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
Filed under Commitment, Discipleship
Occasionally I will write a blog post based on some weird and wacky US holiday. Like “National Bear Hug Day.” Or “National Failures Day.” Or “Weary Willie Day.”
Writing today from Welland, Ontario, I wondered if Canada has some unusual holidays. A bit to my surprise, I discovered a page of “133 of the weirdest national days in a Canadian year.”
Tomorrow, July 26th is “National All or Nothing Day.” Continue reading
Filed under Commitment, Discipleship
Several years ago I heard a story about a little girl who was unaccompanied on a cross country flight.
Soon after takeoff, the pilot’s voice came on and calmly told the passengers, “We will not be serving the beverages at this time as we are expecting a little turbulence. Please be sure your seat belt is fastened.”
Pretty soon the turbulence increased. Lightning was flashing. Thunder was cracking. And the plane was shaking. Many of the passengers were concerned. The man relating the incident, a veteran of many flights, even confessed, he was feeling some discomfort. Continue reading
Filed under Commitment, Faith
In my 50 years of preaching, I have studied with people who I thought understood the Truth and would obey the gospel. Yet, something held them back. I’ve heard various excuses.
“I know what you’re saying is true, but if I do that, then I’m condemning my grandma, because she didn’t believe that.”
“Someday I will be baptized.”
“I need more time to think about it.” Continue reading
Filed under Christian, Christian Living, Commitment
Have you ever worked on a jigsaw puzzle and come down to the final piece or two and can’t find it? Frustrating isn’t it?
Maybe you’ve bought some shelves from Ikea that require assembly. You begin to put it together and there’s an important piece missing it. Irritating, isn’t it?
Or you’ve bought the special toy that your child has been wanting. Bring it home. Open it up. Begin following the directions to assemble it. And something needed was not included? Aggravating, isn’t it? Continue reading
Filed under Commitment, Discipleship
Ivan the Great was the 15th-century czar of all of Russia. He brought together the warring tribes into one vast empire–the Soviet Union. He was known as a brilliant general and a courageous fighter.
The story is told that Ivan was so busy waging war that he had never married. Soon his advisors were concerned there would be no heir to the throne. The great czar agreed but said he had no time to find a wife. So he commissioned them to find a suitable bride. Continue reading
Filed under Commitment
Alan Smith tells a story about a lady who had just moved from an apartment to a house in the same small town. One day at the grocery store, she used the last of her personalized checks bearing her old address. The cashier examined the check and asked if all the information on it was correct. The shopper assured her that it was correct, and the cashier started to put the check in the cash drawer. But then she inquired again if everything was accurate.
“Why do you ask?” the shopper responded. Continue reading
Filed under Commitment, God
In 1964 there arose a confrontation between Malaysia and Indonesia. A group of Gurkhas from Nepal were asked if they would be willing to jump from transport planes into combat if needed. Since they had never been trained as paratroopers, the Gurkhas had the right to refuse.
While usually very agreeable, they first refused. However, the next day, they reconsidered and told the British officer who had asked them that they would jump under these conditions: The ground was marshy or reasonably soft with no rocky outcrops and they wanted the plane to fly as slowly as possible at no more that 100 feet high. Continue reading
Filed under Commitment
The Scottish minister, David Livingstone was one of the most popular national heroes of 19th century Britain. He was known as an explorer. Scientific investigator. Anti-slavery crusader. And Protestant missionary martyr.
The story is told that Livingstone once received a letter from the London Missionary Society inquiring about his work in Africa. They asked the explorer, “Have you found a good road to where you are? If so, we want to know how to send other men to join you? Continue reading
Filed under Commitment
“Suppose every follower of Jesus of Nazareth were as obedient to His commands as the Jihadists are to Muhammad and Allah?”
This question was raised in a recent transcript by columnist Cal Thomas. It’s a thought-provoking question. An intriguing question. A challenging question. Continue reading
Filed under Commitment
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