Category Archives: Discipleship

As I sit here sipping a cup of hot coffee in the early morning darkness, it is peaceful, calm, and quiet. No wind. No rain. A pleasant 70 degrees.

But…

We know it is just the calm before the storm. Continue reading →

Though skeptical of his teenage son’s newfound determination to build bulging muscles, one father followed his teenager to the store’s weight-lifting department, where they admired a set of weights.

“Please, Dad,” pleaded the teen, “I promise I’ll use ’em every day.”

“I don’t know, Michael. It’s really a commitment on your part,” the father said.

“Please, Dad?” Continue reading →

A few weeks ago my friend and preaching colleague, Leland Ping who lives in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, posted a short piece on his facebook page that is worthy of your consideration. Continue reading →

With so many churches providing, promoting, and sponsoring recreational activities both for its members and non-members, this is a fair question to ask: “Is recreation a work of the church?”

Apparently a Michigan appeals court doesn’t think so. In a recent ruling the court states that “a multisite Evangelical church in Michigan cannot be exempt from paying taxes on a property meant to serve as a retreat and recreation space,” as reported by The Christian Post. Continue reading →

Yesterday we were working out at our local YMCA and Chez, one of the trainers, walked by wearing a T-shirt which read: UNDER CONSTRUCTION. Then it added “Building a better me through exercise.”

When I saw it, I was reminded that’s why we were all there–young and old, men and women, out of shape and trying to get in shape.  We’re all under construction.  We’re there to exercise, improve our heath, and get better physically.

But quickly my mind to turn to a spiritual application. “Under construction” ought to describe the state of each one of us as we are growing “in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18). Continue reading →

Last year the Washington Post ran a story by Sydney Page about a man named Michael who meant to donate $150 to a charity, but mistakenly gave $15,000.

Michael heard from a neighbor about a GoFundMe site to support a charity helping people in poverty stricken countries. However, after typing 150, he accidently typed two extra zeroes in the “amount” box before removing the cursor to the next field. Continue reading →

Today is another one of the unusual, weird, and wacky holidays.

The third Thursday in September is Get Ready Day.

Their online calendar says, “Show your readiness for anything life throws at you on Get Ready Day – start by getting organized, setting goals and making plans!” Continue reading →

This week Norma Jean and I are in Huntington Beach, California, where I’m preaching in a meeting. We’re thankful to be here. We almost didn’t make it on time. Continue reading →

Last night at West Citrus Tom Quinn began a study from one of Wilson Adams’ workbooks Simple Scenes from the Life of Jesus.

The first lesson was based on Jesus statement in Luke 9:23. “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” Continue reading →

According to an article on The Christian News web page by Donna Birrell the Peterborough Cathedral in England is planning to hold an Ibiza-themed concert in November.

This concert, set to take place on “All Souls day” is being strongly criticized by church leaders across the Church of England.

In an interview with The Telegraph Daniel French, who serves as the vicar of Salcombe, said the event was “incongruent with the Christian message,” and that it “doesn’t feel quite right.” Continue reading →