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

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.I recently had the opportunity to share a message at a church service.  It was a difficult one for me to share as it required me to confess a struggle that I have had for some time.  A couple of weeks ago, I was able to participate as part of a team during a weekend discipleship experience.  As I prepared for my role in this process, ...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.Over the last few years, I have had many conversations with people that are new to their faith.  They have shared that they have struggled with reading and understanding the bible.  Some have expressed wonder at how a book written about events thousands of years ago could be pertinent to their lives now.  Some have asked, “Can I apply...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.In our family, the last week of August is full of so many reasons to celebrate.  I wrote of these reasons this time last year.  During this week, my wife and I celebrate our wedding anniversary (number 32 this year), my ordination as a minister (year 2), and her birthday (I dare not say).  For those of you who have read my submissions...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.Children have returned to school.  The calendar is racing toward Labor Day. Summer is rapidly coming to an end.  It is so easy to get caught up in the trappings the world has to offer.  It is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily activities.Earlier this week, I took the opportunity to attend Revival Services at Be...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.Several times in recent weeks I have had several people speak to me about the difficulties they experience in receiving from others.  There are routines and occasions in our lives where many commonly expect to receive.  Birthdays, wedding anniversaries, and Christmas come to mind.  Other times, it can be a challenge to receive what so...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.In just about three months, my wife and I will join a very special club.  We will become grandparents.  Our eldest daughter, Jordan, and her husband, Michael, are expecting their first child in November.  By the time their daughter arrives, they will have celebrated their third wedding anniversary.  As people have learned of this upco...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.Biblically speaking, we are to forgive others their trespasses against us if we want God to forgive us of our sins.  I have written about forgiveness in this column many times.  The more I speak on this subject, the more it is evident that many of us struggle with it.  I want to highlight a story involving my mother and how a move of ...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.For most of my youth, our family lived in an apartment complex for which my mom served as a resident manager.  One afternoon, she had set up an ironing board in the building’s laundry room.  As a small boy, I entered the laundry room and saw the iron resting atop the ironing board.  My mom was removing the next load of clothes from on...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.Today’s column was written by an inmate who is incarcerated at a Virginia Department of Correction facility.  My wife and I have been ministering to him for nearly two years.  Thankfully, not all of us know what it is like to serve time in a physical prison.  However, many of us have been imprisoned spiritually.  The man who wrote thi...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.Obedience is a big word in the Christian vocabulary.  Frankly, it is a word and a process with which many struggle – me included.  Why do we struggle with being obedient to the will of God?  In Isaiah 55:8 (KJV), it is explained, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.”   Some of the very...  Read More