Category Archives: Discipleship

2023 Ministry Report

Like most years 2023 has brought a mixture of joys and sorrows; smiles and tears; and success and failure. However, a balanced view regards the year as mainly one of joy, smiles, and success.

As most of our regular readers know we resigned from full time local work in 2018, but have not retired from preaching, teaching and writing. For almost 3 years we traveled full time, combining it with ministry opportunities. That period took us to 38 states, 10 countries, and 48 congregations.

It’s hard to believe but this coming February will be our 3 year anniversary of buying a home and living in Beverly Hills, Florida. We have, however, been blessed with a wonderful year of travel, as well as preaching and teaching opportunities. Continue reading

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12 Days of Happiness

The other day at the YMCA where we work out, they were passing out cards challenging us to participate in the 12 days of happiness.

With holiday busyness and the stress that often accompanies it, this is the Y’s way to encourage fitness of body, soul and mind. On the back of the card were “12 Suggested Self Care Activities.” Continue reading

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Texting Jesus

I admit that I’m behind the curve regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI). Especially as it is being used by some to craft sermons, write spiritual blogs, or produce Bible class material.

But, I was surprised to recently learn that there is now an app called “Text with Jesus.” Continue reading

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When I Don’t Feel Like It

Conservative columnist, Cal Thomas, just released his Thanksgiving column entitled, “Giving Thanks When I Don’t Feel Like It.”

The column reminds us that Abraham Lincoln issued his Proclamation of Thanksgiving in 1863. It was in the midst of the Civil War. Our nation was divided between North and South. Families were fractured. Even some churches were torn apart with different opinions. Continue reading

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Glorifying God Like Jesus Did

“They didn’t finish” is an expression often used by sports color commentators to describe a team or athlete who should have won, but lost.

In “The Greatest Finish Fails in Sports History,” Andrew Daniels relates numerous stories of runners, cyclists, and ballplayers who celebrated their victory too early, only to lose. Continue reading

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What’s Your Worldview?

Recently the U.S. House of Representatives elected a new Speaker, Mike Johnson, from Louisiana.

Honestly, I had never heard of Johnson. Apparently this was true of many people, especially since the shocking news about his life and views mostly escaped the mainstream news until after his rise to Speaker. Continue reading

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4 Questions to Ask Every Day

The Chinese philosopher, Confucius, is well known for his wise sayings and teaching regarding personal morality and social relationships.

One of his disciples was Zeng Shen, who is relatively unknown today, but earned high praise from the ancient sage.

Zeng Shen is said to have ended each day with 3 questions for personal introspection. Though he lived some 2400 years ago, they are good questions for us today and actually have a Biblical basis. Continue reading

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2 Corinthians 13:5

How many of you enjoy taking tests? Raise your hand.

That’s what I thought.

Me neither. Continue reading

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The Heart of Christianity

On Jason’s first day of school, the class was asked to stand, place their right hand over their heart and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

The teacher, Mrs. Jones, watched the children as they began, “I pledge allegiance to the flag….” when she noticed Jason had his right hand over his left ear. She stopped and said, “Jason, put your hand over your heart.”

Jason replied, “It is over my heart!” Continue reading

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Who Are You Listening To?

Listening2

Billie Burke was a famous actress of the early 20th century.  She played “Gilda the good witch” in the Wizard of Oz musical.  The story is told that Ms Burke was once traveling on a cruise ship when she noticed a man at the next table suffering from a bad cold.

She asked, “Are you uncomfortable?”  The man nodded in the affirmative.  “Well,” she instructed, “I’ll tell you what to do. Continue reading

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