Do you remember the poem “Footprints in the Sand” by Mary Stevenson? If you were surrounded in Christian culture as I was growing up it seems you couldn’t go anywhere without seeing it. What a wonderful meaning and story to that poem.

I would have written “Footprints” a little differently than Mrs. Stevenson though. In my version Jesus and I would not be walking along the beach in the sand. Don’t get me wrong. I love the beach. I enjoy long walks in the sand.

However, I stumble along in this journey (a lot). Hence, the name of my blog. I’m not talking about the kind of stumble where you just momentarily lose your balance and quickly regain it. I’m talking about the kind of stumbling that ends up with a very ungraceful face plant. (more…)

To begin I wish to make it abundantly clear that I am not trying to pick on any person or institution. The example I use is merely to illustrate a point.

I know a teenager that recently sat in on a sermon with the topic of whether or not they only know about Jesus or have a relationship with him. Intrigued that this topic had actually been tackled I asked what had been taught about how to know Jesus. Sadly, I was told, “I don’t think we were taught how to know Jesus.” (more…)

There’s a great clip about “Marketing Jesus” from the movie, The Big Kahuna. As a little background, Danny Devito’s character is talking to a young man who works for the same company as he does. This young man just cost the company a big account because he decided to use a meeting to pitch a business idea as an opportunity to try and witness instead.

Watch the clip by clicking here.

Have you watched the clip? It moved me to examine the way in which I present myself as a witness to others. How does it make you feel when you have a salesperson trying to push a product on you. Even a product that you may want or need. Jesus isn’t a product to be pushed and sold. He can sell himself. Does manipulation and coercion really show anyone the way to Jesus? Any thoughts?

However one may feel about the Pope (or the Catholic church, for that matter), the Pope’s visit to the US is big news. I, for one, wanted his visit to go well. For many people around the world, the Pope represents Christianity (if not Jesus Christ, himself, . . . as do we all, technically, of course). Therefore, I’ve been following the visit with keen interest and wishing him the best. And it appears the visit was a success . . . woo hoo!

This past week I was teaching from the “prayer of Jesus for the church” in the 17th chapter of John. Here’s a part of what Jesus prays:

“My prayer . . . (is) for those who will believe in me . . . that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity.“

During my teaching, I mentioned the Pope’s visit and said something to the effect, “it is our Christian duty to the body of Christ to support and pray for Pope Benedict’s visit.” (I am a Baptist, by the way, so this may have taken a few of our folks by surprise.) Anyway, to do otherwise is to ignore this prayer for unity that Jesus prays for us.

Thanks, my brother. Way to go, Pope Benedict!

14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. - Matthew 5: 14 - 16

Which part of these verses do you think the modern church does the best? If you take a truly honest look at the church you would have to say it is the part about putting it’s light under a bushel.
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Wayne, my son-in-law, is learning about being a daddy. Upon discovering that Jennifer, my daughter, would be going to work during a time that he would be at home, Wayne asks, “What are we going to do with Bobby?” (that’s my 6-month-old grandson). Boy did that bring back some memories! (more…)

Hello all,
My name is Mark Main. A little background about me might help you understand the things I write a little more. Then again if you begin to understand my way of thinking it might make you just as crazy as me. I won’t mind though. Just like misery, crazy enjoys the company.

I have been married to my wonderful wife Melissa for 15 years. We have two great daughters. I work in a factory that makes spaghetti sauce.
I call myself a Jesus follower. I have some problems with the term Christian. If you read very many of the upcoming entries on this blog my reasons for that will become evident. What I have no problem with is my love for and desire to live for Jesus.

As you read the things I have to say on this blog you may find yourself thinking that I am really messed up. I’m OK with that. I’d probably agree with you. The only thing you will never find messed up about me is my hair. That isn’t really bragging though, seeing as I don’t have any.

So, what could an admittedly messed up, bald Jesus follower have to say that would have any significance or relevance? I don’t know if I can answer that question. I just gotta believe there are other people out there with some of the same questions and struggles as me. If nothing else maybe someone will find some relief to know they aren’t alone. If I am messed up I obviously don’t have all the answers. Truth be told, I probably have very few of the answers. On the other hand I have lots and lots of questions. I actually view that as a positive thing.

I find questions to be refreshing. I find doubt to be honest. I find insecurity to be great motivation to lean on God and not our own understanding. I find blind adherence to dogma and doctrine to be frightening. The moment we stop looking to change we have stopped looking to God.

It is my hope along the way that I will make you think about things you have never considered before. I hope I make you rethink things you thought you already knew. The goal is not to change any particular belief. It is simply to challenge them. It is only by continually challenging our beliefs that we can avoid the arrogance that comes from becoming complacent in them.

God Bless!