In 2026 we’re doing Trailheads for Disciples and Disciple-Makers. You’ll find the devotionals under the Trailheads pull-down on the main menu. They’re tight enough to finish, strong enough to shape you. New Trailheads will be dropped the first and third Thursdays of each month. The longer Pursuit Series will continue to be posted each month on the third Thursday. You’ve probably...
In Boy Scouts, the instruction that took place before heading to a trailhead was vital—the purpose of the hike, review of the route, safety expectations such as what to do if separated, keeping the group together, proper foot gear, food and water, respecting nature and leaving no trace, and the hiker’s mindset—learn as you go and help one another. The real trail lessons, however, are...
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 11:1 When approaching a new trailhead, the posted map highlights a quick lay of the land by identifying the trail’s core features: lakes, streams, and creeks, elevation, and visual cues such as ridge lines, valleys, and switchbacks. As you start your trek, those visual clues are left behind. You now have to...
“We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel… but our lives as well.” — 1 Thessalonians 2:8 When speaking about being known in the community, we’re not talking about being outgoing, boisterous, working the room at every men’s event, or being someone you’re not. Earning trust in their community has everything to do with being steady, present...
“All Scripture is God-breathed… for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training.” — 2 Timothy 3:16 Early in my Christian walk, I had the privilege of being discipled by our senior pastor. I didn’t really know what to expect as we met every Wednesday at 2:00 in Pastor Tom’s study. One look at that room told its own story—three walls covered with floor to ceiling bookshelves, the unmistakable...
“Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.” — Proverbs 1:5 Watching my dad hang wallpaper was a beautiful sight to behold. First, he would enter the bedroom to change clothes and return suited up: old Florsheim shoes—black, white socks, work pants—rolled cuffs, t-shirt—white, Camel cigarette—behind the ear. He was now ready to do battle...
“Let us run with endurance the race set before us.” — Hebrews 12:1 Endurance in a disciple’s life is the quiet decision to keep walking with Jesus when quitting would be easier. It looks like showing up again after a challenging conversation, a missed week, or a personal failure—getting back up, dusting yourself off, and stepping back onto the path instead of staying down in...
Humble service is about serving because Christ served. It’s about putting others’ needs ahead of your own. It’s about forming a leadership role to encourage others to join in. It’s about acting without expecting recognition. It’s about letting God shape your heart through ordinary faithfulness. Kay and I recently moved to Columbia, Tennessee, a small, mostly rural...
“You will be My witnesses…” — Acts 1:8 We can all be called faithful witnesses. We may be called to the courtroom to describe a crime that occurred. Some of us have likely witnessed a car accident and were asked by law enforcement to tell the truth about what we saw. Local new media rushes to the scene of a weather event, looking for eyewitnesses who can explain what happened. When I was a small...
Do you see kindness as a weakness—or controlled strength in action? God’s word and the world are at direct odds in their definitions. God’s word sees kindness as essential; it reflects God’s heart. The world considers kindness as optional—something you do when the mood strikes or when you feel good. God’s word sees kindness as a strength, while the world sees it as a...