faith

The King Herod who built the Herodium is the same Herod who tried to kill Jesus, and ordered the slaughter of the babies in nearby Bethlehem. He knew his subjects hated him, so before he died, he provided for his tomb to be guarded after his death. After a couple of years, the money ran out so the guards went home. The vengeful locals trashed his palace and smashed his ornate mausoleum to tiny pieces.
Photo by John Buckner

The Herodium in Bethlehem 

“For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart,...
George Muller 1080x1080

Christians You Should Know: George Müller

“I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.” – Psalm 81:10 A Snapshot of...
javier-santos-guzman-9MR78HGoflw-unsplash

Spiritual Exercise

Medical doctors and health professionals are consistently reminding us to give attention to “diet and exercise.” Henry Drummond believed that every thing we see in the natural world is simply...
amr-albeeb-bxDLRIYFaQY-unsplash

Where Are the Calebs?

One phrase from God’s Word characterizes Caleb’s life: “he wholly followed the LORD God of Israel.” (Joshua 14:14) What an example for us to follow! Caleb's life serves as a...
Christians You Should Know: Hudson Taylor, faith in God, China Island Mission

Christians You Should Know: Hudson Taylor

"And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God." - Mark 11:22 A Snapshot of the Life of Hudson Taylor: Born: May 21, 1832, in Barnsley; England Died: June 3,...
John Bunyan

Christians You Should Know: John Bunyan

"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the...
Dietrich Bonhoeffer declared, "Discipleship can tolerate no conditions which might come between Jesus and our obedience to Him." When Christ calls a man

Christians You Should Know: Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." - Matthew 16:24 A Snapshot...
William Borden, William Borden wrote over the years: "No Reserve! No Retreat! No Regrets!" He was characterized by an "abiding passion for the souls of men."

Christians You Should Know: William Borden

"If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work." - 2...
Jesus I Am Resting Resting, hymn history: Jesus I Am Resting, Resting, Pigott, William Pigott china

Hymn History: Jesus, I Am Resting, Resting

Hymn History: Jesus I Am Resting, Resting "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising...
jason-strull-kqBzDbiVV40-unsplash

Looking Vertically

Looking vertically in a world where the majority looks horizontally can be quite the difference maker. To be a dynamic follower of Christ and not a discontent believer, we must...
brett-jordan-zVkL5L7eGrw-unsplash

Be Real!

The latest trend in social media is a new platform known as "Be Real." Its niche is notifying users once each day to capture and share a post within two...
HurricaneFortMyers

From a Friend in South Florida…

Just a few days ago we shared a helpful article on using gospel tracts. That post was written by Pastor Tom Sexton of the Gulf Coast Baptist Church in Cape...
taylor-brandon-J22MCW7BTy4-unsplash

God Still Moves Mountains

A few week's ago I asked friends who follow us on social media if they would help me pray for a mountain that needed to be moved. Since that time...
roman-kraft-7sPg5OLfExc-unsplash

A Word to 3rd Generation Christians

There is nothing quite like the excitement of being with first generation Christians! They do not use all of the cliches or know the church culture. But neither do they...
flex-point-security-BsPltmPf9ak-unsplash

God’s Security Detail

Yes, these are dangerous days. Illness, violence, accidents and a host of other unknowns surround us. However, some Christians have forgotten that our lives are not in the hands of...
2112-20 Christ Is Enough SLIDE_1400x897

Christ Is Enough.

In the face of physical pain, financial hardship, emotional distress, and spiritual conflict there is one truth that always brings faith and courage: Christ is enough. Christ is more than...
1-768x768 (19)

The Danger of Low Expectations

Decay is a terrible thing, and it is all around us. We live in a world that is getting worse every day through the effects of sin. “For we know...
andrew-seaman-ZwaqicZOAgc-unsplash

What Is Missing In Our Churches?

