Life has a way of increasing our anxiety, but God’s faithfulness should embolden our capacity to trust him. If we genuinely comprehend who he is and what he has done, we can properly address any overwhelming circumstances.
Since your child is unique, there is a unique approach to parenting them. Acknowledging how God has shaped them, we are called to affirm who they are but also to work on who they could become.
God’s name is not a free pass. It’s not a magic code. It’s not to be used as a trite prayer or a thoughtless lyric. We must stop being flippant with his name.
So, you can’t see the future? Neither can I. But I trust that God can. If you can’t see the future clearly, trust the one who knows it fully.
We often need God’s protection from wicked people, but do we ever consider the protection we need from our own sinful habits? Just because we experience struggles does not mean that we can justify sin.
In many homes, the marriage is overcrowded due to how one or both partners have consumed pornography. This voyeuristic pandemic is robbing couples of marital oneness and sexual enjoyment.
The 2nd of the commandments is forbidding idolatry. Now, here is a commandment that doesn’t condemn you, right? Wrong. This command is more than just ignoring the worship of statues. In fact, we are guilty of it more than we realize. It’s time to go the 2nd mile in waiving worship.
As Jesus’ ministry grew, His circle of friends grew as well. While He called out 12 disciples to specific service, there was a growing number of disciples as well who were not counted within that initial group. Some of His nearest disciples proved to be two sisters named Martha and Mary. Jesus resurrected their brother, Lazarus, from the grave. When …
While Jesus’ death seemed like a shocking defeat to his followers, the crucifixion of Christ was God’s plan all along. By studying the context of the event, we can understand what Jesus truly accomplished.
We mistakenly live as if we are the center of the universe. If we can truly understand the might of our Creator, we can finally grasp our proper perspective as part of the creation.
When I heard they were testing for the COVID-19 antibodies at the Blood Connection, my curiosity was killing me. You see, I thought I had “the Rona” back in February. I was shocked by the results.
The 1st of the 10 commandments is all about having no other gods. It seems pretty simple in theory, but we are not so apt to keeping it. If you have reduced this rule to associating with only one religion, it is much more than that. We need to evaluate. It’s time to go the 2nd mile in removing rivals.
How distracted are you? What about others in your life? How preoccupied is your child? We live in a time when we are barraged with constant distractions. The pace of our lives and the setup of our technology has our minds in frantic disarray. Even as you read this short article, most likely, your mind will wander to your device …
While all Scripture is inspired by God, Psalms are inspired for God. These ancient worship songs teach us how to respond to the unchanging God.
Jesus’ ministry was framed around his association with two critical groups of people: sinners and self-righteous. To understand these complex dynamics reveals the nature of Jesus’ approach. Download Handout – 10 – Associations Video Audio The Sinners Jesus was the easiest on the sinners and the toughest on the self-righteous. Jesus was often criticized for his association with sinners. While …
God’s blessing is a means to the end of God’s way of being known among all nations. How are we using the gifts of God to fulfill the commission of God? Our world is out of balance because we don’t want God at the center. God’s blessings are a means to the end of God’s way being known among all …
When the COVID-19 hit, much of our economy came to a screeching halt. While some industries have prospered, most have struggled. Due to the uncertainty of the coming months, Ford did something unexpected: they started making ventilators. When Henry Ford started the company back in 1903, he wasn’t anticipating an assembly line churning out ventilators, yet that is the reality …
The 10 Commandments. Should Christians see them as archaic and useless, fulfilled and pointless, or timely and necessary? The 10 rules that provided direction for the nation of Israel still maintain a worldwide impact. How should we respond? It’s time to go the 2nd mile in championing commandments.
These are my sons. Both of them. I have been asked before, “Are they really your sons?” “Oh, they are both quite real, so then I would suppose they are both really my sons.” They are my sons, and they are brothers. Real brothers. You might think I look at them differently. You are right. I do look at them …
Jesus’ calling of the disciples displayed the attribute of grace. When you look at this unique group of men he chose, there isn’t anything special about them. They weren’t obvious choices, and yet, they were Jesus’ choices. Due to that reason, they would develop into what Christ had called them to be. DOWNLOAD HANDOUT – 09 – Disciples Video Audio …
In Paul’s final remarks, he recognized the church’s maturity due to their willingness to meet the needs of others. God often supplies our needs through the help of one another. God supplies every need by every believer giving every way they can. Philippians 4:14-23 14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of …
I cannot wait to begin our summer series on June 7th – Psalms [Vol. 2]. Here is the rundown of the series. Reasoning The psalms teach us how to speak to God. We all need help learning how to do that better. Psalms cover every range of human emotions. During these days, we have a lot of emotions we need to process. This …
Black people don’t think every white person is racist, but every time a white person defends injustice, it makes their distrust to widen considerably.
