Our son, Brett, played basketball for our city’s high school, the Ankeny Hawks. And, like other hoop athletes in his class, he had journeyed through the freshman teams, jumped into JV opportunities, and endured the bench as an underclassman, waiting patiently for his senior year. Why? … Read More
Have a Messy, Blessed Christmas
Christmas is a messy holiday. I didn’t say merry; I said messy. Think about it—it’s about a birth. Been to any birthing rooms lately? Well, Joseph’s and Mary’s was outdoors in a holed-out animal shelter. See what I mean? Messy! But no wonder—Parenting is messy. … Read More
Clamped, Ramped, and Cramped
I’m not the sharpest mind on the block, but I can notice repeated patterns if given a fair shake. And the “shake” of budgets and schedules during this time of the year—whether seasonal, relational, or occupational—has shown me something about my own relationships and leadership … Read More
Baptism Q and A
Though Acts 2:41 lays out a very simple understanding of biblical baptism—conversion, immersion, distinction—many questions surface about this ordinance. Let me take a few moments and address the questions that came in Sunday, as well as point you to some previous Q and A blogs … Read More
All I Want for Christmas is an Electric…
The beauty of significance lies in the fact that it is often hidden in the ugliness of the seemingly unimportant. This was exactly the case on that first Christmas centuries ago. Who would have thought a little town would be the birthplace of a mighty … Read More
Thanksgiving: It’s a Matter of Perspective
Another Thanksgiving has rolled around, and so has the time to stop and consider all the “good and perfect gifts” God had so graciously given each of us. But this year let’s not glibly say a memorized “Thank you,” nor half-heartedly show our seasonal appreciation … Read More
4 Observations About How God Accomplishes His Will
Undoubtedly the saga of David and Absalom in 2 Samuel 13-19 is a riveting one. At one point David is fleeing Jerusalem to escape with his life while Absalom is entering it to usurp the throne. The events are spiraling either downward or upward, depending … Read More
Saturday’s Prayer for Sutherland Springs
Heavenly Father, We know very little about the shooter’s family. But you know everything about them. In this time when your spiritual family is reeling from the evil perpetrated upon our members, may that physical family also know your love and mercy, your grace and … Read More
Friday’s Prayer for Sutherland Springs
Mighty God, Though evil is powerful, it isn’t all powerful. You, O Lord, are over even evil itself, and can bring good from its consequences. Work in your unique, supernatural way in the community of Sutherland Springs to thwart Satan’s lies, deliver Satan’s hostages, and … Read More
Thursday’s Prayer for Sutherland Springs
Heavenly Father, We first thank you for the beautiful response of your body to the church at Sutherland Springs since Sunday. Area churches, other Christians, and appointed and elected convention leaders, as well as many others, have stepped up without hesitation to help. Still, FBC … Read More