This week Norma Jean and I are in Houston, Texas, where we’re attending the Southside Lectures in Pasadena.
As many of you read this post, we will be listening to David Banning and Jordan Shouse speaking on the theme “What Says the Scripture.” Tonight, I will be sharing the pulpit with Russ Bowman. In addition we will enjoy 30 minutes of singing praises each evening led by Tim Stevens. Continue reading
Filed under Discipleship, Sowing Seeds for Spiritual Growth
Recently I read about a young man in the Army who during Operation Desert Storm was called to go to Iraq, when our nation declared war on Saddam Hussein.
However, the young man didn’t want to go. He explained that he hadn’t joined the army to go war. He joined because of the benefits: the pay, the college tuition, the insurance, and hopefully some travel. He just didn’t want to travel to Iraq and fight. Continue reading
Filed under Sowing Seeds for Spiritual Growth
“Personal development is the belief that you are worth the effort, time, and energy needed to develop yourself,” wrote author and motivational speaker Denis Waitley.”
While the Bible warns against the sin of pride (Jas. 4:6), and the problem of thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought to think (Rom. 12:3), some Christians fail to grow because they think too little of themselves. Continue reading
Filed under Sowing Seeds for Spiritual Growth
Over the weekend, I watched some televised track and field events. The competition was close, especially in the sprints. With some athletes winning by less than .05 seconds.
One thing I noticed is that none of the participants in either the running or field events wore jeans. No one had on a coat. None wore hiking boots.
Why? Continue reading
Filed under Sowing Seeds for Spiritual Growth
“Let Go of Whatever Makes You Stop,” is the title of a neat little book by John Mason.
The book identifies areas in life where we become our own worst enemy. How we sabotage our success. And get in our own way of moving forward.
This problem, however, is deeper than how it affects us materially, financially or professionally. It’s a challenge spiritually. It’s an impediment to growth. Continue reading
Filed under Sowing Seeds for Spiritual Growth
“Most of us learn a great deal every day in order to keep ahead of what we forget,” once quipped the 19th century born lawyer and politician Frank A. Clark.
On a more serious note, business and professional people understand the importance of continuing education. In many fields, like medicine, a specific number of hours are required for a physician to maintain their license. Continuing education is also required for teachers, attorneys, accountants and pilots. Continue reading
Filed under Sowing Seeds for Spiritual Growth
“A faith that cannot be tested cannot be trusted,” wrote Warren Wiersbe.
He added that “Faith, like a muscle, must be exercised to grow stronger.” Then offered this illustration from the book “Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret.” Continue reading
Filed under Sowing Seeds for Spiritual Growth
“Is the church where you attend growing?”
How would you answer this question? By what metric would you define growth? Attendance? Contribution? Baptisms?
While all of the above areas are important, they don’t completely define growth. So, how can we quantify it? Measure it? Describe it? Continue reading
Filed under Sowing Seeds for Spiritual Growth
Growing up as a kid in Indiana, basketball was a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Later in High School, I added Cross Country and Track. P.E. was also a regular part of the school curriculum in those days.
There was also one common denominator in all of these activities. Stretching. Before scrimmaging or running, the coach always required various stretching exercises to increase muscle flexibility and decrease the risk of injuries Continue reading
Filed under Sowing Seeds for Spiritual Growth
John Houseman was a British-American actor and producer who was hired to do commercials for the investment firm Smith-Barney in the 1980’s.
Looking immaculate in his 3 piece suit, he spoke with confidence and authority as he sternly looked into the camera and with his gravelly voice affirmed, “Smith-Barney. They make money the old fashioned way. They earn it.”
That’s a great motto for an investment company. And wonderful advice for accumulating wealth. However, it’s not the way we need to approach salvation and our relationship with God. Continue reading
Filed under Sowing Seeds for Spiritual Growth
ThePreachersWord 