I’ve been preaching … about the crosses we have to bear for Jesus. If that sounds painful, you don’t know the half of it.

I’ve been reading … The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Grace that does not lead to discipleship is beneath the dignity of our calling.

I’ve been hearing … excuses, one after another. And they all mean the same thing — “Lord, I just don’t want to.”

I’ve been playing … Otys. Play the game to the best of your ability. But don’t get discouraged if your ability doesn’t amount to much.

Check out Hal on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@halhammons9705

Hal Hammons serves as preacher and shepherd for the Lakewoods Drive church of Christ in Georgetown, Texas. He is the host of the Citizen of Heaven podcast. You are encouraged to seek him and the Lakewoods Drive church through Facebook and other social media. Lakewoods Drive is an autonomous group of Christians dedicated to praising God, teaching the gospel to all who will hear, training Christians in righteousness, and serving our God and one another faithfully. We believe the Bible is God's word, that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, that heaven is our home, and that we have work to do here while we wait. Regular topics of discussion and conversation include: Christians, Jesus, obedience, faith, grace, baptism, New Testament, Old Testament, authority, gospel, fellowship, justice, mercy, faithfulness, forgiveness, Twenty Pages a Week, Bible reading, heaven, hell, virtues, character, denominations, submission, service, character, COVID-19, assembly, Lord's Supper, online, social media, YouTube, Facebook.

DISCIPLESHIP: Crosses. The Cost of Discipleship. Excuses. Otys.