We know him as the Apostle Paul. The preeminent first-century church planter/missionary and prolific author God used to pen many of the New Testament letters. We also know he was called Saul. That’s how most of us refer to him when he was the threat-breathing, … Read More
D.L. Moody and the Holy Spirit’s Filling
Though we could debate and argue (longer than necessary) over semantics regarding how a believer experiences the Holy Spirit’s power, one thing all Christians will (and should) agree on: our need for the Holy Spirit’s power and control. As believers individually, we know God indwells us … Read More
What’s “Regular Time with God” for a Young Mom?
We only lived a couple of miles from church, but that ride home back in 1993 contained a conversation I’ll always remember. We were just bearing right onto Mt. Vernon Road from Fairburn Road, with our son upright in his car seat and our daughter, … Read More
Just Yesterday
A few days ago, I was tossing a tennis ball to my 2-year old grandson, Graham, in the back yard. He had the racquet, and though he would swing wildly sometimes, he did often connect. In my world, that’s beginner “baseball” (even though we didn’t … Read More
Plodding Under Providence
Here are three tips for traveling well under the doctrine of providence, that unseen-in-the-moment but clear-as-a-bell-later assurance that God is guiding all things towards his worthy will. Providence doesn’t minimize planning or remove responsibility. It isn’t a loophole for laziness. You can trust and try … Read More
Is Mom a Fruity Tooty?
Okay, I just scribbled that title up there to get your attention. But I do want to take a moment and encourage moms and wives everywhere to realize their full, God-given potential to be the “fruitful vine” in their home (at least I got the … Read More
The Problem Isn’t Providence: Why People Dislike the Doctrine
No one fully understands God’s providence. Though we believe it and trust it, we simply don’t “get” it. Our finite minds are just that—finite—and our understanding limited. Anyone who says they do is lying to you. Still, just because we don’t “get” it doesn’t give … Read More
Losing Your Temper … for Good!
In thinking over many moments, events, and relationships, if I were to have to select one of the most life-changing things to occur, I would have to say it was the deep character change God brought about in me in 1999 when he graciously revealed … Read More
A Passion Week Playlist
In past messages I’ve shared that one of the ways I “preach the Gospel to myself” is through a set of songs that focus on the cross. In fact, on a few Sundays I’ve even risked singing a few of them with you with simply … Read More