Category Archives: God

What’s Your View of God?

Touching EarthA few years ago sociologists from Baylor’s Institute for Studies of Religion  did a study about our view of God.  The title of the research paper was called “The Values and Beliefs of the American Public.”  It was the result of a survey done by Gallup for Baylor University.

In response to 77 questions, the study identified four distinct images that people have of God’s personality and attitude toward the human race. The research claimed this study may “tell more about people’s social, moral and political views and personal piety than the familiar categories of Protestant, Catholic, Jew, or even red and blue states.”  Continue reading

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Can You See God?

 FishingJohnny approached his older sister, Suzie, with a serious question.  “Suzie, can anybody ever really see God?” Occupied with other things, Suzie tersely responded: “Of course not, silly. God is so far up in heaven that nobody can see him.”

Time passed, but Johnny’s question still puzzled him.   One day he approached his mother: “Mom, can anybody ever really see God?” Gently she replied, “No, not really. God is a spirit.  He dwells in our hearts.  But….we can never really see him.”  The answer satisfied Johnny somewhat,  but he still wondered. Continue reading

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What Does God See in the Dark Corners of Your Life?

Someone has written a humorous piece about what some mothers of famous people could have said:

MONA LISA’S MOTHER: “After all that money your father and I spent on braces, Mona, that’s the biggest smile you can give us?”

JONAH’S MOTHER: “That’s a nice story, but now tell me where you’ve really been for the last three days.”

HUMPTY DUMPTY’S MOTHER: “Humpty, if I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a hundred times not to sit on that wall. But would you listen to me? Noooo!” Continue reading

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What I Saw From My Deck

I was sitting in the basement watching “The Five.”  My Dell notebook on my lap. A glass of Pepsi and some chips by my side.  As I thought about today’s post, my ruminations were interrupted when Norma Jean came down stairs and said, “Come up and sit on the deck!”

“I can’t. I  need to write my blog for tomorrow,” I replied. Continue reading

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What is Man?

 Neil Armstrong died last Saturday just two days following our 44th wedding anniversary.  Norma Jean  and I had only been married for 11 months when Armstrong made the historical flight on Apollo 11.  I remember that Sunday evening.  I had preached that day.  And we returned to our apartment on Bearss Avenue in Tampa.  Turned on our little black and white TV.  We heard Neil Armstrong say those famous words, “One small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.” Continue reading

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Do You Know God?

“Of course, I know God!” you’re saying out loud.  And you may even think, “that’s a silly question!”  And it may be to most of our readers.  But think about it a little deeper.  I didn’t ask, “Do you know about God?”  I asked, “Do you know God?”

“There’s a difference?” you wonder.  Continue reading

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My “Elijah Experience” On Mount Carmel

Jeff Stride tells a great  story about a young man who joined the military and had just entered boot camp.
On the first morning, the unit was awakened early,  dragged out of bed, and  made to assemble outside by the drill sergeant.  Seeking to instill fear in the recruits, the sergeant stood in front of soldiers and snarled at them: “My name’s Sergeant Jackson. Is there anyone here thinks he can whip me?”
Incredibility a young man raised his hand!!!
The Sergeant walked right over to the new recruit. And there stood the private.  All 6′ 5′ and  280 pounds of him.  The drill sergeant  looked him dead in the eye and with all the malice he could muster repeated “So you think you can whip me, soldier?” Continue reading

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Why Does God Allow Suffering?

Have you ever taken some medication that promises wonderful results to alleviate some pain or problem?  But there is a warning that says “possible side effects.”  Isn’t life a lot like that? 

One on hand life is full of joy. Pleasure.  Adventure.  Exhilaration.  Enchantment. Excitement. 

But there are some side effects!  Like pain. Suffering. Heartbreak.  Disappointment.  Broken relationships.  And death.  Continue reading

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Where’s God When I Need Him?

“God didn’t help me in a crisis, so has he let me down?” 

This question was asked by a Kansas City Star reader.  On Saturday the Star has a column “Voices of Faith.”  The questions are answered by a panel of religious leaders.  Two different men answered that question.  Continue reading

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Can Anybody See God?

             A small boy once approached his slightly older sister with a question. “Susie, can anybody ever really see God?” he asked. Busy with other things, Susie curtly replied: “No, of course not, silly. God is so far up in heaven that nobody can see him.” Continue reading

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