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
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
“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
The day after Thanksgiving – the one-year anniversary of Robyn’s death – Melissa shared something with me. It was a reflection she had penned on life as we presently know it. She thought about what she would say to Robyn if she had the opportunity to chat with her for a few minutes. As I … Continue reading To Bless the Lord: A Guest Post by Melissa Stearns
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?
All your friends sit in your living room, having just dined sumptuously at your table, and now take up residence on your furniture. Tea and coffee have been served all around and a lively conversation keeps on going. In a bit, you will break out a game of Settlers of Catan or maybe something more relaxed, like Carcassonne. Much … Continue reading Better Than a Party
Wormwood, My worst demon, how are you doing? I’ve heard you’ve moved into aesthetics with your human. Yes, yes, nakedness is a great play with most humans. But have you considered the shame factor? Of course the human is aware that nudity is sin. Alluring? Yes. Damning? Almost certainly. But remember that a sin like porneia gets … Continue reading Screwtape’s Favorite Song
Thoughts Worth Thinking 