In his book Presidential Praise: Our Presidents and Their Hymns, authors C. Edward Spann and Michael E. Williams Sr. note that the title of President George W. Bush’s autobiography, A Charge to Keep, was drawn from Charles Wesley’s hymn.
Apparently, this title choice was an indication of the influence this 18th-century hymn had on President Bush, as well as so many others in the past 250+ years. Continue reading
There’s an old story about a couple who sent their son off to college. When he left they gave him a Bible and told him to read it carefully, because it would be very helpful.
After a few weeks of school, the son messaged his parents that he needed a little money. The parents answered and told him to read John 3:16.
The son responded, “I read John 3:16, now what about the money?” Continue reading
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Today is the 242nd birthday of the United States of America. For the first time in my life, I’m out of the country for the 4th, although just across the border in Ontario, Canada. But I don’t have to be “home” to know that America is hurting.
A recent Gallup poll revealed that the number of US citizens who consider themselves “extremely proud to be an American” has sunk to an 18 year low. In fact, for the first time, the number fell below 50%. Continue reading
Filed under America
I recently came across this story about a Chicago radio station, WKOX, that several years ago created a promotion promising $10,000 to the person who could contrive the most outlandish way to win the money.
Jay Gwaltney, an Indiana State Sophomore, won by consuming an 11-foot birch sapling. Yes, he ate a tree. Leaves, roots, and bark. He staged the event by wearing a tux and eating from fine china, using sterling silverware from a candle-lit table. Continue reading
Filed under Money
“If you’re going to talk the talk, you’ve got to walk the walk,” is familiar 20th-century American axiom. It is an alternative to various old sayings that express the idea that “talk is cheap.” Or “actions speak louder than words.”
Benjamin Franklin is reputed to have coined the proverbial saying “Well done is better than well said”.
The Bible uses the word “walk in this figurative fashion by referring to our manner of life. A course of conduct. A path of behavior. Continue reading
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For about 3 years from 2012 to 2015 we ran a column, “It’s Friday. But Sunday’s Coming!” Occasionally, we like to reblog some of those post for the benefit of so many new readers, and hopefully, those who’ve been with us on this journey will profit from reflecting again on this wonderful theme. Have a great week-end. God bless.
I’m reading Perry Hall’s book “Grace Does That?” In it he tells the story of Charles Bradlaugh and Hugh Price Hughes.
Bradlaugh was the most prominent atheist in 19th century Britain. On one occasion he challenged the evangelist Hughes to a debate on the validity of Christianity.
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When you spend your entire life in the ministry of the Word you are always thinking, observing and evaluating what do the people need at a particular point in time.
While it is important to “preach the whole counsel of God,” some things are more needful than others at a specific church at a certain time. Just like Paul dealt with specific issues with the Corinthian church, or John addressed the unique challenges of the 7 churches of Asia, a thoughtful preacher will consider what is most appropriate to the audience where he is preaching. Continue reading
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There are many metaphors in the Bible to describe Christians and the church. We are called the temple of God. A vineyard. Sheep. The Bride of Christ. The Body of Christ. And the Kingdom of God.
But my favorite and one of the most understandable and relatable is the church as a family. God created us for community. Relationships. And family. One writer expressed it this way, “A Christian without a church family is an orphan.” Continue reading
Filed under Great Bible Verses
Since crossing the border into Canada 10 days ago, I haven’t been watching much news. But I noticed an article on my Yahoo news feed this morning bemoaning (again) a lack of civility that continues to plague our country.
I gather there is a war of words regarding Sarah Sanders being asked to leave a restaurant called the Red Hen. A provocative speech by Rep. Maxine Waters. Some cryptic comments by Rep. Nancy Pelosi. Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi being heckled as she bought tickets to see a showing of Mister Rogers, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor. And the President tweeting about something needing a paint job and someone with a low I.Q. That’s about it. Eh? Continue reading
Filed under America, Civility, Communication
This week finds Norma Jean and me in the area of Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. We are in a meeting with the brethren at the Valley East Church that meets in Blezzard Valley.
We are staying in the home of Denis and Danny Veilleux, who are French-speaking Canadians, and most gracious hosts, who have kindly provided for our every need. Yesterday we were warmly received by the brothers and sisters who comprise this faithful family of God’s people. Continue reading
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