Mankind has never changed. The pharisees tried to make Jesus fit their agenda. The zealots tried to make Jesus fit their agenda. The Jews tried the same thing. And so on, and so on, and so on. So it is no surprise that socialists are trying to form-fit Jesus to their image. To do so … Continue reading Jesus Was No Socialist
Grace
Jesus Was Neither White nor European
Rioters are wanting to tear down statues of Jesus because he is “white and European." Now, I understand some of the reasoning: some churches have made Jesus white, republican and American. This, sadly, is true. But, it's the rare exception and certainly not the norm. Rioters, of course, themselves serving as judge and jury, have … Continue reading Jesus Was Neither White nor European
Has God Surrendered His Throne? (not even close)
We serve a God who’s not surrendered his throne - regardless of how out of control our world may appear. My friends, if I weren’t a pastor I would be a coach. Exhorting, teaching and encouraging people is what I love to do. It’s who I am. At its heart, a pastor’s objective is, to … Continue reading Has God Surrendered His Throne? (not even close)
If Faith Was Easy It Wouldn’t be Called Faith
If faith was easy - it wouldn’t be called faith. Read on... I spent most of my adolescent and young adult life suffering at the hand of my violently abusive alcoholic father. I spent most of my adult life visiting with my younger sister through the thick glass of prison visitation cubicles due to her … Continue reading If Faith Was Easy It Wouldn’t be Called Faith
Is Anything Too Hard for God?
God can't possibly fix our broken world. I'll confess - there have been moments in my own life that I have descended into such discouragement I, too, have considered that statement to be true. But, when the world around us is turned upside down we must not allow our minds to continue to be poisoned … Continue reading Is Anything Too Hard for God?
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
Don’t Be Afraid: answering a great question about the loss of a child During the summer of 2019, I gave my presentation on suicide awareness & intervention at the YWCA here in Lubbock. About 30 teens attended. What a precious group! One girl raised her hand toward the end of the talk and asked, “Can … Continue reading Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
Is He Worthy?
The 20th century pastor and author, A.W. Tozer, once said, "While it looks like things are out of control, behind the scenes there is a god who hasn't surrendered his authority." Presently, the world is a little scary. Allow the Spirit of Christ to calm your soul with this song by Andrew Peterson. Do you … Continue reading Is He Worthy?
It’s Okay to be Afraid
There’s a reason the Psalms are my favorite book in all the Bible: they help me to know the “heroes of the faith” were no different than I am/we are because what they run the gamut of human emotion. You’ll find both praise of God as well as anger at him. Faith and doubt. Joy … Continue reading It’s Okay to be Afraid
The Last Straw
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 The Last Straw
To My Fellow Pastors (and fellow believers)
NOTE: I've read MacDonald's book at least twice. But, presently, I am reading the other two books referenced in this blog. And the collective wisdom - and warning - dictated I share it with you, my friends. If Satan wants to take out the sheep, he'll begin with us - the shepherds, Love to you, … Continue reading To My Fellow Pastors (and fellow believers)