Jeff Strite tells the story when heavyweight champion of the world Joe Louis took on challenger “Two-Ton” Tony Galento.
Louis was favored to win, so he was surprised when Galento threw a punch that knocked him sprawling onto the mat. Quickly Louis jumped to his feet.
When the round ended Louis’ manager scolded him, “You know you’re supposed to take the full count when you go down. Why didn’t you stay down for nine?” Continue reading
Filed under Uncategorized
There’s an old story of an African-American preacher who was trying to motivative his congregation to greater ministry. As he concluded his sermon, he said if this church is going to go it’s got to walk the walk. To which someone, responded, “Let her walk, preacher!”
Then he said, if this church is going to grow, it’s gotta get up and run. Among a chorus of “Amens” someone hollered, “Let her run, preacher!” Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
“The task of the preacher,” once quipped Vance Havner, “is to comfort the afflicted and to afflict the comfortable.”
Commentator Dale Ralph Davis expressed it this way: “There is always this tension in the word of God, and any authentic messenger of that word knows and lives in it. If a preacher, for example, never places you under the criticism of God’s word, never tells you your sin but only smothers you with comfort, you must wonder if he is phony.” Continue reading
Filed under Preaching
I’m writing this post at 33,000 feet onboard a Southwest jet on the way to Philadelphia.
Southwest prides themselves on being a fun and friendly airline with low fares. And, of course, bags fly free. They also have a culture that promotes working together as a team. Think of all the people necessary to get us from Tampa to Philly. Besides pilots, flight engineers and flight attendants are the baggage handlers, ticket agents, and customer service reps. And many others behind the scenes working in offices to ensure everything runs smoothly. Continue reading
Filed under Word of the Week
Last night Norma Jean and I attended the 12th annual Florida College Leadership Dinner.
It was a wonderful evening of warm fellowship with many of our friends who are supporters of Florida College. It was an opportunity to support FC’s business department with scholarships and hear featured speaker Steve Forbes. And of course, to enjoy a delicious meal. Continue reading
I wish that there were some wonderful place
Called the Land of Beginning Again
Where all our mistakes and all our heartaches
And all of our poor selfish grief
Could be dropped, like a shabby old coat, at the door,
And never put on again. Continue reading
Filed under Christian Living
In 1947 NYC bus driver William Cimillo became a “national hero” when he got in his bus one morning and kept on driving…all the way to Florida.
The 38-year-old Bronx native had been driving for almost 20 years and told a reporter later that “ I really got tired of it all, up and down every day, the same people, the same stops, nickels, dimes, transfers… Well I thought I’d try something different, a new route.” Continue reading
In the past week, I’ve read three stories about protests against the fast-food chain Chick-fil-A at three different locations. Toronto, Canada. Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. And the University of Kansas in Lawrence.
Jo Boileau, an openly homosexual student, and Purdue’s new student body president doesn’t want Chick-fil-A on campus. Boileau is joined by several professors opposing its opening in the Fall of 2020. The University, however, is sticking to their decision due to the overwhelming student support for Chick-fi-A. Continue reading
Filed under Christian Living
Jim Valvano was one of the most colorful college basketball coaches in the 1980’s when he coached the North Carolina State Wolfpack. He may be most remembered for his ecstatic celebration after winning the national champion with their improbable victory against the heavy favored Houston Cougars.
While suffering from terminal spinal cancer at the age or 47, Valvano was interviewed by Sports Illustrated reporter, Gary Smith. He looked back on his life and told a story about himself as a 23-year-old coach of a small college team.
“Why is winning so important to you?” the players asked Valvano. Continue reading
Filed under Word of the Week
When I Was Diagnosed With Cancer:
My first friend came and expressed his shock by saying,
“I can’t believe that you have cancer.
I always thought you were so active and healthy.”
He left and I felt alienated and somehow very different. Continue reading
Filed under compassion
ThePreachersWord 