The Power of our Thoughts

Man is made or unmade by himself; in the armory of thought he forges the weapons by which he destroys himself. He also fashions the tools with which he builds for himself heavenly mansions of joy and strength and peace wrote, 19th century British author, James A. Allen.

In this classic book, As He Thinketh, Allen further observes, “By the right choice and true application of thought, man ascends to the Divine Perfection; by the abuse and wrong application of thought, he descends below the level of the beast. Between these two extremes are all the grades of character, and man is their maker and master. “ Continue reading

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A Passage To Ponder: 1Corinthians 15:35-49

Tonight, I’m concluding a meeting in Marion, Indiana, and preaching from 1 Corinthians 15 about death and the bodily resurrection.

Death.

It is a sobering word. A cold word. A frightening word. We don’t even like to say it. We prefer euphemisms. We say, “She passed away.’ “He expired.” “She’s gone.” In a lighter vein we speak of someone “pushing up daisies”, or “kicking the bucket,” Or being “six feet under.” Continue reading

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Sin, Salvation, and Acceptance

Every news media outlet carried numerous stories regarding the 20th anniversary of 9/11.

The stories were often personal and poignant involving survivors from the twin towers, or the relatives of those that did not survive. Each was emotionally gripping in its own way.

One that we saw that was interesting and insightful was an interview on Fox News that Neil Cavuto had with an Episcopal Priest, Dr. Russell Levenson from Houston, Texas. Continue reading

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WORD OF THE WEEK: Open-mindedness

Last Friday’s post was a tribute to our beloved brother Dee Bowman who passed from this life on Thursday.

The post featured quotes from Dee’s writings and preaching. It received not only an outpouring of appreciation and love for Dee but reminded several readers of other quotes Dee was famous for saying.

My daughter, Rachél, recalls a time when Dee came to Columbia, Tennessee, for a meeting at the Jackson Heights Church. She was in her early teens at the time and was captivated by Dee’s powerful preaching and personal magnetism. Continue reading

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Sunday Seed Thoughts: Seeing Sundays Differently

What does Sunday mean to you?

Some people grew up where Sunday was just another day of the week. Nothing special.

Others look at Sunday as a day to enjoy sports. To watch football or basketball.

For some Sunday is a day to play hard, engaging in some form of recreation. And ending the day exhausted. Continue reading

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Weekly Recap: September 5-10

Good morning,

Norma Jean and I are flying to Indianapolis today, to be with Woodland Hills Church in Marion, Indiana, for a meeting that begins tomorrow and continues through Wednesday.

We’re excited to share our series on “Pressing Toward the Prize” and enjoy fellowship with these brethren.

Today’s recap features three posts, that if you missed, I really encourage you to read.  One is about reflections on 9/11, the other about abortion, and yesterday’s is a tribute to our good friend and brother, Dee Bowman, who passed away yesterday. Continue reading

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Friday’s List To Live By #55: A Tribute To Dee Bowman

Yesterday, my friend, Dee Bowman passed from this life to go be with the Lord. He was a friend, mentor, and encourager to fellow preachers and brethren all across this nation.

My wife, Norma, along with Dee and his Norma have enjoyed many good times together for which we are thankful.

Dee was not only a powerful presenter of the Word but an excellent writer. In memory and honor of Dee, today’s list will feature various quotes and sayings from his books, Christianity magazine, and sermons throughout the years. Continue reading

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9/11 Remembrance and Reflection

As I sit in the early morning darkness, listening to the falling rain and drinking a cup of coffee, I’m contemplating what words of encouragement, exhortation or admonition I will send out on my blog today.

As I glance at my computer calendar it reads 9/9/2021. Suddenly my thoughts change.

Just two days until I leave for a meeting in Marion, Indiana, with still much to do.

Then it hit me. Continue reading

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A Passage To Ponder: Psalm 123

Warren W. Wiersbe, a well-known Bible scholar, and the author of over 160 books and Bible commentaries shared this motto from one radio listener sent him several years ago.

“Look at others and be distressed. Look at yourself, and be depressed. Look to God, and you’ll be blessed.”

“This may not be a piece of literature,” Wiersbe opined, “but it certainly contains great practical theology.” Continue reading

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Who’s Really Barbaric and Inhumane?

Last week a new Texas law went into effect that Yahoo sports writer Shalise Manza Young, called, “barbaric.” “Inhumane.” “Nauseating.”

Furthermore, she urges the NCAA to deny Texas cities of Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio the right to host all men’s and women’s basketball tournaments and championship games for 2022 and all future years.

Failure to do so, Young argues, would show the NCAA and their leadership to be spineless and complicit  in supporting this “odious new law.”

If you’re following the news, you know what the outrage is about. If not, you’re wondering what terrible law the Texas legislature has enacted? Continue reading

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