This summer will go down in my life as a stormy one. I have seen many people in my life fighting for their life. I watched the news that seemed to come everyday about law enforcement using what in some instances seemed unnecessary force followed by the next story of angry individuals and groups murdering … Continue reading One Stormy Summer
Ten Rules for Life
Like many of you, I have been doing a whole lot of thinking about our current culture of mistrust, violence, hate, and prejudice. I honestly feel sorry for society. Many have seemingly lost hope. Many are acting in ways that are only exacerbating this volatile climate. While what I am about to share is not … Continue reading Ten Rules for Life
What Does the Bible Say?
This morning on my drive to the study, I was listening to WDJC 93.7 FM. They play Contemporary Christian Music and have religious discussions and questions on air. I find this much better than the other music I used to listen too. The hosts - Roxanne and Chris - asked a simple question to us listeners this morning; … Continue reading What Does the Bible Say?
Avoiding Sin
Thirty years ago I was in my first internship as a minister, during the summer of 1986 between my Freshman and Sophomore years at Faulkner. I suppose I am thinking about this since Andrew is about to start his Sophomore year at Faulkner and Amy had lunch with someone with ties to Camp Wetoga and a … Continue reading Avoiding Sin
Learning to Serve
One of the great things that happens in youth ministry is the training our young people acquire in the area of service. Yesterday J Hall took about 15 young people from Central and a few adults to the West Alabama Food Bank. WAFB distributes food to low income families in a variety of ways. They … Continue reading Learning to Serve
Stay Positive
For those that do not know me personally, I am not a glass half-empty person but nor am I a glass half-full person. I am more of a "Hey, there is still something in there" person. Honestly. I will eat the last spoonful of casserole, the last three green beans in the pot, and that … Continue reading Stay Positive
Love
Jesus loved the Heavenly Father - Matt 22:36-37. Do you and I love the Lord with ALL of our heart, soul, and strength, or do we love Him just a little more than self? Jesus loved the Word of God - Matt 24:35. Do you and I spend as much time listening or reading God's … Continue reading Love
Fear and Outrage
You may think that as a middle-class, Caucasian, Southern male my opinion does not count or that I do not have the right to weigh in on recent law-enforcement involved shootings. Maybe I don't have a right, but I do have an opinion. I have an opinion because I am hurt. I hurt for the … Continue reading Fear and Outrage
Praise God!
On the way to my study this morning I listened to a minister who was describing Isaiah's realization of God's true holiness and man's sinfulness in Isaiah 6. This minister had some great thoughts that helped me see more about worship and praise that God is due. As I have had time to reflect on … Continue reading Praise God!
Church Assemblies circa A.D. 150
I found this quote nearly 30 years ago and I keep it bookmarked in the source. It is in Cairns, Earle E., Christianity Through the Centuries: A History of the Christian Church (Zondervan:Grand Rapids) 1981, pp. 83. Quoting from The First Apology by Justin Martyr (A.D. 150-155) and the Didache (A.D. 90-150), Cairns records: "The service, … Continue reading Church Assemblies circa A.D. 150
