Posts on General

I desire mercy, not sacrifice, the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. – Hosea 6:6 The thought of canceling worship or closing churches causes me deep distress. But I have to ask, “Why is that being done? Is it persecution?” No. “Is it government overreach?” Some say so. But… Why is the Government insisting on closing churches in many places, as in the UK tonight, and perhaps here very soon? Why have we voluntarily said ‘No’ to large gatherings for worship, foregoing our fellowship, even in smaller groups? Here is why: We love our neighbors. Right now, the glory... Read this post

Personal and Family Devotions Monday, March 23rd Grace and Peace to you! Throughout this crisis, I’ll be sending you devotions/studies with some readings and questions, along with some links for songs and hymns. I’ll try to include some great quotes too (Hey, I love quotes!) to help us discover wisdom from the past to live well right now. These are unprecedented days for us with the unexpected rushing at high velocity into our lives. These are not unprecedented experiences, however, in history, making this a season in which we can draw on the experiences of those who’ve gone before us,... Read this post

Personal and Family Devotions Saturday, March 21st Grace and Peace to you! Throughout this crisis, I’ll be sending you devotions/studies with some readings and questions, along with some links for songs and hymns. I’ll try to include some great quotes too (Hey, I love quotes!) to help us discover wisdom from the past to live well right now. These are unprecedented days for us with the unexpected rushing at high velocity into our lives. These are not unprecedented experiences, however, in history, making this a season in which we can draw on the experiences of those who’ve gone before us,... Read this post

Personal and Family Devotions Thursday, March 19th Grace and Peace to you! Throughout this crisis, I’ll be sending you devotions/studies with some readings and questions, along with some links for songs and hymns. I’ll try to include some great quotes too (Hey, I love quotes!) to help us discover wisdom from the past to live well right now. These are unprecedented days for us with the unexpected rushing at high velocity into our lives. These are not unprecedented experiences, however, in history, making this a season in which we can draw on the experiences of those who’ve gone before us,... Read this post

Personal and Family Devotions Wednesday, March 18th Grace and Peace to you! Throughout this crisis, I’ll be sending you devotions/studies with some readings and questions, along with some links for songs and hymns. I’ll try to include some great quotes too (Hey, I love quotes!) to help us discover wisdom from the past to live well right now. These are unprecedented days for us with the unexpected rushing at high velocity into our lives. These are not unprecedented experiences, however, in history, making this a season in which we can draw on the experiences of those who’ve gone before us,... Read this post

Personal and Family Devotions March 17, 2020 Readings Today: Romans 8:31-39; John 16:32-33; Psalm 91 A Joyous St. Patrick’s Day to All! There’s a short version of this great prayer, usually confined to the last several lines, beginning with ‘Christ with me, Christ before me…’. Since my middle name is Patrick, and since I was supposed to be in Ireland today, I’m including the entire prayer for your devotions today. As you pray through this magnificent supplication and confession, you will discover in fresh ways what we noted yesterday in Romans 8 – God sends his Spirit and strength to... Read this post

Personal and Family Devotions Monday, March 16th Grace and Peace to you! Throughout this crisis, I’ll be sending you devotions/studies with some readings and questions, along with some links for songs and hymns. I’ll try to include some great quotes too (Hey, I love quotes!) to help us discover wisdom from the past to live well right now. These are unprecedented days for us with the unexpected rushing at high velocity into our lives. These are not unprecedented experiences, however, in history, making this a season in which we can draw on the experiences of those who’ve gone before us,... Read this post

Beloved Christ Community Members and Friends, Grace and Peace. This Sunday, March 15, we are canceling all gathered worship services. We will offer Live-Stream worship services at 8:30 and 11:00 AM. This Sunday, I will be preaching from Romans 8:26-39 and our full liturgy will be available in a downloadable format for your family and small group to use. * C3 Children’s Ministry Director Becky Clark will also be making a downloadable children’s lesson available. * C3 Next Gen Pastor Charles Johnson will be in communication with Student Ministries families in the coming week. Follow the links below to join... Read this post

‘#GirlDad’ is going viral and understandably so. Asked by someone whether he and his wife Vanessa might have another child in hopes of a son being born, blessed as they were already with daughters, Kobe Bryant responded, “I’m a girl-dad.” For Kobe, there was nothing out of balance with being a dad to ‘only’ girls – and thank heavens for that response. His late daughter Gigi backed him up too. When it was suggested that Bryant needed a son to carry on his sports legacy, Gigi answered, “I’ve got this.” From all accounts, she did. She was a gifted player,... Read this post