Why are some people peaceful, tranquil and calm? And others are constantly disquieted, distressed, and frustrated? Why do some folks seem happy all the time and others unhappy? Why does one person wear a perpetual smile, and another an incessant frown?
Several years ago the Sociology Department at Duke University did a study on “Peace of Mind.” After studying hundreds of people, both happy and unhappy, 9 factors were found to contribute to emotional and mental stability. Continue reading
Filed under peace
It was 75 years ago today at 7:55 am on a Sunday morning that a Japanese dive bomber bearing the red symbol of the Rising Sun of Japan on its wings suddenly appeared out of the clouds above the Hawaiian Island of Oahu.
What followed was 360 Japanese war planes that attacked our naval and air base at Pearl Harbor. When the raid was completed our Pacific fleet was devastated. 2400 Americans were killed. 1200 were wounded. More than 200 of our aircraft were destroyed. 5 battleships, 3 destroyers and 8 other ships were either sunk or severely damaged. Continue reading
Filed under Devil
This quarter where I preach at the West Main Church in Lewisville we are studying the Old Testament period of the Judges. It was a time described this way. “Everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25).
Following the death of Joshua “another generation arose who did not know the Lord nor the work which he had done for Israel.” Soon they sinned, falling prey to the idol worship of their heathen neighbors. To punish them for their disobedience, God sent a foreign foe to oppress Israel. Finally, they would cry for deliverance. Then God would raise up a Judge to deliver them from their oppressor. This cycle is repeated again. And again. And again. Continue reading
Polycarp was a second century Christian who lived at the time of Roman persecution. This godly man, one of the bishops of the church at Smyrna, managed to escape persecution for almost his entire life. However, at age 86, he was suddenly a target of the Roman government.
Friends urged him to flee and go into hiding. Polycarp refused. When the soldiers came to his door, he let the them in and said, “God’s will be done.” Historians record that he was brought before the local proconsul, Statius Quadratus, who interrogated him in front of a curious crowd of bystanders. Continue reading
Filed under Word of the Week
Today we hear a lot about inclusiveness in a social or political sense. But it’s important to understand spiritual inclusiveness. The value of each Christian. The role of all members in our church family. The appreciation of everyone’s contribution to our spiritual success.
In a light little ditty, this idea is communicated by an unknown author entitled, “Who Flies the Kite?”
Who flies the kite?
“I”, said the boy, “It is my joy!
I fly the kite.” Continue reading
Filed under Sunday Seed Thoughts
Chip and Joanna Gaines, from Waco, Texas, are the stars of “Fixer Upper”, HGTV’s #1 hit show. But according to a Cosmopolitan article the magazine has “uncovered something many fans will likely want an explanation for–a startling revelation that has left many wondering where Chip and Jo stand.”
And what is this “startling revelation”? One that various media outlets are calling a possible “scandal.” “Serious” another labeled it. And “concerning” wrote Buzzfeed. Continue reading
In the past month I have learned of several of my friends, family and brethren who are dealing with the dreaded disease of cancer. I have some idea how the families feel.
I have lost so many friends and family members to this ugly enemy called cancer. Aunts. Uncles. Cousins. Grandparents. And my own mother. I have seen it ravage the bodies of the young and old alike. Continue reading
Filed under Hope
ThePreachersWord 