As a pastor, one of the most common issues that I walk with people through is depression. Questions are all over the map. Is it wrong for a Christian to be depressed? Doesn’t going to a counselor mean I don’t have enough faith? What about medication? Back in January, I preached a message on theContinue reading “Depression and the Christian”
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The Step Not Taken
“The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9, NASB95) The year was 2001. I was a young husband and father and in a season of feeling “unsettled” at the church where I was serving as pastor. One day my phone rang and it was the chairman of aContinue reading “The Step Not Taken”
Prayer that Won’t Give Up
This week in my Bible reading, I was blessed anew by a parable of Jesus that I had read hundreds of times. It is what is commonly known as the “Parable of the Unjust Judge” in Luke 18…. “Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to prayContinue reading “Prayer that Won’t Give Up”
Reclaiming the JOY of Christmas
As I have so many times before, I arose this Sunday morning and headed to church with my Christmas message prayed over, prepared, and ready to go. However, this year the Sunday before Christmas was different for me. In the early years of my ministry, I walked with families through tremendous pain and difficulty duringContinue reading “Reclaiming the JOY of Christmas”
Reflections from a Reunion
This past weekend, Becky and I enjoyed attending my 30th high school class reunion. It was a joy to see friends that I grew up with. It was a simple reunion – a couple of hours with barbecue catered in. There were lots of laughs and a few tears. I saw people I had notContinue reading “Reflections from a Reunion”
Handling conflict like Christians
We tend to think of conflict in terms of warfare – when it’s REALLY bad. The truth is that conflict comes in many forms and there are levels of conflict. Has someone said something that “rubbed you the wrong way?” That is a conflict. Is there someone that you believe isn’t doing their job inContinue reading “Handling conflict like Christians”
Which version of the Bible is best?
This question is one that pastors still get asked frequently. At the risk of starting an argument, I want to give my personal answer to this question. First of all, there are two equally bad extremes when it comes to the issue of Bible translations: 1. Believing that only one translation is “the” one 2. Continue reading “Which version of the Bible is best?”
Southern Baptist Convention 2018 – an honest evaluation.
It was a blessing to be able to attend the 2018 SBC in Dallas. Considering the well publicized issues and conflicts that were in the air heading into the convention, I am grateful that the convention ended with a minimum of open conflict and with a good deal of unity as we move forward. ForContinue reading “Southern Baptist Convention 2018 – an honest evaluation.”
A Legacy of Love
This week my good friend and a man I have long looked up to is celebrating 40 years of ministry and retiring as Senior Pastor at Whitesburg Baptist Church in Huntsville. “Bro. Jimmy” as most of us call him has been woven into the fabric of my life for many years. The first timeContinue reading “A Legacy of Love”
30 years ago – always an Ider Hornet
As I saw social media posts from families who had graduates this week, I was reminded that it was 30 years ago this week when my classmates and I walked across the field at Wayne C. Hardman Stadium. It’s hard to believe. Yes, I was part of the class of 1988 at Ider High School.Continue reading “30 years ago – always an Ider Hornet”