Category Archives: Devotional

God…With Scars

I’ve always felt that Thomas gets a bad rep. We call him “Doubting Thomas” because of one momentary lapse of demanding “proof” of Jesus’ resurrection. In his defense, he wasn’t there when all of other disciples had this great resurrection … Continue reading

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An Overlooked Ingredient

Among other things, Paul writes the Philippians to encourage unity. He writes in 1.27-28, “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in … Continue reading

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We All Need To Be More Materialistic

I’m struck by the juxtaposition of Thanksgiving — a season of reflection and gratitude — and the ubiquitous commercialism of “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday”. According to the National Retail Federation, American consumers spent over $45 billion shopping on Friday, … Continue reading

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Counting My Blessings

Tonight on Thanksgiving Eve, I’m thankful for a good many things. Lately, when my kids have been complaining about something, I’ve been telling them, “Most people in the world would love to have your life.” And that’s a good dose … Continue reading

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Love Begets Life

On the first page of scripture, the Bible affirms this fundamental truth: we are created in the image of God. Over the years, few things have captivated my imagination quite like this little phrase. The Imago Dei is rife with … Continue reading

Posted in Blessings, Devotional, God, Imago Dei, Theology | 1 Comment

Grace at Olive Garden

I had a great weekend. I flew out Thursday to spend a few days with my good friend, Lane. Lane is my oldest and best friend, and he serves the West University Church of Christ as their associate minister. I … Continue reading

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The Sermon on the Mount 16

21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable … Continue reading

Posted in 2 Corinthians 5, Devotional, Discipleship, Faith, Gospel, Jesus, Missiology, Scripture, Sermon on the Mount | Tagged , | Leave a comment

A Pessimist’s Take on Hope

My Dad was a pretty negative guy. When I was growing up, I could never go to my friends’ swimming parties. When I asked why, my Dad would say, “Because you don’t know how to swim.” “How am I supposed … Continue reading

Posted in Dad, Devotional, Eschatology, Faith, God, Hope, Kingdom Values, Theology | 5 Comments

Easter Thoughts: Resurrection

Today I had the opportunity to worship at my “home church”, College Hills in Lebanon, Tennessee. When you’re in full time ministry, there aren’t a lot of opportunities to go back “home” for Sunday service; in my 10+ years of … Continue reading

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Easter Thoughts: Sacrifice

Surrendering ourselves to love God is not giving things up for God so much as giving ourselves to God. — Scot McKnight, The Jesus Creed To be a Christian is to live sacrificially. To say it differently, the Christian accepts … Continue reading

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