REAL LIFE STORIES OF ENCOURAGEMENT, TRIAL, AND GOD’S FAITHFULNESS THROUGH IT ALL.
It's Worse Than We Thought
The church is called to a far different response to injustice than even the most sincere activist or champion. Our response is rooted deeply in the core values we claim to believe.
The Potter's Hands and Your Pastor's Peculiar Grief
Find out why you need to pray for your pastor more than ever.
Am I a Servant or Volunteer?
The difference between serving and volunteering is subtle but important.
Things Men Need to BE - Part 3
Part three in a series discussing the Biblical expectations of manhood.
Things Men Need to BE - Part 2
In a world which beckons us to fill our lives with transient things, God calls us to be filled with something entirely different.
Things Men Need to BE- Part 1
There are some serious messages the church needs to be teaching to men, and we get it wrong … alot.
Foster Adoptive Care: Because Sometimes You Need a Mulligan as Much As They Do
Have you ever wished you could go back and do something over again? Maybe make some different decisions, shuffle priorities, or handle situations more appropriately? In some ways, foster and adoptive care gives the opportunity to apply what the Lord has taught you as you age. Perhaps with enough repetitions, we’ll get it right one day.
Giving Away Ministry
As leaders, we often spend a great deal of time seeking to improve in helpful areas and neglect the development of the one primary goal God has set out for us to accomplish.
Great Advice for Your Yearly Bible Reading Adventure: Stick With It!
Having trouble sticking with your Bible Reading plan? Read this …
3 Reasons I Stink at Family Devotions (and what we're doing about it)
Do you stink at family devotions? Me too. Here are three reasons why and what we are doing about it.
3 Reasons It's 'OK' for Foster Care to Rip Out Your Soul
Once in a while you go through things as a foster/adoptive parent that define who you are and why you do what you do. Then there are times you wonder why you put yourself through it at all. Last night was the latter.
The Tentacles of Tragedy and God’s Abundant Grace
Today began as a heavy-hearted day. On the news I saw a story of three children killed in a tragic accident at a bus stop. Last night a dear family in our community suddenly lost a child. Yesterday a another lady and two children were killed in a car accident. These are heavy times, deep waters. Thomas Paine was once quoted as saying, “These are the times that try men’s souls.” Indeed.
Check Out the New Trailer!
Pre-order sales are open now on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. LIVE Sales begin November 30th! We are super excited about this book and know it will touch the lives of many. The enduring faithfulness of God is the sustaining force we need to navigate the turbulent seas of our day. Remember, all proceeds go to The Crucible’s Fire to fund the production of material for encouraging those on the front lines of disciplemaking and to help us all know Him and make Him known.
3 Reasons Romance Alone Can't Sustain Your Marriage
Over the past couple of years I have been astonished by the sheer number of instances where our enemy, the one who comes only to steal, kill, and destroy, has weaseled his way into a family and home, seeking to bring utter desolation the bride of Christ by breaking up the family. He is gaining ground, and that makes me angry.
It's Finally Here! Pre-order Your Copy Today
We’ve waited and we’ve waited and it’s finally here! The Crucible’s Fire: A Story of God’s Faithfulness is ready for Pre-Order. Get your copy on Amazon or at Barnes & Noble. If you are not a subscriber to this blog or The Potter’s Hands, our Disciplemaking blog, Use the buttons to subscribe and receive a FREE PREVIEW CHAPTER of the book.
How to Ruin Church Volunteers in One Easy Move
When I was in college I learned something that has stuck with me ever since. It's called the Peter Principle. It was developed by a fellow named Laurence J. Peter. In simple terms, his theory states that people tend to rise to the level of their incompetence. You could say it another way:
People are often promoted one level higher than they are capable of performing.
8 Ways the Church Can Minister to Special Needs Families
Loneliness. Fear. Guilt. Hope. Anxiety. Anger. Bitterness. Despair.
All of these are emotions a family goes through when trying to be an active part of a church family. It's even worse if they are coming in as visitors. Depending on the severity and type of the disability, the emotions are different.