As our world tries to discover the rhythms of the new normal, whatever that is, you have a summer ahead of you. Regardless of your stage in life, you will probably have more margin than you typically have. What do you want to do with it? It’s time to go the 2nd mile in making the most of your summer.
Your church’s website is important to how you will reach people. It is not the only way, but it is a very helpful way. I firmly believe that the gospel is the power of salvation to those who believe (Rom. 1:16). A church doesn’t need a website to reach people with the news of Jesus, but it is a fantastic …
Jesus’ ministry only lasted three years, but the effect of it has completely changed history. In studying the critical components of his ministry, we can better ascertain the purpose for which he came. Download Handout – 08 – Ministry Video Audio The Revelation of the Christ Teaching with Authority Jesus started his teaching ministry when he came to his hometown …
If you open your Bible to John 4, you will read a story that tells us much about the ministry and method of Jesus. In this narrative, we read how Jesus intentionally encountered a woman at a well with a scandalous past. As you read, notice the different ways Jesus interacted with her. If you have time, read John 4:1-30. …
There are 153 million orphans in the world. Every single day, another 5,700 more children become orphans. Those numbers are staggering, and you may feel defeated because you can’t help all of them. But what if you could help one? It’s time to go the 2nd mile in helping the orphan crisis.
Between the birth of Jesus and the beginning of his ministry, little is known about his life. The gospel authors reported very sparse details, but what we do know provides great insight into his preparation for the ministry. Download Handout – 07 – Preparation Video Audio Notes Jesus’ Lost Years Jesus’ family flees to Egypt and later returns to Nazareth …
This passage of Scripture is one of the most quoted and most misinterpreted sections of Scripture. The secret of the Christian life is learning how to live it out regardless of our circumstances. Philippians 4:10-13 10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had …
In the weeks to come, many churches who practiced social distancing during the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic will begin to regather. Regardless of when your church decides to meet back together, here are some things to consider. Attendance will be lower. Anticipate that, and don’t get discouraged by it. If your church is intentionally trying to have smaller services, …
Look back over the last 8 Sundays, and look forward to this coming Sunday. Won’t forget, can’t regret what I did for love.
Do you have an adequate margin to meet with God regularly? Your most important appointment of the day is making time to meet with God. Years ago, someone coined the phrase “quiet time.” Many people rightfully highlighted the need for this daily encounter in the Word and prayer. In addition to considering a quiet time, you also need to ensure …
When the unexpected happens, we all have a choice to make. Two options lie before us. We will each choose to draw closer to God or further away from him. In your discouragements, distresses, and disappointments, which way are you headed? It’s time to go the 2nd mile in drawing close to Jesus.
Come, see the works of the LORD… (Ps. 46:8a). We have got to let God off the hook for everyone else’s mistakes. Let’s face it: each of us has been let down by people too often to count. So many people live in a constant state of disappointment. With each disillusionment, we grow ever more hesitant to trust another again. …
Making a stance for joy is waging a war against worry. Scripture clearly teaches what a disciple should do when anxiety attacks.
Crises have a way of clarifying who we are. Trials do change us, but they often reveal us more than anything else. The same is true for churches and ministries. When trials come, the health of a ministry is clearly seen. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I personally was in disbelief. “Surely this isn’t happening. No, we are going to …
I was honored to discuss “Leading Towards Regathering Practically” with fellow pastors in South Carolina who are all also great friends. It was a part of the South Carolina Baptist Convention’s Advance Anyway podcast they have started during the COVID-19. As pastors, we need to learn from each other without pressure to conform to another’s plans. You are called to …
The current state of the world has changed all of our plans. No graduation. No trip. Change in job. Expectations unmet. Disappointments abound. You wonder why a door that was supposed to be open has now been slammed shut. It’s time to go the 2nd mile in respecting closed doors.
Every parent is teaching every child something. But is it really what you want him or her to learn? I often hear parents comment on how they struggle to teach their children anything. That is simply untrue. We teach our children something every single day. The greatest pursuit of our lives comes through our speech, actions, and reactions. Every parent …