A new year is a great opportunity to grow deeper in your walk with Christ. Real growth doesn’t happen by accident, it happens through intentional obedience: PRESSING ON in Devotion (heart), Discipline (habits), and Diligence (faithfulness), all grounded in grace.

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

— Philippians 3:14 (ESV)

Devotion

Fix your heart on Christ. Begin each day seeking Him in the Word and prayer. Growth starts with love for Jesus. Love Jesus and the things that He loves.

Matthew 22:37 “And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’”

Discipline

Train your life around godliness. Order your time, habits, and priorities according to Scripture. Discipline is not legalism, it is grace-driven effort.

1 Timothy 4:7 “Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness.”

Diligence

Stay faithful over time. Keep going. Win each day. Live for Christ at home, at work, and in the church. Do the next thing right, even when it’s hard.

Galatians 6:9 “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

This year, press on.

Not in your strength… but in Christ.

Digging Deeper is a follow up blog to my Sunday morning sermons, designed to keep you in God’s Word not just on Sunday but all week long. Each post takes a key truth from the message and expands it a bit more. Since Sunday morning time is limited, this gives me an opportunity to teach further on a specific topic and help you keep pressing on in the Word.

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As I shared in the message Sunday, one of the questions that comes up when we read 1 Samuel is… Why did Israel get a king if wanting a king was sinful? And right behind that is another question… If God chose Saul, and God knew Saul would fail, what does that say about God’s will and about our choices?

Here’s the helpful distinction: God has a decreed will and a revealed will.

God’s decreed will

This is what God has decided will happen. It’s His plan. It will stand. We don’t know all of it ahead of time, but we see it after the fact. (Deuteronomy 29:29) Saul becoming king wasn’t an accident. God put him there (1 Sam. 10).

God also knew Saul would fail. That doesn’t mean God made a mistake. It means God was doing something bigger than Saul. Through Saul, the Lord was teaching Israel that you can have the king you want, and it still won’t fix what only God can fix. God was showing them the limits of human leadership and preparing the way for the kind of king they truly needed. They needed a perfect king… it is pointing to the only perfect king…KING JESUS.

So God’s decreed will is about what God will accomplish, even when people’s motives are messy.

God’s revealed will

This is what God has clearly told us to do. It’s His commands. What we have in His Word, the Bible. And this is the will we are responsible for.

Saul received real commands. Real direction. Real expectations. “Wait.” “Obey.” “Listen to the word of the Lord.” And when Saul did not follow through, God didn’t waver from His perfect will. Saul was held accountable. God’s foreknowledge of Saul’s failure didn’t excuse Saul’s disobedience.

That’s the key: God’s decree never cancels human responsibility. (Acts 2:23 …this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.)

So did Saul have freedom to choose?

Yes, Saul made real decisions. He wasn’t a robot. He chose what he wanted in the moment. He feared people. He leaned on his own understanding. He offered partial obedience. Those were Saul’s choices, and God judged him for them.

At the same time, none of Saul’s choices knocked God off His throne. God was still moving His plan forward… toward David, and ultimately toward Christ.

Why this matters for everyday life

Most of us spend too much time trying to figure out the hidden things...What is God’s secret plan? Why did God allow this? What’s God doing behind the scenes? Some of that is natural. But it’s also where we can get sidetracked.

The Bible keeps calling us back to what’s clear:

• Obey what God has revealed.
• Trust God with what He has decreed.

You don’t have to know the whole plan to be faithful today. Saul’s story reminds us that it’s possible to be gifted and called and still stray if we stop trusting and obeying God’s Word.

A simple way to say it

• God’s decreed will means: God will accomplish His purposes.
• God’s revealed will means: I’m responsible to obey God’s Word.

And this is where we can learn from Saul.  Don’t just start well. Don’t just have a moment of spiritual success. Start and plan to FINISH. Lead with obedience. Follow with faith. Trust God’s timing.

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Here are some additional links for further reading:

The Secret Things of the Lord – R.C. Sproul

8 Questions About God’s Will – Wayne Grudem (Crossway Article)

Divine Sovereignty and Human Freedom – John Frame (The Gospel Coalition)

These are my sermon notes for Sunday morning, December 28. They’re not a full manuscript—just a listening guide to help our Tabernacle Church family to follow along. I encourage you to add your own notes as you listen each week. The service will be available on YouTube by Sunday afternoon. You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, our Prayer List, and more on our church website.

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1 Samuel 10:1-27

INTRO

• Israel wanted a king for security—not submission (1 Sam. 8).
• God providentially brought Saul to Samuel (1 Sam. 9).
• Chapter 10 confirms Saul publicly and exposes Israel’s heart.

The Calling: Set Apart by God – vv. 1–8

• Saul is anointed—God appoints and sets apart (v. 1).
• God confirms His Word with specific signs (vv. 2–5).
• God empowers by His Spirit for the task (v. 6).
• The first test: trust, obey, and wait (vv. 7–8).

