The Book that Saves the World A few weeks ago, I picked up a copy of the Wall Street Journal in a hotel. As I was breezing quickly through the sections, my eyes fell on something I could not believe. At the bottom of one page was an ad with this startling header: “THE BOOK…
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A Good Resource and A New Song Several weeks ago I had the privilege of speaking in a pastor’s fellowship where Evangelist Byron Foxx was singing. He has been a real encouragement to me through the years and especially as I have stepped out into evangelism. The Lord is gracious to give us faithful friends…
Read MoreMany years ago I was driving through the town I grew up in with my mother in the front seat and my sister in the back seat. I was driving too fast. My mother (the “prophetess”) spoke evil into my life! As soon as the words came out of her mouth, “You are going too…
Read MoreI know. The title has real potential. A preacher friend of mine recently said to me, “I have no problem with mother-in-laws. I love my wife’s mother-in-law!” (For the record, I did laugh. But I shouldn’t have…) My relationship with my wife’s parents has always been especially good. For that I am truly grateful. My…
Read MorePrayer is a help. It is our connection to the great Helper! Prayer is our lifeline to Heaven and the only way to live victoriously on earth. Yet, as surely as I know that prayer helps, it seems that many days I need help to pray! My problem is not that I don’t believe in…
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Like many Americans, I had the opportunity today to go by the cemetery where our family members are buried. The rolling hills were decorated with flowers and flags. It seems like just yesterday that I was at my grandparents house on Memorial Day. Now they are all with the Lord. I only had the opportunity…
Read MoreThis week I have been in multiple airports. Some are better than others. All are the same after awhile! In a few minutes I am landing at my new favorite airport. No, it is not the largest or most modern, but it speaks to me every time I am here. Perhaps a story will help you…
Read MoreThis week I will speak in commencement exercises in a couple of states. I love these special meetings and it is an honor to be part of such a great day for young people and their families. Commencements are just that…the beginning of the next step. I have stopped asking graduating seniors the most dreaded…
Read MoreSchool is out and summer is upon us! These have been exceptionally busy weeks of travel and ministry. So many of you are praying for us and we appreciate it more than words could express. God is answering your prayers. Last week I had the joy of participating in commencement exercises for my Doctor of…
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His Name Is Not A Swear Word! Have you noticed it? I heard it sitting in a restaurant last week. It was muttered by someone who passed me in an airport recently. Yesterday, an individual spoke from across a hotel lobby. “Jesus.” No, they were not speaking to Him or about Him. They were just…
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It all started in the mountain state so near to my own heart. Anna Jarvis began to send carnations to her local church in Grafton, West Virginia in honor of her mother. They were her mother’s favorite. Anna never had children of her own but she set something in motion for generations of children…
Read MoreAs I travel week after week it is always fascinating to see the buildings and attractions that make each area unique. Large cities and rural communities all have something of interest to discover! Each place is a new adventure. Yet I have come to the conviction that the greatest thing in any town is the…
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Have you faced any disappointment in the last week? The last 24 hours? The last 10 minutes? It is inevitable. Disappointments come. In the last post I shared with you a few observations from Luke 24 related to the causes of disappointment. Some things never change! (If you missed part 1, click HERE to read.)…
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We all have them. Disappointments are a part of life in an imperfect world. Every day we face the possibility of disappointment with circumstances, people, and even ourselves. It may not sound spiritual but at times we are even disappointed with God’s ways – why doesn’t He do things the way we think He should?…
Read MoreMy daughter Lauren has recently developed a new fascination with reading. Over the last few days she has devoured several books, putting us all to shame. I grew up with a special love of books. I travel with several at all times. In our day of e-books this has become much easier, but there is…
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Last night I finished preaching in another youth conference. These are special meetings and more needed than ever. It was a privilege to have our daughter Morgan with me on this trip. Having teenagers of your own changes your whole perspective! As I looked at a sea of faces last night, hundreds of young men…
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The Battle That Never Ends As a young Christian I imagined that some day it would get easier. My flesh would not rear its ugly head; the world would not seem as attractive; the devil would not fight so fiercely. That day never came. In fact, there is a battle that rages all of the…