What Is Missing In Our Churches? Frequently I am asked what trends I see in churches as I travel. The tendency is to generalize and lump all churches together. Yet,...
warren-wong-u7dy-n4uZVk-unsplash

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...
jonny-gios-TZ50uMfAK3E-unsplash

Why the Resurrection Gives Me Hope for Revival

The message of the resurrection is not just to be preached to the lost; it is a truth to be repeated, remembered, and reflected on again and again among believers....
A34E457E-E37F-44D6-9A66-97492B610D7A

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...
john-mark-smith-gtCWBwbZNpM-unsplash-768x512

The State of the Church

Typically in February the President of the United States addresses a joint session of Congress and delivers the traditional “State of the Union.” This year's address was much different. In...
john-mark-smith-9QTQFihyles-unsplash-683x1024

The Scariest Job In the World

Every job has its drawbacks and even its dangers. But, what is the scariest job in the world? It is a job that many of us have! The scariest job...
wilhelm-gunkel-L04Kczg_Jvs-unsplash-768x512

How To Say “Thank You”

Several years ago I had the joy of speaking to a large group of children on the subject of thanksgiving. In preparation I learned how to say thank you in...
autumn-mott-rodeheaver-SPd9CSoWCkY-unsplash-683x1024

How To Make The Most Of This Season In Life

Seasons are marked by change. The autumn leaves turning colors and falling to the ground are a reminder to us all that time is passing. And while we love some...
1801-16-Main-Slide_Enjoying-the-Journey-Guest-Articles-SLIDE-768x492

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...
jon-tyson-hw_nkQEer5c-unsplash-768x1024

A Moment for The Gospel

Earlier this week I posted 5 Books to Read on Witnessing. In this season of "social distancing" and health fears it is possible that we could all lose sight of...
jules-bss-VW-pFREtl0k-unsplash-768x512

Living In Uncertain Times

The world is shaking...but God is not! These are uncertain days but the people of God have a certain future. He has not failed us, forgotten us, or forsaken us...
ben-white-9emAQvCJQ4c-unsplash-768x513

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,...
laura-gariglio-tPxnF8LVNEI-unsplash

Control Issues

Let’s face it: we all like to be in control. To feel as though we can direct the course of things and determine the outcome. But this mentality works against...
patrick-fore-26857

7 Ways The Bible Helps Your Prayer Life

We all know we ought to pray more. We all want to pray more effectively. Wouldn't it be wonderful if God wrote a manual on prayer? Indeed, He has! God's...
Arched Milky Way over the mountain dirt road in summer. Beautiful night landscape with starry sky, milky way arch, trail in mountain village, hills, green grass and purple flowers. Space and galaxy

A Guest Post From My Wife

Throughout this year I have had a number of guest authors on our blog. This one is my favorite. I thank the Lord for my sweet wife. Tammy is a...
The_Blind_Girl_frontspiece_1844

Seeing Through The Eyes Of The Blind

It has been my privilege to have several blind friends. As a college student I met a blind young man who had read several times through the Scriptures using his...
john-westrock-638048-unsplash

What To Do When You Are “In A Lull”

Call it what you will. We all have those times when things seem just a little off the normal pace. The schedule may be the same or even heavier than...
jon-tyson-195064-unsplash

Did You Hear What God Did?

This week I had the joy of hearing a couple of reports that were overwhelming. In a world of bad news it is encouraging to hear of definite answers to...
Preaching the Bible, Bible Preachers, preach, preaching, testimony, pastor, missionary, resources for preachers, Scott Pauley, Evangelist

Dear Preacher, Preach In Faith.

