Author Archives: ThePreachersWord

John 3:16–The Heart of the Gospel

John 3:16.

It is probably the best known verse in the Bible.  Years ago you would see a guy at a football game wearing a rainbow-colored wig holding up a John 3:16 sign.  Back in the 1970’s, there was a man in St. Petersburg, Florida, John Michael Cook, who legally changed his name to John 3:16 Cook.   He operated a mission downtown and ministered to the homeless, alcoholics, and drug addicts. Continue reading

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Filed under Gospel, Love

Enjoying Life’s Daily Pleasures

I needed a break.  I’ve been working on some sermon series for my Spring meetings.  And just need to relax my mind a bit.  So, I brewed some coffee and decided to take the dog for a walk.  During that 45 minutes I started thinking about the enjoyment of the little things in life.  Things that, if we don’t slow down, we rush through and fail to savor. Continue reading

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Filed under Life

The Power and Potential of Words

David and Kristin were attending a marriage seminar.  During the session on communication the instructor declared, “It’s essential that husband and wives know the things that are important to each other.  He then addressed the husband and asked, “Do you know your wife’s favorite flower?”  David  leaned over, gently touched his wife’s arm and confidently whispered,      Continue reading

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Filed under Communication, Encouragement, Words

Living with Enthusiasm

Curtis Jones relates the legend of  a wealthy merchant traveling through the Mediterranean world looking for the distinguished Pharisee, Paul.  In time he encountered Timothy, who arranged for a visit. Paul was, at the time, a prisoner in Rome. Stepping inside the cell, the merchant was surprised to find a rather old man, physically frail, but whose serenity and magnetism challenged the visitor. They talked for hours. Finally the merchant left with Paul’s blessing. Outside the prison, the concerned man inquired, “What is the secret of this man’s power? I have never seen anything like it before.” Continue reading

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Filed under Enthusiasm, Zeal

The Bread of Life

I recently read about an internet company that  advertised a “hugable, washable, and talking” Jesus doll that recites “actual Scripture verses to introduce children of all ages to the wisdom of the Bible.” for $15.95.  Its sayings include, “I have an exciting plan for your life,” and “Your life matters so much to Me.” No matter that these exact sayings aren’t in the Bible, but who wouldn’t want to follow a Jesus like this? Continue reading

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Filed under Jesus, Uncategorized, Worship

What’s Your Purpose in Life?

Have you ever spent time walking through old cemeteries reading the epithets on the tombstones? They’re interesting.

I read of a man who came across an epithet that read: “Remember Friend, as you walk by, as you are now, so once was I. As I am now, so you must be; so prepare for death to follow me.” He felt something was missing so he added the words “To follow you I might consent, if I only knew which way you went!” Continue reading

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Filed under Life, Purpose

Repair and Maintenance

I’m sitting in Par Automotive in Tampa as I write my blog for today.  I came because I noticed a couple of the tires on Norma’s car had a rather balding look to them.  Turns out that I need a entire new set.  When I pulled in I  looked at the maintenance sticker, I was due for an oil change.  Ok.  No problem.

But I also need a front-end alignment.  Well, I guess that comes with the territory.  Now my friend, Tim Engle who owns Par, informs me, “You need new brakes!” Continue reading

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Filed under Discipleship, Improvement, Self-Examination

Why Worry?

 

There is a great story that comes out of Greece in the 5th century B.C. During the war between two city-states, a spy was captured and sentenced to death. Before the execution he demanded an audience with the Ruler of that city. When the interview was granted, he stood before the Ruler and pled “O great king, if you do not execute me, but instead allow me to live a mere two years longer, I will teach your favorite horse to sing.” Continue reading

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Filed under Worry

The Victory of Faith

Do you wear Nike shoes?  If you watch TV, I know you’ve seen a Nike commercial and heard the  slogan “Just Do It.”  But do you know what Nike means?  Did you know it is a Bible word?

In Greek mythology Nike was the goddess of victory, who presided over all military and athletic contests.  The Greek word nike” (nee’kay) is the word for victory in I John 5:4. “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world–our faith.” Continue reading

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Filed under Faith, Victory

It’s About Time!

Our lives are wrapped up in and revolve around time.  Time is a part of our culture and nomenclature.

We live in time zones– Eastern Standard Time, Central Standard Time, Mountain Time, Pacific Time.  Atlantic Time.  There’s something called Greenwich Mean Time and Universal time.  We have solar time and atomic time. And then there’s Day Light Savings Time! Continue reading

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Filed under TIme