In West Texas is a famous oil field known as the Yates Pool but during the Depression it was a humble sheep ranch owned by a man named Yates. Sadly, Yates’ ranching operation was going broke. Unable to pay the mortgage he was in danger of losing his ranch. Like many others of the time,Continue reading “Living in Spiritual Poverty”
Author Archives: John Estorge
Word or Deed Ministry?
Should a Church focus exclusively on the Ministry of the Word or on a Ministry of Deeds? As the news of Jesus’ authority over nature and disease spread, soon there were overwhelming crowds gathering in wonder of what Jesus would do next. As the crowds impeded His ability to preach and their needs consumed HisContinue reading “Word or Deed Ministry?”
What to say to be forgiven…
It was the moment he had been waiting for and he was about to blow it! He must have rehearsed in his mind what he would say on the day he would get to meet Jesus, but when the opportunity came, the cat had a hold of his tongue. He tried to speak but nothingContinue reading “What to say to be forgiven…”
Paralyzed by Past Guilt
Do you ever wonder if God has forgotten you? Do you know what it’s like to feel worthless, broken and defective? Deep down do you question whether God is punishing you for a past mistake? Well, that’s how the paralyzed man in Mark 2:1-12 felt. He was paralyzed by something in his past that hinderedContinue reading “Paralyzed by Past Guilt”
Jesus, please numb my pain!
“Do you want to heal it or just numb the pain?” That’s what the Pharmacist asked a 12- year-old John Estorge in response to complaints of burning mouth ulcers. Not being a fan of pain, I contemplated the question for a moment thinking, “Who cares about healing, I just want it to stop hurting… I’llContinue reading “Jesus, please numb my pain!”
Once Saved Always Saved?
Perseverance is the key virtue in the Christian Life because without it, one has no guarantee of a future inheritance with God in heaven. The Scriptures give us guarantees like, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Php 1:6) and at theContinue reading “Once Saved Always Saved?”
God is good and terrible at the same time
Before the children encounter Aslan in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Mr. Beaver is trying to describe what Aslan is like when he is interrupted by Susan, who seems to have an exaggerated need for her personal security, asks “Is he—quite safe?” To which Mr. Beaver replies, “Who said anything about safe”? “CourseContinue reading “God is good and terrible at the same time”
Jesus demands First Place
If I make the claim that my wife is prominent in my earthly affections, that’s not saying very much. All I would be saying is that within my heart’s desires, she is noticeable and easy to see among all of the other competing passions in my life. In my earthly affections, my wife should reignContinue reading “Jesus demands First Place”
Prayer for a Focused Heart
Do you find it easy for your heart to lose its focus on Christ and doing His Will? I think there is natural drift in all of our hearts especially when our little worlds feel chaotic and our eyes attend to circumstances rather than remembering the generosity and grace of our Lord. And sometimes weContinue reading “Prayer for a Focused Heart”
An Encouraging Word
Remember all the patterns of grace that are in heaven. You think, oh, what a monument of grace you would like to be! There are many thousands as rich monuments as you can be. The greatest sinner did never pass the grace of Christ. Do not despair. Hope still. When the clouds are blackest, evenContinue reading “An Encouraging Word”
Lead, Laugh, Love 