How do you look at your life? Do you ever ponder the impact of your past, reflect on what is occurring currently, or think of what is still in front of you? One perspective is that life is a series of phases that occur throughout your life. One simple way to look at each phase of your life is by asking a pointed question.  In your 20’s you might ask, “Can I make it on my own?”In your 30’s you migh...  Read More

The best stories are those that have a theme of redemption and spiritual lessons we can apply to our lives.  One of those stories was portrayed in a recent movie release entitled, “The Boys in the Boat.”  It wasn’t a Christian movie (there is no mention of Christ or faith), but it spurred me to think of several spiritual lessons that could be applied to my life.The movie is based on a true story t...  Read More

Just about all of us fear something. It could be heights, spiders, snakes, getting a shot, being alone, germs, public speaking, or just general anxiety about everything. We all have fears.The most famous scene of all time about fear is in A Charlie Brown Christmas, where Charlie Brown is depressed about Christmas. He goes to Lucy and pays his nickel to get help. For five cents (and the wonderful s...  Read More

Easter Sunday is less than three weeks away. Do you know where Jesus was three weeks before His death, burial, and resurrection? He was in Jerusalem for the final week, but what about three weeks before?According to John, He was in the region of Perea, just east of Jericho, across the Jordan, the place where His ministry began when He was baptized by John (John 10:40-42). And John tells us, “…and ...  Read More

As we all know, Easter 2024 is nearly upon us. I hope you will plan on joining us for Easter Weekend on March 29 – 31. I was recently asked by Bakersfield Life Magazine to answer the question, “What is the significance of Easter?” The following was my response:Easter is one of the most important celebrations on the church calendar. It is a time when we remember that although death is the penalty f...  Read More

Staff Devotion from February 15, 2011I’m not gonna be really spiritual today. I’m not gonna go through a passage with you. I’m gonna be really practical. I tried to think of some Scripture passages I could tie in with what I want to say but I didn’t have a lot of luck. Everything I’m gonna say has something to do with something a staff member has brought up as an issue over the years and it’ll be ...  Read More