February 24, 2015 · 8:28 am

The Value of Friends

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I just finished reading a book by Missouri native, Stan Crader, called The Bridge.

Crader gives a glimpse of rural America through the eyes of a 12-year-old boy, Tommy Thompson, during the summer of 1967. It details Tommy’s quest for a Honda motorcycle and the summer jobs he worked to earn it. Tommy recalls his adventures with his school buddies, Caleb, Flop and his best friend Booger and how he helped him through family tragedy. And he reminisces about his romantic infatuation for his first love, Wendy. Continue reading →

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February 23, 2015 · 8:17 am

WORD OF THE WEEK: Sanctify

Sanctify

As a part of our 2015 theme on FUNDAMENTALS OF FAITH, the Hickman Mills Church where I preach in Kansas City, MO, is working on reading though the Bible this year.

We’ve  just finished Exodus and are moving into Leviticus. It’s easy to get bogged down in that section of Scripture. But in the midst of all of the statutes, ordinances and laws pertaining to  the various offerings there is a message God is communicating to Israel.

Israel belonged to God. They were His people. They were to be different from heathen nations. They were to be separate. Set apart. And distinctive. They were to abstain from idolatry, immorality and iniquity.  Continue reading →

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February 20, 2015 · 9:16 am

IT’S FRIDAY. BUT SUNDAY’S COMING! Do You See What Simon Saw?

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It was 800 miles from the North African city of Cyrene in Lybia to Jerusalem.The journey was long and arduous. But the time, effort and expense would be worth it. No doubt this dark-skinned man, a Hellenistic Jew, named Simon, was eagerly anticipating the feast days. The Passover. The fellowship. The communion with other worshipers. An opportunity to honor the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

We don’t know if it was his first trip. Or his last. Or maybe he settled there. But we can know this. He never forgot it. And neither did his sons, Rufus and Alexander. Continue reading →

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February 19, 2015 · 7:50 am

How to Improve Communication in Marriage

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Today is Norma Jean’s birthday.

It reminds me of a man who asked his wife, “What would you like most for your birthday?”

She said, “I’d love to be ten again.”

On the morning of her birthday, he got her up bright and early and they went to a theme park. He put her on every ride in the park – the Death Slide, The Screaming Loop, the Wall of Fear. Continue reading →

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February 18, 2015 · 9:39 am

GREAT VERSES OF THE BIBLE: Psalm 46:1

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In 1517 Martin Luther was just an obscure, unknown Catholic priest. Until.

Until he decided to challenge the teachings of the Catholic church when he nailed his 95 theses on the church house door in Wittenberg, Germany.  Luther challenged the church on 95 points where he felt they were scripturally wrong. This opposition meant a charge of heresy and certain excommunication. It could have resulted in torture and death. Continue reading →

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February 17, 2015 · 7:55 am

How To Love Someone You Don’t Like

In his Thought for the Day, Alan Smith tells the story of a patient who had skipped a Doctor’s appointment. When he finally showed up, this conversation ensued.

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 →

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February 16, 2015 · 7:46 am

What Do Past Presidents Think of the Bible?

On this President’s Day, I wanted to share a post that I wrote two years ago. The views expressed by our past Presidents are etched in history and worthy of our consideration in a day when the Bible is too lightly regarded. Enjoy! And have a great day!

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Presidents.Day.Bible“It is impossible to rightly govern without God and the Bible, once affirmed our first President George Washington.  In his farewell address, September 19, 1796, Washington said, “The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of right and order which Heaven itself has ordained. … Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.” 

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February 13, 2015 · 7:49 am

IT’S FRIDAY. BUT SUNDAY’S COMING! We Have An Advocate!

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A man was on trial for a crime and couldn’t afford an attorney, so a public defender was provided for him.  As the proceedings began the Judge saw he was nervous and worried.

The Judge explained to him that in his court he would receive a fair trial.  Everything would be conducted according to the law.  And that he had a reputation for being a good judge. The judge asked if the accused had any questions. Continue reading →

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February 12, 2015 · 7:36 am

NEVER GIVE UP!

Lincoln Memorial 

The third Monday in February is designated as President’s Day. All Presidents, living and dead, are recognized and honored.

However, special honor is given to our first President, George Washington, born on February 22nd, and our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln, who was born on this day, February 12th in 1809. Lincoln is one of America’s most admired Presidents. Called the Great Emancipator for his role in abolishing slavery, Lincoln was a unifying influence during the most divisive time in America’s history, the Civil War.

Lincoln was a man of faith, courage and humility. He was also a man of great persistence and perseverance. His life was filled with many problems, challenges and set backs. Here’s a brief sketch of Lincoln’s road to the White House. Continue reading →

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February 11, 2015 · 6:25 am

GREAT VERSES OF THE BIBLE: Luke 5:32

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The other night, Norma Jean and I watched one of our favorite movies again, The Blind Side starring Sandra Bullock, who portrayed Leigh Ann Tuohy.

This awe-inspiring film tells the story of the Tuohy family who took in a homeless young man, Michael Oher, and gave him the chance to reach his God-given potential. Oher not only dodged the hopelessness of his dysfunctional inner city upbringing, but became the first-round NFL draft pick for the Baltimore Ravens in 2009. Continue reading →

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