Word of the Week: Abundance

In his best selling classic The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, author Stephen Covey offers this insight.

“Most people are deeply scripted in what I call the Scarcity Mentality. They see life as having only so much, as though there were only one pie out there. And if someone were to get a big piece of the pie, it would mean less for everybody else.” Continue reading

Leave a comment

Filed under Word of the Week

The Sixth Man

I love it when my readers not only offer feedback on ThePreachersWord but share insights and offer additional thoughts on our posts.

Yesterday one of my facebook friends and former college classmate Jean Gerrard White responded to the post 5 Men in the Parable of the Good Samaritan saying, I never thought about adding the thieves into the considerations.” Then she shared this wonderful thought. Continue reading

2 Comments

Filed under Christian Living, Service

5 Men in the Parable of the Good Samaritan

This morning I was reading Jesus’ parable of The Good Samaritan in Luke 10.

This parable has been analyzed, allegorized, and sermonized, but not often enough actualized in our lives.

Good Samaritan has become synonymous with a charitable person who helps others, especially strangers. However, this feel-good story involves some elements that are not so nice. Continue reading

10 Comments

Filed under Christian Living, compassion, Parables of Jesus

A Passage To Ponder: Psalm 139:13-16

In recent weeks there has been a backlash and vocal outrage over lawmakers proposing and state legislatures passing bills allowing third-trimester abortions up to the moment of birth. As a result, there are some encouraging signs.

A recent court ruling approved an Indiana law that the sale of aborted baby body parts is now illegal. According to the law, a “person who intentionally acquires, receives, sells, or transfers fetal tissue commits unlawful transfer of fetal tissue, a level 5 felony.” Continue reading

1 Comment

Filed under Abortion, Passage To Ponder

Racial Inclusion in Christ

With the beginning of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament fondly known as “March Madness,” I’m reminded of a significant sports and societal event that occurred on this day.

On March 19, 1966, Texas Western College, now known as The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), defeated the University of Kentucky, 72-65, to win the National Championship. It was unique because it was the first time an all-black starting five had won the NCAA championship. The Kentucky Wildcats, coached by the legendary Adolph Rupp were an all white team. Continue reading

6 Comments

Filed under Relationships

Word of the Week: Imitate

Yesterday it was our pleasure to worship with and preach for the brethren at the Low Country Church in Goose Creek, South Carolina, where my friend Steve Brewer ministers.

As is often the case when we visit various congregations, I leave feeling like I received more than I gave. Yesterday was no exception. The Brethren warmly welcomed us with the right hand of fellowship. And some hugs. The atmosphere was encouraging. It felt like a family who truly enjoyed being together.

The Bible class taught by Ricardo Perry on the “Life of Christ” was especially insightful. Thought-provoking. And spiritually relevant. The focus of the class was we should be like Christ. Continue reading

2 Comments

Filed under Word of the Week

When There’s No Power Connection

Did you miss ThePreachersWord yesterday?

It was an unintended blogging break due to technical difficulties. Let me explain.

Upon returning from Costa Rica we wanted to spend a little time with our kids and grandkids before heading to South Carolina. We left Temple Terrace on Wednesday morning and drove up to Homosassa. Later in the afternoon when I went to turn on my computer, the battery was low. No problem. Just plug in the power cord. Continue reading

Leave a comment

Filed under Christian Living

A Passage To Ponder: Psalm 92:12-15

Well, here it is. Again. Another birthday.

Remember when you were a kid and they couldn’t come fast enough? Oh, to be a teenager and turn 13. And then the magical age of 16 to get your driver’s licence. And, then 18, with graduation looming, and college plans on the horizon. And, of course, finally feeling like an adult at 21. Continue reading

1 Comment

Filed under Passage To Ponder

Is Your Home Spiritually Vibrant?

A recent Barna survey found that only 25% of “practicing Christians” live in households that they termed “spiritually vibrant.”

As a part of a new “Household of Faith” report Barna partnered with the Lutheran Hour Ministries and surveyed 2,347 adults and teens who claimed to be practicing Christian. Their goal was to determine how families practiced their faith together, and not just as individuals. Continue reading

Leave a comment

Filed under Family, Spiritual

Word of the Week: Understanding

Yesterday I preached and taught the Bible class for the brethren in Alajuela, Costa Rica.

Since most of the congregation are only fluent in Spanish, and I’m only fluent in English, we needed a translator. Thus, I was able to speak so they could understand.

Several times this week I needed to communicate something, and it was difficult when a translator was not available. Words were spoken. But there was no understanding. Continue reading

Leave a comment

Filed under Word of the Week