Fellow Helpers to the Truth
Fellow Helpers to the Truth The Apostle John wrote to a man named Gaius in 3 John. In the shortest book of the Bible (294 words), the Holy Spirit commends...
Hymn History: Abide With Me
"But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.” – Luke 24:29...
Comfort in Troubling Times
Do you have a favorite psalm? The psalm I hear most often referred to is Psalm 23. Unfortunately, it has become so associated with funerals that we easily forget that...
An Open Letter from My Friend…
Dear friends, In 2018, Scott Pauley and I hosted the first Rest Conference at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Hickory, NC. Our friend, Shane Lewis, who is now with the Lord,...
Dear Pastor – An Open Letter to Faithful Shepherds
Dear Pastor, The last two years have been full of challenges that none of us have ever faced and few of us could have imagined. The physical, emotional, and spiritual...
7 Ways You Can Help Your Pastor
During the month of October many churches celebrate a pastor appreciation emphasis. Other congregations do this during another time of year such as the pastor's anniversary or a special day...
Some Fall Early
A hint of fall is in the air and leaves are beginning to turn. This week I watched the first leaves falling from some trees near our house. Most of...
The Danger of Isolation
Depression is rampant and suicide is on the rise. One of the factors feeding this tragedy is that so many people are very alone. We are the most technologically connected...
Encouragement for Evangelists
This week our dear brother, Evangelist Tom Farrell, will be buried. He was a faithful preacher of Christ and a kind friend to me. I am preaching at the Wilds...
An Open Letter To Our Friends
Dear Friend, These are challenging and exciting days to be serving the Lord Jesus. The need of our world is great and Christ is coming soon! We are praying that...
3 Ways You Can Touch This Generation for God
God works in every generation. His truth transcends time, and His power supersedes spiritual opposition. My hope for revival in our day is not rooted in men - it is...
Rest Is More Than A Conference
Rest was built into the creation week for a reason. Have you ever considered that the first day man ever lived on this planet was a day of rest? Adam...
3 Things Your Pastor Needs Now
Every week I speak with pastors who are trying to keep their local church moving forward in the face of intense opposition. Pastors are called on to feed and lead God's...
The Worst Thing Job Lost & the One Thing We All Must Find
“There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job…” So begins the story of a man who knew more about suffering and loss than most people...
Starting Tomorrow – Sign Up Today!
For the last several years we have been publishing devotional articles on our website and sending them to friends who were subscribed to the blog. We have tried to share...
7 Ways to Show Kindness Today
Rush Limbaugh died today. He was one of the most loved and hated men in America, like so many who hold strong positions on anything. As I scrolled through the...
An Idea for Your Christmas Cards
Have you sent out your Christmas cards yet? Through the years it has become increasingly difficult to send cards to everyone that we love and want to greet. For the...
Light for Dark Days
We all know that this year has been particularly challenging. Clouds of doubt and a fog of uncertainty have come into a world that was already dark with sin. It...
5 Books To Read When You Are Having A Hard Time
Someone once said that everybody is having a hard time with something. The longer I live the more I think they were right. We are sinners living with other sinners...
Encouragement from a Friend
These are unusual days for God's people and many are fighting discouragement. A dear friend who labors in a challenging part of the world recently shared an encouraging article full...
5 Ideas For Teens @ This Time
If you are a teenager I am quite sure that your social life has been disrupted and your school year has been less than you imagined. (Or perhaps, better than...
Thank God For The Shepherds!
In crisis hours we are all reminded of what is most important in life, and who truly watches for our souls. We are all living through a season that reminds...
5 Things Every Church Member Can Do For Their Church Today
I rarely post on the Lord’s day, but this Sunday is an unusual day for many churches and church members. Social media has been filled this week with updates, instructions,...
3 Positive Ways To Use Your Social Media
3 Positive Ways To Use Your Social Media There is a lot of negative talk in this world. Social media has only amplified it. Sadly, many believers use their social media...
Responding To The Critic
Dr. Mike Edwards served for 37 years as the pastor of the Heritage Baptist Church in Woodbridge, VA. He is a man of wisdom and a great encouragement to those who are serving...
Help For Preachers
Today I have the opportunity to preach to a wonderful group of preachers. My heart is to encourage them. Thank the Lord for faithful ministers! Like their Chief Shepherd they...
Would You Help Me Help Preachers?
Many years ago my pastor taught me that if you are a blessing to the preacher you have a part in helping all of those that he helps. God uses...
When Two Worlds Collide by Pastor Mark Fowler
Mark Fowler and his wife Stephanie have been special friends to me and Tammy since college. The Lord is using them to lead a growing church in Elizabethton, TN. We...
My Shortest Post Ever – 2 Words to Help You Today
This is the time of year when so many people become sluggish. Schedules are hectic. The newness of the new year has worn off and the freshness of spring has...
Tribute to An Encourager
There are a few men who are admired by believers of all backgrounds. These are special men. Men who make an impact far outside their immediate realm of influence. They...
Departures, Delays, and Detours
Someone said to me not long ago, "You must really love to travel!" Anyone who has spent much time on the road will tell you that the initial thrill and adventure...
The Power of One Kind Word
The other day I wrote a short post about how the devil loves to use our words to tear others down. Permit me to share the positive side of this truth:...
Dealing with Disappointment – Part 2
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...
Daily Fellowship (Daily Living – Part 9)
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...
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 us list the things for...
Thank God for My Pastor
For 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...
Pass It On
Have 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...
Remembering Those Who Cannot Be Home for Christmas
One of the most famous Christmas songs of all time says, "I'll be home for Christmas if only in my dreams." Bing Crosby made it popular but few people today...
How to Speak “A Good Word”
Someone once said in my presence, "Be kind to others. Everybody is having a hard time."They were right.We all have our struggles and you may be surprised at the people...
I Am Praying for You!
Some of the most beautiful words I ever hear are: "I am praying for you." (Especially if I know they are more than just words!) My precious wife prays for...
The Power of a Personal Letter
The Power of a Personal Letter Recently I was sitting in my study at home when my oldest daughter came in and proudly announced, “Dad, I am about to write...
Aquila and Priscilla: A Biblical Marriage
Aquila and Priscilla: A Biblical Marriage God’s design is for families to serve Christ together in a New Testament church. As we find our place in the Lord’s work, every...
