John 11:45-46 (NKJV) 45Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him. 46 But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things Jesus did. What would it take for you to believe that Jesus Christ was divine?    John the Apostle … Continue reading →

Years ago while pastoring my first church I was working in a grocery store to earn enough to feed my family. I remember one particular day when I was really down.  It had all started out so nobly and excitedly.  Sonja and I had headed off to our first church so proud and honored to … Continue reading →

Evangelical (generally) – someone who is a defender and promoter of their cause and beliefs and who actively seeks to win others over to their cause and beliefs.   Couple days ago I ran into a Best Buy to buy some new accessories for my new Apple phone.    Recently it came time for me to … Continue reading →

“If you can’t give it away, you don’t own it; it owns you.” _Doug Small, The Great Commission Devotional  Your first and primary reason for giving is not because of people’s needs; you give because of your need—your need to be generous. The ONE THING for today: When the occasion arises, be willing to graciously … Continue reading →

“There is a difference between negative information and negative communication.” _Henry Cloud, The One-Life Solution: Reclaim Your Personal Life While Achieving Greater Professional Success, page 203 The other day I was thinking about a road trip I took back in my college days.  I was with my girlfriend at the time and I thought I was … Continue reading →

A couple weekends ago I was in Sumter, SC due to a conference.    As you may know, Sumter is what is often called “a military town” for it has a large US Military Base there (Air Force, Fort Sumter).      On that Saturday morning, as I was making my way to my car to leave the … Continue reading →

Psalm 2:1 (NKJV) Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing? Hush!  Be still, my soul.  Be faithfully at your post and trust God.  The Kingdom of my Lord and my God shall not falter or fail.  My life, my family, my future, my all is resting in King Jesus. All will … Continue reading →

While using an elevator over the weekend I noticed an advertisement promoting the motel’s restaurant.  It featured three words.  It read “Relax – Renew – Refresh” I thought to myself, “Not bad, but I wish they’d the add word “Reflect”. But then relaxing, renewing, and refreshing are so much more fun that reflecting. Relaxing, renewing, and … Continue reading →

Remember this rule of life: You get what you tolerate. In most cases this will be ok. But if what you are enduring is not ok — then the only way to stop it is to stop tolerating it.  This will require you to say, “No.” The ONE THING for today: Saying nothing and/or saying yes = … Continue reading →

The Proposition: God is sovereign. The Corollary: Therefore, everything that comes into our lives ultimately comes with God’s knowledge and permission. The Application: We can pray our about trials and tribulations, but how can we complain about them? John 18:11 (NKJV) So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath.  Shall I not … Continue reading →