Jesus was so secure with who He was that He had no anxiety being around the dysfunction of others. He was never concerned that being around "those people" would somehow rub off on Him. He would comfortably interact with rich & poor, sinners & self-righteous. His comfort would extend beyond Himself to make those trapped in their own dysfunction believe they could follow Him and find something more.

I'm not too far from the day my kids start dating. It makes me wonder how to pray for them and those they will date.

This weekend, two friends, two fathers in ministry, finished their race and went home to be with Jesus. Bro. Paul Box was my first pastor. Dr. Mike Compton was my College Pastor. I am grateful for Bro. Paul and for Mike. I hope to live up to the legacy of faith they invested in me. They will be missed.

The world tuned in last night to watch the sadness and outrage as a community was torn apart by the choices of a few. Regardless of what you believe about this situation, it’s difficult to see how burning down a pizza place or pharmacy brings justice or builds a strong, vibrant and thriving community. Put simply, riots don't work.

A church budget is a vision document. It tells the story, financially, of the dreams, priorities and expectations of a church. Every line item reflects a belief that investing or spending these resources in this way will magnify the gospel...

As I watched Caedmon play I had a thought. There is one feeling, one emotion, one experience God has reserved for us that he will never experience himself.

I hope you had a great Thanksgiving. Did you notice? Today is Black Friday. We'll brave the cold and crowds to win that amazing deal on a Christmas gift for our kids, friends and loved ones. We may even find a little something for ourselves.

I'm often asked why bad things happen to good people. Tornados have devastated much of my home town again. I have friends displaced by the tragedy and some whose lives will never be the same.

It's not enough for the church to be 'different' from others. It's not enough for our lives as Believers to be marginally better than the lives of non-Believers.

It was a privilege to serve as Chaplain of the Week for the Oklahoma State Senate. Thanks to Senator Rick Brinkley for the invitation and your incredible hospitality. I'm proud to call you my Senator, more than that, my friend.