Observations from 1 Peter

by Tyler Dirks

We are addressed/identified as… exiles of the Dispersion! We are to think of ourselves (and we are to be regarded) as sojourners …like Hadassah (a.k.a. Esther), Daniel (a.k.a. Belteshazzar), Hananiah (a.k.a. Shadrach), Mishael (a.k.a. Meshach), and Azariah (a.k.a. Abednego). And we are ALL ABOUT/FOR —> obedience to Jesus Christ and ALL ABOUT/FOR —> sprinkling with […]

God Forces Me to Feel Small & Admit That I Am Scared…

by Tyler Dirks

I was meeting with The Boss recently, and I was telling Him about a particular frustration. And The Boss said, “What are you scared of?” And I said, “I’m not scared …I’m frustrated.” And The Boss said, “You’re scared.” And I said, “Why would you say that to me!? I’m complaining to You about someone […]

Committing to Fruitfulness

by Tyler Dirks

Thanksgiving is almost here. Families will be gathering. Every family has that person who always has an explanation for their lamentable behavior (e.g. “I was just joking.” “I’m misunderstood.” “I’m being vilified for no reason.” “I had a physical ailment, and I am the victim.” Etc.). What this person doesn’t have is – – – […]

The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert [Quotes]

by Tyler Dirks

“I learned the first rule of repentance: that repentance requires greater intimacy with God than with our sin. How much greater? About the size of a mustard seed. Repentance requires that we draw near to Jesus, no matter what. And sometimes we all have to crawl there on our hands and knees. Repentance is an […]

Really Trying to Understand What Melchizedek Was Like

by Tyler Dirks

If you really want to understand the living and active truth of Scripture then you MUST thoroughly and personally imaginatively immerse yourself in the stories, and you must rigorously reflect on what it would actually be like to meet the characters described in the Bible. So let’s imaginatively immerse ourselves in Genesis 14, Psalm 110, […]