Articles (Page 3)
Prompted by the Spirit
I had an appointment to perform a pest service with a client on Thursday. I texted him on Wednesday night to confirm our time frame. At that time, he had invited me to an event that evening. I told him I could not make it as I attend Bible study on Wednesday nights. He asked what denomination our church was, and I told him that we go to a Southern Baptist church called The Way. When I arrived at his…
Even A Child Can Share
Recently, as part of our “Light Of The World” campaign, we had a Gospel presentation from Ty Hall, a child within our church. May you be encouraged by hearing a little bit of that story. Q: Who did you tell about Jesus? A: My friend named Alex. Q: What were you doing that gave you the chance to talk about Jesus? A: We were talking about all the things that live in the desert. Q: What did you tell him…
Sharing the Gospel with a Side of Lunch
A while back, I was hungry and decided to stop at Subway for some lunch. As I was walking up to the door, I noticed a man sitting against the wall with a large camping backpack. He was obviously homeless. As soon as I saw him, I decided to purchase him some food and eat lunch with him. My plan was to split my sandwich with him. I ordered my sandwich. As soon as I was done paying, I noticed…
Earning the Right to Speak
I have been building a relationship with my neighbors for several years. I would generally catch Travis outside working on his yard or whatever new pet project he currently had going. When I saw him, I would head over and just talk with him and Lisa, his wife, when she was present. We would talk about anything from his landscaping business to the latest game I was playing, and we often would look out for each other’s houses, as we…
Heading the Wrong Way
Men, we have been called to lead, and it all starts with our families. We are to pass down to our children and to our children’s children how we have seen and experienced God in our lives. We are to constantly remind ourselves and our families of God’s love for us and how He intimately intervenes in our lives. But sadly, too many men are heading the wrong way. And now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the rules that I am…
Sharing the Gospel in Our Local Community
Jesus calls us to make disciples, as we are going (Matthew 28:19-20). This means, we are to make disciples as we travel from one sphere of influence into another, from one local community into another. One of my small communities is Trader Joe’s. A couple months ago, while we were still in our series on the Spiritual Disciplines, I went into Trader Joe’s to get a few things. But before I left for the store, I prayed for God to…
Moving Forward with Spiritual Disciplines
It was a Monday, and I was at a lady’s house who was having problems with bees—they were using her pool as a source of drinking water. The bigger problem, though, was that past her backyard fence was miles of desert and a mountain. I told her I would try to help her, but unfortunately, it would be like looking for a needle in a haystack. The bees could be anywhere, and the chance for success was very low. And…
Community in an Age of Isolation
Individualism is all around us. As Americans, it’s part of the air we breathe. This rugged individualism can be great in certain areas, but it also comes with drawbacks. Thinking we can do life without the help of others, we are lonely and isolated. We rob ourselves of the natural need for community God planted within us. Sadly, new technology and social media often seem to deepen the loneliness and isolation. The ancient Scriptural truth that it is not good for man to be alone…
Give Me Peoria, Or I Die
In the mid 1500’s, a pastor by the name of John Knox was working tirelessly to further the spread of the gospel in Scotland. His passion for seeing others saved was so strong that he once famously prayed “Give me Scotland, or I die.” This wasn’t meant as an arrogant demand on God but rather the passionate prayer of a man who valued Jesus above even his physical life. Through the providence of God and after many years of prayer…