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
Filed under Discipleship
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
Filed under Discipleship
Filed under Discipleship
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
Filed under America, Culture, Discipleship
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
Filed under America, Discipleship, Evangelism
“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
Filed under Discipleship, facebook friday
“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
Filed under Discipleship
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
Filed under Discipleship
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.
Filed under Bible, Discipleship, Jesus
“Preacher, I want to be a better Christian.”
This is a common refrain I’ve heard through the years from good people, God’s people, people seemingly sincere in desiring to improve their lives.
Yet, when I ask the question, “What would make you a better Christian?” Most people look dumbfounded. They’re not really sure what being a better Christian means in specific terms. Continue reading
Filed under Discipleship
ThePreachersWord 