He’s a working Joe. In fact his name is Joe. He’s the guy behind the counter at Jiffy Lube who does the stuff on your car you can’t or don’t want to do. He not only has the technical know-how to change your oil and inspect all the important moving parts you’ve...
Really? Overstocked? When it comes to peace, you might think our culture is anything but. As we look around, there certainly is a shortage of the evidence of peace. But we just haven’t all used the currency available to acquire the peace we all desire. Gratitude. It’s...
One of the best things God can do for you is drive you to your knees. Jesus is so counter-intuitive, so counter-cultural, so counter ME. It took a massive blow to my heart, mind, and soul to get my attention. And it ain’t over yet. In the fall of 2019, a close family...
The days are long, but the years are short. We can easily get lulled into a false sense of dismissive comfort as we bear down on our day to day. Meanwhile, opportunities can pass us by. Opportunities to be with our family, opportunities to travel, and opportunities to...
It was with great anticipation and high hopes we saw The Jesus Music movie, the documentary film about Contemporary Christian Music, from its humble origins in the early 70s in Costa Mesa, Cali., to the multi-billion-dollar industry it is today. We weren’t...
“Cuz I eats me spinach. I’m Popeye the Sailor Man.” My favorite preschool cartoon character was wiser than I knew. As the finish gets closer for all of us, let’s not forget to fight to the finish, to finish strong. The days are long, but the years are short. These few...
“I’m fixing a hole where the rain gets in and stops my mind from wandering where it will go.” Lennon/McCartney I’ve been thinking… There’s a hole in my heart that only God can fill. I’ve heard it a million times. The trick is, while I’ve asked Him into my life, and He...
Imagine a huge clothing store for women. Lois was excited. I was supportive. They had this cool mirror that made me look taller! I got… distracted. Suddenly she’s gone. Vanished! I don’t dare search. I could get sucked into some lingerie area and die of mortification....
When asked, most of us would say we’re Christians. As such, we’re called to love God and love people. Trying to love people without loving God first? Ha! Can’t be done! People are too hard to love. I should know. I’m one of them. We have a selfish nature. We’re wired...
A guy actually told me, “Jesus is overrated.” Hard to imagine, but he went on. “He’s a tool used to manipulate others and make money.” There are plenty of reasons he might feel that way. Possibly a bad experience with Christians? Sometimes we’re bad examples. We say...
Here’s something you may take for granted. I know I did. I’m walking through the neighborhood. I’m driving down the road. Everywhere I look. Suddenly I noticed, there was something all around me, all the time, and it’s always been there. Trees. Stay with me on this....
Ever notice how carefree kids can be? The moment summer vacation starts, it’s instant celebration mode! No homework! Six Flags! Sleep overs! It’s summer! No kid ever says, “Well, it’s summer. Fine, but in a few months I’ll be back in school. I’ll probably have even...
I met the best waiter in the world. I mean it. I challenge you to find a better waiter than Matt the Waiter. You’ll find him at Pappadeaux in Fort Worth. We were greeted with a smile and an assumption we’d been there before. To learn that we were first-timers launched...
So much of the Christian life is emulating Jesus. As we spend time with Him, we grow to be more like Him. This is useful in tough times. “What would Jesus do?” is a common go-to phrase. We know to be unselfish, loving, and giving, especially in difficult...
Remember… What was your favorite summer? It’s likely at least one pops into your mind as memorable. The summer of ‘21 will be one I remember for many reasons. Drums, vacations, new adventures. This week particularly holds a special place. It marks several...
Your wedding day. Your graduation. Your son or daughter’s baptism. The birth of your first grandchild. These are great examples of major life events! It was during one of these momentous occasions of celebration when I received this sound advice: “Soak it up.” Enjoy...
Mechanics have the hardest job on earth (next to politicians). It must seem impossible to please everyone. We non-car people don’t know anything. “The thingy is making a noise and sounds like “woo woo woo.” But only on rainy days and Mondays. They don’t know what to...
When I was a kid I could run really fast. If I were to race now I bet I’d be last. It’s simply inevitable if I may be so bold, This must be what it’s like to get old. But they say you get wiser with each passing year. What? What’d you say? I couldn’t quite hear. So...
Another Father’s Day. I’m glad somebody came up with the idea 111 years ago. It’s nice when people wish you a happy one. It’s fun to celebrate with family. It’s fun to give and get gifts! On Father’s Day, like other holidays, it’s easy to get your expectations up,...
The longer you live the more you need Jesus. It may seem counterintuitive. Maybe the older you get, the more you can “manage” your relationship? “As long as I do my morning devotions and go to church on Sunday, I’m good.” Or “I do daily Bible study and I’m growing...
Our children’s church pays kids in “jewels.” They look like little dollar bills in denominations of 50, 100, 500, 1000, etc. They can earn this Christian currency from any number of good deeds. Attendance, bringing your Bible, knowing your memory verse, or winning a...