Handfuls of Doxology

Dear Friends, First, let me say how thankful I am for each of you. I honestly mean that. It is true that the title "Facebook Friend" doesn't inherently carry much...shall we say, weight? But as a guy who has burned his fair share of bridges and who appreciates the opportunity to share a little light when given the chance, I am grateful for our friendships, whatever depth and weight they may have.

  .   I have heard your mom say things like, "It just doesn't seem real" or "I can't believe this is really happening." I know what she means by a statement like that and it really is hard to believe. But I confess that I am struggling with the particular phrasing a bit. When someone says something like, "It doesn't seem real" it suggests that whatever is being referenced is somehow detached from actual reality. What they mean is whatever "it" is, is more like a dream, some out of body experience, or a trip to... The Twilight Zone. Son, I'm struggling with statements like that because I am in fact, struggling with the reality itself. You see, this is no dream. She says... "It just doesn't seem real" and she's right because just 24 hours ago everything was different. It can't be real, literally. Everything was different just yesterday ... Today , you and I are getting our hair cut and I am an absolute mess. I...

In case you missed it, there is a huge story that has captured the news cycles and the collective conversation of the apparent world.  That's right.  The early digital release of "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker."  Everyone is talking about it! Obviously, I am referring to COVID-19 better known as Coronavirus.  Since the first reports came out of Wuhan China, it has affected everything from international travel to global markets, and even our ability to find toilet paper in our time of need.  Another result of this pandemic is, of course, the panic, confusion, and fear that is understandably associated with such a widespread illness.  It has also resulted in billions of newly certified experts in  epidemiology, many of whom I am blessed to be friends with on social media.  They have joined the political science majors and the sociologists who have appeared in recent years on my timeline.  It is astounding the educated and informed theor...

I will save you any unnecessary time and warn you upfront in case you've inadvertently stumbled in here expecting the wrong thing.   This will not be pretty. _______________________________________________________________ Yes, its Valentine's Day!  In our culture, that means an entire day of our social media feeds filled with the two sides of love.  On one side are those who will take the opportunity to express their affections for their Valentine,  and in America show off the gifts that they've purchased and received.  On the other side are those without a Valentine  who will either take to social media to bemoan the day and remind the world to be sensitive to their plight or, celebrate their freedom and laugh at those trapped in the bonds of commitment and fidelity.  Then, I hope, there is this post. I have historically taken advantage of this day to celebrate my Valentine  and the gift that she is to me.  I have also historic...

I'm not certain but I may be obligated to inform you that: The thoughts and opinions expressed here have not been formally reviewed and approved by the board of trustees of CTS. "Handfuls of Doxology" is in no way endorsed or officially associated with CTS. For those who may not know me or are not familiar with my personality, that is what those closest to me will immediately recognize as sarcasm.  To be clear, Covington is in no way endorsing me, a blog, a ministry, or anything else that is offered here.  This humble and rarely utilized blog is a space that is used to record and share the thoughts that grow within me and won't relent.  I'm writing this particular blog because of a thought that is reborn every time I engage in a conversation with someone about Covington. The conversation usually goes one of two ways: Scenario One: Q:  Where do you go to seminary? A: Covington Theological Seminary. R: Never heard of it. I love this res...

What you stand against will reveal what you truly stand for. Taking a stand is never easy. When we do, we must be ready to speak often and speak plainly about our position. Doing so will expose what it is we are really standing against and standing for. I often feel the urge to cry out against what I consider nonsense and am frustrated by so much around me. Especially within the "Christian Church" community. I have both reacted and responded to that urge in the past. Some will understand the difference between reaction and response better than others. Being a slow learner, and learning the lessons I have, the way I have (the hard way), I am getting pretty good at the self-evaluation part of the process. It usually goes something like this with me. _____________________________________ Self, A) Is my frustration due to the Gospel being compromised, dismissed, or abandoned? If so, pray and proceed to "B". If not, get over it. B) Is the ...

(Disclaimer: If we disagree, we must do so well.  We must not be ugly about it.  My confidence is in Christ and Scripture and that is where I stand.  I hope my spirit is communicated as one of only concern and grief for what I see, not anger or judgement.  My desire is for Christ to be glorified and the Gospel to go forth.) Here's the scene: these uneducated but spirit filled men were were simply living in light of all that they had seen and heard from Jesus. It wasn't long ago He was crucified, buried, and rose again, appearing to them all and then ascended before their eyes.  It was then He told them about this very power - His power that they would receive.  He said "You will  be my witnesses"  and that is what they are doing.  Now they because of that witness they find themselves being threatened and commanded not to speak these things anymore.  They know the penalty for disobedience here.  We know the rest of the story...