Category Archives: Discipleship

Lower the Temperature

In the aftermath of the assassination attempt on former President Trump’s life, many voices in the political arena have called for both sides to tone down the virotic rhetoric.

In fact, President Biden himself has spoken three times in this regard, including a rare Oval Office address to the American public on Sunday night.  He began his six minute address with these words. Continue reading

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Can We Nullify God’s Grace?

In response to a recent post on grace, one our faithful readers and my good friend, Jim asked, “Can those who show no grace continue to live in God’s grace?

“Grace teaches us to deny ungodly and worldly lusts and to live soberly, righteously and Godly in this present world,” Jim observed.

“However” he added, “if we do not live the nature of Grace towards others do we abide in God’s grace? Just a thought. Can we truly nullify the Grace of God in our own lives?” Continue reading

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Escaping Satan’s Clutches

Not long after daylight on July 4th our daughter, Rachél, was attacked by an alligator in the shallow water of the Hillsborough River at her Temple Terrace home.

Rachél instinctively screamed but the gator wouldn’t let go of her right leg. After hitting it with a rock, she punched it in the nose with her fist. But the gator held on. Tight. Continue reading

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IT’S FRIDAY. BUT SUNDAY’S COMING! From Sadness to Gladness

(We are on a short holiday blogging break.  But here’s a past post from ten years ago for your encouragement today.  It’s from a column we published for over 3 years.  There are over 170 posts on the theme:  It’s Friday. But Sunday’s Coming! This is one of my favorites.  Enjoy!)
The supper has ended.  Jesus has washed the disciples feet.  He identifies His betrayer.  And Judas has left the gathering and gone out into the night.  (Continue reading)
 

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Broken

Yesterday was “Canada Day.” It’s somewhat equivalent to our “Independence Day” celebrated in the United States on July 4th.

Canada Day celebrates the anniversary of the Canadian Confederation which occurred on July 1, 1867, in which Britain recognized Canada as a “kingdom with its own right.” Informally it is referred to as “Canada’s birthday.”

Like Americans in the USA, Canadians are very proud of their country. Yesterday there were flags flying. Celebrations. Bar-b-ques. Parades. Musical entertainment. And, of course, fireworks. Continue reading

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A Biblical Response to “Pride Month”

Two years ago the late Matt Bassford posted this piece on his blog site His Excellent Word. It’s a thoughtful and well reasoned response to “Pride Month.” We recommend its message for your careful consideration. Continue reading

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The Danger of Waiting Until Later

“My advice is, never do tomorrow what you can today. Procrastination is the thief of time,” wrote Charles Dickens’ in his novel David Copperfield.

Also, as my favorite author anonymous once opined, “Procrastination is the grave in which opportunity is buried.” Continue reading

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Four Facts About Temptation

“I’m the marshmallow man,” quipped Columbia University Professor Walter Mischel. Over the past 50 years his “Marshmallow Test” has become synonymous with the concepts of self-control, temptation, and delayed gratification.

The test is simple. A child is given a single marshmallow and this choice: Eat this one now. Or wait for 15 minutes and you can eat two. As you can imagine the results are a bit comical as kids twist and turn trying to control themselves from eating. Continue reading

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How To Be Ten Times Better

This week we’re in Temple Terrace, Florida, attending the VBS at the Temple Terrace Church with our four grandchildren, Roy, Miles, Katherine, and Fern.

The book highlights the sovereignty and providence of Jehovah as well as the courage, faithfulness and fortitude of Daniel and the other Hebrews– Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego

Our study reminds me of a story once told by Charles Spurgeon, the 19th-century British evangelist, who was conducting a boys Bible class on the book of Daniel. Continue reading

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7 Things Jesus Didn’t Say

Through the years famous quotes, pious platitudes, or proverbial idioms have been attributed to either Jesus or Bible writers that are just plain false.

For instance neither Jesus nor Bible writers ever said…

…Cleanliness is next to godliness.
…Money is the root of all evil.
…This, too, shall pass.
…God works in mysterious ways.
…God will not give you more than you can handle.
…God helps those who help themselves.

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