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March 2024
2
- Mar 29, 2024 How To Study the Bible ZOOM Workshop Mar 29, 2024
- Mar 5, 2024 I Had a Dream … Mar 5, 2024
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December 2023
1
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November 2023
2
- Nov 30, 2023 Huge Little Things Nov 30, 2023
- Nov 2, 2023 He Sometimes Smelled Like Onions Nov 2, 2023
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September 2023
4
- Sep 12, 2023 Two Babies, One Hilarious Story Sep 12, 2023
- Sep 11, 2023 2 Kids, 2 Days, 2 Towers, 2 Different Worlds Sep 11, 2023
- Sep 8, 2023 Life-Changing, Unseen Miracles of Minutia Sep 8, 2023
- Sep 1, 2023 Strength and Honor are Her Clothing Sep 1, 2023
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May 2023
2
- May 13, 2023 FREE STUFF!!! READ FOR DETAILS ... May 13, 2023
- May 3, 2023 You're Worthless, and Other Silly Lies May 3, 2023
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April 2023
1
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November 2022
2
- Nov 28, 2022 Giving Tuesday 2022! Nov 28, 2022
- Nov 22, 2022 We are Thankful for YOU! Nov 22, 2022
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September 2022
1
- Sep 15, 2022 September Ministry Update Sep 15, 2022
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June 2022
2
- Jun 17, 2022 FSF EAST TEXAS TRAINING Jun 17, 2022
- Jun 10, 2022 The Crucible's Fire June Ministry Update Jun 10, 2022
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December 2021
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- Dec 3, 2021 Our Monthly Newsletter Has Arrived! Dec 3, 2021
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November 2021
1
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October 2021
2
- Oct 22, 2021 The Pastors in Mexico Need Our Help Oct 22, 2021
- Oct 13, 2021 Transform your Quiet Time to In-depth Bible Study Oct 13, 2021
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September 2021
1
- Sep 20, 2021 She Didn't Mean It Sep 20, 2021
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August 2021
3
- Aug 27, 2021 New Partnership!! Aug 27, 2021
- Aug 17, 2021 The Crucible's Fire App is Now Available! Aug 17, 2021
- Aug 10, 2021 Coming Soon! The Crucible's Fire App Aug 10, 2021
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July 2021
1
- Jul 20, 2021 Sobering Thoughts from the Balcony Jul 20, 2021
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June 2021
1
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May 2021
1
- May 4, 2021 Did He Really Do That Enormous Little Thing? May 4, 2021
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February 2021
2
- Feb 19, 2021 The Little Things Feb 19, 2021
- Feb 5, 2021 2021 March Madness Bible Giveaway Feb 5, 2021
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January 2021
1
- Jan 5, 2021 I'm No Erin Gruwell, But I Know Who Is Jan 5, 2021
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December 2020
1
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October 2020
2
- Oct 23, 2020 God's Not Real If She's Broken Oct 23, 2020
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September 2020
1
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June 2020
1
- Jun 19, 2020 It's Worse Than We Thought Jun 19, 2020
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May 2020
2
- May 24, 2020 EXCITING NEWS!! CHECK IT OUT! May 24, 2020
- May 8, 2020 13 and Counting May 8, 2020
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April 2020
2
- Apr 10, 2020 The Potter's Hands and Your Pastor's Peculiar Grief Apr 10, 2020
- Apr 9, 2020 A Digital Paradox of Paper Apr 9, 2020
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March 2020
1
- Mar 25, 2020 COVID-19 and the Church's Golden Opportunity Mar 25, 2020
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February 2020
1
- Feb 25, 2020 March Madness Bible Giveaway 2020 Feb 25, 2020
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January 2020
2
- Jan 7, 2020 The Promises of God Storybook Bible Jan 7, 2020
- Jan 6, 2020 Reading is Not Enough Jan 6, 2020
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December 2019
3
- Dec 31, 2019 Loving Enough to Confront Dec 31, 2019
- Dec 16, 2019 It's Game Time Dec 16, 2019
- Dec 11, 2019 He Is Greater Dec 11, 2019
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November 2019
1
- Nov 11, 2019 Brotherhood Nov 11, 2019
