My normal morning is to wake up early, drink coffee and write a blog post, usually for publication that day. About the time I’m finished Norma Jean will wake up and proof the post.
This morning was different. Continue reading
Word of the Week: Meditation
This week Norma Jean and I are enjoying a family vacation at the beach with the kids and grandkids. Not only is it a wonderful time for family bonding and relaxing, but a great place for meditation.
It occurred to me yesterday morning as I was reading from the Psalms how appropriate the setting was for the Scriptures I was contemplating. With a peaceful view of the Gulf, it’s a great place to meditate on God. His goodness. His power. His beauty. His Word. His works. And His Awesomeness. Continue reading
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Honoring Veterans
Tomorrow is Veterans Day, although it is observed today as a holiday.
The day was originally known as Armistice Day when WWI ended on the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour. That was 1918.
In 1921 The United States laid to rest an American soldier, “his name known only to God”, on a Virginia hillside overlooking Washington and the Potomac. The site was called “The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” which is located in Arlington National Cemetery. Continue reading
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Seeking Peace in a Chaotic World
Bill Crowder tells the story about the time he was scheduled to teach at a Bible conference outside the US and was waiting for his visa to be approved. It had been rejected once, and time was slipping away. Without the visa, he would lose the opportunity for ministry, plus his colleagues in that country would have to find another speaker at the last minute.
During those stressful days, a co-worker asked Bill how he felt about it all. Bill told him he was experiencing “peaceful anxiety.” Continue reading
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Great Verses of the Bible: Psalm 18:6
When tragedy strikes Americans from diverse backgrounds, opposing political views and various religious beliefs seem to come together. Even if it’s for a short period of time.
Yet on Sunday morning when a deranged gunman opened fire in a place of worship in Sutherland Springs, Texas, killing 26 people and wounding 20 others, there has been an attitude of indignation directed toward people of faith.
While well-intentioned people expressed their “thoughts and prayers” for the community and the victims of Sutherland Springs, Twitter and other social media exploded with derisive comments. A few examples. Continue reading
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Reviving Our Passion For God
New Yorker Roger Pasquier has an unusual hobby. The retired ornithologist has a keen eye for spotting dropped coins.
Since he began this strange hobby late in 1980’s Pasquier has found almost $2,000 worth of coins dropped on the New York City’s sidewalks.
In recent years he has developed some specific strategies to help him find and keep track of the coins he collects. He avoids eye contact with other pedestrians. He hovers outside of bars where careless drunk people drop money. Continue reading
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Word of the Week: Sympathy
Yesterday morning about 11:20 a.m.(CST) a gunman entered the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas and opened fire on those gathered for Sunday worship.
At least 26 people were killed and 20 more were wounded. Among those killed was Annabelle Pomeroy, the 14-year-old daughter of their preacher Frank Pomeroy. Also among the slain victims were a 5-year-old child and a pregnant woman.
Obviously, the church and residents of this little town 30 miles Southeast of San Antonio are in mourning over this senseless act of violence in a house of worship. Continue reading
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A Significant 500 Year Anniversary
This past Tuesday was the 500 year anniversary of Martin Luther’s famous 95 Theses.
According to tradition the German Monk and Bible Professor challenged the Pope to a debate on 95 issues by nailing them to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenburg, Germany. His revolutionary opinions would spark the Protestant Reformation and alter the course of history. Continue reading
Five Lessons We Learn From the Jerusalem Church
Last night we concluded a meeting with the Northside church in Hillsboro, Ohio. It was special to return where we first began full-time preaching 47 years ago.
Our theme was WHAT MATTERS MOST based on Acts 2:41-47. Continue reading
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Great Verses of the Bible: Psalm 51:1-2
Kent and Barbara Hughes, in their book on ministry, tell of a gifted young preacher who had experienced an overwhelming failure in his ministry.
He borrowed a pickup truck and wheeled in the church parking lot. Everyone watched as he backed across the church lawn to his study door. Refusing any assistance from the members and without any comments, he began emptying his office upon the truck bed. First, he emptied the content of his desk draws. Then His files. And finally his books. “He tossed them carelessly into a heap, many of them flopping askew like slain birds.” Continue reading
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