Jimmy's family had a long-standing tradition on Thanksgiving. As the family gathered for the Thanksgiving Meal, they would find five kernels of corn on their plate. Before a prayer of thanks and the meal would begin, each family member would tell five things they were thankful for. This always began with their parents and then … Continue reading Daily Thanks

The Hebrew writer records, "Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets,  but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.  He is the radiance of the glory of … Continue reading How Well Do We Listen?

I see this passage posted around town and on social media. Often the plea is for the people of the United States to pray so God will heal our nation. I want to take another look at this passage. This is part of the dedication of the Lord's Temple that Solomon built. Solomon and the … Continue reading If My People

What do you want? What are your desires? What are your plans? What do you want to be when you grow up? What are your intentions? How many times in our lives do others ask us these questions? Sometimes they are specific to an event, "Honey, what do you want to eat tonight?". Sometimes it … Continue reading Our Desires

My older brother is found of this mantra, "It just doesn't matter." To some extent he is correct. There are a good many things that really do not matter. Many topics that occupy our time and conversation at the proverbial “water cooler” just don't matter that much. I am not sure what conversations you had … Continue reading What Does it Matter?!?

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!