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...
Here we are on the cusp of summer! Summer is such a unique season with a million connotations. For kids, it’s freedom. For families, it’s a new schedule. For Texas, it’s just so crazy hot! For everybody, it’s potential for greatness. It’s a season custom-made...
The Chosen is a TV series about Jesus. The characters are so relatable. You truly get to know them! The scene where Jesus heals a man at the pool of Bethesda is extremely moving. Crippled since his youth, the man has grown bitter. No one will help him or care for him....
When Christ takes control of your life, something supernatural happens. It’s almost like magic, but magic implies something other than the power of God. No, it’s the Holy Spirit, which outranks any other force in the universe. An authentic change takes place in your...
Got a problem that never gets resolved? What’s been an issue forever and seems will always be? Our finite minds write it off as “hopeless.” But God is so much bigger than our minds. He can bring light to any situation. Has your loved one died? God can make even death...
We know God’s word provides peace, wisdom, and comfort. We know we can go there anytime. What we don’t know is why we let so much time go by not turning there for the answers we need! “I’m so busy!” If it’s a question of “I don’t have time,” allow me to recommend this...
My grandparents were great. I never knew what they did or how they did it. They were just there…a lot. And Granny and Gramps thought I was awesome. I know because they often told me. Who’d have thought I’d eventually be them? Grandparenting is easy if...
Loaves and fishes? Nuts? Berries? Perhaps. I don’t want to take liberties with scripture, but of this I’m fairly confident. He may have indulged occasionally. But I’m willing to bet He ate right. He did everything right. He’s JESUS. So, when I’m about to eat multiple...
It’s almost impossible. People say hurtful things. Ever try not to be defensive? When you’re tired, are you able to not be grumpy? It’s not easy. People can be discourteous or simply ignore you. Sometimes you’re ok, but sometimes it hurts. It can be difficult to take...
God created a lot of fantastic things. Somewhere near the top is your brain. It’s so complex, so fascinating, so… what’s the word? Oh well, I’ll think of it later. I’m sure you would have thought of it! Why? You have an amazing brain! You can figure out math problems,...
Peace. A little peace. Okay, a lot of peace. The world can seem less peaceful every day. There’s a reason for that. It’s why it’s called “the world.” Jesus told us, “In this world you will have trouble.” So, knowing this to be true, we’re no longer surprised by...
If you were a kid in the 60s, 70s, or 80s, TV was huge. It’s where we turned for appointment entertainment and information. Network TV, then cable. It was our daily habit. It used to be so easy. Three channels and UHF. Cable brought hundreds of options. Still,...
Joy and Bri had a mommy-daughter date at their favorite coffee shop. Trying to encourage a little independence, Joy wasn’t holding Bri’s hand and was about four steps ahead of her little one. She glanced back to check on her and she had already run into the...
Ever feel like you’re losing your joy? Here’s where to find it: It’s in your innocence. When we were kids, we were carefree! As we grew up, we got discouraged, disappointed, and less joyful. Our past hurts slowly affected our thinking, making us tired and susceptible...
Every Monday. 3:30 a.m. 85 miles to work. 75 minutes. Nearly all interstate. It’s a sweet ride filled with music, teaching, and/or quiet time. Almost without exception. 4:45 a.m. Old Jacksonville. My exit. And I have no idea it’s whizzing by in the dark at 75...
God is good! And guess what… He loves YOU! Yes, you! He created everything. He knows everything. And He wants to be with you! Amazing, right? Soak it up. Look around. We get excited about a natural phenomenon like a solar eclipse or a beautiful snowfall, and with good...
“I wish it would snow.” How many times have you said that? Clearly, we had no idea what we were asking. We were Israelites and we got boatloads of quail. “How are the roads?” It’s the most often asked question since “Who shot J.R.?” And the answer...
Mom’s hands are full. She’s speed-walking to her airport gate with a ten-year-old, a two-year-old, a stroller, and a backpack. Big girl jumps on the moving sidewalk as the toddler squeals “Me too!” Now big sis is several yards ahead as Mom picks up the baby, and...
“Did you hear what she said?” “He is so self-absorbed.” “I can’t believe what she’s wearing.” We’re very skilled at criticism. It’s our nature. A good way to measure our self-esteem would be to record ourselves and see how frequently we talk about those with whom we...
There was a guy at GM Shreveport in the 80’s who thought it was funny to come up behind me and yell “WHUT’RE YOO DOIN’?” I hated that guy. I know that’s wrong. I now simply recall him with some disdain, knowing God loves him and I should too. Conveniently, I haven’t...