One of the best parts of this trip to Pennsylvania has been seeing Davis and Kathy Duggins again. Kathy served as the church secretary at the church in Oak Park for 11 years. I know because when I asked her on Sunday, she immediately—I mean instantly—replied, “Eleven years.” And then she grinned. I think if I had asked for t…
Seventy-five years ago a young man named Percy Crawford started a camp on land just east of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. In the years that followed, Pinebrook Bible Conference became one of the major stops on the Bible conference circuit in the 30s, 40s and 50s. Jack Wyrtzen preached here. Billy Graham met Cliff Barrows here. George Beverly Shea sang…
While browsing through a bookstore at the Portland airport on Saturday, I picked up a copy of “For Whom the Bell Tolls” by Ernest Hemingway that was on sale for $7. Despite living in Oak Park (Hemingway’s birthplace) for 16 years, I never actually read one of his books until now. I finished the 470 page novel just before noon toda…
5:47 AM Cannon Beach Conference CenterTime to pack my bags and head for the airport. This will be another long day that starts in Oregon and ends in Pennsylvania. But as I am packing, I am happy and grateful for a wonderful week of ministry at Cannon Beach. I am especially thankful for the worship team that made my job so much easier. For the …
My week at Cannon Beach has zipped right by. Today I speak twice. This morning we are taking questions from the audience. That’s always a fun time because people can ask anything they like—about my messages this week or about a Bible question they have or about the spiritual life or about anything at all. Mark Rice will moderate the ses…
The number 1 question I get is, “Why Tupelo?” Answer: Because my brother Alan owns a cabin in the woods (on property that used to be a church camp) that was vacant. He was glad for us to stay there. The Number 2 question is, “Do you miss the pastorate?” Answer: We miss the long-term relationships with peopl…
John Stott, the well-known author and much-beloved former pastor of All Souls Church in London, begins eacy day with this prayer to each person in the Holy Trinity:Good morning heavenly Father. Good morning Lord Jesus. Good morning Holy Spirit. Father I pray that I may live this day in Your presence and please You more and more. Lord Jesus I pray t…
This week I am speaking at Cannon Beach Conference Center in Oregon. You couldn’t be much closer to the Pacific Ocean than we are. As I look out my window, I can see the waves rolling onto the beach about 40 yards away. The weather here has been a bit cooler than usual, and a whole lot cooler than Tupelo. Last night the temperature dropped to…
As part of the Anchor Book Depot, we donate copies of An Anchor for the Soul to military ministries that reach out to the men and women serving in the U.S. Armed Forces around the world. Recently we received a note from a soldier serving in Kabul, Afghanistan. As you read it, I think you’ll appreciate his sense of humor. Dear …
I’m writing this note just before 10 PM on Friday night. This evening I finished my final message at Maranatha Bible Conference in Muskegon, Michigan. We had a wonderful week. For one thing, the weather was superb, even better than I remember from four years ago. Clear days, warm but not hot, low humidity, a slight breeze, conditions so …