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October 2019
5
- Oct 27, 2019 She's Closer to Jesus Than Me Oct 27, 2019
- Oct 27, 2019 Love Is Lending a Hip Oct 27, 2019
- Oct 11, 2019 I Forget She's Fragile Oct 11, 2019
- Oct 3, 2019 2 Years, 2 Churches, 1 Amazing Story Oct 3, 2019
- Oct 1, 2019 Jesus Had Alot to Learn Oct 1, 2019
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September 2019
2
- Sep 10, 2019 18 Years, Two Days, Two Worlds: A Brighter Note From 9-11-01 Sep 10, 2019
- Sep 6, 2019 Am I a Servant or Volunteer? Sep 6, 2019
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August 2019
4
- Aug 28, 2019 Love Is Underwear and Shampoo Aug 28, 2019
- Aug 19, 2019 Then They Believed ... Aug 19, 2019
- Aug 11, 2019 6 Tips for Waiting Tables with Special Needs Families Aug 11, 2019
- Aug 5, 2019 God is Still Good, Even in Suffering Aug 5, 2019
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July 2019
5
- Jul 29, 2019 "I Love You, Daddy" Jul 29, 2019
- Jul 16, 2019 The Hope of Resurrection Jul 16, 2019
- Jul 5, 2019 Sanctification at Seventy Jul 5, 2019
- Jul 5, 2019 Missed Milestones Jul 5, 2019
- Jul 1, 2019 The Blessing of Brokenness Jul 1, 2019
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June 2019
1
- Jun 17, 2019 Things Men Need to BE - Part 3 Jun 17, 2019
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May 2019
3
- May 10, 2019 Your Marriage is More Important Than You May 10, 2019
- May 7, 2019 Don't be Afraid to Dream Small May 7, 2019
- May 6, 2019 You've Come A Long Way, Baby! May 6, 2019
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April 2019
7
- Apr 27, 2019 Time's Up ... Apr 27, 2019
- Apr 22, 2019 6 Days and Counting ... Apr 22, 2019
- Apr 17, 2019 Things Men Need to BE - Part 2 Apr 17, 2019
- Apr 9, 2019 Book Review: Pathways by Tony Evans Apr 9, 2019
- Apr 9, 2019 Things Men Need to BE- Part 1 Apr 9, 2019
- Apr 2, 2019 25 DAYS and Counting Down Fast Apr 2, 2019
- Apr 2, 2019 25 Years and Counting Apr 2, 2019
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March 2019
6
- Mar 22, 2019 Thank You Make-A-Wish North Texas! Mar 22, 2019
- Mar 21, 2019 The Weight of Brokenness: Why Foster Adoptive Care is so Important Mar 21, 2019
- Mar 18, 2019 Start Chest Compressions Mar 18, 2019
- Mar 12, 2019 Make-A-Wish Foundation: Making the Impossible Possible Day 1 Mar 12, 2019
- Mar 8, 2019 Foster Adoptive Care: Because Sometimes You Need a Mulligan as Much As They Do Mar 8, 2019
- Mar 2, 2019 The Devil is Right … I’m Guilty Mar 2, 2019
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February 2019
2
- Feb 21, 2019 4 Things You Can do to Help Your Busy Pastor Feb 21, 2019
- Feb 4, 2019 What if ... We Actually Acted on our Outrage Over Abortion? Feb 4, 2019
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January 2019
7
- Jan 30, 2019 Giving Away Ministry Jan 30, 2019
- Jan 28, 2019 Great Advice for Your Yearly Bible Reading Adventure: Stick With It! Jan 28, 2019
- Jan 23, 2019 I Want to be the Moon Jan 23, 2019
- Jan 16, 2019 3 Reasons I Stink at Family Devotions (and what we're doing about it) Jan 16, 2019
- Jan 15, 2019 Brynna Reminds Me Every Day Jesus is in the Little Things Jan 15, 2019
- Jan 7, 2019 Let Them Tell Their Story, You Both Need It Jan 7, 2019
- Jan 1, 2019 Top 5 Posts of 2018 Jan 1, 2019
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December 2018
6
- Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2018
- Dec 28, 2018 We Need Your Help! Dec 28, 2018
- Dec 14, 2018 Was the Night of Jesus' Birth Really Silent? Dec 14, 2018
- Dec 10, 2018 The Instant Family Movie is GREAT, but It Isn't a Family Movie Dec 10, 2018
- Dec 10, 2018 Who Sang The First Song? by Ellie Holcomb Dec 10, 2018
- Dec 5, 2018 3 Reasons It's 'OK' for Foster Care to Rip Out Your Soul Dec 5, 2018
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November 2018
7
- Nov 30, 2018 Oh the Places You'll Go ... Nov 30, 2018
- Nov 30, 2018 You Guys Are the Best! Nov 30, 2018
- Nov 30, 2018 TODAY IS LAUNCH DAY! Nov 30, 2018
- Nov 26, 2018 Friday is Release Day! Nov 26, 2018
- Nov 21, 2018 10 Ordinary, Boring, Mundane Things that Bring Joy to Us and Glory to God Nov 21, 2018
- Nov 12, 2018 "Can I say everything you say?" Nov 12, 2018
- Nov 5, 2018 I Wonder What Foster Children Think at Church? Nov 5, 2018
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October 2018
11
- Oct 31, 2018 The Tentacles of Tragedy and God’s Abundant Grace Oct 31, 2018
- Oct 30, 2018 Check Out the New Trailer! Oct 30, 2018
