May 2, 2011
When I was a boy, I lived a life that some children may consider adventurous– I traveled with the carnival. Bright lights, games, fun music, and junk food galore—it was a life filled with sensuality and pleasure seeking. However, my family wasn’t there just to be entertained. My father owned a few booths, or “joints.” As carnival goers passed by,...
Apr 28, 2011
And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. ~ 1 Corinthians 12:26 4/30/11 Update: We spent quite a bit of time on the phone last night with folks on the ground in Alabama. The outpouring of love and help has been amazing. The Body of Christ is coming together and helping all in need....
Mar 14, 2011
A church worship service historically has included the following elements: a time for singing, a time for prayer, a time for preaching, a time for giving, and a time for the Lord’s Table. In our postmodern era, each of these elements has come under increasing attack. To illustrate this, consider the following liturgical approach used by a church near where I...
Feb 3, 2011
My wife and I recently decided to watch a movie that had been recommended by a Christian conservative review service. The children were tucked away in bed; so, we settled down with some popcorn, all ready to enjoy some alone time. It was supposed to be a lighthearted comedy with a pretty solid Christian worldview. Sadly, about a third of the way through, we were...
Jan 21, 2011
It is certainly an understatement to say that we live in a sex saturated society. Indecency, immodesty, and the general acceptance of sexual immorality assault the Christian through all forms of media: magazines, billboards, and the 24/7 blitzkrieg of cable television and video on demand, to name a few. Couple this with the frequent travel demands placed on many...
Jan 17, 2011
Today’s men are an odd bunch. Some men manifest an amusing pseudo-machoism while simultaneously acting out a fickle, schmoozy form of Hallmark-card caring, flavored, of course, by the prevailing politically correct winds. Many politicians fall in this camp. Justifiably, some revolt against this schizophrenic view of “manhood.” But there is another side of...
Jan 10, 2011
As the father of ten children who desires to bring up his arrows in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, I believe in family worship. Over the years, we have adopted different reading methods to instill in their hearts a love for Jesus. One of these methods has been the daily dose of Proverbs. Since the Book of Proverbs is composed of 31 chapters, each day we...
Dec 16, 2010
With the snow gently falling outside my office window, I decided it was time to listen to Still (2010, NCG Music), the new recording from my friend Nathan Clark George. I received the CD last week; but, with the challenges of life, and a number of self-imposed deadlines, I just didn’t have the time to give it a listen. Why is it that we often become slaves to...
Dec 2, 2010
This is based on an article I wrote a while back on the subject of being teachable and the danger of pride. Since I often need to be reminded of this issue myself, I thought I would share these thoughts again. Misery loves company, right? Each evening, our family gathers together at the dinner table to enjoy the evening meal and some stimulating conversation. I...
Nov 20, 2010
Philippians 4:6-7: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. I know I have said it before, but Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. While I appreciate the season...
