West Franklin Family, It’s Winter. Last Sunday we could not gather in person due to icy, snowy conditions. As I type (I started writing this on Wednesday), it is pouring rain – washing away the last remnants of last weekend’s snow. The weatherman said it’s supposed to drop into the 20’s tonight. There’s another chance of ice and snow. It’s muddy. It’s mushy. It’s nasty. The ground freezes, then thaws. You either step on a icy spot, or your shoe… Read more
West Franklin Family, The first thing out of John the Baptist’s mouth when asked who he was by religious leaders was, “I am not the Messiah” (John 1:20). Incredibly wise. Remarkably freeing. We would all do well to start responding in like manner. It’s not just that John knew who he was and who he wasn’t. He did and was very comfortable in his own skin. (I mean, think about it: anyone who eats bugs and wears camel hair clothes… Read more
West Franklin Family, Tomorrow morning we will begin a four month journey through the Gospel of John. In the very last verse John writes: “Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” (John 21:25) In other words, John was super choosy about what he included in the 21 chapters. John saw Jesus do so many… Read more
I consider myself a preacher of grace. It’s my life verse, after all. I feel I am pretty good at receiving it (Lord knows how bad I need it!). I feel I am pretty good at talking about it. And, though there is work to be done, I feel I am pretty good at giving grace. At least I did feel pretty good about myself in the grace-giving department. I felt good about myself until Tom Brady preached at me…. Read more
West Franklin Family, 2021 began with a horrific insurrection on our nation’s capital. It ends with COVID-19 numbers skyrocketing once again. Sigh. If we keep our noses in the news, there will always be reason for panic and fear. We know, however, that our God does not give us a spirit of fear. We also know that, regardless of circumstances, Jesus promised to build His church. The gates of hell, or a pandemic, or insurrectionists will not overcome it. Despite… Read more
West Franklin Family, Anyone who knows me knows that there is no way I could write the title to this letter a week ago. The opposite would have been the case. Prior to this week, I hated – despised – every single line I have ever had to stand or sit in. Grocery store lines. Traffic. Lines to order a meal. Lines to go the bathroom. Lines at the DMV. Lines to get my oil changed. Lines to pay for… Read more
Last week I linked to several books I recommend based on my reading in 2021. Below are several I hope to get to in the New Year. I linked them for your convenience, and if you are looking for any last second Christmas ideas for me (just kidding. . . sort of.) Below the link I have cut and pasted the description provided by Amazon. What are books you hope to get to in the next year? The Flourishing Pastor:… Read more
West Franklin Family, For a short season of my life, I was “that guy.” The doctrine police. The theological terror. The guy who would blast manger scenes that not only displayed the wise men – but only three of them! According to the Scriptures, the wise men showed up later – much later – post-birth. And nowhere does the Bible indicate there were only three. I believed it was my calling in life to show you how heretical you were… Read more
Favorite Books I Read this Year A Burning in My Bones: The Authorized Biography of Eugene H. Peterson, Translator of the Message by Winn Collier I was most excited about this book entering 2021 and it did not disappoint. I enjoyed it so much I read it twice! Winn Collier is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. This book tells the story of one of the truest pastor’s I have ever read – Eugene Peterson. Collier writes with beauty… Read more
West Franklin Family, It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Presents. What do you get the person who has everything? What to get your nieces and nephews you see maybe once a year? What to get your estranged sibling? The coworker you barely know whose name you drew for the office party? An envelope with cash? A gift card? Clothes? How much to spend on each? What about your kids’ friends who get your children something? What if you… Read more
