I’m not quite middle age yet but it’s creeping up on me. I’m not sure what would be more of a sign that you’re getting older than an interest in trees. I’ve tried planting several trees recently in a place where there aren’t any so that probably has something to do with it as well. I think that as we age, we gain an appreciation for time. There’s a saying that goes, “The best time to plant a tree was 15 years ago, the second-best time is today.” Another Greek proverb states,

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” Romans 8:5-6 Our minds can be such a place of confusion. It can seem as if we are lost in a wild jungle of a far-off land full of pitfalls and dangers all around. It can seem as if we are in a storm surrounded by darkness, where eve

Some of you have memories like a steel trap. I feel like mine is more like a swinging gate, something goes in and then quickly leaves. My memories of my childhood are faint and few. I do, however, remember spending the night with Pa and Granny Jo. It was something I often did, maybe it was an escape from my parents or my loveable but ANNOYING siblings, or maybe it was the late-night milkshakes, westerns, Braves games and the homemade breakfast. On one of my “sleepovers,” I st

Mature souls have an understanding that transcends the world. Over time, through Christian discernment and the use of God’s word in their lives, they see things differently. For mature souls, some things are of less value that many consider priceless. Cars, houses, social status, career, and financial success would fall under this category. Mature souls see some things of no value to others as truly priceless. Things considered of less value by the world are faith, hope, and

It’s the most wonderful time of year! The Christmas holiday recalls all sorts of joyous feelings and memories. Everywhere you go, people seem a little happier and a little friendlier, especially in the church. For many of us, the biggest care on our minds is finding that perfect gift for a loved one. Seeing the look on someone’s face when they open my gift on Christmas is one of my favorite experiences of the holiday. I love being a blessing to my family, friends and brethren

“ No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you

When God speaks through the prophet Micah, He cuts through centuries of religious assumptions: “With what shall I come before the Lord? … Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams?” (Mic. 6:6–7). The answer is striking in its simplicity: “He has shown you… what is good: to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” (v. 8). God is not impressed by grand gestures; He desires a transformed heart that expresses itself in daily life. Jesus echoes this t

“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13 We can justify anything. It is possible to come up with an argument and sources to justify anything we do. I could cite 100 sources to support evolution or little gods. That does not make it true. The source of the source should come into play. It doesn’t matter really; it just highlights the reality of your argument. If you want to justify sin, go right ahead. We like to act and adjust based on our su

Fall has showed up fully here in North Bama. Not long ago the trees were just starting to change, and then it seemed they were in full color overnight. And after this last cold snap, I would even say most are officially down now! Now when I walk outside, I hear that sound that reminds me to get out the ole leaf blower... This season always reminds me of the verse in Ecclesiastes 3:1: “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” I know we’ve al

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a powerful technology that is becoming part of our lives, including religion. At work, we are asking questions in ways we never could before and getting better and faster answers. AI works by searching vast amounts of text to predict the next likely word of an answer to generate human-like responses. However, it requires careful handling and supervision for reliable answers. Last year an AI’s religious “authority” was revoked by Catholics after

Jesus said, "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches.” To “ abide ” means to remain close, to dwell continually in fellowship and dependence. Just as a branch cannot survive apart from the vine, we cannot thrive spiritually apart from Christ. Abiding with Jesus isn’t a momentary feeling or a Sunday-only connection; it’s a daily relationship t

“ And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2 There is a prominent perspective in the field of physiology that one can think oneself into any mental state, except in cases of significant chemical imbalances in the brain. For instance, you can think yourself into depression—or out of it. You can think yourself into happiness and out of it as wel

When you go to the grocery store, you typically see beautiful fruit in the produce section. Most of the time, when you purchase your...

“But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.” 2 Thessalonians 3:13 “It doesn’t have to be pretty.” He told his son....

I enjoy racing. High octane, high speed, burning rubber and the twisted metal from a crash from good, hard racing. The smells and sounds...

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. ” Galatians 6:9 Motivation as we...

Pickle, hot box, or rundown? Depending on where you grew up, you might have called it something different. In North Mississippi, we...

“Abstain from every form of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:22 There was a man who used to be a drunkard. He cleaned up and became a Christian....

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians...

When you think of the word meditate, what comes to mind? Maybe sitting in a quiet room, praying. You may think of a monk. I think of...