Ivan the Great was the 15th century czar of all of Russia He brought together the warring tribes into one vast empire–the Soviet Union. He was known as a brilliant general and a courageous fighter.
The story is told that Ivan was so busy waging war that he had never married. Soon his advisors were concerned there would be no heir to the throne. The great czar agreed, but said he had no time to find a wife. So he commissioned them to find a suitable bride. Continue reading
Filed under Great Bible Verses
It’s an exciting time to live in Kansas City. The Royals, affectionately known by the locals as “the boys in blue” beat the New York Mets Sunday night in 5 games to capture the World Series crown.
It’s not just that they won. But it’s how they did it. Eight times they came from behind, seven of those by more than two runs to win. The final game was epic. Trailing 2-0 going to the ninth inning, they tied the game with clutch hits, daring base-running, and being opportunistic with opponents errors. The game and the series was won in the 12th with a five-run explosion. Continue reading
Filed under Perseverence, Persistence
HAMBURG, Germany (AP) – A Spanish businessman and devout Roman Catholic who stopped to pray at a church during a trip to Stockholm ended up a millionaire, the Bild newspaper said Wednesday.
The church was empty except for a coffin containing the remains of a man, so Eduardo Sierra knelt down and prayed for the deceased for 20 minutes, the Hamburg-based daily said.
Sierra, 35, signed a condolence book after he saw a note saying those who prayed for the dead man should enter their name and address. He noticed he was the first to sign. Continue reading
Filed under Word of the Week
“Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast. Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus'” (John 12:20-21).
The spirit of these Greeks who came to worship was commendable. They wanted to see Jesus. So should we. Continue reading
Filed under Sunday Seed Thoughts
The other day my friend, Billy Akin, in Nashville, wrote asking me for a piece that I had recently used in a sermon about the Kingship of Christ that I thought our readers would enjoy. It’s by the 20th century African-American minister S. M. Lockridge.
These words came toward end of his famous sermon “He’s My King.” It speaks to the greatness of Christ and his absolute supremacy and preeminence. Read it slowly. Thoughtfully. Reverently. And adoringly. Continue reading
Filed under It's Friday. But Sunday's Coming!
There’s an old fable that one day the devil was having a sale, hawking his many diabolical tools of the trade. Each of the devil’s tools was on display with its price tag attached—tools such as the arrow of jealousy, the hammer of anger, and the dagger of worry. His tools also included the slingshot of doubt and the axe of hatred, along with numerous others.
But one tool was displayed prominently on a pedestal high above the others. It was dented and worn with use. A curious shopper inquired about the price and why such an old and worn tool was displayed so visibly. Continue reading
Filed under Devil
Most of you have probably shopped at a J. C. Penny store. The Founder, James Cash Penny, called his first dry goods store The Golden Rule, because he believed in that principle and intended to build his business as its philosophical cornerstone.
“I believe in adherence to the Golden Rule, faith in God and the country,” Penny said.
I don’t know Penny’s religious affiliation, but it is said that he didn’t smoke or drink, and in the early days of his stores demanded the same from his employees. He once said, “I would rather be known as a Christian than a merchant.” Continue reading
Filed under Great Bible Verses
In Charles Schulz’s Peanuts comic strip, Charlie Brown asks Linus “What would you do if you felt that nobody liked you?”
Linus responds “Well, Charlie Brown, I guess I would take a real hard look at myself, ask if I am doing anything that turns people off, How can I improve myself? Do I need to change in some way? Yep. that’s my answer Charlie Brown.” Continue reading
Filed under Patience
Yesterday, October 25th , marked a special birthday for the Welievers. It was 37 years ago that our daughter, Rachél, was born into our family, although her actual birthday is June 4th.
What? Continue reading
Filed under Word of the Week
American author David W. Augsburger whose works revolve around Christianity once wrote, “An open ear is the only believable sign of an open heart.”
This principle is important in all of our relationships. In our families. Communities. And professions. Openness is also vital in spiritual relationships. On this Lord’s Day it is important that we enter into worship with an attitude of openness. Continue reading
Filed under Sunday Seed Thoughts
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