Only three tables had customers at lunchtime on Monday, but the expectations from each table could not be different. The retired couple at the first table came in every day at lunch and ordered the same thing. He had grilled chicken, cornbread, with fried okra and she had beef-tips and rice with a roll and … Continue reading The Danger of Satisfaction

Walking in close to time to start, we selected seats that were empty hoping no one claimed them as their regular seats. We know church folks like their regular seats, and we were visitors. Worship began as we all stood for a song that signaled for the chatter of conversation to end. As our voices … Continue reading Becoming an Encourager

Nine-year-old Bryan lived in a little village not far from London. Bryan's parents were agnostics, but they felt that at least once in his life, he ought to go to church. That is why they dressed him up in a little black suit and black bow tie and asked the governess to take him. That … Continue reading At the Cross

“Those people at the church, aren’t like me. They have their lives all together and they don’t have struggles like I do.” If he only knew. If he only knew. She was there – every time the doors opened. She taught children’s classes. In worship she sang with a joy of someone forgiven. She lived … Continue reading shame

He sat down in the waiting room a few minutes before his annual physical. Just as he was about to pick up one of the magazines, she spoke. “You look like someone I can talk too,” she said. He replied that he could be a good listener. They were the only two within earshot and … Continue reading Why is that STONE in YOUR Hand?

Tears flowed freely now. Now that she was alone and now that no one could see them. “Why? Why did she say that? Did she mean to hurt me?” Later, she came to talk to her preacher. She wondered why she made people feel that way about her. She didn’t know what she did, but … Continue reading Sticks, Stones, and Words

He stood in the pulpit on Monday surveying the empty church auditorium. As he stood, he began to picture the same view on Sunday. He could see the Smiths in their normal seats, he chuckled as he remembered John and Lisa's frustration over their toddler's fidgeting, and he remember the kindness in Sister Ida's eyes … Continue reading Helping the Church Grow

If you will, take 20 minutes to watch this video embedded below. It is of a sermon that I preached on January 16, 2022 at Central Church of Christ in Tuscaloosa. Others have preached similar sermons, some I have heard and some I have read. I owe many people credit for the seed thoughts that … Continue reading Meet Barabbas

Before Spring arrives, I will start a new trip around the sun. I am at the time of life where I am not old, but I am no longer young and with that comes a change in perspective. As I look back at the last half-century or more, I am thinking about what I might … Continue reading Dear Younger Scott

Every once in a while a thought crosses my mind that helps me see the world in a different way. Let me back up . . . I like Sci-Fi from the original Star Trek series to the spin off series and movies, Star Wars (Amy and I are currently rewatching all the franchise movies), … Continue reading An Alien Invasion