“Let the Midnight Special shine a light on me.” You most likely know the song “The Midnight Special” from Creedence Clearwater Revival’s classic released back in 1969. But the song was actually written during the early 20th century, reaching popularity as it was sung by those incarcerated at the Mississippi State Penitentiary, otherwise known as … Continue reading The Midnight Special
forgiveness
I Can’t Love my Enemies
I stood before a group of Christians and was about to close our session in prayer. I said to them, “Let’s do something a little different. Close your eyes. I want you to picture in your mind the face of a person who’s hurt you. They’ve either gossiped about you, slandered you, betrayed you, or … Continue reading I Can’t Love my Enemies
When We Look More Like Pharisees Than Jesus
A Brief Biblical Principle from our lesson on John 8:1-11: NOTE: I am well aware of the debate as to whether or not this particular passage was in the autographs/originals when written by the hand of John. I did cover this topic at length in class. I will address it in a blog later on. … Continue reading When We Look More Like Pharisees Than Jesus
There Was a Man Named David
Have you ever done something you believed was the “last straw” with God? Have you ever felt like you've, finally - once and for all - ruined your life? NOTE: A follow-up to my message a couple of weeks ago about the Cross’s power over shame. Tullian Tchividjian (last name is pronounced “shuh -VIJ-uhn) is … Continue reading There Was a Man Named David
I Can Only Imagine (movie): Review
I encourage you to go see it for the following reasons, followed by a word of caution: Unlike some Christian-themed films, this one is in no way manipulative, coercive or sensationalized. Not once will you feel "preached to." The director has done a masterful job of making this a film simply about the story of … Continue reading I Can Only Imagine (movie): Review
Being on the Receiving End of Gossip
We've all been there. And it hurts. People love to gossip. It's hard wired into fallen human nature. Someone once said. "A lie can make it halfway around the world while the truth is still putting its shoes on." And we all know the joke (containing a great deal of truth): "Christians don't gossip; they … Continue reading Being on the Receiving End of Gossip
Suicide and the Bible – Part 2 of 2
After recently reading my original blog, Suicide and the Bible, a reader kindly asked a common question: I was reading your "Suicide and the Bible"..and I just have a question. I'm genuinely curious to know what you think about this. So you're saying nowhere in the Bible does it say suicide will send you to … Continue reading Suicide and the Bible – Part 2 of 2
Not Guilty (For those living under the crippling weight of guilt.)
We've all blown it in one way or another. And when we do blow it, Satan dispatches a battalion of demons assigned to deceive us, relentlessly filling our mind with this lie: your failures define you. For those who succumb to that lie, what follows is a life lived under a crippling mentality of oppressive … Continue reading Not Guilty (For those living under the crippling weight of guilt.)
The Day I Forgave My Dad
Next to my profession of faith in Christ, no decision has so changed my life than when I forgave my dad. My younger sisters and I grew up in an extremely violent alcoholic home. We saw and experienced things I'd prefer not to share here. When sober, my dad was amazing. But, when he was … Continue reading The Day I Forgave My Dad
Homeless Demons
[Jesus said],“When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and finding none it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house swept and put in order. Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more … Continue reading Homeless Demons