August 19, 2014 · 7:32 am

Biblical Cases of Depression

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Mental health experts often refer to depression as “the common cold of the mind.”

At some point in life nearly everyone suffers some form of depression–ranging from just “feeling a little blue,” all the way to clinical depression resulting in psychological problems.  Dr. Shelia Roberts, a practicing psychiatrist in Louisville, KY, told me that more than 75% of her patients are dealing with depression.

Since the tragic death of Robin Williams, there has been a greater national awareness and dialog regarding depression.  So, yesterday we began a series on this vital topic. Continue reading →

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August 18, 2014 · 6:36 am

Word of the Week: Depression

Depression

Shocked. Stunned. Saddened.

These emotions, among others, hit me when I first heard the news of Robin Williams’ death last week.  At first, I thought it was an internet hoax.  Quickly, it became apparent that it was not only true, but that he committed suicide.

Like so many others I have been entertained by the comedic genius of Robin Williams.  While I chose to avoid some of his films because of the language or sexual content, my three favorite were: Dead Poets Society, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Patch Adams.   Continue reading →

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August 15, 2014 · 6:36 am

IT’S FRIDAY. BUT SUNDAY’S COMING! Explosive Decisions

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Max Lucado calls them “dynamite decisions.”

There was an old farmer, Sam, who always took the trophy in the fishing tournament with the biggest catch. While other fishermen caught a few, Sam would come in with a boatload of fish!  Continue reading →

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August 14, 2014 · 6:36 am

Scams, Schemes and Lies

PhoneCall

I don’t like to brag about my good works, or my unselfish acts of  service to my country.  But I must share this.

Yesterday I received a call from the United States Treasury Department.   The nice man with an Indian accent said I qualified to receive $8400 from the government.  Wow!  My lucky day, I thought.  Continue reading →

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August 13, 2014 · 7:01 am

GREAT VERSES OF THE BIBLE: Philippians 4:6

Girl With Her Head In Her Hands Sad And Unhappy About SomethingThere’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 →

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August 12, 2014 · 7:05 am

Is America The World’s Best Hope?

America.HopeWorld

“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 →

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August 11, 2014 · 7:55 am

Word of the Week: Tenderhearted

Teacher.Student

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 →

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August 8, 2014 · 6:24 am

IT’S FRIDAY. BUT SUNDAY’S COMING! How To Deal With Regret

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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 →

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August 7, 2014 · 7:10 am

Catch Someone Doing Something Right

templeton.ToddWhen 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 →

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August 5, 2014 · 7:08 am

To the Christian Teacher in a Public School

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.

Paige Givens's avatarMy Story, My Song

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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