As I prepared to speak in chapel at North Greenville University today, I decided to preach from John 15 about abiding in Christ. In my prayer time for this sermon, I felt the need to address the consumerism that is infecting the Church today concerning Christians attaching themselves to churches, groups, personalities, or resources instead of the true Vine – …
I remember the day when I realized that this blog had reached a new level of success. Someone told me, “My mom saw your blog on Pinterest!” I had arrived ;). The reason I was getting some increased traffic was due to my posts on Obadiah’ date night and Eli’s date night that they had with their mom. Trying to …
Our focus for today was 2 Peter 2:4-10 and we talked about a “feel-good” topic of the wrath of God. God is in opposition to everything that is in opposition to Him and His justice brings forth His wrath. [Tweet “God is in opposition to everything that is in opposition to Him.”] We got to begin our services with baptism …
I often hear people talk about how their lives are so full of pain and drama. Sometimes those people can’t help – certain things have been done to them. In other cases, it is the own person’s fault. Sometimes, we can’t blame God, the Devil, or other people for our situation – it’s our fault. I read this illustration years …
The internet changes everything. In this age of information, we have access to more positive and negative resources than ever before. It definitely changes the Church culture in America. Where we once competed with the church down the street, we now compete with the church across the state or across the globe. Christians get into a public display of affection …
In Matthew 18, Jesus is coming closer to the cross. Day by day, He nears the time when He was to offer up His life as a sacrifice on our behalf. During this time, Jesus was fervently teaching what life should look like for His disciples once He was gone. The way in which they were to love each other …
Powerful and sobering day at North Side. We focused on 2 Peter 2:1-3 concerning the topic of “False Prophets.” We are warned to beware of those among us who distort and twist the truth of God for their own advantage. To begin our time, we focused on the words of Psalm 100 before singing “Enter His Gates” and “Sing and …
“The Cornerstone” is the 3rd song from the “Stand Firm” project. The song started with 1 Peter 2:4-8 as we studied through 1 Peter. The Scripture 4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, …
I could never go to a snake-handling church because: 1) I am not a fan of the vile creatures, and 2) I am not sure of the practice is biblical. The practice has gotten in the news again because Pastor Jamie Coots, a serpent-handling pastor and co-star of the “Snake Salvation” reality television show, died Feb. 15 after suffering a snakebite …
We try our best to make Jesus a regular point of conversation in our home. We are not perfect at it. We miss a lot of opportunities, but we are really stepping up the pace of it these days. My boys are about to turn 6 in a few months and they are beginning to understand more and more about …
Friday night, Amanda and I were finishing up for the night when our house began to shake significantly. When any type of strange phenomena happens, Amanda repeatedly yells, “Trav? Trav? Trav!” This time was no different. With fear in her eyes, she began yelling my name and jumped out of her chair and said, “Trav, what is that?” The primary …
Over lunch today, I told Amanda: “I have never seen such a hunger for God in our congregation than what I am seeing right now.” It’s true. The people are rising up to be all that God has called them to be. Their worship is more sincere. Their intentionality is through the roof. The expectations are rising. It’s incredible to …
I had some friends fill out an ipersonic personality profile and I was intrigued. It was kinda scary how much it nailed me: Independent Thinkers Independent Thinkers are analytical and witty persons. They are normally self-confident and do not let themselves get worked up by conflicts and criticism. They are very much aware of their own strengths and have no …
This bad church sign reads: HARDEST JOB FOR A WOMAN: PRETEND TO BE DUMMER THAN A MAN Questions: What does this mean? What is this trying to mean? Who put this on the sign? Man or woman? Is this smart person aware they have a spelling mistake? Is this the hardest job for a woman? [Tweet “HARDEST JOB FOR A …
Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and don’t reject your mother’s teaching, for they will be a garland of grace on your heard and a gold chain around your neck. My son, if sinners entice you, don’t be persuaded. -Prov. 1:8-10 Do most children view their parents’ instruction in the same manner as is mentioned in this verse? Why …
Beautiful snow coming down in Greenwood today and we took advantage of this rare falling phenomenon in our neck of the woods to make a David and Goliath snowmen. Our previous efforts had been Moses the Snowman and Jonah and the Snowfish, but we decided to go 1 Samuel 17 today. Everyone was in the spirit and the snow was …
2nd week of our 2nd Peter series. Loving this study so far. The Peak band led us in worship today. They did such a fantastic job leading us. Their talent is great, but I love their heart even more! They began with “Our God” and “Always.” I loved hearing our church sing out – I feel like the church is …
We led the song “Holy” on Sunday from the “Stand Firm” project. This was the second song we worked on composing as a group and has been one of our church’s favorites to sing. The song is based off of 1 Peter 1:13-2:3. The Scripture 1:13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on …
I can still remember the specific conversation in seminary. We were discussing the practice of ministry as it relates to a pastor’s schedule. How many hours should one spend in preparing sermons? How many hours should be utilized for pastoral care (hospital visits, counseling, etc.)? It was a rather interesting conversation. Some guys didn’t know what their schedule was or …
You never know what you are gonna get with my children. Random sayings, crazy ideas, and fun adventures are a daily ritual. The other day I was eating lunch with my children while Mom had gone out to get some things done. I used to be able to clean my plate and also clean Amanda’s plate at the end of …
