Steven H Miller, Th.M.

  The Cost of Following Christ An Reflection on Luke 9:57–62 (ESV)   As Jesus journeyed toward Jerusalem, people along the road expressed interest in following Him. Some appeared eager and sincere. Others likely felt emotionally moved by His teaching and miracles. Yet in this brief passage, Jesus reveals a truth that many people still struggle to understand today: true discipleship is costly. Following Christ is not merely admiring Him, agreeing with Him intellectually, or occasionally participating in religious activity. Genuine discipleship requires surrender, commitment, and unwavering allegiance to the Lord above every earthly attachment. Luke 9:57–62 confronts shallow Christianity and exposes the difference between casual interest and wholehearted devotion. “I Will Follow You Wherever You Go” “As they were going along the road, someone said to him, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’” — Luke 9:57 (ESV) At first glance, this statement sounds admirable. Th...

  God’s Divine Appointments When God Orchestrates the Moments of Our Lives   There are moments in life that seem accidental at first glance, yet later we realize they were carefully arranged by the hand of God. A conversation, a delay, an unexpected meeting, a hardship, or even a closed door may become the very instrument God uses to redirect an entire life. Scripture repeatedly reveals that God is not absent from the details of human events. He governs history, directs circumstances, and works through ordinary moments to accomplish extraordinary purposes. What many people call coincidence, the believer often recognizes as divine appointment. The Bible teaches that God sovereignly arranges encounters, opportunities, seasons, and relationships according to His will. God Is Sovereign Over Human Events A divine appointment begins with understanding the sovereignty of God. Nothing catches God by surprise. He is not reacting to events after they happen. He sees the ...

  A Living Sacrifice: A Reflection on Romans 12:1–2   Romans 12:1–2 marks a major turning point in Paul’s letter to the Romans. After spending eleven chapters explaining the holiness of God, the sinfulness of humanity, salvation through Christ, justification by faith, grace, mercy, and the sovereign plan of God, Paul now shifts from doctrine to daily living. The Christian life is not merely about believing truth intellectually; it is about being transformed by that truth. These verses call believers to complete surrender. Christianity is not simply adding religious activity to an already self-directed life. It is the yielding of one’s entire life to God as an act of worship. “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God…” Paul begins with an appeal rooted in the mercies of God. He does not command believers to surrender themselves out of fear, manipulation, or legalistic pressure. Instead, he points them back to everything God has already done. God’s ...

  A Reflection on Romans 1:22–32 The Tragic Consequences of Rejecting God Introduction Romans 1:22–32 is one of the most sobering passages in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul describes what happens when humanity repeatedly rejects God’s truth and chooses darkness instead of light. This passage is not merely a description of ancient pagan cultures, but a warning for every generation. When people refuse to honor God, sin spreads into every area of life—thoughts, desires, relationships, morality, and society itself. Professing Wisdom While Rejecting God Paul writes, “Professing to be wise, they became fools” (Romans 1:22). Human beings often celebrate intellect, education, and self-sufficiency while rejecting the authority of God. Scripture teaches that true wisdom begins with reverence for the Lord. Exchanging the Glory of God for Idols Humanity was created to worship God. When people reject Him, they do not stop worshiping altogether; instead, they redirect worship to...

  Reflection on 1 Thessalonians 5:12–28   Honoring Spiritual Leadership Paul begins this section by urging believers to recognize and esteem those who labor among them spiritually. God has established spiritual leadership within the church for the purpose of teaching, shepherding, correcting, and encouraging His people. Faithful pastors, elders, teachers, and ministry workers often carry unseen burdens as they care for the spiritual needs of others. Paul teaches that believers should appreciate those who faithfully labor in the Lord and show them respect and love for their work’s sake. At the same time, spiritual leadership is not about power, pride, or control. Christian leaders are called to serve humbly and faithfully, reflecting the example of Jesus Christ, who came not to be served but to serve. Healthy churches require both faithful leadership and teachable, supportive congregations. When pride, rebellion, or distrust dominate a church, division often follows. Pa...

  Reflection on 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11   Living in Readiness 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11 is a powerful reminder that the return of Jesus Christ is certain, even though the exact timing remains unknown to mankind. Paul writes to believers concerning “the times and the seasons,” explaining that the day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, “like a thief in the night.” This imagery emphasizes suddenness and surprise. Humanity often assumes life will continue indefinitely according to its own plans and expectations, but Scripture repeatedly reminds us that history is moving toward a divinely appointed conclusion. The Illusion of False Security Paul warns that many people will be saying, “Peace and safety,” just before sudden destruction comes upon them. This reflects the natural tendency of humanity to trust in earthly stability rather than in God. Nations trust in military power, economies, political systems, technology, and human achievement, yet none of these things can provide ultima...

  Why Modesty in Dress Matters   In a culture that often celebrates self-promotion, sensuality, and outward appearance above character, the Biblical concept of modesty can seem old-fashioned or misunderstood. Yet Scripture presents modesty not as oppression, but as wisdom, dignity, humility, and spiritual maturity. Modesty is not merely about clothing itself—it is about the condition of the heart, the attitude behind appearance, and the desire to honor God in every area of life. The Bible teaches that believers are called to live differently from the world. This includes how Christians speak, think, behave, and even how they present themselves outwardly. Clothing may seem like a small issue to some, but throughout Scripture, outward conduct often reflects inward priorities. Modesty is not simply a list of rules about fabric, styles, or measurements. True modesty begins internally before it is expressed externally. A person can wear conservative clothing while still possessing ...