Sometimes I am surprised at the way the stuff of life randomly arranges itself, only to immediately see that God’s sovereignty was once again showing. Today, I powered on my Kindle Scribe and opened my Digital Scripture Journal. I have been enjoying the freedom this tool gives me to take notes but not become distracted … Continue reading 2 Years Later: The Beautiful Timing of the Lord
Recently, I have been working through a few books of Systematic Theology. That topic simply means that you take what the Bible says about a certain topic and then summarize it all in one place. Technically, you have more going on depending on the purposes of the author writing the book (history, philosophy, etc.), but … Continue reading Thinking About God: Encouragement from Perplexing Theology
"Remember, though, a lot can change in three years. Just think about where you were three years ago." Those were the words of my pastor—just the other day, in fact. He was explaining something to a group of us, and the future had come up. As he laid out what he thought might happen, he … Continue reading A Lot Can Change in Four Years
I have a small exercise area in my basement. It has a dozen dumbbells, two kettlebells, and a bench. I am by no means a bodybuilder, but my wife and I are trying to be healthy in a habitual sense. Everyday we aim to get in at least 7 minutes of either walking or some … Continue reading LEGO Bricks on the Gym Mat
The Stearns Family, on our way out the door for the last time The house is empty. In January of 2012, Robyn and I bought our first home. We had been married for 12 years and lived in 9 different apartments. A year at a Bible College where we met. A year in a suburb … Continue reading The House is Empty of All but Memories
Hebrews 12 begins with these words, Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. This verse has a great truth for us to consider. When assessing our lives as … Continue reading A Weight that So Easily Entangles Young Men
Note: This is the first in a series of posts on the topic of pursuing godliness in 2025. Christmas break is a wonderful time for a professor. That is, as long as the grading is done, the syllabuses for next semester are completed, and the online course components are ready! In between attending to those … Continue reading Pursuing Godliness in 2025
“Don’t mess with Texas” reads the bumper sticker on the large pickup truck with the gun rack in the back window. The state motto for Texas is “friendship” and was chosen in 1830. The meaning comes from a local Indian word for “allies” or “friends.” But today the slogan that seems more popular at times … Continue reading The God Who is Like Texas
Highland Memory Gardens Two weeks ago, I rolled into a parking lot for the first time in almost a year. The oak trees stood resolutely in their places, unchanged by a lap around the sun. I sat for a moment in my car with the engine off. But then, it was time. I got out … Continue reading One Year After Goodbye
Recently I have been teaching through Baptist beliefs in Sunday School. Last week we discussed the idea of individual freedom in regards to belief and church membership. One of the key aspects of a Baptist church is the idea of voluntary association. In some church models, for example the Catholic church, membership is often involuntary. … Continue reading Can a Speeding Ticket Change Your Heart?
Thoughts Worth Thinking 