Sunday, Norma Jean and I were blessed to worship with the Smoky Hill church in Aurora, Colorado.
The brethren, while practicing COVID-19 restrictions, were gracious, friendly, welcoming and hospitable. We were encouraged by our fellowship together and edified by a fine lesson from Jeb Reaves who serves both as a preacher and a pastor.
Jeb’s sermon was based on Hebrews 11:7 regarding the faith of Noah. Continue reading
Filed under Salvation
This past weekend Norma Jean and I have enjoyed the hospitality of our friends Aaron and Kristin Thompson in Castle Rock, Colorado.
We first meet Aaron and Kristin when we moved to Tampa in 2002 to work with the North Boulevard church. They were single college students. During our time there, they began dating, married, and sweet Molly was born. After moving to Colorado they gave birth to their son Caleb, a lovable, energetic little fellow.
Being with the Thompsons rekindles my appreciation for the need, joy, and value of good friendships. Continue reading
Filed under Friends, Word of the Week
“The message of the cross was perplexing to Jews and Gentiles alike–a scandalous stumbling block to the Jews and a meaningless act of self-sacrifice to the Gentiles,” writes Mark Templer in the Cross of the Savior.
“But to us as Christians, it is power and wisdom of God, the focal point of our faith. It is the light that shines in our darkest night. It is the hope that keeps us sane when all are losing their heads. It is our lifeline when we are drowning in the muck. It is our only hope in a dark and sinful world, Templer affirms. Continue reading
Filed under Sunday Seed Thoughts
Good morning,
Since last Saturday we’ve journeyed from Polson, MT. to Castle Rock, CO. And are enjoying the hospitality of our good friends, Aaron and Kristin Thompson for the weekend.
This week’s recap, with the links for quick access, includes a variety of topics and the second post of an experiment with a new Friday feature, which I hope you will check out and let me know what you think.
Regarding our plans to go to Canada. Continue reading
Filed under Weekly Recap
Last week we began a 13 week trial with a new column “Friday’s List to Live By.” It will feature short, succinct, bullet-like points to provide food for thought and future consideration.
If you missed the first post it was “The Greatest Reasons for Faith” based on John 3:16.
Today’s post addresses your need for spiritual disciplines in your life adapted from author, marriage counselor, and seminar speaker Dr. Steve Stephens. Continue reading
Filed under Friday's List to Life By
In the ensuing weeks since the tragic murder of a black man in Minneapolis by a rogue police officer, we’ve witnessed a great deal of societal upheaval.
There have been peaceful protests against racism and unfair treatment by law enforcement officers. This is an American right and tradition. And it’s lawful.
However, some of these protests or at least the occasion of them have given license for trouble makers to take advantage of this situation and engage in rioting and looting. This has resulted in buildings being burned. Businesses destroyed. Public and private property vandalized. And historical monuments being defaced and demolished Continue reading
Filed under America
Our time in the mountains reminded me of a story about a man named Jack who was walking along a steep cliff one day. He accidentally got too close to the edge and fell. On the way down he grabbed a branch, which temporarily stopped his fall. He looked down and to his horror saw that the canyon dropped straight down for more than a thousand feet.
He couldn’t hang onto the branch forever, and there was no way for him to climb up the steep wall of the cliff. So Jack began yelling for help, hoping that someone passing by would hear and rescue him.
“HELP! HELP! Is anyone up there?” Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
Yesterday as we were leaving Polson, MT, and driving past Flathead Lake with the sun rising over the majestic Mission mountains towering in the background, I asked Norma Jean, “What one word comes to your mind when you view this scenery?
“Almost awesome,” she replied.
“That’s two words,” I responded, “Why, not just say, ‘awesome’”? Continue reading
Filed under God
An army General was walking around the base one day and saw soldier acting oddly.
The soldier picked up a piece of paper off the ground. Looked at it. Frowned. Shook his head. And said, “That’s not it.”
This same scenario was frequently repeated every day for some time. He would pick up some random scrap paper and mutter, “That’s not it.”
Finally, his commanding officer sent him to the base psychiatrist for a mental evaluation. After extensive testing, it was determined the solider was mentally imbalanced and was given a medical discharge. Continue reading
Filed under Word of the Week
“Worship does not satisfy our hunger for God–it whets our appetite,” wrote the late American author and theologian, Eugene Peterson.
Think about that a bit as you go to worship services today.
We speak of “going to church.” Or “attending worship.” How about going to worship and praise God? Of coming into His presence in a unique way? Continue reading
Filed under Uncategorized
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