This morning I came across a short list by Edward Skidmore, written by his wife, Susan entitled “7 Ways To Rationalize Your Way To Ruin”
1. Everyone’s doing it.
2. I’ll just try it once.
3. It’s just a little lie.
4. No one ever needs to know. Continue reading
Filed under Heart
“You cannot enjoy the things money can buy if you ignore the things money cannot buy.”
We have all seen the above quote reflected in the lives of many people. Some famous. Others ordinary folks. Some wealthy. Others with average means. But none more dramatic in terms of his lifestyle change than the “Prodigal Son” in Jesus’ famous parable recorded in Luke 15. Continue reading
Filed under Christian Living, Parables of Jesus, Repentance
We live in a nation that loves a good deal. Hardly anyone wants to pay full price. So we wait for our favorite store to have a sale. Go to garage sales. Look on E-bay. Or surf the web for an internet deal.
The craziness on Black Friday, the crowds at after Christmas sales, and the shoppers at tax-free weekends all attest to the bargain hunter mindset. And their mantra is simple–To get the best quality merchandise for the lowest possible price. Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
Frank Graeff was a 19th and early 20th-century preacher and hymnist. Known for his positive attitude and cheery disposition, he was dubbed with the nickname “sunshine minister.”
However, his outward demeanor belied his inward struggles. As he was afflicted with various physical problems, at times severe, he began to doubt God’s presence during his pain. His conflict gave birth to the hymn, “Does Jesus Care” that begins with this probing lament. Continue reading
Filed under compassion
In his best selling classic The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, author Stephen Covey offers this insight.
“Most people are deeply scripted in what I call the Scarcity Mentality. They see life as having only so much, as though there were only one pie out there. And if someone were to get a big piece of the pie, it would mean less for everybody else.” Continue reading
Filed under Word of the Week
I love it when my readers not only offer feedback on ThePreachersWord but share insights and offer additional thoughts on our posts.
Yesterday one of my facebook friends and former college classmate Jean Gerrard White responded to the post 5 Men in the Parable of the Good Samaritan saying, I never thought about adding the thieves into the considerations.” Then she shared this wonderful thought. Continue reading
Filed under Christian Living, Service
This morning I was reading Jesus’ parable of The Good Samaritan in Luke 10.
This parable has been analyzed, allegorized, and sermonized, but not often enough actualized in our lives.
Good Samaritan has become synonymous with a charitable person who helps others, especially strangers. However, this feel-good story involves some elements that are not so nice. Continue reading
Filed under Christian Living, compassion, Parables of Jesus
In recent weeks there has been a backlash and vocal outrage over lawmakers proposing and state legislatures passing bills allowing third-trimester abortions up to the moment of birth. As a result, there are some encouraging signs.
A recent court ruling approved an Indiana law that the sale of aborted baby body parts is now illegal. According to the law, a “person who intentionally acquires, receives, sells, or transfers fetal tissue commits unlawful transfer of fetal tissue, a level 5 felony.” Continue reading
Filed under Abortion, Passage To Ponder
With the beginning of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament fondly known as “March Madness,” I’m reminded of a significant sports and societal event that occurred on this day.
On March 19, 1966, Texas Western College, now known as The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), defeated the University of Kentucky, 72-65, to win the National Championship. It was unique because it was the first time an all-black starting five had won the NCAA championship. The Kentucky Wildcats, coached by the legendary Adolph Rupp were an all white team. Continue reading
Filed under Relationships
Yesterday it was our pleasure to worship with and preach for the brethren at the Low Country Church in Goose Creek, South Carolina, where my friend Steve Brewer ministers.
As is often the case when we visit various congregations, I leave feeling like I received more than I gave. Yesterday was no exception. The Brethren warmly welcomed us with the right hand of fellowship. And some hugs. The atmosphere was encouraging. It felt like a family who truly enjoyed being together.
The Bible class taught by Ricardo Perry on the “Life of Christ” was especially insightful. Thought-provoking. And spiritually relevant. The focus of the class was we should be like Christ. Continue reading
Filed under Word of the Week
ThePreachersWord 