One reason churches do not grow or worse, die of attrition is that there is a sense of "they" and not a sense of "we" or "us.". As in, "they are having a revival down at the church," instead of "we are having a revival at church.". The difference is more than the words it … Continue reading Tips for Church Growth

Dear God, There is much on my mind this morning as I think on recent events. I find encouragement in the loving and forgiving spirit shown by Brandt Jean to Amber Guyger, who was found guilty of murdering his older brother Botham. I pray that I can have such a loving and forgiving spirit to … Continue reading A Morning Prayer

I am finish up a series of Bible Classes on the Agony and Glory of the Cross, I have taught this material before, but even as I repeat this study, I am again cut deep to the heart as I realize the immense suffering Jesus, the Christ, our Savior went through to provide that salvation.   Spending … Continue reading Why Did God Allow This?

Amy, my wife, is a 4th Grade teacher, the grade when the social studies unit is Alabama State History. She recently shared an interesting event from Alabama’s pre-statehood period and the Creek War. When the United States was at war with Britain in the War of 1812 the Upper Creek (Native Americans) joined with the … Continue reading Is Your Gate Open?

Last night, Dalton Counts, one of our Tide4Christ students at Central delivered the devotional thought. His lesson referenced the events of September 11, 2001 from his mother's point of view. Dalton was less than 2 years old on that fateful day and has only the memories of the stories he has been told. In his … Continue reading Our Eyes are on You!

Last week I shared our misadventure with porch pirates (you can read about that here: Pirated). Now for the rest of the story. Yes, someone stole from us. Yes, what they did was wrong. Yes, they are the criminal and are to blame for their actions. But they are not the only ones who deserve … Continue reading Blaming the Victim

Enough time has passed that I can tell you a story. Back in July, my family and I took a day trip to visit Lake Guntersville where my parents were camping for a week or two. It was a really good day. We had a good lunch, did a little shopping at The Unclaimed Baggage … Continue reading Pirated

God’s Will and My Choice: A Theology I have a theological perspective that underscores who I am as a child of God and how I go about serving in that role. Simply put, the thoughts that follow affect every aspect of my life. I want to share my theological perspective with you. I think it … Continue reading My Choice, God’s Will, and Theology

Do you remember the Lost and Found room or closet at school? Maybe there is a table where you assemble for worship that has misplaced items on it. You may be like folks I know who always know where the lost and found area is, because that is where they seem to always find their … Continue reading All is Lost, but it Does not Have to Be

God told the people of Judah as they entered into Babylonian captivity to “. . . seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” (Jer 29:7) In the context of that verse, God … Continue reading A Cautious Post about Public Safety