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More and more, it seems that society rejects notions of traditional authority and anything that presents itself as an absolute. Unfortunately, this wave of postmodernism holds specific implications for the church, as believers continue to succumb to criticism concerning the authority of scripture. Can we trust this old book? That’s the question that gets louder and louder in this generation. As a result, many have accepted the word of the Lord as a mere suggestion, rather than a divine imperative.…
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Much of this week has been spent with a good portion of our Cumberland’s staff in Dallas, Texas. We attended the 2019 Mosaix Multiethnic Church Conference. THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING US THIS INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY. What a privilege to gather with other churches who represent 20% of evangelical churches that God has graced with diversity. The gathering look liked heaven on earth as we took our fill from speakers like Albert Tate, Bryan Lorrits, Ed Stetzer, Mark Deymaz, and Dr. John…
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Deciding to sell and move is one massive adventure. Moving in is quite another. The day of moving in is exciting. The kids pick their rooms. The furniture placement is decided. The hope of a future packed with memories is waiting to be lived out. And then there are the boxes. There’s the unpacking. More boxes. Dings in the wall from bringing the piano through the front door. More boxes. Finding something previously packed becomes God’s grand way to build…
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It’s never good when someone tells you, “Hey… you look a little tired.” Perhaps you should call the doc when several people start telling you that. Last Sunday, as we were meeting at Smyrna First Baptist, several people asked, “How ya doin’ with all the change?” “You dealing with the chaos, OK?” One or two of those comments, and you can brush things aside. With several of those kinds of remarks, you gotta check your face! I did. I wasn’t…
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Choose Life My day was busy and scheduled full. I had not yet done my morning exercise routine and showered – when my cell phone lit up. It was my chiropractor. For years we had threatened to hike Kennesaw Mtn. Every Fall, we cajole each other about our elusive hike. I eventually wrote it all off, thinking my doctor didn’t want to cross some imposed patient line. I had left it alone and forgotten our idle threat. My cell phone…
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When the Israelites were desert-dwelling, I’m sure they were hot (as in hot mess). I know they had to be a bit dusty and uncomfortable. I’ve been in an Arizona sand storm. It’s just not fun. For the Israelites, the food grew tiresome. Same bread. Same meat. Water from rocks wasn’t flavored or sparkling, so it seemed to lose its miraculous pizzazz after a while. Running seemingly purposelessly around deserts just sucks for any who have tried. But here’s what’s…
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I know there were many severely affected by Hurricane Irma. She was a monster of a storm. But there were many prayers voicing requests of mercy and grace. “God, would you show yourself strong in the storm? Would You spare lives and lessen the impact?” There were those who lost their lives. Families did lose their homes. Irma showed her ferocity. But Irma tracked across the land of Florida and got out of the warm gulf waters. Because of this,…
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I’m a bit tired, so here’s the deal. You write the final study break blog. Cute little baby sea turtles were hatching all over the place. Tis the season. However, this cute little sea turtle was squashed. He was found on the road leading away from the ocean. What great spiritual insight do you glean? DIY! It’s good to back in the ATl. Blessings Ya’ll, – alan
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Fluency in a specific language certainly has perks. Not being fluent has decided downfalls. I remember being on a short-term mission trip to Peru, when one of our team members attempted Spanish. This was not an exercise in fluency. My well-meaning friend was trying to buy a soccer jersey, but instead asked, “How much to love the donkey?” It’s a wonder we didn’t land ourselves in a Peruvian jail. The lack of fluency can have disastrous results! …
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I’m quite sure it’s a Discovery Channel conspiracy to keep all the Scotts out of the water. When we are at the beach, it’s always Shark Week on Discovery. Doesn’t matter when we head south, Discovery Channel programs their villainous show in lock step with my study break. This year, Michael Phelps raced a Great White to kick off Shark Week. You need to know that several of my children had bought hook, line, and a very large sinker into…
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