As I am studying the Gospels I continue to stumble onto moments when Jesus’ ministry is lasared in on the disciples. He may have fed the five thousand and taught the masses but at the end of each teaching we do not find Him breaking down His teaching to anyone but the chosen 12. Jesus sends them in missions, stands back to allow them to fail, miraculously rescues them, and on more occasions than we Read More …

This morning I prepare for a speaking opportunity. As I prepare to jump into my text I am reminded of a story that has set the course of my life in many ways. It is a story I remember often as I prepare to fill a pulpit. It is a story I have never journaled until this morning. Some 16 years ago I prepared to compete in a preaching competition.  The previous two years I Read More …

Excellence. It is the act of doing something at a high level and perhaps even the highest level possible. It is the term given to those who are at the pinnacle of their field. It is the act of dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s in such a way that no ends are left loose. Excellence is what we should all strive for in our life. It is the goal of life because it Read More …

As Monday begins a new week I am still struggling to comprehend the events of Sunday.  I am struggling even harder to corral them lest I forget the immensity of what God offers to those who seek Him.  Yesterday I was allowed the privilege to witness the stories of some 20 people out of 65 who were baptized through the ministry of Blue Ridge Community Church.  I witnessed stories of drug addicts and stories of Read More …

I find myself praying often lately for health and protection for my family and myself. It has also been a praise continually on my lips that my immediate family has been hedged in with extraordinary goodness. At the moment we know of no cancer or heart failure. I know nothing of the anxiety that comes from others trying to hurt me or my family. While life has not always been perfect and rarely how I Read More …