Pastor Brad’s Notebook
22 Jun Devotional Thought – Environment’s Inadequacy
“And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought.” Revelation 12:7
So, in spite of what we’re told and taught today, environment is not enough to make one happy or good. Many believe all that is needed for society to be peaceful and prosperous is for there to be a perfect place for man to reside – an adequate, abundant environment.
20 Jun Devotional Thought – Sacrifice At Sunset
"Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here I am." Genesis 22:1
"After these things..." After what things? After all the things of Abraham's life. Isn't that a strange place to assign such a sacrificial test? Normally we would expect that a man would be tested in the beginning of his life - in the years when the sun is rising. Why then is Abraham subjected to such a sacrificial test at sunset? Why has the sacrificial hour been placed at the close of his life? Isn't it normally expected that such test would come in the time when a man's power of sacrifice would be the most accurate measure of him? The simple answer is "No. No it's not."
17 Jun Fridays Are For Family – Honoring Your Dad
This past week I had the rare opportunity to spend several days with my dad at the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention in Phoenix, AZ. Since we're both in full-time ministry (Is there any other kind?), it can be difficult to see each other. We do talk to each other by phone or by text at least once a day, sometimes several times a day, but that really isn't the same. That's why I really enjoyed getting to share a room and spend some time together this past week.
14 Jun The 2011 SBC Annual Meeting – Monday, June 13
After an early morning and a very long day of walking, meeting, talking, walking, eating, walking, talking, eating, listening, voting, walking (get the picture?) I'm finally back in the hotel room. I am tired, but I do have to admit that I really love being here this week. I grew up coming with my parents to the "the convention." My family friends were and are pastors. We talk a lot during the year by phone, Facebook, Twitter and text about the joys and burdens of ministry. However, there is something very encouraging and energizing about sitting across a table from an old friend and seeing what God is doing in their life, their family and their ministry. For a people person like myself there really are very few things that are better than spending a day meeting and talking with many people that you've just met or have known for years. So, needless to say, it's been a good day.