Last night, Letty and I went out on a double date with two of our young friends, Michael and Krista. They are both on staff at our church (Krista is my associate in the Worship Ministry, Michael oversees the Young Adult Ministry) and we’ve been in relationship with them since they were married several years … Continue reading Fellowship and the Double Date

This last weekend I had the honor and privilege of preaching at the church I grew up in: Northminster Presbyterian Church in Bakersfield, CA. That’s where my spiritual life with Christ began as I asked Jesus to be my Savior when I was 16 years old. My mom is still very active there, serving as … Continue reading Being a Bapti-terian

Last week Letty and I took our grandkids on an overnight trip to Lego Land in Carlsbad, CA. It was the boys’ first experience in a hotel. Early in the morning, I stepped outside and had my Personal Worship Time with God on the little patio area next to our room. Aiden, my youngest grandson, … Continue reading Was That God?!

(This concludes our series on Prayer as it relates to Whole Life Worship which began on May 15, 2013)As we’ve discussed various types of prayers over the past couple of weeks, there is an obvious theme: Prayer is much more than just asking God to change things. Indeed, as we look at the role of … Continue reading Prayer: Changing Me to Change the World

(This is part of an on-going series discussing the role of prayer in Whole Life Worship that began on May 25, 2013) Some view the last phrase of the Lord’s Prayer as nice closing, kind of like an explanation point at the end of the sentence: For Thine is the Kingdom and the power and … Continue reading Bringing It Back

(This is an on-going series on Prayer as it relates to Whole Life Worship which began on May 25, 2013)As we move through the Lord’s Prayer as a model of prayer, the next petition has to do with our protection:Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.One of the problems people have with … Continue reading Total Protection

(This is an ongoing series on prayer and how it relates to Whole Life Worship that began on May 15, 2013) This last weekend my oldest son, Tim (@spoofer56, #intervarsitystaff, #calstatefullerton) preached an amazing sermon at his mom and dad’s home church (@communityrancho, #communitybaptistchurchranchocucamonga). This is the church he grew up as a child and … Continue reading Why We Must Forgive

My adorable grandsons (DeeJay, age 8; Aiden, age 4) came over for breakfast this morning. As is our tradition, I made “Grandpa’s Epic Pancakes.” Actually, the pancakes themselves are not so epic (just a cup of Krusteaz and water), but it’s how we make them – together, as a group project. They pull up a … Continue reading Where Do “Epic Pancakes” Come From?

(This is an ongoing series about prayer as it relates to Whole Life Worship which started on May 15, 2013) I’ve learned this the hard way. When my wheels are not aligned it gets expensive. I go through tires quicker and I get worse gas mileage. It’s also dangerous, as I have to compensate my … Continue reading Alignment

(This is a continuing series on prayer as it relates to Whole Life Worship which began on May 15, 2013) To an American citizen living in the early 1960’s, John F. Kennedy was the most powerful man on the planet. He was President of the United States, Defender of the Free World, and Commander in … Continue reading Hallowed Be Thy Name