Monthly Archives: October 2024

October 31, 2024 · 4:09 am

Are You Hallowed or Hollowed?

Hallow

It isn’t a word commonly used today. When the model prayer of Jesus is repeated, we say, “Hallowed be Thy name” (Matt. 6:9). More often the word is identified with the last day of October, in which we in the United States refer to Halloween, which means “all Hallow’s Eve.”

The Bible word is actually a form of the word for “sanctify,”” “set apart” or “holy.” Thirteen times in the Old testament the word “hallowed” is used to speak of God’s name, God’’s Sabbath, or God’s people (Lev 22;32, Ex 20:11, Ezek 20:41). Continue reading →

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October 30, 2024 · 3:59 am

John 8:12-20: Jesus The Light

Retired Kentucky minister, Bob Russell tells the story of one year when a family kept their Christmas lights up well into January.

The house was located at the entrance of their Louisville subdivision, which he noticed every time he drove by. Finally, about the middle of February, he recalls critically saying, “You know, if I were too lazy to take my Christmas lights down, I think I’d at least turn them off at night.” Continue reading →

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October 29, 2024 · 4:01 am

Leave It There

Recently Norma Jean and I attended a concert by singer songwriter Rory Feek at his concert Hall in Columbia, Tennessee. One of the songs he sang was called, “Leave It There.”

We were not familiar with this song, but ironically Jerry Baxter  led  it at our worship service Sunday from the Sacred Selections song book. Continue reading →

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October 28, 2024 · 4:01 am

Patience is Fundamental

A young father in a supermarket was pushing a shopping cart with his little son, who was strapped in the front. The little boy was fussing, irritable, and crying.

The other shoppers gave the pair a wide berth because the child would pull cans off the shelf and throw them out of the cart. The father seemed to be very calm; as he continued down each aisle, he murmured gently: “Easy now, Brian. Keep calm, Brian. Steady, Brian. It’s all right, Brian.” Continue reading →

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October 26, 2024 · 4:01 am

Weekly Recap: October 21-25

Greetings from The Great Smoky Mountains

We’re enjoying our annual Fall trip to the Smokies.  Beautiful Fall foliage. Crisp mountain air. Good food. And wonderful fellowship with the folks here at the Cosby Church  Especially our good friends Olie and Mary Williamson.

Today’s recap covers a wide range of topics. The fruit of the Spirit–Peace.  A challenge to go “Out On A Limb,” based on song by Rory Feek.  Lessons from Jesus turning the water into wine.  Honoring unknown and unnamed heroes.  And wonderful example of neighbor help neighbor and how you can help the flood victims of East TN and Western NC. Continue reading →

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October 25, 2024 · 3:59 am

Neighbor Helping Neighbor

In the wake of Hurricane Helene which caused severe flooding from Florida to North Carolina, and Hurricane Milton which wreaked incredible destruction on Florida’s Gulf Coast, we’ve read of so many instances of neighbors, friends, and brethren helping each other.

The devastation in Western North Carolina is especially difficult given the mountainous terrain that must be traversed with entire towns being destroyed and roads being wiped out.

Of course, there are various charitable groups to which one can donate goods or money to help, but some of the most effective have been individual efforts. Continue reading →

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October 24, 2024 · 4:04 am

Honoring the Unknown

On this day in history, “October 24, 1921, in the French town of Chalons-sur-Marne, an American sergeant selected the body of the first “Unknown Soldier” to be honored among the approximately 77,000 United States servicemen killed on the Western Front during World War I.”

The web page history.com relates the story of how this ”unknown soldier” was chosen by Sergeant Edward Younger. There were numerous bodies of soldiers recovered with no indication of name, rank, or organization. Four were chosen, placed in caskets and brought to the Hotel de Ville. Continue reading →

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October 23, 2024 · 4:59 am

John 2:1-11: Jesus’ Glory Demonstrated

Several years ago The New Yorker magazine ran an article about faith by Adam Gopnik who arrogantly opined: “We know … that in the billions of years of the universe’s existence, there is no evidence of a single miraculous intervention with the laws of nature.”

The Gospel writer, John, would disagree with Gopnik. He was an eyewitness to Jesus’ miracles including the very first one of His ministry where He turned the water into wine. Continue reading →

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October 22, 2024 · 6:41 am

Out On A Limb

Last Friday night Norma Jean and I enjoyed a wonderful evening at Hardison Mill listening to country singer and song writer Rory Feek share an intimate evening of inspiring stories, heart-felt songs, and personal reminiscences.

One of the songs Rory sang is from his recently released album, Gentle Man, entitled “Out On A Limb.” It tells the story of a person reflecting on the paths they could have taken in life. It paints a nostalgic picture of regret, longing, and wistfulness. Continue reading →

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October 21, 2024 · 4:21 am

Peace is Fundamental

BBC Correspondent Mark Simpson tells about a city in Northern Ireland that’s so divided its citizens can’t agree on its name. Some call it Londonderry and others call it Derry.

“At the moment, most Protestants live on the east bank of the River Foyle, most Catholics live on the west bank. Some are reluctant to cross to the other side.” Continue reading →

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