Preparing our church choir Sunday morning (4/13) to sing the classic, "The Day He Wore My Crown," I read to them a quote from one of my favorite books: John MacArthur's "God With Us." One of the best, most succinct theological descriptions of Jesus' death I've read, I've cited it dozens of times throughout my … Continue reading Where Was Jesus When My Son Took His Life?
Depression
Should Christians Ever Struggle With Depression?
“….Darkness is my closest friend.” (Psalm 88:18) Should Christians ever struggle with depression? The short answer: Yes. The long answer: Yes. We see it throughout Scripture: in the words of the Psalmists, the prophets, and the apostle Paul (writer of most of the New Testament.) “If there is a hell on earth, it is to … Continue reading Should Christians Ever Struggle With Depression?
“The Lord Is My Shepherd” – An In-Depth Study of Psalm 23 (Session 1, Vs 1)
My friends, rather than upload a recording of my talk, I thought I'd simply write out my notes in an easy-to-read format for you. (This way, you also don't have to hear me, over and over again, become emotional as I speak 🙂 .....Christ has used this passage so powerfully in my life since the … Continue reading “The Lord Is My Shepherd” – An In-Depth Study of Psalm 23 (Session 1, Vs 1)
“True North”
"The grief following suicide is so raw and real, primal and human, even people of faith must often battle just to ride it out, to render it livable....How one grieves depends on what one believes....The counsel of Scripture secures us with a stabilizing beam of truth - beginning with a single word: hope....Your pain cannot … Continue reading “True North”
The Unwanted Journey
Through a mutual friend, Southern Baptist Executive Committee President, Frank Page, learned of Jordan's recent suicide. Page's daughter, Melissa, took her life, as well. Last year, Frank published a book entitled simply, "Melissa." He sent me a copy with a sweet note. From his introduction: "I'm not over Melissa's death. I admit that. I'll never … Continue reading The Unwanted Journey
Suicide and the Bible – Part 1 of 2
NOTE: On May 13, 2013, my son, Jordan, took his own life. He was 19. What follows is one of the blogs I wrote in response to that event. nw ALSO: If you have been, or are, suicidal, there is HOPE and there is HELP, in abundance! You matter. You are loved. You have infinite … Continue reading Suicide and the Bible – Part 1 of 2
The Depression Epidemic
As of this week, there were still a few things at my office that had been "undisturbed" since my son took his life on May 13th. I finally forced myself to go through a small stack of papers a couple of days ago. Inside that stack was an article I'd printed off on April 10th … Continue reading The Depression Epidemic
Finding Jesus In an Asylum
Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. (Romans 3:24-25) It's … Continue reading Finding Jesus In an Asylum
Darkness
“When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you….Even when I walk through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me.” (Isaiah 43:2; Psalm 23:4 – NLT) “I am now the most miserable man living. If what I feel were equally distributed … Continue reading Darkness