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If you recognize the Psalm from yesterday, it doesn’t mean that you have the day wrong. One of the Lectionary passages is repeated over three days to allow for the often powerful effects of soaking in the same passage of scripture. Our need to repent quite often brings powerful emotional responses, so today’s selection from […]

Today’s readings call us to examine our hearts and lives and reflect on our need for God’s mercy and goodness. Though these texts are thousands of years old, the human situation they describe can all too easily be found in today’s headlines. The deep need for individuals and communities to humbly seek God’s ways is […]

“So, what are you doing for Lent?” probably still sounds strange coming from a Baptist. Lent was traditionally not observed by Baptists, but Baptist participation in Lenten practices has increased significantly in recent years. This is a good thing. Lent is a season of self-examination, reflection, repentance, fasting, and preparation for the coming of Easter. […]

“Thou has set my feet in a broad place.” Psalm 31:8 The Psalmist celebrates the open space, the wide place that God had led him to live. He can run and jump, explore and play, work and live freely. He can move about in the broad place and not become stagnant or hemmed in by […]

Uncle Bill finally made it back to church after 70 years. He stood at the doors of that same church as a young man and had been denied entrance. Yesterday, they let him in. He grew up as the son of a Brethren minister. As a teenager, he determined that he would follow in his […]

First Sunday in Lent, March 5, 2017 Monday (March 6, 2017): Psalm 32; 1 Kings 19:1-8; Hebrews 2:10-18 Tuesday (March 7, 2017): Psalm 32; Genesis 4:1-16; Hebrews 4:14-5:10 Wednesday (March 8, 2017): Psalm 32; Exodus 34:1-9, 27-28; Matthew 18:10-14 Thursday (March 9, 2017): Psalm 121; Isaiah 51:1-3; 2 Timothy 1:3-7 Friday (March 10, 2017): Psalm […]

C.S. Lewis is revered by many Christians for his wonderful stories and contributions to the world of Christian writing.  I must confess that I have yet to read the “Chronicles of Narnia.”  I read “Mere Christianity” back in college; though I wasn’t a very attentive reader back then.  “The Great Divorce” allowed me to wade […]

I finished my first book of 2013 about 3 weeks ago.  The Monster in the Hollows is book three of the Wingfeather Saga written by Andrew Peterson.  I must first confess that Andrew Peterson is my favorite musician, therefore I could be accused of bias.  Nonetheless, this book is a heart warming adventure from cover […]

Let’s start with the beginning. Our faith story declares –In the beginning God… We are told that God is the alpha and omega, the beginning and end.The essence of our faith centers on our understanding of God. While there are other components that shape and inform our faith like the Bible and tradition, it is […]

E. Stanley Jones was a Methodist missionary in India. He became a light of love and grace that earned the respect of many people. He had influence with many leaders in India, including Gandhi. The witness of Christ that Jones lived out still provides an example for all of us. In his autobiography, A Song […]

The following article is one I found on Tumblr—-I thought it was worth sharing. I attended a lecture this week that was by no means groundbreaking in originality, but immensely refreshing to hear.  In the midst of a discussion about parables, my Bible professor noted, “A faith that is centered upon getting into heaven is […]

I will begin a series of blogs entitled Theology Matters soon. I would appreciate anyone who has questions concerning theology to let me know. Email or call and let me know what questions you would like considered in this blog. My number at church is (256) 379-2813. I invite you to join me in this […]

This summer Vickie and I had an opportunity to visit an island called Curacao. One of the fun things we did was ride a catamaran. The place we were staying had created a harbor that was safe behind a rock wall. The wall protected people from the wind and waves of the ocean. Riding the […]

The Face of Immigration in Alabama Tonight I visited an undocumented couple in need of housing. They have a young son who they love and care for. He is the reason they came to Alabama. They wanted him to have a chance for a better life. He was born here in the United States and […]

From One White House to the Other A group of Baptist pastors and ministers from across the country were invited to the White House for a nonpartisan briefing concerning public-policy and justice issues. I received the invitation from Dr. Robert Parham, Executive Director of the Baptist Center for Ethics in Nashville,Tennessee. I was honored to […]