September 21, 2018 · 8:11 am

“That’s Just The Way I Am”

Last night Norma Jean and I were privileged to attend the annual Florida College Leadership dinner and hear J. C. Watts.

Watts was a quarterback for the University of Oklahoma Sooners in the late 1970’s and led his team to two consecutive Big Eight Championships. After receiving his B.A. degree in journalism, he played in the Canadian Football League for several years.

In 1994 Watts ran and won a seat in the United States House of Representatives and served until  2002. Today he is involved in business. Serves on several boards. Is involved in ministry. Is a frequent speaker. And the author of “Dig Deep: 7 Truths to Finding the Strength Within.”

Last night Mr. Watts spoke to us about the importance of personal responsibility and accountability. The value of our relationships with others. And how to develop trust. Continue reading →

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September 20, 2018 · 6:30 am

Do You Need A Push?

Today Norma Jean and I are traveling to Tampa So I’m going to do a throwback Thursday and re blog a pass post Hope you enjoy It

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Eagles Push

In his book, with the captivating title, “Even Eagles Need A Push,” Dave McNally tells about a man being awakened one night with a loud knock at the door. He rolls over and looks at his clock. It’s 3:30 AM!

“I’m not getting out of bed at this time,” he thinks, and rolls over. Then, a louder knock follows.

“Aren’t you going to answer that?” whispers his wife.

So he drags himself out of bed, and goes downstairs. He opens the door and there is a man standing at the door. It doesn’t take him long to realize the man is drunk.

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September 19, 2018 · 7:07 am

Great Verses of the Bible: 2Corinthians 3:2

Four preachers were discussing the merits of various translations of the Bible.

One preferred the New American Standard version because he believed it was more literal and comes nearer to the original Hebrew and Greek.

The second preacher favored the New King James Version since it was updated from the King James he grew up with and retained the beauty of the language.

The third preacher thought the English Standard Version was the better choice for modern readers.

When the fourth preacher was asked his opinion, he replied, “I like my mother’s translation best.” Continue reading →

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September 18, 2018 · 7:53 am

Chick-fil-A. Christianity. And Bigotry.

How did I miss this insightful essay?

Back in April, the New Yorker published a piece by freelance writer Dan Piepenbring entitled “Chick-fil-A’s Creepy Infiltration of New York City.” While the article exposes the evils of fast foods, their advertising slogan “Eat Mor Chikin,” and his disapproval of opening their stores in the Big Apple, the writer seems more upset about the values of the founder, the late S. Truett Cathy, his son, Dan, the current CEO, and the conservative culture of the Corporation.

Piepenbring’s essay includes these complaints “The brand’s arrival here feels like an infiltration, in no small part because of its pervasive Christian traditionalism.” Continue reading →

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September 17, 2018 · 7:51 am

Word of the Week: Attitude

This week Norma Jean and I are just south of Birmingham, Alabama, where I’m holding a meeting for the Helena Church.

The church is served by two fine Shepherds Ken Craig and Jim Driskell and two dedicated preachers, Bryan Moody and Joe Hickman, who was a classmate of mine at Florida College back in the late 1960’s. In just two days we’ve enjoyed a wonderful fellowship with these brethren and feel a real connection to their church family.

All of the lessons are based on the theme “Developing the Mind of Christ.” I’m grateful the Shepherds chose this theme because I have not presented this series in a long time and needed to hear them again myself. (Yes, preachers need preaching. And personally profit from the lessons they present.) Continue reading →

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September 14, 2018 · 5:52 am

Weathering the Storm

This morning as I awake enjoying my coffee in the comfort and safety of a friend’s home in Missouri, many are facing what is being described as a “monster storm” in hurricane Florence.

Winds are battering the coastal cities of North Carolina and torrential rains are expected to cause “catastrophic flash flooding and prolonged significant river flooding” according to authorities and news reports.

Even though Florence has been downgraded to a category 1 hurricane, officials are bracing for the worse as winds extend 80 miles from the center and tropical force winds to 195 miles. Continue reading →

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September 13, 2018 · 6:30 am

Fantastic Family Rules

Last night I concluded a meeting with the church in Madrid, Iowa. The brethren were welcoming and hospitable. They were very receptive to the lessons. And lifted and encouraged us.

It was obvious that they worked hard to promote the meeting and invite their friends. We had guests visit us every service. Some as a result of their advertizing. It was a week in which I felt like I received as much or more than I gave.

However, and other Preachers can attest to this, the best of meetings can be difficult to enjoy if your living accommodations are uncomfortable, cramped, or just plain unpleasant because of the conflicts within the family you’re staying with. Well, this was none of the above. Our week was made very comfortable and enjoyable by staying with one of the elders, Scott Chumbley, his lovely wife Amy, and their two sons, Jeffery and Edward. Continue reading →

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September 12, 2018 · 6:40 am

Great Verses of the Bible: Matthew 20:26-28

Have you heard the one about the kindergarten Bible class teacher who was teaching her children about the Golden Rule?

To illustrate the importance of helping and serving others she told the parable of the Good Samaritan. She pointed out that he was good because he served the need of someone who was hurting and desperately needed his help.

The teacher concluded by saying, “Remember, children we are here to serve others.” Continue reading →

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September 11, 2018 · 7:29 am

Lest We Forget

Seventeen years ago we were living in Spring Hill, TN. And I was preaching for the Jackson Heights church in Columbia. As I was preparing to leave for the office Norma Jean hollered for me to come into the family room. “A plane has hit one of the twin towers,” she yelled in disbelief.

Like millions of Americans we were stunned as we watched another plane hit the 2nd tower. Then the Pentagon was hit. Soon there was a report of the crash in PA. Later we learned of the heroism that prevented another catastrophic strike.

That day I did not go to the office. Continue reading →

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September 10, 2018 · 5:50 am

Word of the Week: Discipleship

During our recent trip to the Mediterranean, we heard many stories from our tour guides about ancient Rome and Greece. Often they would preface their narratives with the phrase, “legend has it.”

One such legend involves Julius Caesar’s conquest of Britain in the first century B.C. When he landed with his Roman legions, he took a bold step to ensure the success of his military campaign. He ordered his men to march to the edge of the Cliffs of Dover, and he commanded them to look down on the water below. Continue reading →

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