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The First Letter of Immodesty
Well, it’s immodesty season. As the weather warms and schools let out, all you have to do is scroll social media if you want to see immodesty. People are taking off shirts, putting on thigh-high shorts, going out in bikinis, and not ashamed to spread it to the world. (And many parents don’t mind sharing these pictures of their own children with the entire internet, either.) It’s sad. But there is another layer that is even more tragic. If someone says something–maybe in a Bible class or small group setting–the comments are so telling: If they don’t want to see it, they shouldn’t look. I just want to be comfortable.…
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A Book of Remembrance
The Book of Malachi has been reduced to a footnote in many of the Old Testament surveys I have seen, heard, and read. It’s the last book of the Old Testament, both chronologically and canonically; it falls in step with the same themes common to the other Minor Prophets; it mentions the coming of “Elijah” (aka John the Baptist) before the arrival of the day of the Lord. Very few overviews go much deeper than this, and it’s hard to blame them. In a sense this last word from God before 400 years of silence is difficult to understand, especially given its unique place within the scope of Scripture. At…
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“Unity – No Matter What”
That’s what the message was on a sign at a church building in our community. I’ve been thinking about that message ever since I saw it. I cannot truly be loyal to Jesus if I’m not concerned about, praying for, and working toward unity. At the same time, I’m thinking that I cannot do all of those things no matter what. Allow me to try to explain what I mean by that after I share with you a portion of the words that Jesus prayed to His Father very shortly before He went to the cross. As His thoughts transitioned from His apostles to “…them that believe on me through their word…,”…
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My Annual VBS Rant
VBS is a wonderful time and, when done well, can be a great way to both encourage your own congregation and reach out to others. Rarely, if ever, will you have more guests from the community than during a well-done Vacation Bible School. Personally, I enjoy teaching (or co-teaching) our adult class at Central during VBS. Because most people feel a little more relaxed during VBS, it seems that classes flow a little more naturally and people seem to appreciate the lessons. So, again, I’m not against VBS. However… Each year, I have an issue with what I see in most places when I survey the landscape of VBS. And…
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Devoted to Good Works
This week’s article will be shorter than most, because it is quite the week for me and for our family. My mom’s birthday, my sister’s high school graduation, and my high school best friend’s wedding are all taking place within 4 days of each other, and I’m here in Tennessee to celebrate all three. Two thoughts have dominated my mind in preparation for this week: the thought of how blessed I am, and the thought of how busy I’m about to be. Recently, I came across this statement from Jesus in my personal study: “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to…
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One Man’s Idea about the Message of the Bible
During my lifetime, I have had some conversations which are difficult to forget. There are some which I would like to forget, but have difficulty in accomplishing that. At other times, there are conversations which I hope I never forget. There are at least a couple of reasons why a conversation can find its way into that second and much more positive category. The reason could be that the person with whom the conversation took place is one of those unforgettable people in my life. At other times, it was just the fact that something was said which made a major impact on me and/or caused me to do some…
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Into the Heart of the Bible Episode 016: “The Period of Restoration”
This week, Leah finishes the Old Testament narrative with a great overview of the Period of Restoration. Watch below or click this link.
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Long Shadows
I have been spending a lot of time lately watching the results of past actions, decisions, and events. When your baby baby (the youngest), approaches high school graduation, there is a lot of time spent reflecting on all of her accomplishments and shenanigans. Pictures are unearthed that you may not have seen for years to prepare for a slideshow. Those pictures evoke memories of all sorts of emotions and, with the benefit of hindsight, you can see how they helped shape the person your child has become. Some of the foreshadowing is not surprising. Having always been bright and bubbly with a flair for the dramatic, it is no surprise…
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She Has Done Well
Forgive me for being very personal today, but the Bible teaches that we are to give honor to whom it is due, and that honor is certainly due to Leah. In just a couple of days, she will no longer be “homeschooling mom Leah.” With Turner graduating on Friday, Leah has now finished that chapter of her life and, as the title of this post says, she has done well. Now, she doesn’t believe she has done well. She sees the things she didn’t do. She sees where our kids still fall short at times. She sees holes in their education or blunders they have made and she takes that…
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Keeping the Faith
My friend Charlie turned 91 yesterday (as I’m writing this). If you’ve ever been to West Side, or to Salem, or quite possibly to the state of Virginia, you’ve met Charlie. There’s a running joke that Charlie knows everyone, and the joke lands because it’s not that far from the truth. You wouldn’t know Charlie is 91 if you met him – he has an energy about him that a lot of young people I know envy. He is an incredible blessing to many, and I am thankful to call him a friend and mentor of mine. This week has been our Gospel meeting week at West Side, which has…
