October 21, 2022 · 5:23 am

Introduction to a New Column

Like other preachers, writers and bloggers, we have at times addressed the problems of social media, including platforms like facebook.

Too often social media is abused and misused by wasting time surfing through its endless posts. Or engaging in heated arguments, hurling unkind and ugly retorts. Posting immodest pictures. Or just being trivial and frivolous.

However, there is a good side to social media. The Gospel of Christ can be preached. Encouragement offered. Prayers requested. Brethren connected around the world. Bible study material shared. And important thoughts posted that ennoble and inspire us. Continue reading →

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October 20, 2022 · 6:21 am

Are You Running From God?

One of joys of coming to the Smoky Mountains is being with our friends Olie and Mary Williamson.

Olie is 90 years young. In addition to the rental business he runs, Olie teaches a Bible class every Sunday morning and Wednesday night. Preaches every Sunday morning, unless he can corral a guest speaker, like yours truly. Plays golf most every week. And writes a weekly column for the Newport Plain Talk newspaper.

In a recent column, Olie recounted an incident that occurred in 1946. Continue reading →

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October 19, 2022 · 6:53 am

2 Peter 1:3-11

Gaius Plinius Secundus, called Pliny the Elder, lived during the days of Jesus and the apostles. He recorded an incredible story about the setting of an obelisk, which when erected would stand 99 feet tall.

Twenty thousand workers were chosen to pull on the ropes and activate the hoisting apparatus. There was great responsibility and risk in the operation. Just one error could cause the obelisk to fall, ruining years of work. Thus, the King demanded one act which insured the complete attention and best direction of the engineer. Continue reading →

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October 18, 2022 · 6:47 am

Majestic Mountains

This week I identify with a comment by hiker and blogger Alex Derr who wrote, “I don’t know why mountains lift the spirit so. They just do.”

We are enjoying the spectacular and breath-taking beauty of the fall foliage in the Smoky Mountains. Its enjoyment is amplified by sharing it with our grandchildren, Miles and Katherine, whose child-like wonder warms your heart and brings a smile to your face.

The atmosphere here is wonderful. Miles exclaimed yesterday as we hiked to Laurel Falls, “I love this Tennessee mountain air.” But it’s more than the fresh, crisp mountain air. Novelist Joan Bauer opined “Mountains draw you to a deeper place in yourself.” I think she’s right. Continue reading →

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October 17, 2022 · 6:53 am

Word of the Week: Workmanship

We’re in the Smoky Mountains this week and bears are everywhere. Not just literal bears, but stuffed animal bears, ceramic bears and wood carved bears you can take home for a souvenir.

There’s a man here in Cosby that will carve you a full sized bear standing up. It reminds me of the story of a man who carved art out of logs using a chain saw. His specialty was carving the shape of an angry bear. He loved for people to ask him how he did it. His answer? Continue reading →

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October 15, 2022 · 5:29 am

Weekly Recap: October 10-14

Good Morning from The Great Smoky Mountains

It’s that time year when “the mountains are calling.”

Norma Jean and i love the beauty of the fall foliage. The majesty of the mountains.  The cool, crisp mountain air.  Walks in the woods.  And relaxing on our favorite creek-side bench with a cup of hot coffee.  Eating breakfast either at Trish’s Mountain Diner or Crockett’s Breakfast Camp.  Being with our friends Olie and Mary Williamson and preaching for the Cosby Church. Continue reading →

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October 14, 2022 · 4:14 am

Friday’s List To Live By #104

Two years ago we began “Friday’s list” as an experiment. Obviously, it resonated well with you the reader. But it’s time to move on to another Friday column which we will debut next week.

We close with this list adapted from John Mason’s neat little book, “Conquering an Enemy Called Average.” We’ve added scriptural references for each of these admonitions about who and what God calls us to be. Continue reading →

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October 13, 2022 · 4:13 am

When the Ordinary Becomes Extraordinary

Blogger and author Kent Nerburn relates this touching and unforgettable story that he claims actually occurred when he was driving a cab for a living in Minneapolis.

I was responding to a call from a small brick fourplex in a quiet part of town. I assumed I was being sent to pick up some partiers, or someone who had just had a fight with a lover, or someone going off to an early shift at some factory for the industrial part of town.

When I arrived at the address, the building was dark except for a single light in a ground-floor window. Continue reading →

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October 12, 2022 · 5:47 am

1 Peter 2:1-10

In his book “A Gentle Thunder” Max Lucado tells the story of Karen Hill who is an Administrate Assistant in Austin, Texas. Karen underwent surgery in a local hospital and when she awoke in the recovery room, she could hear the moaning of a fellow patient. She could hear a sympathetic nurse trying to comfort him.

“Settle down, Tom,” she said.” But still he moaned. “It’s all right, Tom. Just go with the pain.”

The man was quiet for a few moments, but began groaning again. “It’s okay, Tom. You’ll be fine.” Finally the patient spoke. Continue reading →

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October 11, 2022 · 6:26 am

“Jesus Was Not Crucified on a Gucci Cross”

Candace Cameron Bure, the former Hallmark Movie Actress who is now with The Great American Family network, and known for her faith promoted a video to her Instagram followers on Sunday.

The video is a young girl, identified as Cherry Paul Ede, quoting a Fragile Dogubo poem. It has been shared on African social media with over a million views.

“I don’t know who needs to hear this, but Jesus was not crucified on a Gucci cross,” she said. “He didn’t have on a crown of Versace thorns or Nike shoes on his feet when the nails pierced through. There was nothing bougie about Calvary. That old raggedy wooden cross wasn’t even befitting to hold the carpenter’s son, but there our God hung, held on by His love for us, by His love for all. Continue reading →

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