Category: Christian Life

  • Process Your Military Deployment

    You did it! I assume you are reading this article because you have recently completed or are about to complete your military deployment. Congratulations! The first thing I want you to hear is Jesus’ encouragement to his disciples in Mark 6, “Come away with me… and rest a while.” Jump right into the first article.…

  • Come Away and Rest a While

    “And [Jesus] said to [his disciples], “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” (Mark 6:31 [ESV]) As you return from a military deployment (or your spouse returns) it is important to realize that you have just endured a significant challenge. Picture yourself completing a marathon. You have crossed the finish…

  • Putting Off the Old Self, Walk in the New Life You Have in Christ

    The title of this article was the transformational aim of the sermon I preached this past Sunday on Ephesians 4:17-32 at my home church, Pillar Church of Jacksonville. This article is what I call a “Cutting Room Floor” article. These are ideas or further helps that had to be cut from the sermon to keep…

  • Navigating Post-Deployment: Questions for Your Ongoing Spiritual Journey

    “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time…” (Ephesians 5:15-16 [ESV]) I trust you have taken the time to work through the first Post-Deployment discussion guide that aims at helping your process what God has taught you along your deployment journey. In that article, you…

  • Navigating Post-Deployment: What Has God Taught You?

    “The unexamined life is not worth living.” – Socrates I typically begin these articles with a Bible verse, but this time a quote from a philosopher… It is time for you to examine your life- specifically the last year of it. Your goal is to capture all that the Lord has been teaching you along…

  • Let’s Talk About Sex: Prevent Adultery

    There is one aspect of my leading you on this pre-deployment journey that is like my being your marriage counselor. And virtually all marriage counseling leads to one thing: Communication Issues. And what is the #1 Communication Issue? Not communicating. Do you and your spouse talk about sex? Have you talked about the challenges that…