Monthly Archives: August 2021

August 11, 2021 · 8:16 am

A Passage To Ponder: Matthew 19:16-22

Steve Shepherd tells a story about a well-known Christian businessman in his local community who was visiting a church and asked to give his testimony.

“I have a fine family, a large house, a successful business, and a good reputation,” he began. “I have plenty of money so I can support some Christian ministries very generously. Many organizations want me on their board of directors. I have good health and almost unlimited opportunities.”

He then asked, “What more could I ask from God?” Continue reading →

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August 10, 2021 · 6:42 am

When You Fall

Although the Olympic Games in Toyoko felt different this year with the COVID restrictions, lack of fans, and the tape delays, it still offered some exciting photo finishes, world records broken, and real-life lessons.

Sifian Hassan, a Netherlands female long-distance runner, displayed incredible determination and perseverance in the 1500 meter heat.

With one lap to go, a runner ahead of her tripped, creating a domino effect. Hassan tried and failed to jump over the fallen runner and then fell down herself. Continue reading →

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August 9, 2021 · 7:14 am

Word of the Week: Help

In Bits & Pieces, William C. Schultz tells about a time his 3-year-old daughter Laurie requested help in getting undressed and ready for bed.

Schultz said he was downstairs and she was upstairs, so he reminded her, “You know how to undress yourself,”

“Yes,” Laurie replied, ‘but sometimes people need people anyway, even if they do know how to do things by themselves.” Continue reading →

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August 8, 2021 · 4:08 am

The Joy of Congregational Singing

“Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world,” wrote Martin Luther in the foreword of a 1538 symphony by George Rhau.

“Music controls our thoughts, minds, hearts, and spirits,” Luther further observed. “The precious gift of music has been given to man alone that he might thereby remind himself that God has created man for the express purpose of praising and extolling God.” Continue reading →

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August 7, 2021 · 4:07 am

Weekly Recap: August 1-6

Good morning from rainy Citrus County,

It has rained here all week.  Every day. Locals have said they’ve never seen anything like it.  Well, at least I’m saving money not watering my lawn.

However, our spirits are not dampened.   As Longfellow wrote, “Into each life some rain must fall.”  Both literally and figuratively.  And as G. K. Chesterton opined, “When it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without the rain, there would be no rainbow.”  Plus, if you’re in the rain zone, it gives you more time inside to read.  Especially devotional blogs like ThePreachersWord. Continue reading →

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August 6, 2021 · 5:16 am

Friday’s List To Live By #51

“The most valuable result of all education is the ability to make yourself do the thing you have to do when it ought to be done, whether you like it or not,” once wrote Thomas L. Huxley.

Huxley was talking about self-discipline.

Today’s list, condensed from “The Pillars of Christian Character: The Basic Essentials of a Living Faith” by John MacArthur, is about how to develop self-discipline. Continue reading →

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August 5, 2021 · 8:22 am

“Blessed Are The Persecuted…”

““They can burn our houses, they can burn our food—but they cannot burn Jesus out of me.”

These are the words from a minister in Mozambique, whose fellow believers, family, and entire village suffered horrific violent persecution at the hands of Islamic insurgents.

An August 3rd article by Stefani McDade in Christianity Today magazine details the extent of the assaults perpetrated on those who identify as “Christian.” Continue reading →

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August 4, 2021 · 6:26 am

A Passage To Ponder: Matthew 14:22-36

Charles Allen, in Victory in the Valleys, tells a cute story about 5-year-old Johnny helping his mother make supper.

At one point, she asked him to go into the pantry and get her a can of tomato soup.

“It’s dark in there and I’m scared,” Johnny objected.

After repeating her request and Johnny continuing to express his fears, she said, “It’s ok, Jesus will be in there with you.” Continue reading →

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August 3, 2021 · 6:49 am

“Addicted To Outrage”

Nancy Kennedy is a columnist for our local paper, the Citrus County Chronicle, and the author of several books.

In last Saturday’s religious section, Nancy relates a 2013 story of a preacher, Caleb Kaltenbach, who went into a Simi Valley, California, Costco and saw a Bible in the fiction section.

Thinking it was simply a shelving error, it struck him as ironic and somewhat humorous, so he took a picture and posted it to Twitter. Continue reading →

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August 2, 2021 · 7:41 am

Word of the Week: Exemplary

General George C. Marshall was a highly regarded soldier and statesman. He served in the U. S. Army under Presidents Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman, as well as Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense under Truman.

Marshall was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for a plan aimed at the economic recovery of Western Europe after World War II.

However, before he rose to fame, Marshall was given command of the Infantry School at Fort Benning, GA. When he arrived, he found the post in a general state of disrepair. Continue reading →

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