Dennis Davidson tells a story about Samuel Bradburn, an associate of John Wesley, who was a highly respected minister of his day.
On one occasion, Davidson was in desperate financial need. When Wesley learned of his circumstances, he sent him the following letter: “Dear Sammy: ‘trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.’ Yours affectionately, John Wesley.” Attached to the letter was a 5-pound note (then worth about $10). Continue reading
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This past Saturday, I was in Garland, Texas, speaking at the memorial service of our dear departed friend and sister in Christ, Billie Mann.
Billie was a wonderful encourager, a servant-minded disciple who lived a joyful life of faith in the Lord. Finally, the progressive disease of Alzheimer’s disease took its toll, and she succumbed to the inevitable. Continue reading
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Today, I’m thinking about important events that occurred on November 10th.
On this date, November 10, 1483, the German Theologian Martin Luther was born. His role in the Protestant Reformation makes him one of the most influential figures in religious history.
Ordained as a Catholic Priest, Luther’s study of the Bible caused to reject many cardinal Catholic teachings. He caused an international stir when he challenged Pope Leo X to a debate on his 95 Theses, which legend says he nailed to the door of All Saints’ Church in Wittenberg. Continue reading
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“In the optimistic vision of many people, artificial intelligence will make us like gods,” opined A. G. Elrod in a Christianity Today article entitled “The Silicon Calf.’
Elrod’s analogy in the title is reminiscent of Israel’s restlessness and uncertainty during Moses’s absence on Mount Sinai, when it received the 10 commandments. Their impatience led them to plead with Aaron to fashion a god they could see. Incredibly, they said, “Come, make us a good man who will go before us. As a result, the golden calf was made and was being worshiped as Moses descended from the Mountain. Continue reading
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I awoke this morning to the news that the U.S. Government is still in shutdown mode. Today is day 35, tying the most extended shutdown in our history.
So, who’s to blame for the shutdown? For government workers being furloughed? For air traffic controllers working without pay? For low-income single moms who potentially do not receive their SNAP benefits?
Well, it depends on who you ask. Continue reading
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Energetic. Intense. Passionate. Zealous. On fire for God. These are some of the descriptions of Josiah, the King of Judah, who reigned from 640-609 B.C.
You read about Josiah’s life in 2 Kings 23:1-25 and 2 Chronicles 34-35, from which we can learn several lessons about spiritual zeal. Continue reading
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Greetings from Beverly Hills, FL
Whew! It’s been a busy week. Preaching last Sunday in Cosby, Tennessee. Traveling home. Catching up. Preparing for an upcoming Gospel Meeting. Planning a trip to Dallas. Making a quick turnaround to attend the Florida College Impact Gala. And participating in a fundraiser for our local Rotary Club today in Crystal River.
Tomorrow I’m preaching at the West Citrus Church in Crystal River. Continue reading
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Thomas B. Wheeler, who served as CEO of the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company for many years, loved to tell this story about himself.
Wheeler and his wife were driving along an interstate highway when he noticed that their car was low on gas. He got off the highway at the next exit and soon found a rundown gas station with just one gas pump. He asked the lone attendant to fill the tank and check the oil, then went for a little walk around the station to stretch his legs. Continue reading
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Norma Jean and I have been enjoying our annual Fall trip to the Smoky Mountains.
Not only do we never tire of drinking in the beauty of the colorful foliage, but we also like a morning fire in our cabin. We’ve rented some places with gas fireplaces, but we like a wood-burning fireplace. Sure, it’s a bit messier, takes more work, and costs more money, but we enjoy the flickering light, the radiating warmth, and the crackling sounds. Continue reading
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Yesterday, we published a post with some thoughts spawned by the recent “No Kings” protest. If you missed it, take a couple of minutes to read it now.
I noticed on Facebook that several people have posted a video by late 20th-century African-American minister S. M. Lockridge. These words came toward the end of his famous sermon, “He’s My King.”
Today’s post offers our readers the transcript of that powerful presentation. It speaks to the greatness of Christ and his absolute supremacy and preeminence. Read it slowly. Thoughtfully. Reverently. And adoringly. Continue reading
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ThePreachersWord 