Monthly Archives: February 2016

What’s Tattooed On Your Mind?

Thinking_ManIn his book, Power of the Plus Factor, Norman Vincent Peale relates this story.

Once walking through the twisted little streets of Kowloon in Hong Kong, I came upon a tattoo studio. In the window were displayed samples of the tattoos available.

On the chest or arms you could have tattooed an anchor or flag or mermaid or whatever.
But what struck me with force were three words that could be tattooed on one’s flesh, Born to lose.

I entered the shop in astonishment and, pointing to those words, asked the Chinese tattoo artist, “Does anyone really have that terrible phrase, Born to lose, tattooed on his body?” Continue reading

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Filed under Attitude

“Founding Fathers” Under Attack

 Founding Fathers

The city of San Diego has been concerned about their city workers dropping some “F-bombs” on this President’s Day.

Yes, “F-Words” in the form of “Founding Fathers.”

This warning first appeared in a city-issued manual entitled “Bias-Free Language.” According to a report from Fox News and the Pacific Justice Institute, it “instructs workers to eliminate from their vocabulary a number of words and phrases considered gender biased, including “the common man,” “manmade,” “man up” and many others.” Continue reading

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Immeasurable Love

A couple of years ago I had a meeting in Wellandport, Ontario, Canada. Norma Jean and I stayed with our good friends Mike and Sherry Stephens.

During the week Mike was telling me about the wood mantel above his fireplace. It was a beam from his grandfather’s barn in Lincoln County, Kentucky. When I went to look at the beam, sitting on it with other pictures was a stone plaque engraved with these words that I’ve not forgotten. Continue reading

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Filed under Sunday Seed Thoughts

3 Essentials of A Good Sermon

Preaching2 

A preacher was greeting folks at the door after the service. A woman said, “Preacher, that was a very good sermon.”

Modestly the preacher replied “Thank you, but I have to give the credit to the LORD.”

“Well, It wasn’t THAT good!” she responded.

What is a good sermon? Continue reading

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How To Win When You Lose

Cam Newton

“I’m on record as being a sore loser. I hate losing,” said quarterback Cam Newton. “You show me a good loser and I’ll show you a loser.”

Newton shared his philosophy on losing to reporters Tuesday in response to his aborted press conference following a devastating loss in Sunday’s Super Bowl.

Newton pouted during the post game news conference, channeling his inner Bill Belichick, by giving petulant answers to reporters’ questions. After mumbling single, short answers to seven questions he abruptly walked away saying, “I don’t know what you want from me.” Continue reading

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Filed under Attitude, character

Great Verses of the Bible: Micah 6:8

Walking with God

I recently read a story about an interesting young fellow named Andy. He’d never really been away from home until he left for college. While in college he accepted Christ and became a devoted Christian.

His friend Maynard said that Andy rarely showed any emotion, but he did have a great sense of humor. Andy would often tell people, “Just remember, Jesus loves me and He loves you.” Continue reading

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What I’ve Missed The Past 9 Days

Time.People 

For more than a week Norma Jean and I’ve have been on the go. We’ve been away from home. From our normal activities. And from the daily habits that seem to come with a regular routine.

As I end my part of the journey, I was thinking about some things that I’ve missed for the past 9 days. Continue reading

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Filed under TIme

Word of the Week: Abide

Psalm 15 

“You’re welcome to come to our house. We would love to have you stay with us,” began Bob Owen in his lecture last Tuesday morning at the Florida College Lectures.

Bob brought home the point that we only offer that kind of invitation to someone with whom we feel comfortable being in our home. A friend. A relative. A brother or sister in Christ. Someone with whom we enjoy a relationship. Continue reading

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Sunday or “Funday”?

Worship is a frequent theme of the Psalmist.

“…I will come into Your house in the multitude of Your mercy; In fear of You I will worship toward Your holy temple” (Ps 5:7)

“Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” (Ps 29:2)

” Exalt the Lord our God, And worship at His footstool —He is holy” (Ps 99:5).

No wonder the this man of God could affirm, “I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the Lord.” (Ps 122:1) Continue reading

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You Are My God

God. My God

Three days and three nights. 15 Lectures. 15 men. And 15 Psalms. Now the 2016 Florida College Lectures have ended. But, not my renewed quest to know God. Heighten the awareness of God in my life. And enhance my relationship with God.

The theme, “You Are My God,” has served us well. Actually, more than “well.” It has been magnificent. We have been revived. Renewed. And energized. Last night Ralph Walker closed the Lectures with a lesson based on Psalm 145, “I Will Bless Your Name Forever.” Continue reading

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Filed under Florida College Lectures, God