Preach In Faith All of us who have preached for any length of time can testify that some things are different every time we stand to preach. The truth never...
rawpixel-com-445786-copy-768x529

Christmas Miracles

Even among unbelievers Christmas is viewed as a season for miracles. (Think Miracle on 34th Street!) But for those of us who know Christ it is more than that - it...
matt-duncan-127528-768x462

A Two Year Testimony

I was being introduced to speak early on in my time as an evangelist. The man who was introducing me was a fine man and very sincere, but his introduction...
alexas_fotos-WoPxj4W58C0-unsplash

What to Do with Your Emotions

Emotions are a gift from God. They are also marred with the sin nature of Adam. When they are under God's reign they feel as He feels, but when they...
How to Keep Yourself Stirred, spiritual stirring, How to stay stirred

How to Keep Yourself Stirred

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...
Small-Square_Enjoying-the-Journey-768x738 (10)

A Word of Encouragement for Single Adults

For a time in our ministry Tammy and I had the privilege of working in the single adult department of our church. We had watched many of these young adults...
Arched Milky Way over the mountain dirt road in summer. Beautiful night landscape with starry sky, milky way arch, trail in mountain village, hills, green grass and purple flowers. Space and galaxy

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...
Arched Milky Way over the mountain dirt road in summer. Beautiful night landscape with starry sky, milky way arch, trail in mountain village, hills, green grass and purple flowers. Space and galaxy

Dealing with Disappointment – Part I

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...
Arched Milky Way over the mountain dirt road in summer. Beautiful night landscape with starry sky, milky way arch, trail in mountain village, hills, green grass and purple flowers. Space and galaxy

Still Enjoying the Journey

About 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...
Arched Milky Way over the mountain dirt road in summer. Beautiful night landscape with starry sky, milky way arch, trail in mountain village, hills, green grass and purple flowers. Space and galaxy

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 way you think they...
Arched Milky Way over the mountain dirt road in summer. Beautiful night landscape with starry sky, milky way arch, trail in mountain village, hills, green grass and purple flowers. Space and galaxy

Stay.

It 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...
Arched Milky Way over the mountain dirt road in summer. Beautiful night landscape with starry sky, milky way arch, trail in mountain village, hills, green grass and purple flowers. Space and galaxy

Handling Criticism

I 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...
Arched Milky Way over the mountain dirt road in summer. Beautiful night landscape with starry sky, milky way arch, trail in mountain village, hills, green grass and purple flowers. Space and galaxy

A Message Christian Young People Desperately Need

It is my privilege to speak to young people on a regular basis.  I have to admit that they are my favorite group to preach to!  You always know where...
Arched Milky Way over the mountain dirt road in summer. Beautiful night landscape with starry sky, milky way arch, trail in mountain village, hills, green grass and purple flowers. Space and galaxy

“At the Gate of the New Year”

It is Christmas, 1939, in London, England.  King George VI addresses the British Empire as he does every year at this time.  In his speech he quotes a beautiful poem...
Arched Milky Way over the mountain dirt road in summer. Beautiful night landscape with starry sky, milky way arch, trail in mountain village, hills, green grass and purple flowers. Space and galaxy

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...
Arched Milky Way over the mountain dirt road in summer. Beautiful night landscape with starry sky, milky way arch, trail in mountain village, hills, green grass and purple flowers. Space and galaxy

Christianity is a Crutch

Recently I was in Vancouver, British Columbia for a meeting.  On Saturday night I had a little time alone at the hotel and decided to do the Christian (and Canadian)...
Arched Milky Way over the mountain dirt road in summer. Beautiful night landscape with starry sky, milky way arch, trail in mountain village, hills, green grass and purple flowers. Space and galaxy

Pop Culture and Pop Christianity

Pop culture has received a great deal of attention in recent years.  Television and the Internet gave it momentum and the proliferation of social media has only increased its influence. ...
Arched Milky Way over the mountain dirt road in summer. Beautiful night landscape with starry sky, milky way arch, trail in mountain village, hills, green grass and purple flowers. Space and galaxy

New Beginnings

Today we open the doors of Crown College for its 23rd year.  I remember well the day 19 years ago this week when I showed up at Crown College for...
Arched Milky Way over the mountain dirt road in summer. Beautiful night landscape with starry sky, milky way arch, trail in mountain village, hills, green grass and purple flowers. Space and galaxy

Our Theme for 2013

Today has been a wonderful Lord's day - the last Sunday of the year.  Some Sunday will be our last Sunday on earth.  The dawn of a new year will...