Read MoreGod is at work all over our world. When He declared that “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse” He did not say that He would do less and less! In perilous times His power is still active. It has been a thrill to see the Lord’s hand in so many places in…
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My Struggle with Doubt and the Victory I Found It was the darkest time of my life spiritually. Like many believers, I struggled through a period of tremendous doubt about my salvation. There were many factors that contributed to my lack of assurance. Because I had trusted Christ as my Savior as a young child…
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We are living in a day of identity confusion, gender confusion, political confusion, and doctrinal confusion. A confusion of roles within the family. Confusion seems to be the order of the day. Don’t be surprised! This is a mark of the last days (2 Tim. 3:1-7), and a characteristic work of Satan in every age.…
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Thank you to so many friends who have joined with us in prayer for the advancement of the gospel and revival! We are just completing our first three months in evangelism and rejoicing in God’s faithfulness. He truly does “do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Eph. 3:20). If you have signed up…
Read MoreIt Works A man shared the most encouraging phone call with me yesterday. This man attended a men’s conference that I had the privilege of being in last week. He took part in a training session on witnessing, where we challenged men to share their personal testimony with someone over the next seven days. My…
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Recently as I was caring for some personal business the Lord reminded me of a wonderful principle. God’s people should be helping God’s people. The verse that the Holy Spirit brought to my mind was Galatians 6:10, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of…
Read MoreRunning has become for me many things. It is a means to stay in shape, a stress reliever, time to think. Recently it has become a classroom in which the Teacher has been showing me so many important lessons. It is not by accident that God refers frequently in the New Testament to our life…
Read MoreLet’s clear the air…No, this is not a post about politics. And, no, I am not a progressive. With our current political climate the term “progressive” has been in the news a great deal of late. In fact, the term progressive refers to a broad philosophy that says progress is vital to the advancement of…
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Every day is a gift. Yes, they are a gift from God, but for the discerning Christian they are also a gift to God. The Lord grants us breath, health, and strength. We, in turn, give each day back to Him as a gift of gratitude. The Lord gives life and we are to live…
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I have shared several thoughts concerning the daily Christian life. On the front of my calendar I have written: “Plan for the future, but live one week at a time, one day at a time, one meeting at a time.” It is a constant reminder to not get ahead of myself…or more importantly, not to…
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There are many daily blessings in the Christian life. There are also Daily Battles. One of the ironies of walking with Christ is that much of the blessing comes through the battles. It is near the front lines, in the heat of war, where the victory is seen and God is known. Daily Battles Satan,…
Read MoreOver the last few months several of my dearest friends have said goodbye to loved ones and watched them slip away to Heaven. Moments like these remind us all that this earth is not all there is. Our bodies are for a little time. Our spirits were made for eternity. I have stood by the…
Read MoreMany friends have taken up a ministry of prayer on our behalf. In just a few days we will begin sending a monthly update via email to those who desire to partner with us in prayer. I look forward to sharing my heart and some of the special things God is doing. If you would…
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Walking with Christ is a daily matter. For me, the emphasis of daily habits for a pleasing Christian life has been a reminder that I need the Lord every day. And every day there are principles that I must apply in my walk with Him. One irony of the Christian life is that it is…
Read MoreBrace yourself for a lengthy dedication! This post is dedicated to my beautiful wife, my loving mother, my faithful pastor’s wife, my wonderful sister and sister-in-law, two aunts, and my godly grandmother who is now with Jesus. All of them have one thing in common: they are all preacher’s wives. And they are special servants…
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Confession: I love to eat. Food makes the day so much more interesting. It is one of my favorite hobbies to tour America by restaurant! Most of us rarely go a few hours without feeding our bodies…much less a full day! Yet many a believer goes days without feeding his inner man. There are so…
