April 1, 2019 · 8:11 am

Word of the Week: Fool

Normally our word of the week is a positive, uplifting and encouraging word. However, since today is April 1st, known in the United States as “April Fool’s Day, let’s consider the word “fool.”

It reminds me of a great story told about the famous 19th century American Evangelist D. L. Moody. He was known for his preaching campaigns which attracted large and enthusiastic crowds. They were also attended by hecklers who vehemently disagreed with his preaching.

In the final service of one meeting, an atheist who had been heckling Moody the entire campaign sent him a note by one of the ushers just as he was approaching the lectern. Continue reading →

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March 29, 2019 · 7:19 am

God Knows Your Heart

This morning I came across a short list by Edward Skidmore, written by his wife, Susan entitled “7 Ways To Rationalize Your Way To Ruin”

1. Everyone’s doing it.

2. I’ll just try it once.

3. It’s just a little lie.

4. No one ever needs to know. Continue reading →

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March 28, 2019 · 8:07 am

“When He Came To Himself”

“You cannot enjoy the things money can buy if you ignore the things money cannot buy.”

We have all seen the above quote reflected in the lives of many people. Some famous. Others ordinary folks. Some wealthy. Others with average means. But none more dramatic in terms of his lifestyle change than the “Prodigal Son” in Jesus’ famous parable recorded in Luke 15. Continue reading →

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March 27, 2019 · 7:51 am

A Passage To Ponder: Luke 14:26-33

We live in a nation that loves a good deal. Hardly anyone wants to pay full price. So we wait for our favorite store to have a sale. Go to garage sales. Look on eBay. Or surf the web for an internet deal.

The craziness on Black Friday, the crowds at after-Christmas sales, and the shoppers at tax-free weekends all attest to the bargain-hunter mindset. And their mantra is simple–To get the best quality merchandise for the lowest possible price. Continue reading →

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March 26, 2019 · 7:51 am

Help and Hope For the Hurting

Frank Graeff was a 19th and early 20th-century preacher and hymnist. Known for his positive attitude and cheery disposition, he was dubbed with the nickname “sunshine minister.”

However, his outward demeanor belied his inward struggles. As he was afflicted with various physical problems, at times severe, he began to doubt God’s presence during his pain. His conflict gave birth to the hymn, “Does Jesus Care” that begins with this probing lament. Continue reading →

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March 25, 2019 · 7:23 am

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 →

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March 22, 2019 · 7:31 am

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 →

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March 21, 2019 · 8:03 am

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 →

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March 20, 2019 · 6:42 am

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 →

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March 19, 2019 · 7:19 am

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 →

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