The Christmas season offers so much joy: the music, the movies, the stories, and of course THE Story.  But it also brings its share of stress. I just looked at my calendar and thought to myself: just how many different events can we cram into one three week period in the name of Christmas? I [...]

Typically I avoid devotional books. I prefer reading the Scriptures more than a man’s devotional thoughts on the Scripture. As a young seminarian earning my PhD I came to realize my passion for and calling to teach. If God gives you a yearning for something for His fame you do not have to sit around [...]

Saturday afternoon I found myself sitting at a Starbucks in South Beach, Miami, Florida. Yes, really suffering for the Lord in 80 degree weather. Michelle and I had been here back in January so I stopped by the same Starbucks from our time then before catching my flight home. But as awesome as enjoying my [...]

Last night I met with a dozen of our finest college students at a local coffee shop. These students have a particular interest in art,  representing art via music, poetry, mime, and other forms. I love encouraging artists! I will be meeting with these young people every month or so to encourage them in their [...]

This weekend I enjoyed a sweet time at Ridgecrest Baptist Assembly with a big pile of students from ten North Carolina churches. I love students, but I love those who work with them even more. I have had more than a few conversations this fall with student pastors who find themselves planning for 2013 and [...]