Devotional Blog

On every trip, decisions are made. Along the road of life, we inevitably face intersections and decisions about which way to go. It is at those moments that we must live by faith, asking God for wisdom and believing that He will never lead in the wrong direction. It is our hope that each article on the blog will encourage you to keep enjoying the journey…and look for Jesus along the way.

Latest Post

Moses Seat found in an ancient synagogue in Chorazin, in Galilee. The seat was located just inside the door of the synagogue and bears an Aramaic inscription with the name of the donor Yudan, the son of Yishmael who paid for building of the seat and its platform. (The seat pictured here is a replica placed where the original was found. The original is now in the Israel Museum.) Photo by John Buckner. Among other finds, the researchers found a synagogue built from the local volcanic basalt stones. Inside the synagogue, beside the ark where the biblical scrolls were stored, was a seat. It has been identified by many scholars as Moses’ Seat. Although it dates to after the time of Christ, this find is a remarkable fusion of biblical text and archeology. It illuminates the words of Matthew and shows us the custom He referenced.  

Moses’ Seat in Chorazin 

“Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Saying The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and…

2015 – The Year of the Bible

Last 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,...

My Thoughts on the Last Night of the Year

It 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...

Christmas in Heaven?

There 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...
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Will You Thank God Tomorrow?

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...
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My Thanksgiving List in One Sentence

Early this morning, I woke up with one phrase on my mind.  It is repeated often in the Scripture - a familiar refrain.  One psalm...

What If It Doesn’t Turn Out Your Way?

Several 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 Most Important Work I Have to Do Every Day

If your days are like mine they often resemble a whirlwind of people and tasks.  Correspondence.  Problems.  Phone calls.  Appointments.  Projects.  Meetings.  Decisions.  Life can...

Our Daily Bread

This week a fine young man sent me a message asking how to keep his mind fixed on Christ while surrounded by so many distractions....

Learning to Say, “No”

As a young man beginning in the ministry I heard my pastor say that one of the most difficult things to discern was what to...
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3 Things You Could Write Today

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...

A 31 Day Devotional Challenge that Could Change the Way You Approach the Bible

Two 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...

At the Half-way Point of the Year

On January 1, 2014 I sat in my study and wrote out ten very specific goals for this year.  They have served as reminders to...
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Don’t Lose Your Joy!

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,...

A Trip to Mayberry

Beating Morgan in a game of checkers next to Floyd's Barber Shop We have just returned from a couple of days...

Remembering My Grandpa

Just a few days ago I stood next to the old pond where my grandpa and I spent so much time together.  Lots of memories....

Dealing with Accusations

Accusations are damaging things.  For sure there are times that sin must be addressed and sinners confronted.  That is called restoration - at least that...

Counsel to Young People and to Those Who Counsel Them

It is my privilege to work each week with hundreds of middle school, high school, and college age young people.  It is fascinating that the...

A Tribute to My Mother

"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...