One principle from our lesson on John 5: Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” – John 5:8 Brief context: Jesus is in Jerusalem and sees a number of people lame, blind and otherwise ill and incapacitated. He walks up to one man who, the scriptures tell us, had been … Continue reading Nothing Is Impossible With God
Healing
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?
No More Sickness
"For this corruptible [body] must put on incorruption; and this mortal [body] must put on immortality." (1 Corinthians 15:53) Sorta sounds like a script for the next Avengers movie, huh? "Regular person turns into super-hero." But, this is no movie script. This is Holy SCRIPTure. Recently, I came down with something out of the pits … Continue reading No More Sickness
“…that man who lost his son…”
Unbelievable. I spoke three separate times on Wed., Jan. 21st, to regional high school students on the topic of clinical/chronic depression. In each session, I made the following comment: "Having a son of my own who died as a result of clinical depression...., I must tell you, honestly, I did not want to do this. … Continue reading “…that man who lost his son…”
Dear Jordan, Merry Christmas, My Son…
Dear Jordan, Merry Christmas, my son. We worshipped Jesus this morning (just like you did). Kelsie sang a mini-concert. She sang about the King you now see with your own eyes. (The photo below was taken after church this morning.) I don't have a lot to say. I simply wanted you to know something: we're … Continue reading Dear Jordan, Merry Christmas, My Son…
“Suffer With Me”
Those words cited in the title, written by Paul to a young Timothy, are sobering to be sure. (2 Timothy 2:3) But, they take on a new - painful - meaning when we suffer. I've always said that "suffering as Christians" is that side of the gospel we rarely hear preached about on Sundays. Something … Continue reading “Suffer With Me”
Moving at the Speed of Grief
"Weeping may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning." (Psalm 30:6) The familiar Kubler-Ross Five Stages of Grief are intended to be a model, not a rule. Grief is messy, violent, complicated and discombobulating. People are unique. The circumstances surrounding a person's grief is unique. So, it should be no surprise that … Continue reading Moving at the Speed of Grief
The Unforced Rhythms of Grace
I love this rendering of Matthew 11:28-30 from the Message Bible. I've taken this "prescription" for my various "maladies"many times over the years..... [Jesus asked them], “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me. Get away with Me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real … Continue reading The Unforced Rhythms of Grace
A Literal Picture of Amazing Grace: How I Forgave My Dad
The date was November 22, 1998, just south of Stamford, TX. After going for 10 years without having heard from my dad or knowing where he was, the Lord brought us together at my granddad's (his dad's) funeral where I had the opportunity to tell him something very important: I'd forgiven him. Next only to … Continue reading A Literal Picture of Amazing Grace: How I Forgave My Dad
Blood
My son, Jordan, played the drums like a man possessed.... ....possessed by the Holy Spirit. Below are two pics. The second pic is of the members of his rock band: Alexander Gates, Johnny Olvera, and Cory Morrow. They rehearsed in our basement. I swear on everything holy.....the floor vibrated underneath our feet - and Michelle … Continue reading Blood