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I love Thanksgiving. But for too many of us, thanksgiving is a day of the year instead of a way of life. We have established a tradition without applying the truth. God never meant us to give thanks from time to time. He blesses us every day. This is why David wrote, “Blessed be the…
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My second year in college I enrolled in a Greek class. It met at 7:00 in the morning. Now, I do not think English well before 8:00 a.m., much less Greek! Nevertheless, it was a required course and one for which I am now truly grateful. There are many technical things about Greek that I…
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Tomorrow we will finish our first month of full-time evangelistic work. The Lord has been so wonderful to us. We are truly grateful for many friends who have expressed interest in the work God has called us to do. I am increasingly aware of the need for intercessory prayer and want to thank you for…
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In just three days we will launch the new website for the evangelistic work God has called us to do. enjoyingthejourney.org will be available beginning Monday, February 1, 2016. I am excited about the resources that we will be able to provide on this new platform. Get better acquainted with our family and the burden God…
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Some things must be done every day to sustain life. This is as true in the spiritual realm as it is in the physical. The Christian life cannot be lived on Sunday alone any more than the body could feed or rest only one day a week. It must be daily. Let us begin with…
Read MoreThe Christian life is not lived one day a week. It is lived every day. Walking with Jesus is not an event; it is a way of life. Far too much Christianity is reserved for the church house. Christ is relegated to “His day.” We must always remember that Sunday is the Lord’s day, but every…
Read MoreHas your devotional life become dry? As far as you know there is no unconfessed sin. You are reading the Bible and going through the mechanics of prayer, but it seems like mere motion. We have all been there! People often think that preachers must jump out of bed in the morning, always excited about…
Read MoreAbout five months ago I did something I have never done – I started running. I should have started years ago. While physically it has helped me, I am amazed at how much clarity and quiet it provides to think and pray. But this is not a blog about running. It is about life. Many…
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In a few weeks we will launch a new website. We hope that enjoyingthejourney.org will provide gospel resources as well as encouragement to believers, families, and churches. It will also give us a means to publish our itinerary. Tammy, Morgan, Lauren, Grant, and I hope to see many friends as we conduct meetings over the coming year.…
Read MoreAbout four years ago I began blogging. I have been more regular at times than at others, but it has been a good exercise for me. Many friends have been kind enough to read and respond. I chose “Enjoying the Journey” as a way of expressing that for the follower of Christ it is not…
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Turning a Holiday into a Holy Day Recently I had the joy of sharing with several young married couples a few thoughts on how to make this holiday a holy day. The word holiday conjures up a variety of meanings and memories. In Europe, the word is used for the common American term “vacation.” Here in…
Read MoreDecember 18, 2015 The Lord has been very gracious to me and to my family. Twenty-one years ago I came to Powell, Tennessee to attend Crown College. It was here that I met my beautiful wife. It was here that God allowed me to come under the influence of Pastor Clarence Sexton. It was here…
Read MoreBooks are wonderful tools. When it comes to the daily quiet time there are a number of wonderful books that may be used with great benefit. Occasionally I enjoy reading after an author whose sole purpose in writing is devotional in nature. Oswald Chambers is a wonderful example of this. His highly recommended My Utmost For…
Read MoreYou can learn a lot from a child. Sometimes those we are teaching become our teachers. This happened to me again recently. As I walked through a certain place I heard the voice of a young man singing a great hymn. Not just singing it…singing every word…with abandon! Suddenly so many things were clear. This…
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3 Guidelines Concerning End-time Predictions The last few months have been filled with a great deal of conjecture about the last days. Discussion about the blood moons, unusual weather, emerging technologies, and speculations of the apocalypse are filling books and consuming the internet. What are we to believe? Many sincere believers are full of questions.…
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Aunt Goldie is with the Lord now. I rode my bike past her house hundreds of times as a boy. In the summer she was almost always sitting on the front porch in the swing. Life was simple. There were few material possessions and yet she was a happy woman. One afternoon she said to…
