Since I’m in Texas this week here’s a story about the famed Dallas preacher Dr. George W. Truett, who ministered in the same church for 47 years.
Once he was the dinner guest of a wealthy West Texas rancher. Following the meal, the rancher took Truett up on the veranda of his massive ranch house. As the sun set, the man pointed south toward some oil rigs and said, “”I own everything in that direction as far as you can see.” Continue reading
Filed under Spiritual
This couple had a fight. And they were not talking. It was a classic case of the “silent treatment.” It had gone on for about a week. Neither was giving in.
One evening, the husband realized he needed his wife to wake him up early for a business trip to Chicago. Since he didn’t want to be the first to give in, he wrote her a note, “Please wake me up at 5:00 AM.”
The next morning, he woke up and it was 9:00 AM. He had missed his flight. And was furious. Continue reading
Filed under Communication, Family
Sunday evening Norma Jean and I were invited to join the young people of the Eastside church in Baytown, Texas, where I’m holding a meeting, for their monthly devotion. Following the food, fellowship and singing, I was asked to share a few thoughts. It’s always fun to be part of youth activities. I love their enthusiasm. Their energy. Their excitement. Not just for life. But for spiritual matters.
So, what would I share with them? I decided that if I only had one chance to encourage them, there is a topic that will impact every area of their lives. Their school work. Their social activities. Their relationships. Their spiritual growth. Their morality. Their succeess or failure in life. And it will help you too. Young or old. Here it is. Continue reading
Filed under Discipline, Uncategorized
The journey was long and arduous. It was eight hundred miles from the North African city of Cyrene in Lybia to Jerusalem. But the time, effort and expense would be worth it. No doubt this dark-skinned man, a Hellenistic Jew, named Simon, was eagerly anticipating the feast days. The Passover. The fellowship. The communion with other worshipers. An opportunity to honor the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
We don’t know if it was his first trip. Or his last. Or maybe he settled there. But we can know this. He never forgot it. And neither did his sons, Rufus and Alexander. Continue reading
Filed under Cross, It's Friday. But Sunday's Coming!
Did you hear about the man who was on his death-bed? Suddenly the aroma of his favorite chocolate chip cookies filled the air, wafting down the hall into his bedroom. Mustering all the strength he could summons, he pulled himself out of bed, slowly staggered down the hall, and made it to the kitchen. Continue reading
Filed under Encouragement
Did you hear about the man who was sitting in a coffee shop, across from a woman who was engrossed in her newspaper. One of the headlines blared: “12 Brazilian Soldiers Killed.” She sighed and shook her head at the sad news.
Then, turning to the man, she quizzically asked, “How many is a Brazilian?” Continue reading
Filed under Forgiveness
Yesterday morning when I turned on the news I learned of the death of troubled country music singer Mindy McCready from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. She leaves behind two sons, 6 years old and 10 months.
Then after returning from the hospital and visiting a sister having surgery, I checked facebook and learned that two my friends suffered the loss of loved ones. Our prayer list is filled with good people who are sick. Suffering. Fighting seriousness disease. And dealing with terminal illness.
It reminds me of this Bible warning.
Filed under Life
“It is impossible to rightly govern without God and the Bible, once affirmed our first President George Washington. In his farewell address, September 19, 1796, Washington said, “The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of right and order which Heaven itself has ordained. … Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.” Continue reading
Self-assured. Self-assertive. Self confident. These words describe the attitude of one of the faces around the cross. He was a follower of Jesus. A part of the inner circle. He was a daring man. A man of faith. A man of action. Some might say his boldness bordered on arrogance. That he was over-confident. Brash. Bellicose.
You know the name behind this face is Simon Peter. The apostle. Do you remember what he did? Continue reading
Filed under It's Friday. But Sunday's Coming!
Alan Smith tells the story of the two friends who were discussing the possibility of love. “I thought I was in love three times,” one fellow says.
“How so?” his friend asked.
“Five years ago I deeply cared for a woman who wanted nothing to do with me.”
“Wasn’t that love?” his friend asked. Continue reading
Filed under Love
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