The Power of A Small Church Our generation is mesmerized by mega churches. As I have had the privilege to be in churches of all sizes, the words of my mentor, Pastor Clarence Sexton, have become more meaningful: “The greatness of a church is not in its size, but in its likeness to Jesus Christ.”…
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As children we were always instructed to think before we speak. Now, with children of my own, I realize that this is good advice for adults too. This simple rule would transform relationships and the very atmosphere in most homes! God’s Book of Wisdom cautions us not to be “hasty” with our words (Prov. 29:20). In…
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In recent years I have come to realize the importance of the morning hours. There is something special about the quiet – and the coffee! – before the noise of the day. God desires, and deserves, the first. (Read more about the blessing of early mornings.) A friend once said to me that it was his…
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We would like to make available to you this “Tool to Strengthen Believers.” It serves to accompany our current series on Watch and Pray. Several years ago as I studied the life of Daniel the Holy Spirit drew my attention to the fact that the devil tried to get Daniel to stop the discipline of…
Read MoreTomorrow we will drive to Gray, Tennessee. At 2:00 p.m., Saturday we will be part of a special prayer rally with churches from around the Tri-Cities. For weeks we have been talking and praying with pastors. Our burden is simple: to see souls saved and to train soul winners. True revival among believers always leads…
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I want to thank you for taking time to read the posts on Enjoying the Journey. Thank you for keeping up with our family and praying for us. Every week I meet people who are faithfully interceding. Almost daily I hear from individuals who are laboring with us in prayer. There are many more who…
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At the end of this post I have a special announcement to make and a number of free resources to offer you. Permit me to explain why this is on my heart… The battle is real and our Captain has given us weapons with which to fight. Scripture teaches that “the weapons of our warfare are not…
Read MoreRecently I encouraged a dear friend who is living through a trial to keep a daily journal of what God is doing in his life. My suggestion grew out of personal experience. On the shelf before me is a stack of leather-bound books. They are deeply personal and very precious to me. Occasionally I sit…
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An Item for Praise and Prayer Yesterday I had the privilege to speak to a group of pastoral staff men in the church where I am preaching. It was a joy to share with them truths that God and my pastor graciously taught me as a staff member. As I spoke to them, I was…
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How to Keep Yourself Stirred One of the hardest things in serving the Lord is keeping your own heart stirred about the work you have been given to do. We all struggle with it. It is called flesh. Flesh is weak. Flesh grows weary. You cannot trust the flesh. It is not difficult to get…
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We do not need more sermonizers, organizers, and motivators. We need more evangelists. Not just the kind who travel from place to place preaching in meetings. Our world is in desperate need for gospel consumed, Spirit-controlled, eternity conscious believers. People passionate about reaching souls for the Lord Jesus Christ. Evangelists. The Work of Evangelism The…
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What I Have Learned in My First Year of Evangelism It has been a privilege this week to take part in a special conference on revival and evangelism. I have enjoyed the fellowship with a number of wonderful evangelists and pastors, and have been honored to labor alongside men who have been in this work for…
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I often hear wonderful messages on the subject of reading the Word of God. The Scriptures are so wonderful! We may grow stale, but the Lord is perennially fresh! We are instructed in 1 Timothy 4:13 to “give attendance to reading.” Reading the Bible is not the end of what we should do with the…
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This morning I preached the first meeting of the new year. The Lord’s Word and Spirit was so very precious. Only God knows how many more meetings we will be allowed. “Our times are in his hand.” I want to make every one of them count for eternity. January 1, Sunday morning service, Clearbrook Baptist…
Read MoreA special hour-glass sits on the desk in my study. It was a gift from my family and means a great deal to me. It actually measures fifteen minutes of time and is a constant reminder to me that every moment counts. Minutes become hours. Hours become days. And days become – well, you get the…
Read MoreThe final week of the year is perhaps the strangest week of the year. It is like living in limbo. One year seems all but gone and the next is not yet here. Many will wait until January 1 to begin their resolutions. But wise men know “better is the end of a thing than…
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Missing Messiah While preaching recently in the beautiful state of Connecticut, I drove through several old cemeteries. Very old. It was fascinating to see markers going back to the 1600’s! It may sound strange, but I have always enjoyed visiting cemeteries. Reading the epitaphs. Noticing the ages. Imagining the stories. Every memorial is a reminder…
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This is a busy time of the year. It seems that every season has become a hectic one! So much noise. Beneath the surface our hearts long for quiet – true quiet in a noisy world. I have been blessed by the writings of S.D. Gordon. He makes me think. His book titles are very…
Read MoreWe all have them. At times they must be adjusted, but always they live in our memory. Traditions held with family and friends. Fixed reference points in a world that is constantly changing. Christmas is especially a time for tradition. There is a danger in allowing traditions to take the place only truth should hold…
Read MoreYou will be tempted not to finish reading this post. Could I ask you now to read to the very end? I have just completed a wonderful biography on the Life of John Newton, originally published by the American Sunday School Union in 1831. The account details how God took a slave trader (who became…
Read MoreThis has been a whirlwind year! In just a few days we will publish a year-end newsletter and report on this year’s meetings. If you have not subscribed to receive our quarterly email we would love to include you in it! Click here to subscribe. These are days of opportunity…and days of spiritual opposition. Everything…
Read MoreGod’s Word and God’s Spirit have become very precious to me this year. In cities and rural communities, in church meetings and area rallies, we have witnessed the Lord at work. These are exciting days to serve Christ! This week I am preaching the last revival meeting of the year. So many friends have kept up…
