure; it is never laid off work nor discharged from employment; it never works on reduced hours. … Once in debt,Continue reading “Debt….”

“The great tragedy of life is not unanswered prayer, but unoffered prayer.” F.B. Meyer “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldlyContinue reading “Chaplains conference day 3…”

The second session covered, “Theological Foundations for Religious Liberty.” Some take aways. Align with Truth and live it out in your life. Live it out sincerely. Temporary authority/Eternal authority. “Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk. And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher,Continue reading “Chaplains Conference day 2…”

“Let your eyes look straight ahead, And your eyelids look right before you.”‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4‬:‭25‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;”‭‭I Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ “Then Paul stood in the midstContinue reading “Chaplain Conference Day 1…”

“So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.”‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭46‬-‭47‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ “Every morning and all hoursContinue reading “Chaplains Conference…”

Halloween is a long-gone memory, but zombies are in the news.  Zombie debt and zombie debt scavengers are prowling in personal and corporate financial fields1.  Zombie debt refers to obligations you once had, but thought the matter had been settled.   They are raised again to haunt you.  You may have legitimately had a debt dischargedContinue reading “Doctor Tom…”

Are you one of the elect? Can we look over God’s shoulder to see if our names are written in His book? Probably not. We can know, beyond a doubt, if we are one of the elect! “Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? For HeContinue reading “Who are the elect???”

This was just too funny/true to not share. I really couldn’t find an appropriate photo… A couple years into my medical residency, the stress of 105 hour work weeks, hospital food and too many carbohydrates caught up with me. . .  One memorable afternoon, I found myself calling my gastroenterologist because of blood exiting fromContinue reading “Too True…”

““There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came andContinue reading “Heaven and Hell…”

A parable with three men and three philosophies. “Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him,Continue reading “Three…”

Psalm 55 are words we can learn from and a promise we can claim. David cries out to God, all seems lost to him. He is in anguish and is paralyzed by fear. Verse 1. “Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.“ No one is immune to trouble.Continue reading “A Promise to God’s children…”

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18. The cross of Jesus Christ. What do you think about the cross? Three words in this verse- “Message”- in the Greek means word. The word ofContinue reading “The Cross???…”

Manching is a German town in the Bavarian region.  In 1999, while excavating at a site near the town, archaeologists made an unusual discovery.  U-shaped Celtic coins, dating back to the third century BC, were uncovered.  The museum in Manching placed 450 of the gold coins on display.  On November 22, 2022 the museum wasContinue reading “Doctor Tom…”

The Bible is a love letter from God to us… The Bible is a letter God has sent to us; prayer is a letter we send to him. Matthew Henry

The Dead Sea (aka Salt Sea) is about ten times saltier than ocean water.  Since ancient times water from the Jordan River, and other smaller tributaries, flowed into the Dead Sea; but with no natural outflow, water evaporated, leaving behind minerals that increased the salt content. At 1400 feet below sea level, the Dead SeaContinue reading “Sea Doc, Pastor Tom…”

Someone has said that the reason a dog has so many friends is because he wags his tail more than his tongue…

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5 Do you know what wisdom is? Wisdom is seeing life from God’s point of view. When you pray and you have the Spirit of God and the WordContinue reading “God’s point of View…”

This is from our former Disaster Relief volunteer and instructor…Thanks Tom… It was the first Monday Night Football game of 2023. The Cincinnati Bengals, on top of the AFC North Division, were the home team against the Buffalo Bills, leaders in the AFC East. The Bengals scored a touchdown on their first possession; the BillsContinue reading “Know Doubt from Tom…”

“Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.” 1 Corinthians 10:33. Whatever you do, eat, drink or whatever, do it all to the glory of God. Living like this makes us a testimony to the world. Those who areContinue reading “Tracts or Tracks…”

“Mine answer to them that do examine me in this, Have we not power to eat and to drink?” 1 Corinthians 9: 3-4. The word ‘answer’ in the Greek means defense. Paul says, My defense to them… Like being in a court of law. We have the right to eat and drink, liberty. Liberty thatContinue reading “Free Will…”

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”‭‭Genesis‬ ‭2‬:‭24‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ If you have been married for 47 years today, (like us), you will have been together 17,155 days, 411,720 hours or 24,703,200 minutes, 1,482 million seconds. Like us, you would have sharedContinue reading “Forty seven years…”

“Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is.”‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ Six different materials to buildContinue reading “1 Corinthians 3: 12-13…”

“God is faithful, by whom ye are called unto the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Cor. 1:9. In the first nine verses of First Corinthians Jesus is mentioned Nine times! “God is faithful.” Men and women, not so much. Even other sisters and brothers in Christ, are not always faithful. ButContinue reading “1 Corinthians 1:9, Key Verse…”

“Now when evening had come, because it was the Preparation Day, that is, the day before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent council member, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, coming and taking courage, went in to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate marveled that He was alreadyContinue reading “Greek…”

“Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I alsoContinue reading “1 Corinthians 15: 1-4”

“Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. You know the commandments: ‘DoContinue reading “Money…”

“Now Jesus and His disciples went out to the towns of Caesarea Philippi; and on the road He asked His disciples, saying to them, “Who do men say that I am?” So they answered, “John the Baptist; but some say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do youContinue reading “What do you think???…”

“They were completely amazed and said again and again, “Everything he does is wonderful. He even makes the deaf to hear and gives speech to those who cannot speak.””‭‭Mark‬ ‭7‬:‭37‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This guy came in for a landing, gliding, and looking very majestic and in charge…