True followers of Christ share a common faith. This faith is drastically different that what many professing Christians exhibit today. In this service, we examined what saving faith looks like. After celebrating baptisms in both of our services (which is always great to experience), we continued our worship time together with “Something About That Name” (in which Richenda sang her …
It has been so encouraging to hear the feedback from folks concerning the “Stand Firm” album we released on Sunday. We actually sold out of the first batch, that was a shocker! No worries, we do have some additional copies available now and you can also get your copy on iTunes. The first song on the project is called “Living …
I normally don’t enjoy email forwards, but every once in a while, you get something special. Oftentimes, I disregard the email if it reads anything like, “If you love Jesus, you will forward this to your 100 best friends, do a handstand, and rub your stomach and pat your head at the same time while whistling, ‘Amazing Grace.’” I think …
Yesterday morning, Obadiah prayed: “Dear God, thank you for this day. Thank you for this food. Thank you that you are always with us. And please let there be snow today. Even though we live in Greenwood, and no one ever knows if we really are gonna get snow or not. Well, I guess you know, but we don’t. Amen.” …
The Book of Proverbs is full of great counsel. It is primarily a collection of sayings from Solomon offering his son wise advice for living. In fact, many of the sections begin with words like, “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and don’t reject your mother’s teaching” (Prov. 1:8). Look in the verses below and see what type of …
The boys have really gotten into playing an old Star Wars Monopoly game of mine lately. It has helped with their math and their understanding of money (even if it is an intergalactic currency). The other Saturday, Obadiah wanted to play a full game of it. I was Chewbacca. He was R2-D2. We continued for a while in the usual …
These 12 songs were written straight from the text of 1 Peter, walking systematically through the message of that book. The message is simple: as followers of Jesus, we can stand firm regardless of our circumstances. We can endure these fleeting trials. On the midst of trials, we can confidently sing: “O blessed be our God and Father, praise to Jesus Christ, …
What a fantastic day to celebrate as a church! To finish up the 1 Peter series, we read through the entire book as a church and worshiped at every turn. We did all 13 tracks from the “Stand Firm” album as Jeff read through the passages. We have introduced these songs along the way, but doing it completely through this …
I had this crazy idea to write a worship album from 1 Peter. It was going to be difficult to complete it in the timeframe, but the lofty goal was exciting to the crew. When I first mentioned the idea, they were all in and we got to work feverishly on it. We decided that we would introduce the songs …
I reread The Master Plan of Evangelism the other night. This gift to the Church was written by Dr. Robert Coleman back in 1963. I had the privilege to sit under his teaching a few years ago when I did my doctorate work. We are using this book in the New Testament class I am teaching here at North Side starting …
“Declare Your Praise” is one of my favorite songs from the album due to the text and the unique arrangement of the track. It is track #4 on this 13-track project – which will be available this Sunday, Jan. 26th. We are worshiping through the entire book of 1 Peter on Sunday at both 9:30 and 11. The song’s text …
I’m trying my best to tell the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD (Ps. 78:4) and also to tell them not to follow the bad examples of the generations before them (Ps. 78:8). As we work our way through the pages of Scripture, we come along stories that challenge me concerning how I teach them to young ears. …
I was privileged to serve alongside South Main Baptist Church in Greenwood yesterday. They are currently in a search for their next pastor and some of their staff and friends of the church have been asked to fill the pulpit until the interim pastor is selected. I am blessed enough to be considered a friend and got to preach for …
We stand best when we stand on the truth and we stand together. Today was the final sermon from 1 Peter. Spending six months in that book has been incredible – so much I am still processing. It couldn’t have been a more timely message series for our congregation. I got the privilege of praying over this service and planning …
“My Hope” is one of the songs off of the “Stand Firm” worship project singing through the Book of 1 Peter. This fun bluegrass tune uses banjo, harmonica, mandolin, cowbell, and about anything else we could find. We are releasing the live worship album on January 26th, until then though, you can watch the video above. The album will be …
As a minister, our family’s schedule can be hectic. I’m not saying it’s more or less hectic than other folks, but there are unique challenges associated with my job as there are with yours. From time to time, I have been asked to get involved in certain ministry opportunities. Whether it is a chance to speak at an event, write …
This week’s church sign: “THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS WITHIN LEGALIZE MARIJUANA.” Well, at least we are clear concerning their stance on the issue. I wonder if they are implying that the usage of marijuana assists in experiencing the kingdom of heaven within? Interesting theory. I am sure you experience something. Regardless of whether you agree with their opinion or …
I love the prayers of my children. There is something raw and honest about them. Occasionally, I will hear certain phrases that get on repeat, but usually, each day will provide something unique. The other day, my son, Eli, was praying over lunch. Something he said got my attention and caused me to do a double-take. “Thank you, God, for …
We led the song “Humble Yourselves” yesterday from the upcoming “Stand Firm” project. I had so many encouraging comments on the power and intensity of this song. One gentlemen said he was still trembling from it after the service and came up and said that song needs to be recorded. I was happy to be able to tell him it …
What a powerful day. Loved it all around. Our Scripture focus was 1 Peter 5:6-11. As Peter concludes his letter, he reminds us of several truths that encourage us to stand firm in times of trouble. We started the service with “Friend of God.” To know that God cares for us (1 Pet. 5:7) is still an overwhelming thought for …
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