Learning to Rejoice Again
The only real and lasting joy is found in Jesus. The only way to enjoy the journey is to find the companionship of Christ along the way. What a thrill...
Christians You Should Know: Fanny Crosby
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like...
My First Sermon
Just a few days after my 13th birthday, I preached the first sermon I ever gave behind a pulpit. On that Sunday afternoon, in August, I spoke on the subject...
She Went Out Singing!
The meeting had concluded and I was making my way out of the church facility. As I came out a side door toward the parking lot I found myself behind...
“They Never Smile.”
Some time back I heard an individual talking about a certain group of Christians and they described them with these sad words: "They never smile." Now, to be fair, I'm...
Energy to Endure
People frequently refer to Wednesday as "hump day" with the idea that they have made it "over the hump" - halfway through another week. The truth is that the mid-way...
4 Marks of a Good Song Leader
Let me begin by saying that I am no song leader! However, I am in meetings every week with people who lead singing and have learned so many things from...
It’s Time To Stop Being Sorry
Some people live their entire life in an apologetic tone. The words “I’m sorry” are necessary and helpful, but they cannot become your identity. Yes, there is a time for...
Don’t Lose Your Laughter!
This week the Lord reminded me of a simple and yet profound truth. Tammy was taking me to the airport and we were talking about a number of things. Throughout...
Dealing with Sadness
In a generation deteriorating because of sin we must always guard against allowing our own spirits to deteriorate. Sad days must not become sad Christians! Many are sad because of...
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...
More To Come
Are you worn down? Nerves on edge? Wondering what is coming next? These have been challenging days for so many, but we should not be surprised. As we near the...
A Brand New Series Of Bible Messages Now Available
When I was a student in college, Dr. Frank Sells once challenged us to choose a “life book” – a book of the Bible to immerse ourselves in and to...
Don’t Just Serve The Lord!
When the Queen of Sheba came to visit King Solomon it was not just his riches and wisdom that she observed with amazement. It was his servants. She noted, "Happy...
Loving What You Do
“Do you enjoy what you are doing?” I hear this question often. The answer for me is...absolutely! While there are challenges in every work, there is nothing as fulfilling as...
Improving Your Devotional Life
Just today over lunch the topic of the devotional life came up. Let's be honest. We all struggle with it. Not just consistency, but truly having a meaningful time with...
The Most Important Characteristic of A Staff Member
For nearly two decades I had the joy of serving on the staff of a wonderful church and college. After the first few years I had the responsibility of not...
A Lesson From A Student
A few days ago I was talking with a school teacher who has a number of special education children in her class. As we spoke about the importance of this...
How to Be Happy In An Unhappy World
My favorite book of the Bible is the little New Testament book of Philippians. I love it for many reasons, but most of all, because it is a book of...
Free Audio Book of Philippians
This months resource is one of my favorites. In fact, it is my favorite book of the Bible! One of my instructors in college said that his favorite book of...
Daily Thanksgiving (Daily Living – Part 3)
I love Thanksgiving. (And, yes, I know this is not November!) For too many of us thanksgiving is a day of the year instead of a way of life. We...
Happy 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...
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 become very crowded at times!...
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...
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 away with the family. Travels...
Joy in the Midst of Conflict
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...
My First Sermon and What I am Now Learning From It
On a Thursday night in July of 1989 God made clear to me that He wanted me to be a preacher. I was 12 years old and full of fear...
Your Countenance Matters
I was walking across the parking lot. I did not see anyone watching me and was deeply engrossed in some meaningless thought. Then I heard him say, "Why are you...
Top of the List: Why Was Jesus Thankful?
Like most of you, I try to make a list each Thanksgiving of reasons for which I am grateful to God. Obviously, it is never complete because the blessings never...
Working through Your Weariness
This afternoon I had the privilege to spend a few minutes with some of our staff and faculty at Crown Southwest in Fort Worth, Texas. I thank God for Christian...
