This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.As I reflected upon what I might write for this week’s column, I was reminded of a story documented in one of the Gospels.  In the account documented by Luke, he tells of a situation involving two disciples who had an encounter with Jesus as they walked on the road to Emmaus.  This encounter took place after Jesus had emerged from the...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News Post.I remember a conversation that I had with a man who would become one of my pastors on November 13, 2015.  He spoke of lineage ministry and wanted to know what I knew of it.  I remember replying that I knew the Bible started with Genesis and ended with revelation, but that was about all I had at that point.  There was not much I could ...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.It is with a sense of heaviness that I write this week’s column.  For nearly two years now, I have been given the opportunity to share hope and encouragement with readers of The Franklin News-Post.  I never thought myself to be much of a writer.  I have no idea as to any that I have made a connection with through this column.  I have ...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.Circumstances have certainly changed since the last column I wrote.  And the outlook for the next couple of weeks is sobering.  If you’re feeling melancholy, angry, or despondent, it is certainly understandable.  As I prepared to write this week’s column, I was reminded of a sermon I heard preached on August 21, 2016.  That date is no...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.I count it a privilege to be able to write this shared column for The Franklin News-Post.  Who knew when I wrote on the topic of priorities two weeks ago just how timely that would be?  Much has happened in our world since that column appeared.  It has been fascinating to see just what the priorities are for some of us.Certainly there...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.Time flies.  It seems as though there is always another milestone just ahead – another marker of time.  This is magnified as we get older. When I was younger and did not have familial responsibilities, I didn’t notice it.  When I got married and especially when I became a father, that’s when I developed an awareness of it.  It manifes...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.My wife and I are the parents to three incredible girls.  Who am I kidding?  They are very much women now all living independently and leading their own lives.  One is in Georgia, one in Northern Virginia and the eldest lives in Roanoke with her husband and our granddaughter.  In spite of the challenges I faced in the years they lived...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.An aspect of our ministry that has seemingly come from nowhere, but in fact, I have been prepared most of my adult life, is our visitation efforts at local healthcare facilities.  It is true that I worked inside the four walls of three different hospitals.  I have been involved for more than six years working for an organization that ...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.By now, many of us have enjoyed a bountiful meal with all of the holiday trimmings.  We likely have shared a perspective of what we are truly thankful.  Some will have stepped into communities of people that are struggling in this day and time and helped to prepare and serve a meal.  For some who volunteer in such situations, it is an...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.Last weekend, my wife and I visited the City of Norfolk.  It was a very quick trip arriving Saturday afternoon and returning to Franklin County on Sunday just after lunch.  After checking out of our hotel Sunday morning, we walked a block to a nearby restaurant to grab a bite to eat before beginning the long drive home.  The restauran...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.I have been reflecting a great deal on the lives my brother and his wife lived.  Bobby and Pam Clark were faithful servants of Christ. They lived their lives to live again.  I hear it asked from time to time, if you were living your last moments on earth, how would you spend that time?  The thing is we never know when that last moment...  Read More

This article was originally posted in the Franklin News-Post.As you read this week’s column, I encourage you to give thought to it in a personal way.  Reflect upon what is written as it applies to the circumstance in your faith walk.  For more than 25 years, the second Sunday in October has been designated as Pastor (or Clergy) Appreciation Day.  I challenge you to reflect on all of the ways your ...  Read More