It seems that the year started only a few weeks ago, and now it is December. The tree is up, lit, and decorated. The rest of the decorations are in various states of being put up. Today, however, was both a happy and sad day in Long household. Since our two children were little, we Continue reading

Prayer for our Country O Lord God of heaven, great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love You and keep Your commandments, we come before You humbly asking for mercy. Forgive us for not keeping the new commandment Jesus gave us…loving one another just as He loved us.  He promised we would Continue reading

A. W. Tozer wrote: “In worship several elements may be distinguished, among them love, admiration, wonder and adoration.” Those words started me thinking about worship, my worship and that of those who gather with me each week in a service we label “worship.” Do these elements exists in our worship experience? Do we love the Continue reading

My fellow believers, I have always found it interesting that Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, a prayer offered in the shadow of the soon-coming cross, focused so much on unity among His followers (John 17:20-21). For Jesus, this was a big deal – no, not a big deal – it was a HUGE Continue reading

I sat down this morning with my Bible, prayer list, and journal to spend some quiet time with God. Some days, the words on my heart pour out freely. Other days, I sit in solitude waiting. Today was one of those solitude days. As I waited, the words from a Keith Green song began to play Continue reading

I have had the privilege and challenge of serving in three churches before the one I currently serve. They were established churches with rich histories. Of course, each of the three had their own distinctive personalities. As with every church, there were both positives and things that were not as positive. I was called to each Continue reading

Life is a precious gift from God, but we do not always or even often treat it with the respect and dignity it deserves. The recent shootings of two black males by police officers in Baton Rouge, Lousiana and Falcon Heights, Minnesota, and the killing of five police officers and wounding of seven more in Continue reading

For six years I have traveled to the Dominican Republic to serve alongside John and Donna Bearden, members from Grace Fellowship, and believers from other churches. The work includes evangelism, Bible schools for children, fellowship with Dominican believers, and construction. The construction is always tiring, and this year’s trip was just no different in that regard, yet this Continue reading

Facebook and Twitter are not the places to air veiled grievances against another. Always check Snopes.com before re-posting. Just because you think it does not mean you have to post it. Chill. You are not required to be offended daily. Do not use social media to demean others. Do not post pictures you wouldn’t show Continue reading

I never knew him, but I baptized his daughter. I never knew him, but I baptized his grandson. I never knew him, but I baptized his great-grandson. Jack Smith died this morning, but he left a legacy of faith. To live 90 years is an accomplishment in itself, but a person can live 90 years, earn Continue reading