Read MoreTeachers are powerful people. This month thousands of teachers will be recognized. Few will be appreciated as they deserve. As I think over my elementary, junior high, high school, college, and seminary years I remember quite a variety of teachers, and realize that God used each of them to help shape my life in some…
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Why Carry a Bible to Church? My pastor always begins his Bible messages the same way: “Take the Word of God with me please and turn to…” It is a beautiful sight to see hundreds of people all opening the Word of God together! In the average church congregation, fewer people are carrying their own…
Read MoreWe are in the midst of planning our annual family vacation. Some of my fondest childhood memories surround family trips. There is a certain adventure to it all! My wife and children love to travel and it has made for wonderful times together. Sometimes the road trip is as much fun as the destination! Several…
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5 Must-Read Biographies W. Robertson Nicoll, a famous author in his own right, once said, “I have for years read every biography I could lay my hands on, and not one has failed to teach me something.” When he died there were more than 5,000 biographies found in his personal library! Perhaps we have too…
Read MoreSince I was a boy, growing up in the mountains of West Virginia, I have always loved the snow. There is something almost magical, intensely beautiful, about snow. This morning I am sitting in our dining room looking out on a fresh blanket of white. Large snowflakes are still falling. For folks in certain parts…
Read MoreHappy Homes One of the most wonderful gifts that my parents gave to me growing up was a happy home. Yes, they had rules. No, we did not get to do whatever we wanted to do. But there was never the sense that we were “missing out.” After all of these years, it is the…
Read MoreOne of the men who works in our ministry came to me a few days ago. He has determined to do more reading this year. Personally I believe this is a worthy goal for all of us! As I have done so many times to others, my friend asked if I could recommend several books…
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It is so very easy to be distracted. We begin with determination, the best of intentions. We concentrate. And then it comes. Not always in the form of some evil thing to be avoided. Usually the distraction is something good and we reason that we deserve it. After all, we have worked hard and stayed…
Read MoreLast January the American Bible Society released a study of the most “Bible-minded” cities in the United States. Our city was ranked number one. Knoxville, Tennessee was listed first in residents with the highest levels of regular Bible reading and belief in the accuracy of Scripture. While I am happy that our town led this…
Read MoreIt was a joy to be with our church family tonight in the last hours of 2014. We came to the Lord’s table together and our hearts were turned toward the Lord Jesus and what He has done for needy sinners. Sinners like me. The end of another year brings reflection and remembrances. The beginning…
Read MoreThere is a well-known song that imagines what Christmas must be like in Heaven. In truth, Heaven is one endless season of joy. In that beautiful place the wonder of Christmas does not come just once a year. Years are not counted in that city; it is one endless day – one continuing celebration! At…
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Will You Thank God Tomorrow? Recently, an ad on the front page of the USA Today read, “WHO are you thankful for?” When most of us list the things for which we are most grateful, it is a list of what instead of who. O yes, we say we are thankful for family. But, who…
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Early this morning, I woke up with one phrase on my mind. It is repeated often in the Scripture – a familiar refrain. One psalm in particular uses this powerful statement in every one of its twenty-six verses. The inspired psalmist begins this way, “O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for…
Read MoreSeveral years ago a dear friend said to me, “You are the kind of person that has a hard time if things don’t turn out the way you think they should.” He was right. The Holy Spirit has brought those words to my mind many times through the years. There are moments in all of…
Read MoreIf your days are like mine they often resemble a whirlwind of people and tasks. Correspondence. Problems. Phone calls. Appointments. Projects. Meetings. Decisions. Life can become very crowded at times! Many times at the end of a very busy day I have pulled into my driveway and been reminded by the Holy Spirit that I…
Read MoreThis week a fine young man sent me a message asking how to keep his mind fixed on Christ while surrounded by so many distractions. It is not an easy question to answer because it is not an easy task to fulfill. It is the battle that all of us fight every day! My response…
Read MoreAs a young man beginning in the ministry I heard my pastor say that one of the most difficult things to discern was what to eliminate. At the time, I was so busy adding things to my life that I did not fully appreciate the truth that he expressed. Through the years I have found…