- Oct 29, 2018 Can I say 'Amen', Mr. Parker? Oct 29, 2018
- Oct 24, 2018 3 Reasons Romance Alone Can't Sustain Your Marriage Oct 24, 2018
- Oct 18, 2018 The "Be"atitudes of Disciplemaking Oct 18, 2018
- Oct 15, 2018 7 Questions You Shouldn’t Ask a Foster Child or Foster Parents Oct 15, 2018
- Oct 9, 2018 It's Finally Here! Pre-order Your Copy Today Oct 9, 2018
- Oct 7, 2018 Every Job Needs a Good Corner Man Oct 7, 2018
- Oct 7, 2018 Biblical Studies Content Coming Soon! Oct 7, 2018
- Oct 4, 2018 Embers from The Crucible's Fire Oct 4, 2018
- Oct 2, 2018 Beauty for Ashes Oct 2, 2018
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September 2018
7
- Sep 29, 2018 How to Ruin Church Volunteers in One Easy Move Sep 29, 2018
- Sep 23, 2018 It's Hard to Say Goodbye, but That's a Good Thing Sep 23, 2018
- Sep 18, 2018 My Thoughts on ThoughtFull by Dorena Williamson Sep 18, 2018
- Sep 13, 2018 How to Ruin Church Volunteers in One Easy Move Sep 13, 2018
- Sep 10, 2018 Then There Were Seven Sep 10, 2018
- Sep 7, 2018 8 Ways the Church Can Minister to Special Needs Families Sep 7, 2018
- Sep 3, 2018 Why Do You Pursue Holiness? Sep 3, 2018
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August 2018
7
- Aug 28, 2018 Don't Worry About It, It's In the Past Aug 28, 2018
- Aug 24, 2018 What Do You Worship? Aug 24, 2018
- Aug 15, 2018 COMING THIS FALL!!! Aug 15, 2018
- Aug 14, 2018 She Said, "Yes" Aug 14, 2018
- Aug 10, 2018 Expectations and Perspective Aug 10, 2018
- Aug 7, 2018 The Trauma Informed Teacher - The Silent Front Line Aug 7, 2018
- Aug 2, 2018 12 Ways Our Children Described Our Family Aug 2, 2018
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July 2018
3
- Jul 29, 2018 She Said So Herself Jul 29, 2018
- Jul 24, 2018 My Daughter's Nurses are Family Jul 24, 2018
- Jul 23, 2018 Adoption and the Lord's Supper Jul 23, 2018
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June 2018
5
- Jun 30, 2018 Everyone Can Help With Foster Care Jun 30, 2018
- Jun 30, 2018 Confess. Repent. Repeat. Jun 30, 2018
- Jun 24, 2018 The Development of Sin - Part 6 Jun 24, 2018
- Jun 22, 2018 They Don't Even Know ... Jun 22, 2018
- Jun 17, 2018 The Development of Sin - Part 5 Jun 17, 2018
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May 2018
9
- May 27, 2018 The Development of Sin - Part 4 May 27, 2018
- May 25, 2018 The Future of the SBC and JD Greear May 25, 2018
- May 21, 2018 Santa Fe, Theology, and Babylon May 21, 2018
- May 15, 2018 The Development of Sin - Part 3 May 15, 2018
- May 14, 2018 Because She Picked Me May 14, 2018
- May 13, 2018 7 Plastic Bins May 13, 2018
- May 9, 2018 God is Unbelievable!! May 9, 2018
- May 8, 2018 The Development of Sin - Part 2 May 8, 2018
- May 8, 2018 She's 11 May 8, 2018
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April 2018
1
- Apr 27, 2018 The Development of Sin - Part 1 Apr 27, 2018
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February 2018
2
- Feb 16, 2018 Here I Raise Mine Ebeneezer Feb 16, 2018
- Feb 15, 2018 They Feb 15, 2018
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November 2017
1
- Nov 22, 2017 The Others Nov 22, 2017
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October 2017
1
- Oct 28, 2017 Pinned Down Oct 28, 2017
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August 2017
2
- Aug 9, 2017 Dunkirk and Following Jesus Aug 9, 2017
- Aug 9, 2017 So that's what it is ... Aug 9, 2017
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June 2015
1
- Jun 19, 2015 Dr. King Speaks to Charleston From the Grave Jun 19, 2015
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March 2015
1
- Mar 7, 2015 Trae Moore: A Mighty Man of Valor Mar 7, 2015
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January 2015
1
- Jan 16, 2015 MiniMatt: She's Back In!! Jan 16, 2015
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December 2014
6
- Dec 31, 2014 5 Ways to Help a Family in the Hospital Dec 31, 2014
- Dec 31, 2014 She Has No Idea Dec 31, 2014
- Dec 19, 2014 MiniMatt: Inoculated Against the Gospel Dec 19, 2014
- Dec 11, 2014 MiniMatt: The Bond of Peace Dec 11, 2014
- Dec 11, 2014 I Once Had A Dream Dec 11, 2014
- Dec 4, 2014 Upside Down: Children In Church Dec 4, 2014
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November 2014
4
- Nov 28, 2014 Ok, Brynna, here we go again … Nov 28, 2014
- Nov 28, 2014 I QUIT! Nov 28, 2014
- Nov 19, 2014 She is 7 Now Nov 19, 2014
- Nov 18, 2014 Yeah, That's How You Do It ... Nov 18, 2014