Over a decade ago I began a long journey asking this kind of question. At the time I was still in a church as a ‘youth pastor’ and beginning to notice some uncomfortable trends among the students in our church youth group. In early 2011, the church I now pastor, Eastside Baptist Church, took a…
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What Is Your Name?
Genesis 32:27 “What is your name?” This is an interesting question to be asked by the angel who wrestled with Jacob. It wouldn’t be that unusual of a question perhaps if he asked him before he wrestled him, but this question came after the struggle. I mean, did this angel think maybe he had wrestled…
An Open Letter: Eastside Baptist
To the Lord’s people who gather at 204 Eastland Drive North in Twin Falls, Idaho, First, I bring you greetings from my parents. They have been faithful over their years to obey the Lord in his directing of their steps. They speak kindly of you with affection for your generous gift of time for me…
When God Calls the Most Unexpected
As part of my biography project I will include a few chapters on my mother’s parents, Herschel Lester and Marita Pearl Allison or Hershey and Sister Allison as they were known in South America. I recently sat down at the table with my mom and her sisters to hear the story of my grandparents following…
Conversation with a Missionary
Last night (5/29) at the Wednesday night prayer gathering at the meeting house of Eastside Baptist Church we spoke to International Mission Board missionary Kelly Manier. Kelly and his family now live in Russia, partnering with many mission agencies in preparing for the 2014 winter games in Sochi, Russia. Visit their website here. Imagine a…
Let Them Hear
Seven times in chapters two and three of the book of Revelation the concluding words of our Lord are recorded to the local churches with this phrase; “let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” What excuse will you be leaning on this coming Lord’s day for why you will not gather with…
Chunky Monkey
It only took me two days with multiple trips to the grocery store to finally remember to gather all of the necessary items for fruit smoothies. But it was tonight’s stop that made it worth it. As I was examining the frozen yogurt options (I didn’t know there could be so many options) I overheard a disturbing…
Even Evil Spirits Obey Him?
“God sent an evil spirit… so that the violence done to the seventy sons of [Gideon] might come, and their blood might be laid on [all] who killed them…” (Judges 9:23-24 emphasis mine) It is places like this in Scripture that cause a person to dig deeply and search with the lantern of truth for…
Tag, You’re It!
“[One pastor told of] the phenomenal growth of the churches in their country, in spite of ongoing difficulties. In many of these churches the pastor will just throw his Bible to his congregation when he is arrested, and the person who catches it automatically becomes the pastor.” (Chapel Library)
Time Lapse
Yesterday I set my camera to take a photo every :30 seconds from the parking lot at Pomerelle Mountain Resort. Here is the result.