Monthly Archives: September 2018

September 14, 2018 · 5:52 am

Weathering the Storm

This morning as I awake enjoying my coffee in the comfort and safety of a friend’s home in Missouri, many are facing what is being described as a “monster storm” in hurricane Florence.

Winds are battering the coastal cities of North Carolina and torrential rains are expected to cause “catastrophic flash flooding and prolonged significant river flooding” according to authorities and news reports.

Even though Florence has been downgraded to a category 1 hurricane, officials are bracing for the worse as winds extend 80 miles from the center and tropical force winds to 195 miles. Continue reading →

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September 13, 2018 · 6:30 am

Fantastic Family Rules

Last night I concluded a meeting with the church in Madrid, Iowa. The brethren were welcoming and hospitable. They were very receptive to the lessons. And lifted and encouraged us.

It was obvious that they worked hard to promote the meeting and invite their friends. We had guests visit us every service. Some as a result of their advertizing. It was a week in which I felt like I received as much or more than I gave.

However, and other Preachers can attest to this, the best of meetings can be difficult to enjoy if your living accommodations are uncomfortable, cramped, or just plain unpleasant because of the conflicts within the family you’re staying with. Well, this was none of the above. Our week was made very comfortable and enjoyable by staying with one of the elders, Scott Chumbley, his lovely wife Amy, and their two sons, Jeffery and Edward. Continue reading →

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September 12, 2018 · 6:40 am

Great Verses of the Bible: Matthew 20:26-28

Have you heard the one about the kindergarten Bible class teacher who was teaching her children about the Golden Rule?

To illustrate the importance of helping and serving others she told the parable of the Good Samaritan. She pointed out that he was good because he served the need of someone who was hurting and desperately needed his help.

The teacher concluded by saying, “Remember, children we are here to serve others.” Continue reading →

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September 11, 2018 · 7:29 am

Lest We Forget

Seventeen years ago we were living in Spring Hill, TN. And I was preaching for the Jackson Heights church in Columbia. As I was preparing to leave for the office Norma Jean hollered for me to come into the family room. “A plane has hit one of the twin towers,” she yelled in disbelief.

Like millions of Americans we were stunned as we watched another plane hit the 2nd tower. Then the Pentagon was hit. Soon there was a report of the crash in PA. Later we learned of the heroism that prevented another catastrophic strike.

That day I did not go to the office. Continue reading →

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September 10, 2018 · 5:50 am

Word of the Week: Discipleship

During our recent trip to the Mediterranean, we heard many stories from our tour guides about ancient Rome and Greece. Often they would preface their narratives with the phrase, “legend has it.”

One such legend involves Julius Caesar’s conquest of Britain in the first century B.C. When he landed with his Roman legions, he took a bold step to ensure the success of his military campaign. He ordered his men to march to the edge of the Cliffs of Dover, and he commanded them to look down on the water below. Continue reading →

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September 7, 2018 · 6:33 am

No. Animals Are Not People Too.


I just came across a facebook page “Animals Are People Too” no doubt inspired by PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

The page features photos of people and their animals. One post says, “My current relationship status.” And it shows a person’s hand with a wedding ring and a ring on the paw of their pet.

Founded in 1980 as a non-profit organization with 400 employees and claiming 6.5 million members and supporters, PETA is an “animal rights” organization that sees no difference between human beings and animals. Continue reading →

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September 6, 2018 · 6:03 am

Becoming Mission-Minded

Last night Norma Jean and I attended the mid-week Bible Study service at the Downers Grove church in suburban Chicago where my friend and former college classmate Steve Wolfgang preaches. After being out of the country for 25 days, it was good to be “home.”

Steve’s class focused on the mission of the church. As an assignment, he had asked the class to write a “mission statement” either collectively or individually. As someone who has worked with churches through the years in developing Biblical mission statements, I was interested in hearing what the class had to say. Continue reading →

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September 5, 2018 · 3:36 am

GREAT VERSES OF THE BIBLE Romans 12:1-2

Conformed.Transformed

A father asked his Son, “If three frogs were sitting on a limb that hung over a pond, and one frog decided to jump how many frogs would be left?”

The little boy grinned and said, “That’s easy, Dad. Two.” Continue reading →

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September 4, 2018 · 2:19 am

Worshiping in Rome

For the past 25 days Norma Jean and I have been traveling through the Mediterranean as we celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary. We embarked in Athens and disembarked in Rome. Along the way we’ve enjoyed delicious food, seen ancient archeological sites dating back to Bible times and marveled at the beauty of God’s creation. As you can imagine there have been many highlights on such a venture.

Sunday, however, ranks at the top of our experiences when we met with the Christians in Rome for worship at the VIA SANNIO church.

Continue reading →

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