Lifestyles
THE WORD: The joy of the Lord is our strength
The prophet Nehemiah voiced this memorable phrase “The joy of the Lord is our strength.” What a great…
Lifestyles
Walk humbly with God
From Memorial Day to the Fourth of July is a great time to be a U.S. American. I…
Lifestyles
The Church: Where did everyone go? Conclusion
Last week, a letter writer shared what he believed was wrong with the church, but then he offered…
Lifestyles
When thou art converted
Recently reading the New Testament, I came across this somewhat surprising and seemingly stern suggestion from Jesus to…
Lifestyles
The perfect father
Warren Wiersbe, in “The Names of Jesus,” reveals some aspects of our Heavenly Father. These perceptions will help…
Lifestyles
The church: Where did everyone go?
Several years ago, I asked on Facebook: Why are so many people, especially young people walking away from…
Lifestyles
THE WORD: Show grace, mercy, respect
This could very well be my last devotional for The Farmville Herald (or anywhere). Now that I have…
Lifestyles
Give and ye shall receive
In his book “Free of Charge: Giving and Forgiving,” Miroslav Volf talks about giving and forgiving. Volf says…
Lifestyles
THE WORD: A call to sing
Sing to Him; Sing Songs unto Him. 1 Chronicles 16:9a. This is not an advertisement to audition for…
Lifestyles
Lessons from Spain
Recently, my wife and I took our first vacation abroad visiting Spain and Portugal. For me, the most…
Lifestyles
Summer school challenge
“Give us this day our daily bread.” Those words abide in the prayer Jesus taught his disciples, known…
Lifestyles
Aprons and serving God
Wearing an apron is a practical symbol of service. Jesus wrapped a towel around him similar to an…
Lifestyles
THE WORD: Does God really only give us what we can handle?
I think about the statement many people say in times of immense suffering, “God won’t give you more…
Lifestyles
Remembering the saints
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every…
Lifestyles
THE WORD: Pursuing perfection
In this season of graduations and award ceremonies, I think of the ultimate final exam requirement given by…
Lifestyles
A widow’s faith
Jesus watched rich people dropping gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped…
Lifestyles
Trials — Our greatest opportunity
Most view the struggles of life as something negative. They are usually seen as non-productive with no positive…
Lifestyles
THE WORD: Share the word
I overheard a discussion between two people. Person 1: “You left the door unlocked.” Person 2: “No I…
Lifestyles
Welcome Sandi Patty
One of my favorite singers was Sandi Patty. Patty had a voice that seemed to reach the stratosphere…
Lifestyles
The keys to the Kingdom
In Matthew 16:13-20, when Jesus asks the disciples, “Who do you say I am?” Peter answers, “You are…
Lifestyles
THE WORD: The greatness of the Good Shepherd
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. John 10:11 kjv. Greatness…
Lifestyles
God’s church in action
Nick grew up in the church but walked away. Years later, Nick wanted to reconnect with God but…
Lifestyles
With all my heart
This weekend is our town’s annual Heart of Virginia Festival. I look forward to seeing people from all…
Lifestyles
THE WORD: Cling ons
After experiencing Easter, the Gospel of John records an interesting account of the resurrected Jesus and Mary found…
Lifestyles
Anger and a brightly lit cross
I was angry? Why angry? I was attending a class at a retreat center along with other church…
Lifestyles
Now what?
It’s the week after Easter, the great high holy day of the Christian year. And all over the…
Lifestyles
THE WORD: Trees and the gospel
Recently hiking the High Bridge Trail, I pondered on the trees, as I frequently do. I recalled the…