“Thank You For Your Service”
One of the blessings of the last few years has been the privilege of flying out of a small regional airport in our hometown. It is only about 20 minutes...
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...
Changing Seasons of Life
The last few months have been some of the most blessed and some of the most challenging of my life. I don’t understand how those two things coexist, but they...
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...
7 Reminders for Ministry Workers
Do you remember why you first got into the Lord's work? In the early days of our Christian service there was a beautiful humility and sincerity about serving Christ. It...
GUEST POST: Seven Steps for Seniors
Each year thousands of High School students graduate and begin to take the next step on their journey. I always enjoy speaking to graduating seniors about the will of God...
Christians You Should Know: George Whitefield
"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Marvel not that I said unto...
What Are Your Eyes Saying?
Recently, while studying Proverbs 4, I began to wonder about the physical connection between the various members of the body and the heart; this theme is woven throughout the chapter....
Christians You Should Know: Polycarp
“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly...
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...
Christians You Should Know: Booker T. Washington
"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve...
The Need of Every Nation
Truth transcends all language, time, and cultural bounds. There are no social, moral, economic, or political solutions to a spiritual problem. Therefore, the only hope of a nation is in...
New Bible App Plan!
'Tis the season for New Year's resolutions. This is the time when many people decide to change or add something to their life for the coming year. The fact is,...
GUEST POST: Jesus’ Last Gift
Enjoying the Journey has many friends in the ministry who help and encourage us along the way. John Buckner is a real student of God's Word. He has spent the last several...
Hymn History: Count Your Blessings
“Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:” - Psalm...
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...
Hymn History: Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
“...looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at...
Hymn History: Near to the Heart of God
"The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth." - Psalm 145:18 We are thrilled to share a series of brief...
Hymn History: Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus
"Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong." - 1 Peter 1:18-19 We are thrilled to share a series of brief accounts of how some of the...
Hymn History: My Savior First of All
"As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness." - Psalm 17:15 We are thrilled to share a series of...
Hymn History: Now Thank We All Our God
"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18 We are thrilled to share a series of brief...
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...
Hymn History: Safe in the Arms of Jesus
“The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.” – Deuteronomy 33:27...
Hymn History: Revive Us Again
"Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?" (Psalm 85:6) We are thrilled to begin sharing several brief accounts of how some of the great...
New Bible App Plan!
"Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not." (Psalm 17:5) We are firm believers in the power of God's Word. Enjoying the Journey is dedicated to...
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...
“Just Use My Name.”
In times of need it is wonderful to know someone who has abundant resources. A friend may send you to another with the instructions: "Just use my name." They mean...
3 Things To Remember At The End of This Year
The end of the year is often a reflective time. Dr. Frank Sells, one of my favorite Bible teachers, used to warn us of becoming "morbidly introspective." If our reflection...
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...
Thankful In Difficult Days
God’s people are commanded to give thanks at all times and in all circumstances - not when we feel like it. Praise is a choice and gratitude is a discipline....
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...
Regathering the Flock
Sometimes God scatters His people. This is seen in the early church when believers were scattered because of persecution (Acts 8:4). But there is a huge difference between the scattering...
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...
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...
Today Is The Day!
I am not discouraged. Yes, I have watched the news in recent days and have been saddened by the state of affairs in our nation. But God's people should not...
4 Things You Can Do To Help Your Pastor At This Time
These are unusual days for everyone and unique days to serve in a church. Over the last few weeks I have spent a great deal of time talking and praying...
Stop (Just) Reading the Bible!
Yes, that's what I said. Stop it. Stop reading the Bible. It is not that the Bible should not be read, rather, it is that too often we substitute Bible...
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...
3 Talks To Have While You Are “Social Distancing”
Many of us are spending a little more time at home these days! The worldwide pandemic and resulting restrictions have cut down on travel, meetings, school, and a host of...
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,...
A New Book On An Eternal Truth
Do you have a difficult time loving some people? Do you struggle to express love to others? Does it seem that even with those you love that your love falls...
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 just like those who do not know...
Pray For A Preacher
Tammy and I are spending the day with a great group of preachers and their wives at The Preacher's Rest. I thank the Lord for calling me to be a...
A New Generation Of Deacons
A few days ago I had the joy of speaking in a local church to a group of deacons and their wives. It was a wonderful meeting of true servants....
Growing, But Not Changing
Growth is essential to life. Throughout the years I have heard countless people say that the only way to grow is to be willing to change. Change has become the...
3 Times Jesus Wept And What We Learn From His Tears
Several months ago, I preached a message on the tears of Jesus. Our Savior was a "man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief" (Isaiah 53:5). This is more than mere...
Your Invitation To The Preacher’s Rest 2019
Rest is not a dirty word. It is, in fact, essential to all good work. God instituted rest before the fall of man. It is hardwired into creation and indispensable...
Are You Still Running?
