Monthly Archives: November 2013

Thank You, God, For Everything!

Sunset.PeterIsland

Matthew Henry was a well-known, British Bible scholar and Preacher who lived from 1662 to 1714.  His commentaries on the Old and New Testament are still in print today.

One day Dr. Henry was riding his horse on the way to a church meeting where he was the guest speaker.  As he journeyed through the dense forest a masked bandit suddenly appeared with a gun.  He demanded that Henry dismount and hand over all of his money.  Fearing for his life, he quickly complied as the robber returned into the woods. Continue reading

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You Can’t Grow If You’re Dead!

Turkey.FrozenNorma Jean and I are in Florida for Thanksgiving.  Last night we went grocery shopping, laying in food for our stay and for the big day on Thursday!  When we came to the meat section, she found a turkey and said “Do you think it’s big enough?”  I agreed that it was.  But it reminded me of this story. Continue reading

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Word of the Week: Thanksgiving

 Thanksgiving.2

It was the day before Thanksgiving and Michelle wanted to emphasize the importance and meaning of Thanksgiving to her pre-school class.  She decided to playfully contrast it with some incorrect ideas.  The dialogue went something like this.  Continue reading

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IT’S FRIDAY. BUT SUNDAY’S COMING! Mighty in Power

Jesus.Pilate.2The Emperor, Charlemagne, known also as “Charles the Great,” ruled from of Western Europe from 768-814.  He  wanted to be remembered as the powerful ruler he was.  Legend says that he requested to be entombed sitting on his throne.  His crown on His head.  His scepter in his hand.  And his royal cape draped around his shoulders. Continue reading

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A Refuge in Times of Trouble

Hawksbill

(This post was the 7th most read in 2013)

The Old Testament Patriarch, Job, observed over 3,000 years ago, “Man that is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble.”

I have been reminded of that this week.  Again.

Rescue teams have been searching the Barren River in Bowling Green, Kentucky, looking for Adam Smelser, missing since Sunday afternoon.  Evidently he went for a run.  Then a swim. And hasn’t been seen since.  I feel the grief and heart-break of his parents, family and friends. Continue reading

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Bill Cosby “Calls Out” Vulgar Culture

Cosby.Bill(Note:  We are taking a “holiday break” and re-posting the top 9 posts in 2013 based on the number of hits.  Although only posted a month ago, this one came in at #9)

“We are not a vulgar culture,” said Bill Cosby in a speech at Tuskegee University earlier this month. Continue reading

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Was Abraham Lincoln a Man of Faith?

Lincoln“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal”

You immediately recognize those words as the beginning of President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg address.  Today is the 150th anniversary of that speech at the dedication of the soldier’s National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Continue reading

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IT’S FRIDAY. BUT SUNDAY’S COMING! He Bore It All

JesusBoreItAll

The eulogy at the Lord’s Supper is often composed of a scripture reading and a song.  Two of the most common that are related in thought are Isaiah 53 and “He Bore it All.”

Prophetically Isaiah paints a picture of the suffering Servant as “a man of sorrows.”  “Acquainted with grief.”  “Despised and rejected by men.”  The suffering and shame that the Savior endured touches our hearts. Weighs heavy on our minds.  And reaches down into the depths of our souls.  It  reminds us that we are the reason Jesus died.     Continue reading

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Happiness and Holiness Go Together

Happiness.3Yesterday’s post, “Happiness is a Choice, spoke to the importance of true happiness. Not a pseudo happiness based on the world’s definition, but a happiness that is spiritually focused.  Biblically-based.  And God directed.

Today I want to share a piece written from a little different angle by Rubel Shelly.  While my views on some other spiritual matters might differ from Shelly’s , I found this interesting, insightful and challenging.  I hope you do too! Continue reading

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Happiness is a Choice!

HappyWords

Bruce Bakker is a friend of mine. Along with his wife, Barbara, and their daughter, Kim, He’s a part of the Church-Family where I preach. And one of the most cheerful guys I know!

Yesterday he had hip replacement surgery. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen anyone go into surgery with a more positive attitude than Bruce. He was jovial. Joyful. And positive. Plus he had that big, infectious smile on his face. Continue reading

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