Today, we kicked off our new Podcast: “West Franklin Talks.” The first episode was all about the spiritual discipline of daily Bible reading. Below are several resources linked on the show. Bible Translations: Bible Gateway Bible Reading Plans Study Bibles: The NIV, Biblical Theology Study Bible The ESV Study Bible Christian Standard Study Bible The John MacArthur Study Bible Additional Resources: How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth How to Read the Bible Book... Read more
I recently had another physical. So. Much. Fun. Nothing says “have an incredible day!” like stepping on a scale, walking from the bathroom with a warm cup, and giving 26 pounds of blood. I use to think it couldn’t get any worse. Then I turned 40. Now I hate – HATE – plastic gloves. Have you ever noticed they (nurse, lab tech, the one giving you the colonoscopy of questions) always asks if you have lost or gained more than... Read more
Her: “I just don’t think ‘door to door’ evangelism is going to work in our neighborhood.” Me: “I agree. We live in a different time.” Pause Me: “What surface level needs do the people in your neighborhood have?” Her: “The older folks who live here are lonely. The younger families crave community. We see the younger families out, talking together, watching sporting events and movies outside, drinking beer and having a good time being together.” Me: “What would it look... Read more
“The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’” (Luke 18:11-12) Think about all the good and religious and “god” things this Pharisee did: He went to the temple to pray He was thankful He didn’t steal He wasn’t a crook He didn’t cheat on his wife He didn’t rob people... Read more
“Anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Jesus – Luke 18:17) This year was the first Christmas one of our children gave gifts to the family. Sure. There have been years we all joyfully (read: faked a big smile) received gifts of “home-made” crafts made during Sunday School (read: glue and glitter all over the backseat of the car) or trinkets found in the back of a closet (read: their... Read more
“Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4) Earlier this week I went to the dentist for a bi-annual cleaning. I wasn’t scared. I wasn’t nervous. I didn’t dread it. Though I didn’t look forward to it necessarily, I was confident my pearly whites would shine when told to “open wide.” I even had a thought or two of my face becoming the model patient for the dentist office. If you know anything about my history – you... Read more
Her: “How can I get plugged into the church? My husband and I attend every Sunday and are a part of a small group. What else can I do at the church?” Me: “How do you feel God leading you? What are your gifts? How are you wired?” Her: “Well, I recently had two young mothers ask to meet for coffee and I am super excited about that.” Me: “Why did they want to meet with you?” Her: “I assume... Read more
“He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:3) College football season ended Monday night. The NFL only has 3 games remaining. In one sense, I am very sad. I love watching football. To quote my 13 year old son: “The day after the last football game is right up there with the day after your birthday.” In another sense, it is a good thing. I get a large part of my life back. If you,... Read more
In reality, the reason we sheep so often let other “shepherds” guide us is because we really don’t trust THE Shepherd. And, the reason we don’t trust THE Shepherd is because we don’t know Him. The more you know about Him, and the more you experience what He says to be true about Himself, the more confidence you place in Him. Here are 3 ways you can begin (or continue) this journey immediately: 1.GRAZE Nothing can substitute daily feasting on... Read more
According to Philip Keller, there are several reasons sheep never settle. They rarely rest. Their propensity toward pitiful is rampant. This is what makes Psalm 23 so beautiful, so rich, so longed for, so. . . foreign to our souls (if we are being honest). Using some of my own language and terms (borrowed from Keller), below are 6 reasons sheep (real ones and us humans) remain pyscho, not content, restless. Predators Sheep are frightened at the slightest sign of... Read more
Churched
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In