Luke 15 is, for most of us, a very familiar chapter of Scripture. Likely, the most famous part of the chapter is the parable we often refer to as “the prodigal son.” Last Sunday morning, though, I was reminded in a very simple way of something I need to have in my thinking when I approach this great chapter. The reminder came from a young man who was speaking at the worship service held for Lads to Leaders in Nashville. His lesson was taken from this chapter, but the way he introduced the chapter was a wonderful reminder. I won’t get the wording 100% correct, but it was something like…

Dear Lads to Leaders Board and Staff, Thank you. Those words are simple, but they come straight from my heart. It is amazing to think where we were just 12+ months ago, hearing the news–expected though it was–that Lads to Leaders convention was canceled for 2020. We were heartbroken, but we also totally understood. Though sad, we were grateful you made that difficult decision because we knew you had our safety at heart. And now, here we are, on the eve of traveling to Nashville for convention. We are so thankful. Frankly, we are also amazed that you pulled this off! Though restrictions are easing in various locations, an event…

As the pandemic has worn on, there has been a lot of talk about “moving the goalposts.” That phrase has been thrown around a good deal by people who feel as if the goals we are trying to reach to get back to normal keep being moved and extended. Flatten the curve becomes wait until summer becomes maybe in the fall becomes when there is a vaccine becomes when a large number are vaccinated…and so on. Some wonder when (or if) it will end. I do not write that to take sides. I am not in a position to make those decisions, so, while I have feelings about it, I…

It is amazing how what may seem to some as a “little thing” can remain in your memory for a long time. It also amazes me that some of those “little things” can make a big point. I am reminded of those things every time we sing a particular hymn when we worship.   In a few months it will be a quarter of a century since my family worshiped regularly with the church of Christ in Dexter, Missouri. After all of this time, I still remember a request that one of our song leaders made every time he led a particular song.   The song was Grace That is Greater Than All Our Sin. The…

It’s that time of year! Not only is spring in the air, so is spring break! Many people are taking advantage of the warmer temperatures to be outside and go “adventuring.” Some are driving to see friends and others are visiting theme parks. Many are making short trips to known destinations and others are jumping on a plane to follow the sun. This short post is to remind all of those people (and myself) that there is nowhere you can go and not still be within the realm of God’s goodness, knowledge, and presence. The Bible speaks of the earth, heaven, and “heaven of heavens” not being able to contain…

If you are a fan of sports, the chances are pretty good that, by the time you read this, the college football championship game will be a distant memory for you. After all, they’re already playing baseball. For just a few moments, though, I would like to share with you my favorite memory from that football championship game. It involves what seem to be two very contradictory factors. The first of those factors is that the memory involves a player who is one of the (if not the) most overlooked players on any team. The second, and seemingly contradictory factor, is that the argument could be made that this player is the most…

Several years ago, my mother was living in an assisted living home located very close to where Jim and I lived. It was wonderful because it allowed at least one of us to visit her almost every day. On one particular day I went to visit her in the early afternoon and I could tell from how everyone was acting that something special was going on. I found Mom sitting in a little alcove just outside of her room and next to the beauty shop. Her hair had been done (even thought it wasn’t her regular day), and she had on one of her nicest outfits. Then I noticed that the beauty shop…