Category Archives: 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!” Continue reading →

“What is truth?” asked Pilate in his now-famous question to Jesus at His trial.

Commentators, preachers, and philosophers have discussed and debated Pilate’s motive behind the question. Was he sincere? Just jesting? Responding cynically? Barclay suggested “he asked the question wistfully and wearily.” Obviously, we will never know. Continue reading →

William Barclay titled this text, “The Royalty of Service.” Derek Geldart entitled it “Love on its knees.” Kerry Haynes called it “Bottom-Up Leadership.” And it’s often been cited as a narrative that identifies “The Heart of a Servant.”

I simply call this poignant passage, that only John records, “Jesus’ Model for Ministry.” Continue reading →

A preacher was standing at the church house door shaking hands as the congregation departed and saw a man who rarely attended.

He grabbed him by the arm and said, “You need to join the Army of the Lord!”

“I’m already in the Army of the Lord,” the man replied.

“How come I don’t see you except for Christmas and Easter?” the preacher questioned. Continue reading →

It is easy to think that people like the apostle Peter had an advantage over us today because they saw Jesus. Talked with him. Walked with Him. And learned from him.

However, in this passage, Peter pens that we, too, can be “partakers of the divine nature.” Through the knowledge of Jesus Christ we can enjoy a special relationship with Him. Fellowship and partnership with the Divine is possible when we become Christians.

This text tells us how. Continue reading →

There’s an old story of an African-American preacher who was trying to motivative his congregation to greater ministry.  As he concluded his sermon, he said if this church is going to go it’s got to walk the walk.  To which someone, responded, “Let her walk, preacher!”

Then he said, if this church is going to grow, it’s gotta get up and run.  Among a chorus of “Amens” someone hollered, “Let her run, preacher!” Continue reading →

Our regular readers know that we left Kentucky last Friday and drove to Florida. Yes, the state being threatened by hurricane Dorian.

Some thought we were crazy, but believe me, we made an informed decision. We’ve lived here. We know about the destructive nature of a powerful storm. We’re aware of the “cone of uncertainty.” We also know the difference between media hype and accurate reporting. The storm seemed to be tracking in a direction that was opposite from where we would be. Yet, at any point, we were prepared to turn around and drive to a safe place. Continue reading →

I recently read that singer, songwriter Willie Nelson once owned a golf course. He said the great thing about owning a golf course is that he could decide what was par for each hole.

“See that hole over there,” he pointed. Continue reading →