The Equipping: Empowered by God – vv. 9–16

• God gives Saul “another heart” for service (v. 9).
• God’s Word proves true—every sign comes to pass (vv. 9–13).
• Saul keeps silent with his uncle—hesitation and caution surface (vv. 14–16).

The Revealing: Tested Before God’s People – vv. 17–27

• Mizpah: a place of repentance and renewal (v. 17; 1 Sam. 7:5–13).
• Samuel confronts Israel: “You have rejected your God” (vv. 18–19).
• Lots display God’s sovereignty (vv. 20–24; Prov. 16:33).
• Saul hides among the baggage—fear shows up early (v. 22).
• The people respond with both loyalty and resistance (vv. 26–27).

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The What Now

• Rest in God’s sovereignty—He appoints, confirms, and accomplishes His purposes.
• Don’t mistake the physical for the spiritual—God measures by His Word, not appearance.
• Obedience is the key: trust, obey, and wait.

I mentioned different millennial views in my sermon yesterday. Here’s a good, quick read that gives a general overview of each view.

Read Article: https://bit.ly/49aKWYZ

Most of the theologians and resources we use in our church’s discipleship and teaching ministry lean premillennial, while also being open to amillennial perspectives—common in the conservative Baptist circles we run in.

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These are my sermon notes for Sunday morning, December 21. They’re not a full manuscript—just a listening guide for our Tabernacle Church family to help you follow along. I encourage you to add your own notes as you listen each week. The service will be available on YouTube by Sunday afternoon. You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, our Prayer List, and more on our church website.

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Revelation 22:1–21

INTRO

• This Advent we’ve traced four scenes in Revelation: Rev. 1 (Christ among His churches), Rev. 5 (the Lamb who was slain), Rev. 19 (the King who returns), and Rev. 22 (“Surely I am coming soon”).
• Christmas celebrates His first coming in humility; Revelation 22 fixes our eyes on His throne and presses one response: keep His Word, come to Christ, and live ready for His return.

A Picture of Our Future Life – 22:1–5

• Life from the throne (vv. 1–2): river of life; tree of life—fullness and healing in God’s presence.
• Fellowship restored (vv. 3–4): no more curse; servants worship; we will see His face.
• Joyful reign (v. 5): no night; no loss; reigning with Christ forever.

His Words for Us Today – 22:6–17

• Trustworthy and true (vv. 6–9): God’s Word is certain; worship God; keep what is written.
• Unsealed and urgent (vv. 10–13): the time is near; hearts are exposed; Jesus is coming soon with recompense.
• Two destinies (vv. 14–15): washed and welcomed inside / unrepentant outside.
• One Lord (v. 16): Jesus—the Root of David, the Bright Morning Star.
• One invitation (v. 17): “Come.” The thirsty are welcomed to take the water of life freely.

A Warning and a Promise to Heed – 22:18–21

• Guard the Word (vv. 18–19): don’t add or subtract—Scripture is not ours to edit.
• Final promise (v. 20): “Surely I am coming soon.”
• Final prayer & grace (vv. 20–21): “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” / “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.”

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The What Now: Our Response

• Believe: Jesus saves sinners… come to HIM.
• Obey: keep His Word; Live each day for HIM.
• Hope: the King is coming soon. Continue to trust in HIM.

These are my sermon notes for Sunday morning, December 14. They’re not a full manuscript—just a listening guide for our Tabernacle Church family to help you follow along. I encourage you to add your own notes as you listen each week. The service will be available on YouTube by Sunday afternoon. You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, our Prayer List, and more on our church website.

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Revelation 19:11–16

INTRO

• On this third Sunday of Advent, we focus on joy… not because life is easy, but because the Lord is near.
• We’ve seen His first coming in humility: a baby in a manger and a Savior on a cross.
• Christ’s return completes the believer’s joy—because He is Faithful and True, He comes in righteous victory, and He brings final justice.

Who He Is — The Faithful and True King – vv. 11-12

• Heaven opened (v. 11) — His coming breaks in from heaven; God unveils the King.
• Faithful and True (v. 11a) — He never fails His word or His people.
• White horse (v. 11) — Purity, victory, royal triumph.
• Eyes like a flame of fire (v. 12) — He sees all; nothing is hidden.
• Many diadems / unknown name (v. 12) — All rule belongs to Him; His glory is beyond full grasp.
• Robe dipped in blood / The Word of God (v. 13) — The conquering, blood-marked King; God’s final revelation.

How He Comes — The Victorious Warrior – vv. 13–14

• Robe dipped in blood (v. 13) – victory is His. Diving judgment and His sacrifice.
• Armies of heaven follow (v. 14) – Christ leads; His cleansed people follow in His victory.

