I did it again. Even after saying I never would. I told a customer (in my former work in sales) that I was hoping to drop by his business next week if time allowed. What he heard was that I was planning to drop by next week. That poor communication was a bad habit IContinue reading “What will you improve?”
Tag Archives: prayer
Learning from sickness
I didn’t necessarily think I would be able to outrun the coronavirus forever, but after nearly two years of avoiding this dreaded disease, I was feeling pretty good about my chances. Until I wasn’t. On a recent Thursday morning, I felt like I had a bad cold, a really bad one. It was worse thanContinue reading “Learning from sickness”
There will be a battle
I was dumbstruck when one of my early ministry leadership decisions faced opposition. The logic of moving a few pews around in order to accommodate more people in our growing church was a no-brainer decision, at least in the mind of a first-time pastor. I didn’t even bother to ask permission. I just moved theContinue reading “There will be a battle”
Leaders must care and not care
Dr. Justin Irving, author and professor at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, writes in his book Leadership in Christian Perspective, “Leaders must care and not care at the same time. They must care deeply for the people they lead, but not for the shifting praise and approval of others.” Dr. Irving hits onContinue reading “Leaders must care and not care”
First in, last out
Erick Erickson, well-known conservative blogger and radio host, commented recently on the tornado response in western Kentucky that Southern Baptists were the unsung heroes of the disaster response because they are often the first to show up and the last to leave. That is true with one major exception. Southern Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers haveContinue reading “First in, last out”
God’s people made for times like this
Over the past few days, Kentucky Baptists and friends from across the country have rallied together to help our brothers, sisters and neighbors in the west and southwestern parts of our state. When the deadly tornados touched down in multiple locations, leaving devastation in their path, they unleashed a torrent of support that has onlyContinue reading “God’s people made for times like this”
5 observations from a church anniversary
This past Sunday, Connie and I had the honor of attending the 10th anniversary service of Crossroads Baptist Church in Elizabethtown. What an exciting time to see a 10-year-old church that has survived its early days, only to thrive in its current ministry. The anniversary gathering contained all the elements of a typical Kentucky BaptistContinue reading “5 observations from a church anniversary”
5 things we can learn from long-term marriages
During a recent worship service at Carter Creek Baptist Church, the pastor, Bro. Butch, recognized a couple who were celebrating their 62nd wedding anniversary. Larry and Brenda Vincent, members at Carter Creek, have spent over six decades loving, serving and caring for one another. It was what Pastor Butch said next that stuck with me.Continue reading “5 things we can learn from long-term marriages”
Thank you, Kentucky Baptists
We just completed the 184th meeting of the Kentucky Baptist Convention held in Elizabethtown, Ky. This year’s meeting included an array of Crossover evangelistic events, the “Press On” Pastors’ Conference and — of course — the Annual Meeting itself. By all accounts, it was an incredible gathering of Kentucky Baptists. It felt like a timeContinue reading “Thank you, Kentucky Baptists”
Thanksgiving habits
When my girls were small and demonstrated a bad attitude or entitlement disposition, I would punish them by making them list 10 things they were thankful for. That practice either made them more thankful or less vocal with their complaints. Either way, it was a welcome relief. The disciplined practice of giving thanks is notContinue reading “Thanksgiving habits”
Dr. Todd Gray 