I often joke that I know exactly what the stock market is going to do. I know it will go up, and I know it will go down – I just don’t know when. Which, of course, is the real trick; knowing when certain events are going to happen. What is true of the market is true in real life. We know we will die, or more accurately stated, we know our bodies will die, and our souls will be transported to another dimension. (The second part of that statement is intensely debated with some believing … [Read more...]
‘They gave themselves…’
As the brother read the obituary for the missionary couple, I heard him use the phrase from 2 Corinthians 8:5 – “They gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us by God’s will” (CSB). A powerful statement about the churches in Macedonia. The apostle Paul spent time there making disciples and now he praised these precious souls in a letter to a troubled church that was distracted from the mission. Paul was pleading with the Corinthian believers to follow through on their surrender to … [Read more...]
Freedom threatened as school year approaches
An administrator walked into a classroom and noticed a Bible on the teacher’s desk. Afraid the teacher might read it with students, the administrator ordered it hidden. The teacher could either comply or face disciplinary action. Discerning Missouri Baptists must be involved in school district decisions that could impact their children. Government-forced vaccinations and masking, the American Humanist Association’s campaign urging students to sit – not stand – during the Pledge of … [Read more...]
Can we love without being vulnerable?
As a pastor of a local church in Missouri, I remember the advice I first received when I entered full-time ministry. A pastor from another church approached me and said, “Well, you have to remember one thing: Don’t become friends with those you minister to. Staff are employees and you just want to keep a professional relationship.” This left me in a dilemma. Though his advice made practical sense, I couldn’t reconcile what he said with the Bible’s call to “love one another” (John … [Read more...]
You can choose how your tax dollars are spent
When I was a Regional Representative in NE-MO and the St. Louis metro area I had the opportunity to work with many Missouri Baptist churches, church members and church leaders. These people of faith became my dear friends and one of the things I miss most is having fewer opportunities to interact with them throughout the week and on Sundays. I often spoke at churches on the weekends because at Missouri Baptist Children’s Home (MBCH) we believe that Missouri Baptists deserve 1) to hear how … [Read more...]
‘If it is to be …’
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” – Luke 2:52 (NKJV) We’ve heard the saying, “If it is to be, it’s up to me”. For years, most parents in our country have watched the school bus drive away with their children feeling that the school would take care of their learning, exercise, and even their social life as they met other children. Then, perhaps, both father and mother would drive off to their jobs feeling like they had done their duty by their … [Read more...]
Seasoned Baptist journalist assesses SBC in Nashville
Gary Ledbetter and I have been friends for several decades. I hold him in high esteem as a seasoned Baptist journalist. One of the things he is really good at is his capacity to assess a situation and accurately state the way things actually happened. When I read his column, I said, “This is what Pathway readers should know about Nashville.” I asked Gary if we could print an edited version of his column, and he agreed. (See his article below.) * * * * * “It’s been a … [Read more...]
Amid distrust, relativism, Christian journalism needed
Carrying the gospel to the ends of the earth is what unites Southern Baptists, along with the belief that the Bible is God’s inerrant, infallible and sufficient Word. Yet we find ourselves in an increasingly hostile nation. Such is the product of a society that denies absolute truth. It is a bitter pill to swallow, reminding us we live in a fallen world. Al Mohler, president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., recently offered a sobering, accurate assessment: … [Read more...]
Opening up about prayer
I confess it. My jar-opening skills are abysmal. Even with those flappy rubber jar grippers. Even with those wrench-looking jaws of life things they make for jars. Jars of life? But in my defense, the chief reason I have no jar-opening skills is that I married an A-number-one jar opener. Without Richie Rhea, I would be in a real pickle, jar-wise. Not necessarily a pickle jar. But a pickle. Jar-wise. I also have to confess that sometimes I can get myself in a real pickle on the spiritual … [Read more...]
Boundaries give security
“The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.” – Proverbs 29:15 (KJV) Some folks would have us feel guilty for correcting children. Actually, those who do not correct children should be the ones to feel guilty. It is so sad to see children “at loose ends” not knowing what is right and what is wrong. They are so confused! How can they ever feel good knowing they have done the right thing if they don’t know what the right thing is? Children need … [Read more...]
Put aside excuses, be a neighbor
Recently, I was told that people need a tangible reason for neighboring. Knowing that it impacts your health – for example -- could be one of those reasons. Plenty of research reveals the importance of face-to-face interaction on our mental and physical health. Neighboring is also essential to do something with others to make the world a better place. If you are civically minded but ignoring your immediate neighbors, that isn’t very honest. Still, others understand that Jesus commanded … [Read more...]
Words expose the heart
Have you ever said something and instantly regretted it? We all undoubtedly know the devastating disappointment of hurtful words spoken in uncharitable tones. I’ll never forget when I was 13 years old and told my mother she was ruining my life (she wasn’t). Even in my youthfulness, I instantly regretted the foolish outburst. In that moment I expressed a greater desire for authority and control rather than a godly desire to honor my mother. I learned very quickly that words not only bring … [Read more...]