“It can feel lonely to stand for Biblical morality in our radically secular culture,” observed Jim Denison, an American cultural apologist who comments on current issues through a Biblical lens.
Denison relates that he and his wife recently returned from a wonderful trip to Vermont. They enjoyed the natural beauty of the state and met many wonderful people. But they were surprised by “the irreligious nature of the culture.” Continue reading
Filed under Christian Living, Morality
“Pity” is a word that often carries a negative connotation in our culture.
We speak of someone having a “pity party” when they are feeling sorry for themselves. Self-pity is not a positive trait to be admired.
In the Bible, we read of those who allowed circumstances to lead them into self-pity, like Jonah, Elijah, and even Moses on one occasion.
Pity can also be construed as a condescending attitude toward another person when we look down upon them with an arrogant, self-righteous, and disdainful attitude.
Yet, pity can be a positive trait to be practiced and praised. Continue reading
Filed under Word of the Week
The Bible teaches and nature tells us that “you reap what you sow.”
This “peace prayer” attributed to the 12th-century monk, Francis of Assisi, offers us a scriptural alternative to our culture’s practice of retaliation and retribution.
Lord, make us instruments of Thy peace. Continue reading
Filed under Sunday Seed Thoughts
Good morning from Beverly Hills, Florida
Today is the day. Don’t forget to set your clocks back tonight 1 hour.
It’s also the day that it really feels like Fall weather in Florida with a projected high of only 57 (For some that would be considered winter weather). But we’re entering a very pleasant 3 month period weather-wise. That’s why we attract “snowbirds” this time of year. If you’re in our area (Citrus County) let us know. And if you’re looking for a place to worship, let me recommend the West Citrus Church, where I will be preaching the next two Sundays. Continue reading
Filed under Weekly Recap
Do you have a bad habit you want to break?
Today’s list, adapted from author Glenda Hotton, who’s also a counselor, lecturer, and university professor, offers 10 specific steps to help you.
I suggest you follow these steps for 30 days to give it a fair chance. Continue reading
Filed under Friday's List to Life By
Recently I had a conversation with a friend who’s a regular reader of ThePreachersWord.
He expressed concern to me about what fellow Christians were posting on social media. And not just what they were posting themselves, but reposting from others.
He noticed some were sharing posts that contained vulgar language, inappropriate pictures, unkind epitaphs, and uncharitable insinuations.
It makes you wonder if they’ve really read the posts they’re reposting. Or if they feel like since they didn’t originally say it, show it or post it, then it’s somehow acceptable. Continue reading
Filed under Social Media, Speech
Bob Edens, a Columbia, South Carolina, man, lived 51 years without sight. He was born blind.
But through a complicated surgery for a detached retina and a corneal transplant, Bob gradually began to receive sight.
‘I never would have dreamed that yellow was so … so yellow. I don’t have the words. I am amazed by yellow,” Bob said. Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
As reported by multiple news outlets, the Portland, Oregon, city council has recently enacted a “groundbreaking” policy that provides bereavement leave for employees who undergo an abortion.”
According to CNBC, Pittsburgh, PA was the first US city to pass legislation allowing for employees’ bereavement leave for causes like miscarriage, in vitro failure, or an abortion. Both cities extend a three-day bereavement leave. Continue reading
Filed under Abortion
Today, Norma Jean and I are returning home to Florida after a very pleasant and pleasurable time spent in the Smoky Mountains.
We have been blessed in the past 53+ years with many enjoyable experiences. Reflecting on some of these reminds me that the word “pleasure” is often regarded in some Christian circles as suspect. Continue reading
Filed under Word of the Week
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