What He Brings — Righteous Judgment and Unshakable Rule – vv. 15–16

• Sharp sword from His mouth (v. 15) — His Word judges; none escape His verdict.
• Rod of iron (v. 15) — Firm, irresistible reign.
• Winepress of God’s wrath (v. 15) — Final, complete justice against sin.
• King of kings… (v. 16) — Everlasting, uncontested rule.

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The What Now

• Rejoice: your King is near and your hope is sure.
• Repent: bow to Christ now, not later.
• Remain faithful: live clean, steady, and courageous as you wait.

A Reminder for Men/Coaches: Platform and Boundaries

The Michigan football situation is a sober reminder: coaching/leadership is a platform. People are watching… players, parents, and your community. Influence is a stewardship, not a right.

“Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2 ESV).

Pressure to win can blur lines if you don’t set boundaries. That’s why wisdom and boundaries matter. They protect your integrity, your family, and your team.

Accountability matters too. Invite people who can ask hard questions and tell you the truth. Transparency is not weakness… it’s wisdom.

This is about protecting you as a man—and also protecting the women you work with and around. I have a daughter, and I want her to be in an environment where she’s respected, cared for, and safe. Boundaries don’t just guard reputations; they guard people. Protect yourself, protect your family, protect those around you… It’s worth it!

GO AND DO (3 Practical Steps)

1. Write your “never alone” rule—and live it. No closed-door 1-on-1s. Meet in visible/public spaces, keep doors open, and use group texts/copy parents/admin.
2. Choose 2 accountability men and set a weekly check-in. Ask direct questions: “Any secret conversations? Any emotional entanglements? Any boundary drift? Any lies?”
3. Audit your weak spots and build guardrails. Identify when you’re most vulnerable (late nights, travel, DMs, stress after losses) and set specific limits: curfews, no private messaging, wife-in-the-loop, device transparency.

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Proverbs 11:3 – “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.”

Proverbs 20:7 – “The righteous who walks in his integrity—blessed are his children after him!”

Check out coachesmin.org for more resources.

These are my sermon notes for Sunday morning, November 30. They’re not a full manuscript—just a listening guide for our Tabernacle Church family to help you follow along. I encourage you to add your own notes as you listen each week. The service will be available on YouTube by Sunday afternoon. You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, our Prayer List, and more on our church website.

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Advent is the four-week season leading up to Christmas, from the Latin adventus (“coming”), when the church remembers Christ’s first coming in Bethlehem and looks ahead to His second coming in glory.

Historically, Advent began in the early centuries of the church (around the 4th–6th centuries) as a time of preparation—prayer, repentance, and instruction—before celebrating Christ’s birth.

Advent matters today because it slows us down in a noisy season, re-centers our hearts on Christ instead of consumerism, and trains us to live with hope, holiness, and expectancy between His first coming and His promised return.

This Advent at Tabernacle we’re walking through Revelation to behold the Coming King—Jesus, Lord over all creation and Lord of our lives

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Revelation 1:4–8

Intro

• Advent: Hope in Christ — in His birth, life, and return.
  • Hope in the Reigning and Returning Christ.
• Our hope is anchored in who Jesus is, what He has done, and what He will surely do.
• Because Christ reigns now, rescued us, and will return, we live near to God, clean from sin, sent to people, and steady in trials.

Hope in Who He Is – vv. 4–5a

• Eternal Father – “who is and who was and who is to come.”
• Perfect Spirit – “the seven Spirits before His throne” (fullness / completeness).
• Reigning Son
  • Faithful Witness – His word is true; He defines reality.
  • Firstborn from the Dead – resurrection supremacy; hope stronger than death.
  • Ruler of Kings on Earth – every ruler and regime is under Him.

Hope in What He Did – vv. 5b–6

• Loved – “who loves us” (ongoing, personal, covenant love).
• Liberated – “freed us from our sins by His blood” (guilt canceled, chains broken).
• Commissioned – “made us a kingdom, priests” (new identity, access, assignment).
• We now live near to God and sent to people.
• Hope is not wishful thinking; it is blood-bought belonging.

Hope in What He Will Do – v. 7

• He Will Return as King – “He is coming with the clouds” (royal, public, unstoppable).
• All Will See Him – “every eye will see Him” (nobody hidden, nobody neutral).
• All Must Respond
  • “Those who pierced Him”…guilt is personal.
  • “All tribes of the earth will wail”… repentant mourning or final reckoning.
• The future sight of Christ should shape faithful steps today.

Hope as a Way of Life – v. 8

• Jesus: “I am the Alpha and the Omega… the Almighty.”
• “Who is and who was and who is to come”…  He holds our past, rules our present, secures our future.
• Therefore we live...
  • Holy – set apart because we belong to the Alpha and the Omega.
  • Sent – available where the Almighty has placed us.
  • Steadfast – unshaken because the One “who is to come” will finish what He started.