We all have pet peeves. I am no exception.  One in particular grates on my nerves.  It is the usage of the personal pronoun I. 

We are having some crazy weather this week. Extreme heat warnings are in every forecast. It is supposed to be a bajillion degrees today and just the same tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day. We practically need sunscreen to get to the car.

Every year around the Fourth of July, especially this year on our semiquincentennial, the same conversation ensues. Someone observes that America has lost its moral compass. Another laments the decline of biblical values. Before long, many agree that our nation stands at a spiritual crossroads.

Last week was our family vacation at the beach. There were five adults and seven grandchildren in one house. At times it can be a bit loud and chaotic, but we always have a great time.

When we look at 2 Chronicles 7:12-14, we have to realize that this passage is as important now as it was when it was written. In 1 Corinthians 10:11 we are reminded of what the Apostle Paul said …

On the evening of June 24, two powerful earthquakes struck north-central Venezuela in rapid succession — a 7.2, then a 7.5-magnitude shock moments later, with the epicenter in the Yaracuy region (near San Felipe). Shaking was felt across much of the country, including Caracas, La Guaira, Aragua, and Carabobo.

Knocking on doors in hopes of sharing the gospel has been part of my life for 35 years of ministry leadership. I learned to share the gospel at age 25 and have been involved in door-to-door evangelism since age 26. 

Nearly every area of life depends upon narrowness and exclusivity. None of us are eager to be a surgeon’s guinea pig on an operating table, preferring instead a physician who understands the single most effective method for heart surgery.

Some might say everything changed in 2015 when the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage.  Others, that change has been simmering since the 60s.  And still others that its roots go all the way back to philosophers & scientists during “the enlightenment.”   Whatever’s true, it’s clear some of the ministry models that gained traction in the 20th century aren’t as effective in the 21st.  It’s time to let go of some old assumptions.

Proverbs 3:5 is one of my favorite proverbs. It states, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” I use this verse often when asked, “Why did God let this happen?”

Dr. Johnny Nix is right: the Southern Baptist Convention's response to the abuse crisis damaged trust. The pastor of Pickett’s Mill Baptist Church makes that case with real conviction in a recent Christian Index commentary. Where we part ways is on whose trust was broken, and how it will be rebuilt.

As an Argentine-born immigrant and huge fan of soccer, watching the World Cup has been tremendous fun. Of course, Argentina's performance so far has been terrific, which helps.

On page 1955 in my Life Application Study Bible, something wonderful happened. Well, wonderful might not be the correct word. Important is probably better.

Recently, I asked a group of pastors and leaders who have participated in Church Renewal Conversations a simple question: What is your greatest challenge when it comes to church revitalization? The responses were honest and encouraging. They came from leaders who love the local church, carry ministry burdens, and believe God can renew His people for His mission.

Once, a snooty, high society lady looked down her nose at another lady and asked, “Where are your jewels?” ​The woman called her sons over and pronounced, “These are my jewels!” That’s how I feel about my family.

As America celebrates her 250th birthday, citizens across our nation will gather beneath fireworks, wave flags, and remember the extraordinary events that gave birth to the United States. Two and a half centuries after the signing of our Declaration of Independence, we still enjoy freedoms that millions of people around the world only dream about.

Shohei Ohtani plays baseball for the LA Dodgers.  It’s not uncommon for him to hit 50 home runs in a season.  Also to drive in 100+ runs and steal 20 bases.  Not to mention starting 10-15 games as a pitcher & posting an ERA under 3.00.  So nowadays, LOTS of 8-year-old boys are dreaming of being the next Ohtani.  How could it be otherwise? 

Pastor, you carry a sacred responsibility. Week after week, you stand in the pulpit, walk with the hurting, and faithfully serve. But while feeding and serving others, how often do you neglect your physical health?

A piece on www.australiangeographic.com, dated March 2, 2017 and written by Richard Woolveridge gives a fascinating account of James Bartley, 21, a sailor aboard the British vessel  Star of the East. The year was 1891 when his crew, along with a sister boat, was whaling in the frigid waters off the Falkland Islands, about 300 miles east of Argentina.

What does a mature disciple of Christ look like? Over the past decade Lifeway Research has delved into this with thousands of pastors and church leaders.

In Isaiah 1:18, we read, “'Come now, and let us reason together,' says the Lord, 'though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.'” Albert Einstein once stated that a teacher should teach students to think (reason) and the rest would take care of itself. That should have been, and in many cases was, the goal of all good teachers.

Early in the morning, while it was still dark, I could hear him coming. The whirl of his brushes and the low hum of his engine quietly announced his arrival. It was the street sweeper.

Every June, television airwaves, business storefronts, and social media are flooded with messages celebrating LGBTQ “Pride Month,” a challenging time for Southern Baptists who uphold the integrity of marriage between one man and one woman in a covenant relationship.

​For centuries, Christians have wrestled with the tension between obedience to civil authorities and faithfulness to God's commands. That tension is receiving renewed attention in Canada, where C-9, Canada’s “Combating Hate Act”, has recently passed the Senate. The legislation significantly expands the country's hate-speech framework and removes a longstanding protection for religious expression.

I missed the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in Orlando, Florida, this year, but watched a significant amount of it via live streaming. I attended my first Convention in 1968 in Houston, Texas, and according to my best calculations, I have been a messenger to 57 of them.