The other day a friend I had not talked to for some time asked if I was still running. Yes, my times have not been quite as good as I...
Reaching A Generation
We are all concerned about the direction of our communities and our country. It is easy to spend all of our time listening to the commentators and talking about how...
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...
The Biggest Need In Every Church
In the world of finance it is referred to as the Pareto Principle. Vilfredo Pareto, an Italian economist, suggested that 20% of a nation's people will control 80% of the...
The Greatest Giver
As a boy my dad taught me that there are two types of people in the world: takers and givers. Our world is full of takers, but givers are the...
ALL NATURAL???
In our day of cheap facades, strange additives, and generic substitutes it is appealing when anyone offers something that is completely natural. Entire brands are now built on the idea...
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...
“God’s Gentlemen”
Sometimes as you read a book God will cause a couple of words to capture you. That happened to me recently. Two words seemed to take up the whole page....
What I Do When I Don’t Feel Like Praying
People imagine that preachers jump out of bed every day with a strong urge to pray. Nothing could be further from the truth! We all battle flesh and flesh doesn't...
GUEST POST: “Finish Strong”
Kurt Copeland has been a faithful youth pastor at the Franklin Road Baptist Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee for many years. God has used he and his wife to make a...
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...
An Epidemic Of Loneliness
Recently NBC aired a special news report on the increase of loneliness in people around the world. The British government has now instituted a "minister for loneliness." This new undersecretary...
How To Help Your Kids Make The Most Of School Days
All over the country young people are returning to school. Our own children start back this week. New beginnings are a wonderful opportunity to set so many things in motion....
An Encouragement For Assistant Pastors
It was my privilege to serve as an assistant to a wonderful pastor for many years. Eighteen years were spent helping someone else fulfill the work God had put in...
Guest Post: “When Two Worlds Collide”
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...
A Self-Made Man?
Society is full of people who speak as though they made themselves what they are. Churches are too. It is so easy to think that it was our own effort...
10 Ways To Help A High School Senior
Over the last few weeks I have been privileged to spend time with a number of high school seniors. One of them is living in my own home! Just yesterday...
GUEST POST: Your Attitude Comes Back to You!
Evangelist Byron Foxx has been a tremendous encouragement to me. He is a happy Christian and his enthusiasm is contagious! You may learn more about his ministry at BibleTruthMusic.com. I...
Would You Join Our Daily Bible Study?
Today on "Enjoying the Journey" we conclude our study through the book of Philippians. I have heard from people across the country and even outside the U.S. who have joined...
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...
The Power of a Name Remembered
It has been said that the most beautiful word in the English language is your own name. Even if you don't care for the name you have been given, it...
5 Things I Pray Before I Preach
Several years ago when I served on a church staff a college student came to me at the end of a service with an interesting question. He said, “I hear...
Announcing New Guest Blog Posts!
Last year we provided a free resource each month to encourage and equip believers. In 2018 I would like to make available a different type of resource. Each month a...
The First Step
The first day of a new year. What will we do with it? It will never get any easier than today to take action. Never. Do you want to learn...
Will You Join Us On the Journey?
Six years ago this month I began writing on our blog. At the time God led me to call it Enjoying the Journey. (You may read more about why I chose...
3 Marks of True Friends
As a boy, I heard an older man say, "If you have a handful of true friends in life you are a wealthy person." At the time I thought it...
Going the Second Mile
It doesn't mean much to us, but to the crowd Christ was speaking to it was radical, revolutionary, even ridiculous. "And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go...
Are You In A Holding Pattern?
There are few things more frustrating than the pilot's announcement that your flight is in a holding pattern! How long? Why? What is the problem? When will this end? In...
Ideas for Keeping Yourself Fresh
Living on the road can be a challenge. In fact, life itself is a challenge! The duties and demands of every day. The pull and pressure of people. It is...
Why I Started Running & Why I Plan to Continue
A little over two years ago I started running. I didn't plan to do it. In fact, I'm not sure why I went out that first day. I remember saying...
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...
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...
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:...
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...
What I Learned Clearing a Fence Row
Over the last few months we have been clearing a fence row around our new home. The underbrush was thick and the work was slow going. Thanks to my dad's...
One Thing I Do Not Do With Social Media
Some time ago a friend said to me, "Do you ever have a bad day?" I laughed. Of course, we all have bad days. When I inquired as to why...
30 Day Prayer Guide
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...
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,...
6 Things to Do in the Last 6 Days of the Year
The 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...
3 Truths to Remember When You Are Disappointed
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...
My Advice to Church Staff Members
Over 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...
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...
The Kindest Thing You Can Do for Your Preacher
Recently 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...
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...
Daily Dying (Daily Living – Part 5)
Walking with Christ is a daily matter. I hope you are enjoying this blog series on daily truths for the Christian life. (If you are just joining us you may...
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 which we are most grateful...
