I like many, love getting gifts! I am always appreciative that someone thought enough of me to give me something. I also like giving gifts. Especially with no conditions. Whether its Christmas time, a birthday, a wedding, graduation, or any special occasion, giving a gift can really lift-up someone who may be down and provide hope […]

Cynthia and I were soaked.  We were on a motorcycle trip to Big Bend.  Our first stop was Santa Fe, New Mexico.  Our trip began as a pleasant sunny dry Colorado morning.  After stopping in Raton for food and fuel, once again we were in the wind, anticipating enchiladas soaking up Hatch Red Chili sauce. […]

In tennis an unforced error is where you lose a point by making a mistake in a situation where you should be in full control. For example, making contact with the ball on the wrong part of the racket, or having bad timing (e.g., hitting the ball too early) is considered unforced errors. In golf an unforced error […]

Someone has said if you want to be a winner, think like a winner.  I prefer this statement, if you want to be like Jesus, think like Jesus.  “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God did not regard equality with God a […]

Warren Weirsbe of insightfully said, “The Christian life is not a playground; it is a battleground. We are sons in the family, enjoying the fellowship of the gospel (Phil. 1:1–11); we are servants sharing in the furtherance of the gospel (Phil. 1:12–26); but we are also soldiers defending the faith of the gospel. And the believer with the single mind can have the joy of the Holy […]

PAUL SHOWS US WE DO NOT HAVE TO BE UNDER OUR CIRCUMSTANCES IF WE KNOW HOW TO FLIP THEM. Succulents have the ability to resist drought due to the thick fleshly leaves or stems which have the ability to store water.  They thrive in normally adverse circumstances.  They flip their circumstances. Christians often find themselves […]

Have you ever had someone say, “I’m praying for you?”  I have. Because I need all the prayers I can get, I say, “Thank you so very much.”  But in the back of my mind I wondering, “What are they praying for?  Do they know something I don’t?” Well the Apostle Paul knew something most […]

It had been ten years since Paul’s “Macedonian Vision, (Acts 16:1-10).  Leaving Troas and sailing for Samothrace, on the next day they set off on foot for Neapolis, and the following day a ten mile trek brought them to Philippi (Acts 16:11-12).  The sower and the seed had arrived in Europe. After staying in the […]

When someone says it was a “big production,” they mean,  many people, great costs, meticulous planning, and harmonious cooperation between all involved, resulting in a stunning show. This Sunday we begin a new series on the book of Philippians, the book of Joy. In the opening two verses, it is easy to miss the BIG […]

We begin a new decade this month.  I believe one filled with serious spiritual and existential challenges for the church. My message Sunday has two parts:  A Warning for the Present, and A Vision for the Future. THE WARNING arises from a growing cultural contagion infecting churches in America.  In 1984, just before his death, Francis Shaffer […]