Category Archive

When Jesus used the illustration of the grape vine and its branches (John 15:1-4), He was teaching on the concept of abiding. That’s one extremely loaded old school word. In short, Jesus implied a twofold request that His disciples were to move forward in union with Him. This has been my balm the last two months. It is how I … Read More

In one of U2’s insightful songs about God’s grace, Bono sings, “I’m not broke, but you can see the cracks.” Oh, such a loaded choice of words. I’m kinda feeling that way these days. This final 3 month stretch w/you is just flat out making me tired: 2 of my 4 weddings to go, just finished a painful funeral, hosting … Read More

Whenever I transition to leave a church, I always get a little anxious because I want the next pastor to do well, to thrive, and to help the church continue walking in faithfulness. I want the next pastor to stand on my shoulders and the church to even do better. Just after Dr. Keva Green’s introduction to our SPR, our … Read More

Throughout March and early April, we ask for your help. Churches love free help. As you see posts—especially about Do Something—on the church’s facebook page, please click share. The world, beginning with your social media friends, will get super excited about us turning actual money over to our folks to go out and make a difference in the world. Share … Read More

Super Bowl Parallels At the risk of riling up our readership, let’s talk football. Probably your team is NOT playing in Super Bowl LII (like the Cowboys). Maybe as a Christian, you too feel like someone who would/should be doing better than you are in your faithfulness as a disciple. [Insert any number of struggles.] Where’s your spiritual championship? Isn’t … Read More

I’m pondering our favorite things at Christmastime that make the season so magically favorite. For some, these things might be considered highly anticipated traditions. I mean real favorites! So, when forced to seriously consider a list, I dare say arising above the lights, decorations, wrappings, gifts, music and food are two deeply meaningful yet familiar things: family and Jesus. We … Read More

Nineteenth Century British novelist, Samuel Butler, once said, “The one who lets himself be bored is even more contemptible than the bore.” [Hahahaaah, good quote.] You know, I occasionally see folks checking out or even nodding off when I preach. [Oouuch, you know where I’m going.] I recently preached St. Paul’s challenge, “Never be lazy in your work,” (Romans 12:11.) For … Read More