When I go into a restaurant with my family, I always position myself where I can see the room and the nearest exit. I guess this is the protective nature in me as a man. When I go into a public place (especially with my family) I look over my surroundings and even consider various…

A few nights ago we were watching Captain America. The setting is World War 2 and before Captain America was allowed to engage the enemy and save the world, he was given a P.R. assignment. He traveled from city to city performing on stage to promote the war effort. No doubt you have seen the…

The anthem of the Christian faith is none other than Amazing Grace. It is a hymn that has been sung millions of times by great choirs to soft whispers at the death bed of a loved one. I doubt John Newton would have ever imagined that his hymn would be the most sung and recorded…

One of my favorite treats is a Krispy Kreme Doughnut. There are only two doughnuts worth eating: original glazed and chocolate glazed. A few years ago I told my wife that they need to sell in the store a box of a dozen doughnuts that has six original glazed and six chocolate glazed. Low and…

Over many years of pastoral ministry, I have seen many things. Nothing really surprises me anymore. One of the most heartbreaking experiences is seeing a marriage in trouble. When a spouse breaks trust it opens the door to all sorts of consequences. When someone crosses that forbidden line; it takes a miracle for there to…

There are times in our lives when we reach a point of crisis. Crucial moments and crucial decisions that determine the trajectory of our life. A word of counsel, especially to young people, that is often declared is the simple truth that ‘decisions determined destiny.’ Every decision we make, both small and great, will determine…

A term that is often heard in church circles is the term ‘backslidden’. Paul wrote to the Corinthian church about this very issue. He called them ‘carnal’ Christians. There are those who believed on the Lord Jesus and at one time may have lived faithfully for the Lord, but now they have fallen into the…

After the feeding of the five thousand we find the multitudes of people not leaving. They stayed through the storm (when Jesus walked on the water) and then the next day got in boats and came to Capernaum looking for Jesus. Once they found Jesus, a discussion begins as Jesus uses the opportunity to teach…

Have you ever heard the saying: ‘you made your bed so you must sleep in it’? Or, ‘what goes around comes around’? Or, you ‘reap what you sow’? Or, ‘you get what’s coming to you’? All of these little ‘sayings’ can be summed up by the simple truth that there are consequences for our sin.…

The account of Jesus walking on the water is certainly intriguing. It is one event that many of us have known since childhood. It is truly an unforgettable story. This remarkable event is also recorded in Mark 6:45-52 and Matthew 14:22-32 with a few variations. Matthew and Mark both state that the disciples at first…