Following The Son

"There's no more room." The church parking lot was full. This would often happen on special occasions, or for different events. Traffic cones would be placed across the entrance and someone would be assigned to stand there to let people know. This was one of those days. The two individuals at the entrance were college students from the church. A car pulled in and the driver refused to turn around. Although no spaces were available he insisted on being let into the lot. He spoke angrily and made demands. Then things elevated. With a young man standing in front of his car he pulled forward and bumped him. I didn't witness any of this, but got to hear about it later. Our parking attendant instantly became angry. Not unusual considering someone had just hit him on purpose with their car. Words were exchanged and it became evident the whole situation could go from bad to worse quickly. In steps grandma. Seemingly out of nowhere, an elderly woman was in...

Ever have a bad day? Sure you have. Car won't start...spilled coffee on your shirt...running late and your kids can't find their shoes...can't find your keys? Those days happen. David had a worse day. You've had a worse day before also. David lived on the run for some time when Saul wanted to kill him. He puts together what amounts to the A-Team of his day. If you don't know what the A-Team is you'll have to look them up. He ends up working for the Philistines, but then they fire him. Although he was loyal some folks didn't trust him after that whole Goliath thing. He heads back home with his men to their families but when they arrive at Ziklag they encounter horror. " When David and his men reached Ziklag, they found it destroyed by fire and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive."  I Samuel 30:3 That's not a "bad day." That's a "worse day." Then it got worse. " David was...

This morning my oldest son, Nathaniel, and his wife, Nicole, welcomed baby Isabella Elena into their family. She's our second grandchild, which is a bit surreal, and we sure are excited. Her older brother, Josiah, is just 21 months and has his first sibling. I have no doubt he'll be an awesome big brother. Before our first grandchild was born many people told me what it would be like, but to be honest I didn't really get it. I have since learned the bond that occurs when that child is placed in your arms. Although a generation removed you know, "this child descended from me." It's a bit overwhelming. "A grandchild fills a space in your heart that you never knew was empty." -Author Unknown The amount of love and sense of responsibility are both enormous when you're a grandparent. The love part seems to come naturally, the responsibility is also assigned by our Heavenly Father. " And what other nation is so great as to have...

I had a really late night followed by a very early start so I'm turning today's post over to a friend of mine, Rob Phranor. Rob is the Pastor of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church in Decatur, AL, and he and I went to Bible College together. Here's a few good words to encourage you. "This is almost unbelievable, but hear me out: “It was good for me to go through affliction so that I might learn your words.” King David, Psalm 119:71 What?!?!  None of us like painful experiences. But instead of waiting for it to pass, instead of hating those who hurt you and lied about you, instead of turning to temporary things to distract you, instead of buying a 6-pack...this might be the best time to try talking to God.  Affliction can actually be a teacher to us...if we let it.  God sees. God knows. He’s created you for a purpose.  Don’t let this pain go without asking your Father for guidance, for grace, and for growth.  Never let a pain...

In the early morning hours today a long time friend breathed his final breath on earth. He will be missed by many, but we thank God for our hope for eternity. Today's post is some thoughts to encourage all of us as we look to that day. My wife and I fly on standby. Our son is a pilot, and one of the unique benefits is not having to buy airline tickets. It's pretty awesome, but there are a couple drawbacks. We don't simply not buy tickets, we don't get tickets. We show up hoping for an open seat on the plane. If it's available we're in, but if not you're rolled over and wait for the next plane. Once we waited and we were rolled over...again and again and again. We sat waiting for our names to be called, but they never were. Finally night came and we left the airport. It was pretty disappointing for our names to never make it onto the planes passenger list. Worse than this is when I encounter a believer who is afraid that when they stand befor...

Music 🎶 is really powerful, but you already knew that. It motivates us, we celebrate with it, and then it can also move us to tears. What would Star Wars or Indiana Jones be without their signature theme music? We can identify TV shows by the songs that accompany them, and even commercial jingles get stuck in our heads. It's power in our spiritual lives also can't be missed. There's an account in the Scriptures of a trio of kings who went out to fight a battle. Things initially didn't go well, but there wasn't any fighting going on. The season was dry, and the army ran out of water. Believing that it was God who had brought them together, yet fearing for the well being of their men, the leaders sought for a prophet to help guide them in what to do. Enter Elisha. Elijah had recently been taken to Heaven in a chariot of fire. Imagine witnessing that! Someone tells the king that his apprentice Elisha is in the area so they head off to meet him. He...

In the wake of the tragic shooting in a Texas church, and so much more going on in our world today, this morning I just dwelled on a few "peace" passages. No long commentary today, I just want to share a few of those verses with you. " Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." I Peter 5:7 " And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7 "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15 "The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace." Psalm 29:11 "I will listen to what God the LORD says; he promises peace to his people." Psalm 85:8 "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." Isaiah 26:3 "I have told you these things, so th...