Something to read: The Crook in the Lot

Almost 20 years ago, a dear friend was diagnosed with multiple myeloma after falling and breaking his arm. It was a non-violent fall that happened when he slipped on ice while pumping gas. The doctor was curious why his arm broke in the fall. So he conducted some tests and discovered the cancer. About 2-1/2 […]

“Whatever happens to us…”

“Whatever happens to us, let us always assure ourselves that we have good cause to praise our God, and that even if we are poor and miserable in this world, the happiness of heaven is enough to appease us, to sweeten all our afflictions and sorrows, and to give us such content that we may […]

I’m thankful today

I’m thankful today. The weather is crazy. I’ve lost track of how many days it’s been since it’s been above freezing. In Texas. I was born in Winnipeg, MB (that’s Canada, for the unaware). The last year I lived there (1973-74), the first snowfall was the last week in October and the last snowfall was […]

Sermon: When You are Hated, Pt. 2

When You are Hated…, Part 2 Romans 12:17-21 November 15, 2020 We all have expectations for relationships. We have desires for how they will work and what we will receive through those relationships. However, we live in a fallen world, so… Our relationships will never work completely according to our plan Our relationships will never […]

Sermon: When You are Hated

When You are Hated… Romans 12:14-16 November 8, 2020 Like you, I’ve had relationships where I’ve known the other person didn’t like me. Those are hard relationships. You know that and have experienced that. But I don’t know that I’ve had anyone ever really hate me — hate me to the point of working against […]

Sermon: When Life is Hard

When Life is Hard… Romans 12:12-13 November 1, 2020 I am what you might call a “fair-weather exerciser.” I prefer to get my exercise outdoors, but I prefer to get it within certain parameters. I don’t like it (and generally won’t go) when it’s over 80° and I definitely won’t go when it’s below 40° […]

The usefulness of God’s faithfulness

God is faithful. Those three words carry an infinite weight of meaning. To say, “God is faithful” means just that — God is constant; He is always what He is. The meaning is not just that He is faithful to us, but that He is faithful to Himself. He is faithful to always be what […]

Sermon: The Compassionate, Competent Savior

The Compassionate, Competent Savior John 11:17-44 April 5, 2020 Who will care for you when you are suffering? Who will care for you if everyone is suffering? Who will care for you when care and connection and human touch are being restricted by governmental controls? We are not the first people to ask that question. […]

Loving your neighbor during Covid-19

Jesus said that the Old Testament Law can be condensed into two principles: Love God with all your heart Love your neighbor as yourself That’s it. The Old Testament is pointing people to being lovers of God and lovers of others. You might also say it these ways: You cannot love God without loving others. […]

Some more Covid-19 biblical resources

Here are a few more resources I’ve come across in the past week or so that I have found helpful to think about Covid-19, the Bible, God, and my life: Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC) has many excellent resources and articles on a variety of topics related to Covid-19 and suffering. Anxiety: Knowing God’s […]

Sermon: Our Infinite, Intimate God

Our Infinite, Intimate God Psalm 139 March 29, 2020 Loneliness is a common affliction. While living in an increasingly connected world, many feel increasingly disconnected relationally. As one secular writer noted a few years ago, “…if you’re an average American, you’re not nearly as connected to the people around you as your parents or grandparents […]

Sermon: Peace and Courage in a Troubled World

Peace and Courage in a Troubled World John 16:32-33 March 22, 2020 This is an odd morning. I have preached to this church body almost 1400 times, by my count. I have never preached with music recorded by our musicians ahead of time, and I have never preached to an empty auditorium. There have been […]

Some helpful (free!) resources during Coronavirus

Several publishers are making some resources that are particularly helpful for battling spiritual issues that have arisen as a byproduct of the Coronavirus available for free (or highly discounted). Here are a few things I’ve found that I would encourage you to take advantage of: Free Resources for Your Stay at Home during COVID-19 (book […]

Helpful biblical resources during the Coronavirus

In God’s grace, technology (video conferencing, conference calls, live-streaming, blogs, vlogs, and yes, even social media) can be and is being used in many ways to encourage and strengthen the church of Christ and extend our ministry to our shaken communities. In the past week I have come across many helpful resources. I will try […]

It’s ok to be fearful. If we are fearing God.

This article was originally written by me for The Center for Biblical Counseling and Discipleship. It is a good reminder that fear is good — when it is fear of God, and not the kind of panicked fear that is being exhibited in many communities these days. Almost two years ago, designer Kate Spade committed […]