“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13) Before you buy that t-shirt, bumper sticker, hat, wristband, coffee mug, bookmark, poster, or get that tattoo, let’s talk. We often see this scripture quested when one completes an extreme physical challenge, like a marathon, triathlon, or in my case, two flights of stairs. I don't doubt their sincerity when they say it’s God who gives them strength to get up at 4:30 in the morning to run, to get plenty of sleep, and stay out of the fast food line. (all disciplines which have

The untimely death of a cousin brought my extended family together for a graveside service. After the closing prayer, I walked across the cemetery grass to say hello to my Grandmother. In a wheelchair beside her, was the Pastor of her church, Reverend E.M. Replogle. Reverend Replogle began pastoring the Gospel Lighthouse, a small Pentecostal Church in West Fresno, Ca, in 1950. He was in the final years of his ministry, and while his body was frail, he was strong in spirit. As I approached, Grandma smiled and introduced me. “Brother Replogle”, she said. “I want you to meet

It was late in the afternoon, and I was on a flight from Minneapolis to Dallas. Kathy called to say our brother wasn’t doing well, and I should come as soon as possible. Johnny had undergone surgery to address internal bleeding, and while successful, the damage was worse than anticipated. He was also in the midst of fighting a second round of cancer, and multiple rounds of chemotherapy had taken its toll. He was tired, and coming through such an aggressive surgery would make his recovery even more difficult. Johnny’s oldest son, Joshua, had just flown in from California. We met when I picked up the rental

Ephesians tells us “speaking the truth in love” helps us grow spiritually, and can shape us into the image of Christ. Speaking the truth absent of love, can be divisive and may actually hinder God’s intent. Speaking the truth is easy. Speaking the truth in love, is not. The Word of God is alive, powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword. It divides the soul and spirit, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of our hearts. As a scalpel in the hands of a surgeon, so is the Word of God in the mouth of a