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3 Things You Could Write Today Writing is work! It takes time and more mental energy than most tasks. I am currently reading the biography of Jonathan Edwards. Edwards was one of the greatest theological minds that America has known, and this is no accident. His father worked diligently for the education of each of…
Read MoreTwo of God’s most blessed servants, one hundred years apart, practiced the same devotional habit. Both George Whitefield and George Mueller read the Bible each day on their knees. This was more than mere form. Their position represented an attitude of humility, reverence, and prayer. God’s revelation demands a response. Scripture should not be approached…
Read MoreOn January 1, 2014 I sat in my study and wrote out ten very specific goals for this year. They have served as reminders to both pray and pursue in many areas of my life. As we draw to the end of June I am reminded that the year is now officially half over. 6…
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Don’t Lose Your Joy! This world is full of joy stealers. Behind them all is a miserable devil whose only delight is to “steal, kill, and destroy.” It is a rare and refreshing thing to meet someone whose mission is to bring the joy of Jesus into other lives. Paul was such a man. In…
Read MoreWe have just returned from a couple of days away with the family. Travels took us to the real “Mayberry” – Mount Airy, North Carolina. The kids – and their daddy! – have watched every episode of The Andy Griffith Show several times through the years. This trip, like the show, was a throw back to…
Read MoreJust a few days ago I stood next to the old pond where my grandpa and I spent so much time together. Lots of memories. Good ones. I remember some of the catfish we pulled out of those waters, but mostly I just remember him. His laugh. His instruction. And his constant patience with me.…
Read MoreAccusations are damaging things. For sure there are times that sin must be addressed and sinners confronted. That is called restoration – at least that is what it should be called. The ministry of reconciliation always has as its goal the restoration of sinners to fellowship with God. Accusations are another thing altogether. Perhaps it…
Read MoreIt is my privilege to work each week with hundreds of middle school, high school, and college age young people. It is fascinating that the older I get the younger they seem! Not long ago (in my mind) I sat where they sit. Making decisions and seeking direction. Recently I spent several days just meeting…
Read More“When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.” 2 Timothy 1:5 To have a Timothy you need a Eunice. Long before the Apostle Paul influenced this young man the sincere faith of…
Read MoreWe were standing in a bookstore surrounded by thousands of good books when I asked the question: “How do you begin writing?” The advice of one of my spiritual fathers that afternoon has been of immeasurable help to me. He said three things. First, get a copy of William Safire’s Fumblerules. I still have that helpful…
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Keeping Your Prayer Life Fresh Good things can get stale. Even our prayer life. One of the great challenges of using a prayer list is not allowing it to become mechanical. How many days I have just gone through the motions! God doesn’t need me to read Him what is on the paper; He wants…
Read MoreIn a world of strife peace is a wonderful thing. There is a peace that is connected to truth and there is a peace that compromises it. Peace can never become the goal; only the God of peace deserves that honor. But when the God of peace rules in a man’s heart it will show…
Read MoreThe youth rally is not the entire youth ministry, but it is a component part. Like summer camp or Vacation Bible School it serves as an emphasis on the things you are trying to teach young people every week. Most people believe that if you have pizza, interesting props, and prizes to give away you…
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What to Do When You Are Tired We all get tired. Even the Lord Jesus in His perfect humanity experienced weariness. (Read more about that here).The best of men in the greatest of works battle fatigue. Take Elijah for example. No, not the prophet calling down fire from heaven. Not the man enjoying God’s provision…
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Getting More Out of This Sunday’s Sermon Over the last few weeks, I have been in numerous meetings where someone was preaching the Bible. The messages were delivered by different men with varied styles, but in each sermon, I heard the Voice of One far greater than the preacher. When someone preaches the Word of…
Read MoreDo you love mornings? I have never considered myself a true morning person. In fact, I have always envied those people who seem to rise cheerfully “a great while before day.” Yet the older I get the more the quiet of the early morning hours means to me. This week a dear friend pointed out…
Read MoreOne of God’s priceless gifts is friendship. Through the years I have begun to learn the lasting value of a true friend. This week I was talking on the phone to a man who has been a constant encouragement to me when the Lord reminded me of this truth. The right kind of friendships form…