Read MoreSome time ago my wife challenged each member of our family to share three things for which we were grateful each night as we went to bed. It is easy to say the same things again and again (and hope that no one “steals” your list first!). The exercise was good for our home and…
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Life in a fallen world is full of disappointments. Situations don’t always turn out the way you hope. The best people let you down. Your own intentions fail to become reality. It is easy for disappointment to become disillusionment. Perhaps this is why there are so many cynical people in our world. The question is not…
Read MoreOver the last few weeks I have had the privilege of spending time with a number of church staff members in the places where I have been preaching. This is always a great joy for me. More than eighteen years of my life and ministry were spent as a staff member. Every day I thank…
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A Spoiled Generation Recently I drove through the cemetery where all of my grandparents are now buried. I paused for a few moments at each grave and thought of the heritage they had passed down to me. My Grandpa Pauley gets a great deal of discussion because of his ministry as a preacher of the…
Read MoreIn the last few days we have moved into our new home in West Virginia. Thank you for praying for our family during this season of transition. The beautiful changing leaves at this time of year are a reminder that the seasons of life are constantly changing. The Creator and Sustainer of life is at…
Read MoreThis week I am preaching a revival meeting in the Washington, D.C. area. My heart has been stirred afresh. The future of our nation hangs in the balance. In just a few days we will elect a new president of the United States. That election will determine more than the presidency. It will decide the…
Read MoreOne of Satan’s greatest tools is discouragement. I am afraid that many preachers are so disillusioned with the condition of our nation that they wonder if there is anything they can do to make a difference. This is a strategy of the wicked one. Never has a generation of believers had so much opportunity for the…
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Boredom seems to be the order of the day. Why go to church anyhow? Church attendance nationally is on the decline. Even among those who go, few seem to enjoy being there. It is a religious routine. An empty form. Surely this is not what the Lord had in mind when He said, “Not forsaking…
Read MoreMy favorite season has arrived. Fall is officially here. This year our family is celebrating the changing of the leaves in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia. It is a new season of life and ministry. So many of you have prayed and encouraged us this year. Thank you for your friendship. A few days…
Read MoreThis week thousands of people will converge on the Tri-Cities area of Virginia and Tennessee for “The Battle at Bristol.” As much as I enjoy football (and hope that the Volunteers win!), there is a greater battle going on at this hour. It is a battle for the souls of men. I have always loved…
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A Deepening Conviction Every conviction in our hearts should grow out of God’s Word. With the passage of time, those convictions that are founded in eternal truth only deepen. The Holy Ghost confirms again and again that Bible convictions are true in every circumstance. Like God, His truth does not change. At this stage of…
Read MoreGod has been so very gracious to us. The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of activity and change. Thank you for praying for our family as we have relocated back to West Virginia. Times of transition remind you of so many truths. For me, one of those has been that God chose the…
Read MoreOur children have just begun a new year at a new school. We have been blessed to have had our children in a wonderful school through the years and are truly thankful that the Lord continues to provide that opportunity for our family. Across the country this is the time when schools resume – elementary,…
Read MoreLike many people around the world I have watched with great interest the Olympic Games in Rio. Particularly the medal count! It is the talk everywhere I go…Which nation has the most? Will Michael Phelps get another gold? Why are the athletes biting their medals for pictures? For at least a few days it has…
Read MoreRecently someone asked me what the kindest thing was that had been done for me as I traveled from church to church. That was easy. Pastors and people have been very gracious and encouraging in every place where we have been privileged to serve, but there is one thing that stands out above the rest.…
Read MoreThe last few days have been filled with so many wonderful memories…and so much expectation for the future! As we pulled out of Knoxville, Tennessee on Wednesday I reflected on how good God has been to us in that place. We rejoice that He is not bound by geography! In fact, He is not bound…
Read MoreA Christian’s relationship with the Word of God does not end with Bible reading, but it does start there. The simple discipline of reading the Scriptures is a powerful resource in the daily walk of a believer. As I grow older my conviction in the power and sufficiency of God’s Word grows! This is indeed…
Read MoreOver the last several weeks I have had the privilege of meeting so many praying people. I have been honored and humbled to meet people who I do not know and hear them say, “I pray for you every day.” Never in my life have I felt more the need for intercessory prayer! D.L. Moody…
Read MoreGod has been very gracious during this summer season. We have seen much fruit in many places. Please help us pray that the fruit will remain to the glory of God. It has been a special blessing to see so many friends across the country. The upcoming month will be a very busy one for…
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Note: This post was originally written a decade ago, but the information is still relevant today, especially with the unrest around recent law enforcement activity. We have had many dear friends though the years who serve in law enforcement. I recently remembered again that those who protect and serve are special people.. They have families,…
Read MoreThe months are passing so quickly! Six months ago my family and I stepped out into full time evangelism. God has been so good and He continues to exceed our expectations. Thank you for praying for us. Each week we hear from faithful friends and see many others. We would love to see you in…
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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 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…
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This 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. My Advice to Those Who Are Seeking God’s Will…
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 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 the U.S., the word is usually connected with family and food! It is interesting that the word holiday actually comes from the root…
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 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…
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I will join you in prayer for a spiritual awakening among God's people and the advancement of the gospel.
