• Discipleship

    Dad: God, Family, Friends, and Memories

    “Son, when it comes down to it, life is about God, family, friends, and memories.” If I had a dollar for every time my dad made this statement, I’d be a rich man. As he and I talked about his impending death, I told him that they would form the outline for the funeral sermon he’d asked me to preach. He sought to order his life using these four priorities, in order. It’s impossible to sum up his life in a blog post, but I present these four priorities to grant you a glimpse into my father’s life. God Dad’s…

  • Discipleship

    Safe in the Arms of God

    What does it mean to be safe in the arms of God? Can the Christ follower have assurance of salvation? Jesus promised His sheep that they would be secure in Him. He stated, I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. John 10:28 (CSB) If you are a Christ follower, Jesus has purchased you with His shed blood on the cross. He paid the ransom for your freedom. He lived a perfect life in your place that you could not live. He died a death that you deserve. He…

  • Discipleship

    Balance

    Balance is an essential need for all of us. I especially appreciate my need for balance when I’m training in martial arts. We call it “staying in our frame.” Being in frame refers to having a strong foundation from which we can strike or defend when facing an opponent. When someone is in frame, they have good balance and cannot be thrown or knocked down by an opponent. It’s easy to stay in frame when you’re not moving. It’s much more challenging to do it when you’re mobile. Like martial arts, we need balance in our lives. It’s easier for…

  • Discipleship

    God’s Word: Its Role in Guiding Our Lives

    The Psalms reference the role God’s Word plays in the lives of God’s people. In Psalm 119, the Psalmist writes, Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 From this passage, we learn several truths regarding how God’s Word guides us in our daily lives. Your Word Notice whose Word is mentioned by the Psalmist. It is not our word. It is God’s Word. Our nature is to rely on ourselves as sources of authority. Have you ever caught yourself saying, “I know the Bible says this, but….” We all tend to…