Read MoreAnother trip. I am sitting in a hotel room in Fort Worth, Texas tonight. Tomorrow we host an Open House at Crown Southwest and begin a Regional Youth Congress. I have no complaints, only gratitude. Traveling is a privilege and an opportunity to grow. I learn something on every journey and, with Christ, it is…
Read MoreFor the last two decades I have had the joy of being under the same faithful pastor. Recently I spent some time reflecting on what a joy it is just to have a pastor. Growing up in a pastor’s home has helped me to realize that pastors are real people too! They hurt and grieve.…
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There once was a school that had but one rule. (Oh, what a wonderful place that would be!) It is now known as Washington and Lee University and Robert E. Lee was at one time the headmaster of this institution. During his tenure the story is told that only one rule was enforced. It was…
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Lester Roloff used to sing an old gospel song that said, “It’s a battlefield brother, not a recreation room. It’s a fight and not a game! So run if you want to, run if you will. But I came here to stay!” Our generation would much rather have a recreation room. Give us the games,…
Read MoreAmen. It is usually the last word. It is the last word in the model prayer. It is the last word of the Bible. It is found about 30 times in the Old Testament, and at least 50 times in the New Testament. It is a word that should be used by believers who know…
Read MoreRecently I wrote a post on the discipline and joys of staying where God put you. Like the Psalmist David we sometimes feel like we would like a change of scenery and circumstance. He wrote in Psalm 55, “Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at…
Read MoreIt is often easier to leave. Problems come and we think that is our cue to go. Our transient world tends to promote this idea. “Leave the marriage! Quit the job! Forget the friendship! Find another ministry! Move on and things will get better.” The result is a plethora of broken marriages, empty churches, and…
Read MoreOn Friday, January 24, 2014 the USA Today ran an article on a Texas politician. It opened with these words: “We don’t need a hero.” Perhaps. But there is something in all of us that desperately wants one. Even more, there is a tendency in many of us to think we have to be one.…
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3 Dangers of Technology Overload and What to Do About It Look around you. Heads are bowed. People are quiet. No, they are not praying. They are all looking at the device in their hands! The technological advances of the last few years have placed the whole world in the palm of our hand. And…
Read MoreThe wisest man who ever lived teaches us that “he that walketh with wise men shall be wise” (Proverbs 13:20). Friends have tremendous influence. For many years I have counseled teenagers to choose their friends carefully, not to let their friends choose them. Standing near the midway point of life (at least from my perspective)…
Read MoreTwo of life’s greatest enemies are the past and the future. I cannot change yesterday. I do not yet have tomorrow. And if I am not careful, I will allow the regrets of my past and plans for the future to rob me of God’s precious gift called “today.” We all have a past. The…
Read MoreI like to be liked. So do you! There is a great danger in seeking to please men – desiring to gain their compliments and avoid their criticism. “The fear of man bringeth a snare” (Proverbs 29:25). Living for the praise of men is empty. Accolades and acknowledgment do not bring fulfillment. Beware! Compliments will…
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7 Things to Pray for Your Pastor Everyone expects the pastor to pray for his people. But pastors need prayer too. In fact, they need much prayer. Their responsibility is great. Satan’s attacks are strong. We have made a practice of praying for our Pastor every day. We pray for wisdom, for strength, and protection.…
Read MoreHave you ever wondered why God blesses any of us? One thing is sure. It is not because we deserve it. All of His blessings are mercy. And all of His blessings are for more than our consumption. This consumer crazy culture has affected all of us. “Enjoy! Get all you can! Keep it for…
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I am not a morning person. The older I get I am not a night person either! That being said, I have come to realize the power of the morning hours. A few extra minutes in the morning and the right priorities can make a world of difference in the entire day. Early this morning…
Read MoreSome of life’s greatest defeats come after great victories. Call it a lack of vigilance, a false sense of your own strength. There are many reasons. Be sure of this: If God is blessing, the devil is fighting! He always opposes what God ordains. The story is told of a young man in Napoleon’s army…
Read MorePresident’s Day should be a reminder to pray. To pray for our president and for our nation. It is easy to complain. It takes no effort to criticize. But prayer is hard work, and it is the only work that can truly make a difference. Our country is in great need of leaders that know…
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I will join you in prayer for a spiritual awakening among God's people and the advancement of the gospel.
