Category Archives: Word of the Week

August 15, 2016 · 5:01 am

Word of the Week: Forgiven

Forgiven

　

Earnest Hemingway, in The Capital of the World, tells a popular Spanish story about a father and his son named “Paco.”

Paco was rebellious. Disobedient. Defiant. And irresponsible. Unwilling to follow his father’s rules, he preferred his own way of living. One evening in the heat of an argument, Paco hurled some hurtful and hateful words at his father. Packed up his few possessions. Stomped out the door, slamming it behind him. And traveled to Madrid. Hoping to never see his father again. Continue reading →

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August 8, 2016 · 5:34 am

Word of the Week: Victorious

Olympic Gold Medal

The 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio are off and running. Literally. Soccer. Rowing. Archery. Shooting. Water Polo. Fencing. Beach Volleyball. And table tennis have all had events.  Gold medals have been won.  And world records have been set.

While I’m more interested in the track and field events and basketball, all of these sports have several things in common: Disciplined athletes. A desire to win. And fans that love and follow the sport. There’s also one more thing they all share. Continue reading →

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August 1, 2016 · 6:34 am

Word of the Week: Endure

Endure

Charlotte was from a devout family who taught her faith, piety and commitment to Christ. In her early years she became famous as a humorous poet. However, at age 32 her life changed drastically.

Charlotte suffered a serious illness that left her disabled for the rest of her life. For many years following she suffered feelings of uselessness, loneliness and frustration. During one of the darkness times of her life a minister came to visit. In her depression Charlotte began to vent her feelings of bitterness, anger and resentment. Continue reading →

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July 25, 2016 · 5:48 am

Word of the Week: Hear

Hear.Bible

Two men were walking along a crowded city sidewalk. Suddenly, one of the men remarked: “Listen. Hear the sound of that cricket?”

But the other man couldn’t hear it. He asked his friend: “How can you hear the sound of a cricket with the roar of the traffic and the sounds of the city?” Continue reading →

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July 18, 2016 · 6:40 am

Word of the Week: Christian

 Name Tag Christian

“What’s in a name?” opined Juliet in Shakespeare’s famous play Romeo and Juliet.

Her answer: “That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”

This idea has often been applied religiously. Throughout my years of preaching I’ve heard people say, “There’s nothing in a name!”

But, is that really so? Continue reading →

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July 11, 2016 · 6:20 am

Word of the Week: Believe

Believe

“Do you believe?”

This question was asked by Jesus to two blind men who cried to him for sight. Their response was “Yes, Lord.” Immediately they received their sight. (Matt 9:27-31)

To a blind beggar who Jesus had healed of his blindness, he asked, “Do you believe?”

But the question was far greater than Jesus’ ability to heal him. For he already had received his sight. The question spoke to his Deity. Do you believe I am the promised Messiah? was what Jesus was really asking. Continue reading →

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July 4, 2016 · 7:19 am

Word of the Week: Liberty

 Statue of Liberty

“We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

We recognize these words, written by Thomas Jefferson, from the Declaration of Independence, issued 240 years ago today. On America’s birthday we celebrate our freedom and revel in our liberty. We love the feeling of liberty. Continue reading →

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June 20, 2016 · 6:56 am

Word of the Week: Alert

Stay Alert

“Where’s Miles?” I asked Norma Jean.

“Oh, he’s sitting on the stairs,” she replied.

I went to see and he was not there. As I went up the stairs, Miles was coming down the stairs, out of the family room, grinning and carry a dartboard.” Thankfully, he wasn’t throwing any darts. Continue reading →

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June 13, 2016 · 7:26 am

Word of the Week: Religion

Several colorful arrow street signs with the names of five major world religions - Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism and Hinduism

 The Orlando nightclub shooting over the weekend that claimed at least 50 lives and injured over 50 more is a chilling reminder of a quote by the French philosopher Blaise Pascal.

“Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from religious conviction.”

By numerous news accounts the gunman, Omar Matten, was heard shouting “Allah Akbar” while engaging law enforcement officers. Mateen also called 911 during the shooting to pledge allegiance to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, Fox News reported. Continue reading →

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May 16, 2016 · 5:03 am

Word of the Week: Complete

Complete

Yesterday was my final sermon as the located preacher at the Hickman Mills Church in Kansas City. We leave the brethren with mixed emotions, fond memories, and special bond forged in faith and fellowship.

My parting sermon was based on 2 Cor 13:11 where Paul bade farewell to the Corinthian church. “Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” Continue reading →

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