Perhaps it was ingrained into our minds during elementary school, but there is something about summertime that seems to change people’s thinking. Even adults seem to develop a kind of “recess mentality” that focuses on self and lets responsibility slide.

As a pastor, I’ve noticed that this summer pattern can become one of the “wiles [tricks] of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11) that is used to cause lasting spiritual harm. Sometimes it is helpful in the middle of the summer to pause and evaluate, “Am I maintaining my walk with God?”

Below are five suggestions for enjoying a productive and pleasurable summer while at the same time maintaining your walk with the Lord and your family relationships. (more…)

I had the privilege of praying with Jon and Kristine last night to dedicate our second grandchild—Delanie Lynne—to the Lord. Baby dedications at our church are always special to me, but this one was especially precious. There is nothing like dedicating your own grandchildren!

With the spirit Hannah had many years ago (1 Samuel 1:11, 27–28), Jon and Kristine prayed months ago, “Lord, if You give us a child, we will give that child back to You.” I’m thankful for Jon and Kristine’s commitment to raise Delanie for the Lord.

Delanie’s name means “victorious,” and we look forward to the day when she finds her true victory in Christ by trusting Him as her Saviour. We are praying that she will be saved at an early age. (more…)

My friend, Pastor Dave Teis, has pastored for more than thirty years in Las Vegas, Nevada. What I most respect about Pastor Teis is the fact that all of his grown children are walking in the truth and serving in our Lord’s work, despite being raised in “Sin City.” This, of course, is due to godly upbringing, family devotions, and consistent parenting. But I believe there is another reason his family turned out well: Pastor Teis knows how to have fun with his family.

Too many fundamental pastors have forgotten the “fun” in fundamental.

Often, through his thirty years of pastoring, Brother Teis has taken his family out of Sin City and down to Mickey’s Town for a day or two of family fun. (Rumor has it that there is even a paver in the Teis family name at the entry to the Park.)

We recently had a great day with our children and two grandchildren at Disneyland. (We got there as the Teises were heading back to Vegas.) (more…)

For nine months we’ve prayed for Jon and Kristine as Kristine carried our first granddaughter to full term. What a blessing it was this past Wednesday afternoon when little Delanie Lynne Sisson arrived. We praise the Lord for a healthy, 8 lb. 4 oz. baby girl!

Psalm 127:3 says, “Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.” I’m thankful for the precious reward of both children and grandchildren. It is a joy for Terrie and me to see our children loving and serving God, and we’re thankful they are raising their children to do the same!

The sixteenth commencement exercise for West Coast Baptist College this past Wednesday marked a significant milestone for our family. Our youngest son, Matthew, and his wife, Katie, graduated. As they walked across the platform, I thought of 3 John 4, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” What a joy it was to give them both their diplomas, knowing that they are already using the training they have received to serve the Lord.

Matt and Katie met at West Coast Baptist College during their freshman year, and they were married in August of 2010. They both finished their classes this past December, and they have been serving in Oceanside, California, with Pastor Stephen Chappell at Coastline Baptist Church. Matt is the youth pastor, and he and Katie are serving God faithfully each week—reaching and teaching young people with the Word of God. (more…)