Author Archives: JRMITCH85

A Call To The Reformation of The Church In 1517, Martin Luther posted and promulgated the infamous Ninety-five Theses, setting the Protestant Reformation in motion. The various corruptions in the church troubled Luther greatly, and much of his energy was spent wrestling with the church’s rationale for placing itself between God and the people. AsContinue reading “The Pillars of Our Actions and Words”

The old adage that “everything comes at a price” appears truer in our complex and interconnected world. Nearly every aspect of our lives incurs some cost, and what’s disheartening is that the things we’ve grown accustomed to paying for are becoming increasingly expensive. The costs are on a relentless upward trajectory, from the necessities weContinue reading “Making The Burden Light”

It’s impossible to avoid the images and news that come with war. Our hearts break watching people’s suffering paired with mindless and chaotic violence. Our response to the world’s suffering defines specific parts of our personality. The reactions reflect our hearts and whether we reflect the name written on our hearts or if we mimicContinue reading “Answering God’s Call”

Most arguments come down to one person or group asserting that they are on the good or correct side while the other person or group is wrong or evil. The problem with vilification is that it is a naturally divisive tactic. Thus, people choose to quit listening to one another and block themselves from properContinue reading “Quit Playing Games”

In ministry and our daily walk in the community, God calls us to emulate Jesus and His life lived while on the Earth. Jesus Christ’s teachings, parables, and actions have transcended time and culture, offering profound wisdom and guidance in all facets of life, and one of the most enduring and impactful lessons He impartedContinue reading “Humility: Following Christ’s Example”

As long as people have existed, we have held others to a standard we ourselves often struggle to meet. We find ourselves prescribing a set of expectations for the world around us while, paradoxically, we frequently falter in our attempts to embody those ideals. This fascinating juxtaposition between our lofty standards and human imperfections raisesContinue reading “Forgiveness: Following God’s Example”

When something works, we try and replicate it to varying success. In cooking, this trial and error in making something delicious with the perfect satisfaction is often recorded in a recipe. When we have developed enough recipes, we gather them in a cookbook, and future generations can look at what we have made and replicateContinue reading “Don’t Cut Corners”

Today, loyalty tests are intended to show if you are true to your convictions and beliefs. As a music fan, people will frequently determine your fandom if you listen to obscure demo tapes of your favorite bands or if you have a special edition album and saw them in concert before they were famous. TheContinue reading “The Christ Follower Test”

Faith starts with unmerited love from God for the people of God. From Abraham to us here examining the scriptures, the Almighty God has shown us love, even though we never deserved it. Thus, it does not begin with the right action or purpose; it begins with the divine providence of the Almighty. The ChristianContinue reading “Inside Out”

We don’t have enough faith. Right now in our world when we say we don’t have enough faith, it isn’t about anything else around us, it is only about our hearts and the endless searching for something to fill a void. Unfortunately, people, money, ideology, degrees, and vocation don’t fill us up, and instead weContinue reading “Faith Is The Antidote”