Next Steps

Next Steps: It Begins with God

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:38:00 GMT

Life as a parent is always interesting. Just when I think I have seen it all, our kids will take it to a whole new level. Lately, the challenge has been trying to teach Hayden to walk. Maybe I should say, teaching Hayden to walk correctly...More...

Next Steps: The People of God

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:41:00 GMT

I hate potholes. OK. Maybe I should avoid the word “hate.” Loathe. Detest. Despise. You fill in the blank with your word of choice and add a factor of ten and you have how I feel about potholes. Potholes and I have a love-hate relationship...More...

Next Steps : The World

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 02:19:00 GMT

In our family there is something of a debate presently raging. To be honest, it is a disagreement of the utmost importance, an intense dialogue over which fast food joint to patronize. Both of our kids argue that we should bask in the pulsating brilliance of the golden arches...More...

Next Steps: Living in the Kingdom Today

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:23:00 GMT

When it comes to the disciples, I have my favorite. I understand Thomas with his doubts. Matthew would have been a lot of fun as he seemed to throw the parties. James and John were certainly the fiery ones. But, it is with Peter that I resonate. I love Peter. A lot of people give Peter a bad rap. Impulsive. Brash. Quick tempered and a bit slow on the draw. Sounds like my kind of guy...More...

Next Steps: Real Satisfaction

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 01:42:00 GMT

Every now and again, I have a simple question that runs through my mind. It usually goes something like this, "What do I really need?" This thought niggles at my mind every Sunday as I peruse through the various and assorted advertisements found in my paper...More...

Next Steps: Deliver Us from Evil

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:41:00 GMT

I am hurt. No. No one has hurt my feelings. I am literally hurt. My left ankle is once more tender. It throbs constantly reminding me in its not so silent way that something is amiss. You know, I am beginning to think that being hurt is just the way it is going to be...More...

Next Step : Encounter : My Kingdom Come

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:19:00 GMT

What is the gospel? I know, let’s start with the softball pitches. The gospel is the message that Jesus died on the cross so I can go to Heaven when I die. This is the gospel. At least, this is the gospel as I heard it. Lately I have begun wondering if it is really the gospel...More...

Next Step : Invited

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:15:00 GMT

Invitations come in all shapes and sizes. We get verbal ones inviting us out to coffee. We receive colorful ones inviting us to parties. At least my kids get them. Sometimes we get these wonderfully designed, small pieces of what I can only describe as artwork inviting us to major events. Usually we know what to do with the invitations we receive. In my home we have a process...More...

Next Steps: Invited to Serve

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:00:00 GMT

Jesus wants me. Jesus wants you. For some reason when I say this the theme song from the children’s educational program, Barney, comes to mind. Sing it and see if it doesn’t fit. Maybe that song comes to mind because I have young kids. That’s a possibility....More...

Next Steps : Invited By Others

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:26:00 GMT

“What do you want?” Ever really tried to answer that one? Let’s try. Take a moment and pause to consider how you might respond. Go ahead. I’ll be here when you get back ...More...