Since announcing that I had taken a pulpit work in Nashville, I have heard some odd comments. I completely understand the spirit in which they were given, but they are statements that I hope I never make. Some have said things like, “We figured you’d be moving up soon.” That statement makes it sound as if I am getting some sort of promotion. I am not. Youth ministers are worth so much (more about that later) and so are pulpit ministers. I am simply taking another position with new challenges that, hopefully, fit my skills and talents better. I have heard others say, “It’s about time you got your own…

As you probably know, my favorite sport is college basketball. I enjoy watching the “big boys” (the ACC) play, but I also watch–and know quite a bit about–other D-I schools. One of the greatest things about college basketball, and really any sport, is that, on any given night, you could see something you’ve never seen before. That fact, though, can also be a negative, because you might see something horrible for the first time. In the past few days, two things have happened that just cause basketball fans to go, “What?” First, how about hitting one shot in a half. That’s right–one! The great thing is that it happened for…

One of my goals each year is to be a better husband and dad. I want to do the best possible job in these roles, but that takes work. One way to help is to read on the subject every so often. Carl Brecheen and Paul Faulkner’s What Every Family Needs is a classic that every parent should read (and, probably, more than once). The 12 chapters are short, but powerful. It seems to me that the book can also be read from several perspectives. There is a sense in which the book is filled with psychology and sociology that will help the dynamic of the family from an almost…

Sunday was one of the most emotional days with which I have ever been involved. As you saw on the front page, brother Max Burleson responded to the Lord’s invitation. I know there were tears of joy because he made his life right with the Lord. We also shed tears of sadness together as I announced that my family and I would be moving to Nashville. Saying goodbye is a difficult thing, especially when so much of us is here. I don’t cry all that often (although, maybe I should cry more than I do), but there was no avoiding it on Sunday. While we are excited about the possibilities…

Yesterday, with tears flowing, I made an announcement to the 9th Avenue church of Christ that was hard to make. After countless hours of prayer, thought and discussion, I announced my resignation. I had met with our elders on Wednesday night and turned in my letter, but we decided to wait until Sunday to “make it official.” 9th Avenue is a great place and I love it here, but it is time to move on. I am staying through March to continue the work and to make the transition as smooth as possible, and I hope to be as effective as I can be during that time. My family and…

I’m writing this brief post just a few minutes after the closing of the 9th Avenue youth rally. Last night and today, we enjoyed a great time of Bible study, fellowship, singing, prayer and fun. The classes and lessons were well-taught and the speakers had obviously put much thought into the words they spoke. We studied the book of James and the lessons, as you might expect, were practical and helpful for those of every age who attended. It was so encouraging to hear these practical lessons that will, no doubt, make a difference in the life of each hearer. We were also excited about our attendance. Our record attendance…

It is finally time for the 9th Avenue youth rally. We have been praying for this weekend and anticipated it for many months. We are expecting a great crowd, and we certainly hope you are planning on being with us! If you need last minute information, please email me! On to the links! 1. Many of you use Wikipedia often. Did you know that there is a similar site just for Bible information? I just stumbled across Wikible earlier this week. The site is small (by reference-site standards), but growing. You can find some valuable background information there. Check it out here. 2. There are so many who make New…

[NOTE: One thing I enjoy about Matthew Morine’s blog, “Musings on Spiritual Matters,” is that he mentions every book he completes, and not just “Bible books.” I have decided to take his idea and do the same on this blog. While I will not fully review each book I complete, I do want to mention them and give a quick recommendation.] Five Point Play is the story of the Duke University men’s basketball team in the 2000-2001 season; a season that ended with a national championship. While I love Duke basketball, this book was more than just game recaps (although those are included). The book, cowritten by Mike Krzyzewski and…

As the old years turns into a new year, we are surrounded with advertisements for weight-loss systems, exercise equipment and other things designed to help us “lose weight and feel great.” Companies know that the most often made resolution is to lose weight, so those companies can make a buck on our goals. The Bible also teaches us to get in shape, spiritually speaking. Hebrews 11, the great “Hall of Faith” chapter, shows us some of those who had been faithful to God in Old Testament times. It teaches us the actions they took because of their great faith, but it also shows us what awful things they had to…

Homosexuals that boldly and loudly proclaim their “rights” usually face ears that do not listen (or at least don’t want to listen). Many try to get things done in this way and it works some, but not as well as subtlety. What is a subtle tactic? It is asking homosexuals from states where their “civil unions” are allowed to check federal law when it comes to their rights in other states. Why is this subtle? Because most of us don’t think about it. We just assume that the states that have given into the pressure of these groups will be islands unto themselves. That will not continue to be the…