I had the opportunity to visit the Holy Land in Israel in 2018. What an experience that was of learning, experiencing, and walking where Jesus walked. I learned much about biblical sites which made the Bible come alive. But I also learned about the current Israeli culture. I will never forget the day our tour... Continue Reading →

But the Pharisees and their scribes were complaining to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus replied to them, “It is not those who are healthy who need a doctor, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” – Luke 5:30-32 I... Continue Reading →

It’s not by accident that Jesus teaches on prayer in Luke 11:1-4 and then shares a parable on prayer about how God delights to answer our prayers in verses 5-13. Here is the reality—we often feel as if our prayers go unanswered or that God might not be concerned with our prayers.  After teaching us... Continue Reading →

It has often been said of the Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief ministry that it is the “hardest work you’ll ever love.” Doing the cleanup following a disaster is not glamourous, appealing, or even look like fun. But to the KYDR volunteers they cannot wait to respond in times of need because they realize they are... Continue Reading →

For many, this past Sunday, Easter Sunday, was spent in our home churches, worshipping with our families, celebrating the risen Lord, and enjoying food and fellowship in some capacity. Maybe we had invited friends or family, and they chose to attend, maybe we saw people in the pews that we had not seen in a... Continue Reading →

I depend on my GPS as I travel around the state.  Frankly, I am not sure what I would do without it. Several years ago, while driving to speak at an annual associational meeting, my GPS showed that I was about five minutes from the church.  As I drove, I noticed a church to my... Continue Reading →

Now that the chocolate has been eaten and the rose petals thrown out, it’s time for a little post-Valentine’s Day reflection. Sure, we all enjoyed the candy, flowers, and intimate dinners, but let’s take a moment to consider something deeper. Valentine’s Day often shines a spotlight on romantic love, which is fantastic, but it’s just... Continue Reading →

The following illustration is amusing to me, but also demonstrates that we often see things differently depending on our perspective. There were once two salesmen who went to Africa to open new sales territories. Three days after they arrived, the first salesman faxed a message: “I will be returning home on the next plane. I... Continue Reading →

With each new year many people pledge to do better, to stop bad habits, or to begin new practices by making resolutions.  While not related to the dawn of a new year, Jonathan Edwards, as a nineteen-year-old in 1722 and 1723, wrote 70 such resolutions. Stephen Nicols explains that Edwards, amidst the uncertainty and flux... Continue Reading →

Good cold, December morning.  I understand that dreaded word “snow” may be in the forecast this week.  I love snow, that is as long as I can stay in and look at it.  There is just a quietness, a calmness, a peacefulness in sitting inside a cozy, warm house looking out over a freshly fallen... Continue Reading →