Making room for singleness

“Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I am… I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord” (1 Corinthians 7:8, 35 NIV). As we’ve been

Unmade beds and unreconciled relationships

“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry…  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:26, 32 NIV). Slam…stomp, stomp, stomp… slam! “What in the world?” I asked my wife, after hearing what sounded

Super glue sutures

“Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many. …Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.” (Proverbs 4:10-13 KJV). “When can I take a shower?” I asked the nurse while looking at the surgical dressing on my stomach.

Not applauding “The View”

“And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.” (1 Kings 19:12 KJV). I know I’m going to lose “man points” for this, but I watched ABC’s “The View” this morning. Now, before you judge me too harshly, hear me out. I had

Our house increases!

“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures” (Proverbs 24:3-4 NIV). After a long day at Wake Medical in Raleigh our long awaited grandson has arrived! His name is Nathaniel Dillon Combs and he was born on Thursday, April 23, 2009.

Encouraging words from faithful friends

Stephen and I attended the Innovative Church Community’s “Wilkesboro Regional” this past Tuesday. It was a great day! Here, you see us standing in front of Pastor Tom Bartlett’s Celebration Church (Left to right, Me, Tom Bartlett, Jimmie Davidson, & Stephen). We were there to hear from Pastor Jimmie, founder of Highlands Fellowship, an amazing multi-venue,

A family in crisis

“People who don’t take care of their … own families, have given up their faith. They are worse than someone who doesn’t have faith in the Lord” (Timothy 5:8 CEV). “What am I going to do, Pastor Gary?” A woman cried as she burst into my office. “What’s wrong?” I asked while handing her a Kleenex

A living hope

 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3 NIV). Have you ever eaten an apple from an apple tree you planted? My guess is “no.”

Groaning into glory

“We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we

Washing soles to save souls

"Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. …I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master… Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them" (John 13:14-17 NIV). When we are looking for leaders at WCC