There’s an old story about a Georgia farmer, ragged and barefooted, standing on the steps of his tumbledown shack, when a stranger stopped to ask directions. After giving the information, the farmer offered the fellow a cold drink, so he decide to pass the time for a few minutes and ask about his crops
“How is your cotton coming along?” he asked.
Ain’t got none,” replied the farmer. Continue reading
Filed under Great Bible Verses
“America is the most consequential nation on Earth, and in desperate need of God at the moment. If America falls, it will be a thousand years of darkness for the entire planet.”
Conservative political pundit Ann Coulter wrote the above words in a recent column entitled “Ebola Doc’s Condition Downgraded to ‘Idiotic.’” It was in response to Dr. Kent Brantly, the medical missionary, who contracted the deadly disease while serving in Liberia. He, along with co-worker, Nancy Writebol, have been transported to Emory Medical Center in Atlanta where they are receiving treatment for the virus that has a 90% mortality rate. Continue reading
Tony Campolo tells a touching story about a school teacher Miss Thompson and one of her fourth grade students, Teddy Stallard.
Teddy was a slow, unkempt student, a loner shunned by his classmates. The previous year his mother died, and what little motivation for school he may have once had was now gone. Miss Thompson didn’t particularly care for Teddy either, but at Christmas time he brought her a small present. Her desk was covered with well-wrapped presents from the other children, but Teddy’s came in a brown sack. When she opened it there was a gaudy rhinestone bracelet with half the stones missing and a bottle of cheap perfume. Continue reading
Filed under Word of the Week
In his devotional, Diligently Seeking God, Gary Henry raises the question, “How should we deal with the painful reality of regret in our lives?”
It’s a good question. Worthy of our consideration. Because we all have regrets. Angry words hurled in haste. Impetuous reactions to someone’s slight. A bad investment. An impulsive decision. An imprudent friendship. An improper relationship. These can all produce feelings of regret, remorse and grief.
But how do we deal with it? Continue reading
Filed under It's Friday. But Sunday's Coming!
When Kansas City, MO Police Officer Todd Templeton’s cruiser arrived on the scene where three kids were playing basketball in a local neighborhood, he had no idea that Samuel Lockridge would capture what happened with a cell phone camera.
But he did. And it’s a good thing, too. Because there’s no denying the video evidence. Templeton and the other two officers were caught red-handed!
Doing what? Continue reading
Filed under Encouragement
Yesterday I came across this blog for the first time, and really liked the message. With a new school year just around the corner, I wanted to share this challenge with our readers. I don’t know Paige. And I don’t know her religious beliefs. And while I might have expressed these thoughts a bit differently in a couple places, I know she’s right about allowing the light of Jesus to shine in the workplace. What a great opportunity Christian teachers and workers in the public schools have to influence children for good by just showing and sharing the love of Jesus.
How many times have you heard the term (or one similar) “They’ve taken God out of public schools!”? I’ve heard it many, many times but so far it has failed to worry me.
Don’t get me wrong, it saddens me that a teacher can actually get fired if he or she offends someone by praying aloud or teaching scripture in a public school. It sickens me that some school systems (not mine) have taken the phrase “under God” out of their daily Pledge of Allegiance. It frustrates and sometimes angers me that other religions seem to be tolerated so quickly, yet Christianity simply will not be tolerated in some public school systems. It makes me want to cry out “What are we doing?”
But when I get completely worked up over laws and rights, I feel the gentle push of the Holy Spirit saying this to me: “When was the last…
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Filed under Uncategorized
Five year old Lucas was mischievously aggravating his little brother, Aiden, chasing him all over the house. Running wildly. Screaming. And generally causing havoc. After repeated attempts to quiet the boys down and gentle warnings to “behave yourself,” the frustrated mother had enough.
She picked-up Lucas, put a chair in the corner of the room, and said, “Now sit there and be quiet! You’re in time-out!”
Stubbornly Lucas refused to sit down! After several warnings, she grabbed him up, and sat him down with some authority and demanded: “Now sit there! Or you’re going to get a spanking!” Continue reading
Filed under Word of the Week
Ten years ago Mel Gibson released the epic movie The Passion of the Christ. The movie depicts the last 12 hours in Jesus’ life. The story begins in Gethsemane’s garden where Jesus went to pray following the last supper and just prior to the betrayal of Judas.
The expression “The Passion of the Christ,” is a phrase often used by scholars to describe Friday’s events culminating in the crucifixion. Raymond Brown, in his colossal work, The Death of the Messiah, was right when he wrote, “From every point of view the passion is the central narrative in the Christian story.” Continue reading
Filed under It's Friday. But Sunday's Coming!
Occasionally I’m asked about various Bible versions. I use the New James, but regularly refer to other translations.
So, I was interested when author Rick Warren was asked, “What is the best translation of the Bible?
’Warren’s answer? Continue reading
Filed under Great Bible Verses
Doctor: “I see you’re over a month late for your appointment. Don’t you know that nervous disorders require prompt and regular attention? What’s your excuse?”
Patient: “I was just following your orders, Doc.”
Doctor: “Following my orders? What are you talking about? I gave you no such order.” Continue reading
Filed under Love, Relationships
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