(The following is the October 6 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read 2 Timothy 3 and pay close attention to verses 1-5.) Many Scripture passages, such as 2 Timothy 3:1-5, read like they were written yesterday: “But know this: Hard times will come in the last days. …
Why Numbers Matter to Churches
(The following is the May 20 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Acts 11 and pay close attention to verses 19-26.) Churches can have a love-hate relationship with membership, attendance, and other statistics. We may interpret increased growth as God’s blessing, but how do we perceive lower or trending numbers? Do …
Is Money the Root of All Evil?
(The following is the October 2 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read 1 Timothy 6 and pay close attention to verses 3-10.) Have you heard anyone say, “money is the root of all evil”? They may think it’s a biblical quote, but it isn’t. Paul taught that …
You Weren’t There Today
The following is a tribute to my beloved dog, Callie. These are my thoughts as I went through the first day without her (May 20, 2024), following fourteen years of her unconditional love. Our final moments together, May 19, 2024 You weren't there today. You weren't there when I awakened in the middle of the …
Young People, Set an Example
(The following is the September 29 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read 1 Timothy 4 and pay close attention to verses 11-16.) 1 Timothy 4:12 is encouraging to young people: “Don’t let anyone despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, …