Monthly Archives: October 2023

October 19, 2023 · 7:30 am

You Can Only Do What You Can Do

Norma Jean and I are spending a few days in the area of Bryson City, NC on the way to our annual October visit to Cobbly Nob near Cosby, TN in the Smoky Mountains.

We had planned to drive to Franklin to attend their Wednesday evening Bible Study, but unforeseen circumstances prevented it. So, we spent the evening reading 2 Corinthians.

There is so much to unpack and apply in these passages. How to deal with persecution, adversity, and physical suffering. Overcoming discouragement. What it means to walk by faith. How to excel in holiness. The spiritual warfare we fight. The importance of sacrificial giving. And the need to examine our faith. Continue reading →

3 Comments

Filed under Ministry

Tagged as ,

October 17, 2023 · 10:31 am

2 Peter 1:19-21

“The Bible is not an end in itself, but a means to bring men to an intimate and satisfying knowledge of God, that they may enter into Him, that they may delight in His Presence, may taste and know the inner sweetness of the very God Himself in the core and center of their hearts,” wrote A. W. Tozer, in The Pursuit of God.

“The primary purpose of reading the Bible,” opined James Merritt “is not to know the Bible but to know God.” Continue reading →

1 Comment

Filed under Passage To Ponder

Tagged as , , , , , ,

October 17, 2023 · 4:17 am

What Principles Define How You Live?

WordPress recently offered a blogging prompt with this question: “What principles define how you live?”

Several bloggers answered the question. There were some insightful posts. Many offered good advice with some pragmatic applications. However, much of it had a secular focus with a bit of spiritually thrown in.

The question is a good one for us all to consider and answer. Continue reading →

3 Comments

Filed under Values

October 16, 2023 · 4:16 am

Growing in Obedience

Ferdinand “Waldo” Demara, Jr. (1921-1982) became known as “The Great Imposter.”

A Time.com article reports that “Demara worked as a civil engineer, a zoology graduate, a doctor of applied psychology, a monk on two separate occasions (Trappist and Benedictine), an assistant warden at a Texas prison, philosophy dean at a Pennsylvania college, a hospital orderly, a lawyer and a teacher — among other professions.” Continue reading →

1 Comment

Filed under Sowing Seeds for Spiritual Growth

Tagged as , ,

October 14, 2023 · 6:14 am

Weekly Recap: October 9-13

Greetings from Martinsville, VA

Norma Jean and I are enjoying the Fall weather and the hospitality of the brethren at the Chatham Heights church while I’m conducting a gospel meeting here.

It’s been good to reconnect with an old friend from Plainfield, Indiana, John Berlin, who recently retired from full-time preaching, as well as make a new friend, their current preacher, Eric Bridge. The meeting has been well-attended and the interest in the lessons  is very encouraging.  We appreciate the opportunity to share the Word and the kindness of these good brethren. Continue reading →

1 Comment

Filed under Weekly Recap

October 13, 2023 · 6:19 am

How Much of Your Heart Belongs to God?

My facebook friend from Bowling Green, Kentucky, Louis Cook, shared this piece and thought provoking question, “How much of your heart belongs to God?

“Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart!” (Ps. 119:12) Continue reading →

2 Comments

Filed under facebook friday

Tagged as

October 12, 2023 · 7:07 am

Reason and Revelation

Today is National Free Thought Day, according to the calendar of unusual holidays.

This holiday was created by several different groups including the Secular Coalition For America, the Freethought Society, and the American Humanist Association. It’s observed every year on October 12th. And “encourages people to gather their facts from trusted sources and make their decisions based on reason, logic, and science.” Continue reading →

2 Comments

Filed under Faith, God

October 11, 2023 · 7:35 am

1 Peter 1:6-7

“Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing,” opined Oscar Wilde the Irish poet, playwright, and novelist.

Since Wilde lived in the 19th century, I wonder what he would think today?

In an age of ethical relativism, moral degradation, and spiritual malaise, it almost seems as if everyone and everything has its price. But there are some things that are priceless. They have value beyond monetary measure. Beyond a price tag. Continue reading →

1 Comment

Filed under Passage To Ponder

Tagged as , , , ,

October 10, 2023 · 8:13 am

When You’re Feeling “Blah”

This morning I have a case of the “blahs.”

You know what I mean?

You feel uninspired. Unimaginative. Unmotivated. It’s sort of a bland, humdrum type of feeling. Not discouraged. But not excited. Continue reading →

9 Comments

Filed under Encouragement, Feelings

October 9, 2023 · 5:50 am

Growing Like Jesus

“Begin with the end in mind,” wrote Stephen Covey in his best selling book, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.

The concept behind Law #2 is having a clear picture of what success looks like. Of understanding your destination. Of visualizing where you will be and what your life will look like.

Spiritual growth can be best understood and visualized by looking at the life of Jesus. After all, discipleship is all about becoming like Christ. Following his footsteps. And being conformed to His image. Continue reading →

2 Comments

Filed under Sowing Seeds for Spiritual Growth

Tagged as