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…)

This October Terrie and I revisited the site of our first date of October 1979

Yesterday, Terrie and I celebrated thirty years of marriage. It’s hard to believe that something that seemed too wonderful to be true on our wedding day is even better now! I praise God for a godly wife and for the ever-deepening relationship He has given us.

Every newly-married couple knows that marriage is one of God’s greatest gifts. But, after the newness wears off, far too many couples treat their marriage like the kids who get the toy “I’ve always wanted” for Christmas.” They enjoy the gift for a short period, but very soon it is forgotten or neglected.

Marriage is for the long haul. And it actually gets better through the years when it is given continual attention. If you want a marriage that lasts, then you need these five “stays”: (more…)

How is it that the season first announced with peace and good will toward men (Luke 2:14) can become one of our most frazzled and hurried seasons of the year? Below are ten guidelines to help us keep the joy in Christmas:

1. Remember the purpose of the holiday. Christmas was not set as a holiday to give families a time of exchanging gifts or a delicious dinner (although I appreciate both of these traditions!). It was not about school Christmas plays or office parties. Christmas is about Christ. Every day during this season, take time to worship Him. “O come, let us adore Him!”
2. Remember others. There’s nothing that will boost your joy like encouraging another. Take your children to visit a local nursing home, write Christmas cards to the widows in your church, have another family over for dinner. Find ways to demonstrate to others the love we celebrate at Christmas.
3. Don’t neglect unsaved relatives. Rather than avoiding unsaved relatives, anticipate the opportunities to spend time with them at Christmas. Let them know you’re thankful to be part of the same family, and look for opportunities to share the Gospel.
4. Avoid debt. If you can’t pay for it in thirty days, don’t buy it. As much as we want to give our children everything they would like and more, we are giving them a greater gift if we are financially responsible. Besides, your love, time, and attention really does mean more than any toy or gadget to your children.
5. Create memories. I’m thankful for Terrie’s carefulness to take pictures and make family times special. With both your immediate family and extended family, spend time shaping special memories for your children.
6. Witness at every opportunity. Christmas is one of the easiest times of the year to witness. Steward this season wisely, and be prepared to share the Gospel everywhere you go. Hand out Gospel tracts, invite neighbors to your church, witness to unsaved loved ones. Look for opportunities, and you will be surprised how many there are!
7. Prepare for the new year. Before January each year, I spend some time alone with the Lord setting goals for the coming year. I review each area of responsibility in my life and ask the Lord to direct me in how I can grow and reach further for His glory.

Follow these guidelines, and your Christmas can be “the most wonderful time of the year”!