November 27, 2012 7 Comments

Advent Readings and Lightings: Pastoral Preparations for the Coming Season

I wanted to give an aid for congregations and pastors, particularly those in free church backgrounds, who want to move away from the commercialization of the season to focus on the Incarnation. That is a hard sell to be sure. But the way to do it is Continue Reading

June 18, 2012

On the Preparation of the Pastoral Prayer

A Letter Written to Students Preparing for the Pastorate: On the Preparation of the Pastoral Prayer My Dear Students, I know that one of your primary concerns as you consider your calling to the pastorate is sermon preparation. And this is right. But Continue Reading

March 26, 2012

Do You Attend Worship or Do you Worship? A Biblical Appeal for Living Worship

Worship.  How do you worship the living God?  What does God require of our worship?  These are the important questions in the religious world. It remains a question, also, in the Church. Well, how shall we worship? In the book of John, chapter 4, Continue Reading

October 11, 2011 Leave a Comment

“At the Cross, at the Cross…”

There is no joy like that of pasting a flock of Jesus Christ’s. And so I have received this invitation from my friend, Pastor James Carter, to preach this installation service, with great joy, but also with a prayer that the Word of God and love and Continue Reading

July 17, 2011 1 Comment

From Mountains to Mondays

What does a Christian do with Mondays? This has long been a deep question of the soul for pastors and others ministers who have given their all in seeking to faithfully communicate the Gospel in a service of worship; who have unburdened their souls of the Continue Reading

July 11, 2011 Leave a Comment

The Simple Things, The Profound Things: A Charge to Pastor and People on God’s Love

The first things that are said at the beginning of a new relationship are the most important. We know that in courtship, in relationships with friends, and even in job interviews and sales appointments. The time of charging a new pastor and the Continue Reading

July 6, 2011 Leave a Comment

You Were Made For Ministry: The Place of Good Works in the Life of God’s Grace (Ephesians 2.1-10)

                    Today you came read this with your identities secure: I am a fifth grade teacher; I am an electrician; I am a second year student at college; I am a homemaker; I am a dad; I Continue Reading

June 9, 2011

The Believer’s Investment Strategy

Mark 10:17-31 (See also Matthew 19:16-22; Luke 18:18-23) The Rich Young Ruler 17 And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 And Jesus said to Continue Reading

June 6, 2011

Old Spice, Hai Karaté and the Aroma of God

Then burn the entire ram on the altar. It is a burnt offering to the LORD, a pleasing aroma, an offering made to the LORD by fire.  Exodus 29.18  For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.  Continue Reading

March 23, 2011

Facing the Fire and Living with Lions (Part 2)

Daniel 3.8-12; 16-26; 6.3-10; 14-24 This is the second of a three part devotional series on standing Strong in the Midst of Your Trials Have you read chapters 3 and 6 of the Book of Daniel?  In those chapters, you see God’s picture of true faith. Continue Reading