“Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines,” once wrote Robert Schuller. Or as Henry J. Kaiser put it, “Problems are only opportunities in work clothes.
Of course, we don’t like problems. Either personal problems. Family problems or church problems. However, problems may provide an occasion for ministry, growth, and greater involvement.
Our passage today in Acts 6 provides instruction and insight on dealing with a church problem. Continue reading
Sunday we were blessed to be with the brethren in Cosby, Tennessee, and spend time with our friends Olie and Mary Williamson.
Olie is amazing. He’s 89. Teaches a Bible class every Sunday morning and Wednesday night. Preaches every Sunday morning, unless there’s a visiting preacher (like me) he can draft to preach. And still plays golf, shooting less than his age. Continue reading
Filed under Discipleship
Zeng Shen, who lived from 505 to 435 B.C, was an influential Chinese philosopher and an ardent disciple of Confucius. Although young enough to be Confucius’ grandson, he won high praise from the old sage.
One of the sayings for which Zeng Shen is famous goes something like this. “Every day I ask myself three questions.
The first is, “Have I sinned in my thoughts and actions toward others?” Continue reading
Filed under Renew in '22
Some Sundays may seem more special than others to some people.
You may recall a Sunday on which you or someone you love was baptized into Christ. Or a Sunday with a new congregation. Or your last Sunday with a church, or a special person in your life. Or it may be a childhood memory of a certain Sunday that sticks in your mind.
The religious world has designed by human decree some Sundays are more special than others. Continue reading
Filed under Sunday Seed Thoughts
Good morning from Cobbly Nob, Tennesse
We’re in the Smoky Mountains this week outside of Gatlinburg. It’s a “happy place” for me and Norma Jean.
We have many wonderful memories in the Smokies. We honeymooned here 54 years ago. We’ve been here with our kids. And grandkids. Two years ago we were “stranded” here for 8 weeks when COVID-19 hit. Not complaining, It was a great place to sequester.
Plus we always enjoy seeing our good friends Olie & Mary Williamson and worshiping with the church family in Cosby, where I will be preaching tomorrow. If you happen to be in the area, come and visit us Continue reading
Filed under Weekly Recap
Today is traditionally that annual ominous day, April 15, that’s the tax deadline in the US. However, with today being a holiday, it’s on the 18th of this year.
However, it’s a good time for us to think about our attitude toward paying taxes. Today’s list offers 7 reasons why we ought to be happy to pay taxes. Continue reading
Filed under Friday's List to Life By
“Can you provide a definition for the word ‘woman’?”
This question was asked by Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn to Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, in the recent confirmation hearing for her appointment to the Supreme Court.
Appearing somewhat bewildered Jackson, responded, “I am not a biologist.” Continue reading
Filed under Women
“Christianity is in its very essence a resurrection religion,” wrote John R. W. Stott. “The concept of resurrection lies at its heart. If you remove it, Christianity is destroyed.”
In his commentary on Luke, Colly Caldwell offers this observation regarding Jesus’ resurrection. “This singular event establishing His divinity forms the unique aspect of Christianity which rises about all other world religions.” The remains of all other religious founders remain buried. But the tomb of Jesus of Nazareth is empty. Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
WordPress informs me that today is a special milestone for ThePreachersWord. Our 3000th post.
Wow! That’s incredible.
The idea of writing and publishing a daily blog wasn’t even on my radar 6 months before I began. The background for this blog’s birth is a story that’s never been told. I’m telling it now because I’ve learned a valuable lesson that is too important not to share. Continue reading
Filed under Blogs
With the beginning of baseball season, I’m reminded of a story about George Brett who enjoyed an All-Star 20 years career with the Kansas City Royals during the 1970s and 80s.
Brett was once asked by a reporter what he wanted to do in his last at-bat when he retired. No doubt, many ballplayers would like to end their career with a 400 foot home run like Ted Williams did at Fenway Park. However, that’s not what Brett said. Continue reading
Filed under Renew in '22, Word of the Week
ThePreachersWord 