Interesting poetic parallelisms and contrasts occur in the Genesis narrative at the end of chapter 4. The story picks up after Cain kills Abel (4:1-8). The Lord deals with Cain by casting him out from his family, after which it states, "Cain went away from the presence of the Lord…." This statement is likely more … Continue reading Genesis 4 and Matthew 18
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I Don’t Want you to be a Christian
I don't want you to be a Christian. If your definition of Christian is looking at a list that says, "Mark the one that fits you: Islam, Judaism, Christian." You mark Christian because you aren’t one of those other religions. Or perhaps your definition of Christian is a voting block on election day. Or maybe … Continue reading I Don’t Want you to be a Christian
River Rafting with Jesus
Several years ago, my wife, Ali, and I were on a Pastor’s retreat to Lost Pines Resort in Cedar Creek, Texas. The retreat planners planned time for the couples to spend together relaxing and investing in each other. One of the amenities we took advantage of was the lazy river. The first time I was … Continue reading River Rafting with Jesus
Praying for Ukraine
As I start my Saturday in the comfort of my home study, I am bombarded with thoughts of the people of Ukraine. Like many of you, I have friends from Ukraine who have moved to the US and other ministry contacts in Ukraine or surrounding areas. My response today is in two forms: prayer and … Continue reading Praying for Ukraine
Thoughts from 2 Corinthians 5:6-10
"Therefore, we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body, we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make … Continue reading Thoughts from 2 Corinthians 5:6-10
Martin Luther King Day 2022
Yesterday was Martin Luther King day. Every year when this day comes, I listen to his final speech in Memphis, my hometown, and his "I Have a Dream" speech, delivered on Aug. 28, 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.The first time I remember hearing his powerful words was in a communications class at … Continue reading Martin Luther King Day 2022
Vacation 2021 Theme: Bikes and Broken Bones
I grew up playing sports and living a very active lifestyle. I had never broken a bone in my body until this past week. Sure, a sprained ankle here and there. A messed-up knee in more recent years. But never a broken bone. This past week I made up for it by fracturing six ribs … Continue reading Vacation 2021 Theme: Bikes and Broken Bones
Wayne’s Weekly Wrap, 1.15.2021
Each Friday I post 3-5 things I read, heard or watched that are worth passing on. #1 Podcast - Carey Nieuwhof Episode 391 Carey interviews one of my favorite writers dealing with corporate culture, Patrick Lencioni. Pat and his team came up with a new assessment called Working Genius designed to help every leader figure … Continue reading Wayne’s Weekly Wrap, 1.15.2021
Initial Reflections on Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd
Two events have arrested our national attention outside of the Coronavirus this week: the murders of Ahmaud Arbery by fellow citizens and George Floyd by police officers in Minneapolis. There is still a lot of information forthcoming. Rather than commenting at this point, I am listening, particularly to my black brothers and sisters. I will … Continue reading Initial Reflections on Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd
Pray Hope – April 3
Prayer Focus: Proclamation of the Good News Reading: 2 Timothy 1:6-12 For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.Therefore do not … Continue reading Pray Hope – April 3