March 2014

The Root of Worldliness"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." 1 John 2:15 John tells us here that he believes the darkest shadow to fall on the human heart is that of worldliness. No doubt each one of us has that sin to which we have a special aversion. As you read the scriptures it is evident that Matthew, Mark and Luke place a special emphasis on the sin of blasphemy.  Paul stresses the danger of the sin of unbelief. James highlights the wickedness of idle hands. But John details the dangers entwined in the sin of worldliness. Why is that? It could very well be because this was the sin that had so often ensnared him.

[caption id="attachment_11676" align="alignleft" width="300"] Fridays Are For Family - Travel Buddies[/caption] This past week I spent a lot of time on the road, preaching a revival at another local church, and a Bible Conference several hours away. Normally these are spiritually invigorating, but physically and relationally draining times. However, I learned a lesson from my father that has stuck with me since the days of my earliest memories - always have a "travel buddy." Looking back, I honestly can't remember a time when I didn't travel with my dad. Whether it was just a quick trip to visit a new family in the church, a "drop in" to pray for and encourage someone in the hospital, or even a long road trip to the Annual Meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention, I always enjoyed those times being my dad's "travel buddy." That's why I make it a point to take one of my kids with me when I travel. I want to create those memories, and have that quality time with them, like I had with my father.