Author: rustytugman

Most merciful Father, we humbly thank you for all your gifts so freely bestowed upon us: for life and health and safety, for strength to work and leisure to rest, for all that is beautiful in creation and in human life; but above all we thank you for our spiritual mercies in Christ Jesus our … Continue reading A Thanksgiving Prayer (for Thanksgiving Day)

Because of the Thanksgiving holiday, this week we are being encouraged to push the pause button on our busy lives, reflect on our blessings, and give thanks for all the people and things in our lives for which we are grateful. Here's a devotional guide that will help you do that: Read This... Psalm 138 … Continue reading Read This, Listen to This, Pray This (Thanksgiving)

Last week, one of our beloved church members passed away. He was a good man who I was proud to count as a friend. Nearly every Sunday to church he wore boots, blue jeans, a button-up dress shirt, and a blazer (usually, a navy blue one). It was a classic look that fit his personality. … Continue reading Sometimes, You Need to Wear Jeans

One night a week I facilitate fatherhood workshops for a group called TRUE DADS. Our goal is to improve outcomes for children by teaching vital parenting skills to fathers so that they can be present in their child's life in a way that is positive, productive, and healthy. In these workshops, we talk about how … Continue reading Getting Better!

I can't control the chaos in the world, but I can bring order to the chaos by how I live and act and speak. And so can you. I can't make all the negativity that bombards us go away, but I can choose to be positive and a source of positivity. I can't heal all … Continue reading Do Your Part

Here's some inspiring advice from Michael Redd, a former professional basketball player in the NBA who is also an accomplished entrepreneur... A lot of people have trouble understanding that, in sports, business, and life … mindset is just as important (maybe more) as experience and physical discipline. No matter what you’re trying to do, you’re … Continue reading Decide & Thrive

I recently read the following excerpt that is worth passing along...  I don’t know how many of you may have heard someone say this, or even said it yourself: “I would die for my children.” But would you LIVE for them?  Would you stop smoking or drinking?  Would you seek to heal your emotional wounds? … Continue reading Would You lIVE for Them?

"Three things we can do more of this week: Love (unconditionally), Pray (for peace wisdom, unity), Focus (on being our best and bringing out the best in others)." Jon Gordon So... For whom can you demonstrate unconditional love? In what specific and intentional ways can you pray for peace, wisdom, and unity? How can you … Continue reading 3 Priorities For This Week

Here's an important article by Tim Keller about the church of the past that could help the church of the present have a greater cultural impact for the Kingdom of God... In the first three centuries, Christians were persecuted more than any other religious group. Because they refused to honor other gods or worship the … Continue reading 5 Features That Made The Early Church Unique