“Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing,” opined Oscar Wilde the Irish poet, playwright, and novelist.
Since Wilde lived in the 19th century, I wonder what he would think today?
In an age of ethical relativism, moral degradation, and spiritual malaise, it almost seems as if everyone and everything has its price. But there are some things that are priceless. They have value beyond monetary measure. Beyond a price tag. Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
Davon Huss tells the story about a man who once conned his way into the orchestra of the emperor of China although he could not play a note.
Whenever the group practiced or performed, he would hold his flute against his lips, pretending to play but not making a sound. He received a modest salary and enjoyed a comfortable living. Then one day the emperor requested a solo from each musician. Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
Jerry Shirley tells a story about a King who visited a slave ship. There was a slave galley where they chained prisoners to the oars and made them row.
The King decided to go below the deck, and talk to those who were chained to the oars. And he asked one man, “Why are you here?”
“Oh,” he said, “Sire, I don’t know why I’m here. I was in a crowd when a crime was committed and when they arrested everybody, they got me, but I’m innocent!”
He asked another, and said, “Why are you here?” Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
There is a story of two Civil War Generals: George A. Custer and Ulysses S. Grant. Both graduated from West Point–Gen. Grant, being the oldest, graduated in the 1840’s and Gen. Custer in 1861. Grant fought in several wars and was a field General in every sense of the word. In 1865, he was the one who forced Robert E. Lee to surrender to the north Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General, recently related in a New York Times article the sad story of one of his patients.
The man worked for years in the food industry with a modest salary and humble lifestyle. Then he won the lottery. Overnight, his life changed. He quit his job and moved into a large house in a gated community. Continue reading
Filed under Money, Passage To Ponder
My wife, Norma Jean, is a wonderful cook. This is not just the opinion of a prejudiced husband, just ask anyone who has been the recipient of her culinary delights.
Among the favorites of our kids, grandkids and college students are her homemade rolls. She uses the receipt from my Mom, and so they are affectionately called “Mattie Rolls.”
I asked her “how much yeast does it take to make a batch?” She said two tablespoons will make 48 rolls. The yeast is mixed into the other ingredients and is unseen, but produces a wonderfully delicious result. Continue reading
Filed under Parables of Jesus, Passage To Ponder
Sometimes good isn’t good enough. The task requires 100%.
If 99.9% is good enough then…
Filed under Passage To Ponder
Norman Vincent Peale once told about finding a big, black cigar when he was a little boy. Quickly he slipped into an alley and lit it up. Peale said it didn’t taste good, but made him feel grown up. Until…. Continue reading
Filed under Discipleship, Passage To Ponder, Psalms
Two weeks ago at the Southside Lectures Russ Bowman presented a lesson simply entitled, “Train Your Children.”
It was personal. Powerful. And penetrating. It was the impassioned plea of a father who has raised his children, continues to care about them, and fervently desires for Christian parents to seriously consider their God given family responsibilities Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
Richard Swenson is a physician, futurist, and author who wrote a book entitled, “Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives.”He describes modern society as harried, hassled, and overloaded with no room left for rest.
Dr Swenson observes, “Overload is not having time to finish the book you’re reading on stress. Margin is having time to read it twice. Overload is fatigue. Margin is energy. Overload is red ink. Margin is black ink. Overload is hurry. Margin is calm. Overload is anxiety. Margin is security. Overload is a disease of our day. Margin is the cure.” Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
ThePreachersWord 