Shepherd of the Hills — Las Vegas

Find Rest in God Alone | Devotions on Selected Readings

Things are difficult — we want comfort. Our lives are frustrating — we want peace. Living in this world is tiring — we want rest. Throughout Scripture God offers comfort, peace, and rest. The need is obvious: our world is full of difficulty, frustration, sin, and death. And this is all our own doing. From the day Adam & Eve abandoned God's goodness for their own selfish desires, the world has been a tiring and painful place... yet God did not abandon his creation. He did not abandon us. In three separate readings, we see God providing rest for his people. Not a "light at the end of the tunnel" for those brave enough to pursue it. An immediate and powerful promise of rest in God alone! Jesus himself declared, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." The Savior speaks his saving promise to the hearts of tired and weary sinners. God has given us rest through the sacrifice of His one and only Son. God has calmed our troubled hearts, comforted the anxious and frustrated soul, given all-encompassing and eternal rest to those He loves, those who trust in Him through His grace. So, be at peace, dear Christians! Find rest for your weary souls in the blood of Christ shed for you on the cross! Rejoice in knowing that this rest will never fade, but will continue into eternity with our Savior in heaven! Find Rest in God Alone!

Fight the Good Fight | 1 Timothy 6:11-16

The church is often pictured as an army. A bold, courageous group equipped and empowered by God's Word and promises - a force ready to defend against the lies of the evil one and eager to use the sword of the Spirit to bring light and truth to a sin-darkened world. This is truly a beautiful picture! But when Paul encourages Timothy to fight the good fight, he's giving a personal and specific encouragement. Through these words, the Spirit convicts and comforts each of us too. We are fighting the good fight of faith every day as we flee from the destructive temptations of the devil, the world, and our sinful flesh and as we cling ever more firmly to the promises revealed to us in Christ! This spiritual fight is a constant struggle, a tiring battle, a fight of eternal significance. And as we, as Christians, march forward into battle, we know that the victory is ours... because Christ has already won. Forgiveness, life, salvation, peace and comfort are ours through the work of our Savior. Our God fights for us. Keep fighting!

Fearlessly Confessing Christ | Matthew 10:21-33

Hatred, betrayal, rebellion, persecution, death... "Do not be afraid," says the Teacher. God alone holds all power and authority. God alone is to be feared. Jesus uses strong language to instill comfort and confidence in his disciples as he sends them out to proclaim the Good News. Yes, the sinful world is hostile and opposed to the message of Christ. Yes, there will be division, persecution, and death. Yes, the God of the universe - the God who created and sustains the world by His word - is in full control. Yes, the message is vitally important for lost sinners. Yes, God will work through His Word by His Grace! Our Teacher, our Savior, our loving Redeemer tells us to be fearless and bold in confessing His Name... because His Name holds all power! His Name proclaims grace. His Name brings hope. His Name delivers salvation, peace, and joy. His Name reminds us that God loves us, cares for us, sacrificed his only Son for us. Let us be bold and fearless to share the news!

Servants of Christ | Devotions on Ministry

We know the names from history. We've heard the stories and learned from their lives of faith – all the faithful proclaimers of the Word who point us back to Christ. We wonder who will be carrying on this important task in the future... but we cannot forget the One who has guided, preserved, and worked powerfully through the Word. Repeating the stories can be encouraging and motivating. Studying the life of the church is a worthy endeavor. However, when we survey the course of history from the very beginning, we must remember that it is all the gracious work of our God in and through the lives of sinful people. We are but humble servants of our gracious God! As we remember the lives and work of God's servants throughout history, let us praise and honor our Savior for equipping and sending proclaimers of His Word to the ends of the earth!

Rejoice in God's Patience | 1 Timothy 1:12-17

As he had done so often before with others, Paul gave a brief overview of his life to his dear friend Timothy. That is what I once was... and this is who I am today... all by the grace and patience of the eternal God worthy of all praise! Although Paul told his story several times, the focus was always the same: God's patience that took action in the lives of sinners. God's patience is not tolerance or ignorance; it is incomprehensible love shown to the undeserving sinner. It is Christ crucified for us. It is the empty tomb and the promise of forgiveness, life and salvation. It is the simple, comforting gospel: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Praise and thanks to God for all He has done to make us His own! Rejoice in God's incredible patience!