Category Archives: Discipleship

Matthew 5:43-48, Love Your Enemies

“My husband, Charlie. He wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life,” shared Charlie’s widow, Erika, in an emotional memorial service on Sunday for the slain political activist.

Erika quoted Jesus’ statement about those who were crucifying Him in Luke 23:34. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Continue reading

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What Comes Out When You’re Upset?

One Sunday, a preacher took two jars to the pulpit and set them on a table. They looked identical. “These jars,” he told the congregation, “came from the same factory. They were made of the same materials, and they hold the same amount of liquid. But they are different.” Continue reading

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Is Being Rich Wrong?

In looking for some sermon illustrations the other day, I stumbled across this headline that captured my attention: Is it morally wrong to be “filthy rich”?

The article revealed a joint research study by the University of Southern California and the University of Massachusetts Amherst that examined how people across 20 countries judge excessive wealth.

The study exposed an interesting paradox. Continue reading

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Could AI Replace Real Relationships?

I frequently use ChatGPT for research and creating graphics for ThePreachersWord, as well as for occasional PowerPoint presentations. However, I never thought about having a “relationship” with AI.

Apparently, for one man, Chris Smith, that’s not the case. Chris created a chatbot he named Sol, developed an emotional relationship with it, and even asked Sol to marry him. Continue reading

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What’s One Good Thing That Happened Today?

A few weeks ago my facebook friend Judy Roberts shared a story from a site called Astonishing by Grace Jenkins.    The story began with this hook that caught my attention
My name’s Arnold. I’m 66. Used to fix trucks for 40 years down at Horace’s Garage. Retired now. Most days feel…. quiet. Too quiet. My wife, Jessica, works part-time at the hospital, so the house echoes. I’d sit there, staring at my hands that could rebuild an engine blindfolded but didn’t know what to do anymore. Felt invisible. Like dust on a shelf.

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When Evil Shadows Our World

Why?

Yesterday’s shocking assassination of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk left pundits and reporters searching for answers. Many are asking, “Why?” Others wonder out loud, “What is wrong with our country?” “With our world?” “And with the political rancor that divides our country? Continue reading

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Weekly Recap: September 1-5

Greetings from Beverly Hills, FL

It’s good to be home.  At least for a short time before we began Fall meetings and out-of-state preaching appointments.

Several have inquired about  Norma Jean’s health.  She is continuing to make progress since her surgery on June 9.  At her last appointment, the surgeon said it really takes about 180 days for your body to return to “normal” after the type of surgery she had.  Of course, with Parkinson’s, that’s only a guess and somewhat subjective.  She had a good appointment with her neurologist the other day, with a slight tweak to her medications.  We know the nature of PD, so we’re blessed to enjoy each day and the relative “good health” she has. Continue reading

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Reputation Matters: The Value of a Good Name

On this day, September 4, 1957, Ford Motor Company introduced its much-ballyhooed new model, the Edsel.

The Edsel was a pet project of Henry Ford II, the President and CEO of Ford, who named the model after his son, Edsel, who died in 1949 at the age of 49. Continue reading

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1 Corinthians 11: 17-34–How To Look At The Lord’s Supper

“The value of any experience depends upon the condition of the heart of those who participate,” observed Warren Wiersbe.

For example, suppose I have a meeting in the Dallas area where my friend Mark preaches. Soon after I arrive, he shares with great excitement that he has two tickets to a Texas Rangers game that evening. Continue reading

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The Sacred Call to Work: What the Bible Teaches About Labor

“Unprecedented numbers of Americans are walking away from their jobs, rethinking their routines and breaking away from traditional expectations,” wrote author and researcher Bruce Feiler in “The New Rules of Success in a Post-Career World.”

Feiler crisscrossed the country examining Americans’ shifting attitudes toward work. He collected 400 real-life stories in all 50 states. His research included everyone from high-paying CEO’s, to school teachers, factory workers, and independent business owners. Continue reading

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