May 20, 2013 · 6:07 am

Word of the Week: Maturity

Maturity

Our son, Kenny, just turned forty.  But I can still hear him as a little kid saying, “Daddy! Measure me!”  Like most kids he loved to see how much he had grown.   We had a post where I measured him and made a mark.  It was an objective way to see how much taller he was.

But of course we know that maturity is more than just physical growth.  It’s mental maturity.  Emotional maturity.  Social maturity.  Like one sage said, “You are only young once, but you can be immature forever!”

What about Christians?  Do we like to be spiritually measured? Our word of the week is “maturity.” Consider Paul’s exhortation as a personal challenge. Continue reading →

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May 17, 2013 · 5:40 am

IT’S FRIDAY. BUT SUNDAY’S COMING! Faces Around the Cross: Secret Disciples

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Billy Sunday was a 19th century baseball player who became a 20th century evangelist. He  use to tell of a professing Christian who got a job in a lumber camp that had a reputation of being very ungodly. A friend hearing that the man had been hired, said to him, ‘When those lumberjacks find out you’re a Christian, you’re going to be in for a hard time.’ The man responded, ‘I know, but I need the job!’ Continue reading →

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May 16, 2013 · 5:35 am

Scandals! Scandals! And More Scandals!

KERRY WASHINGTONThe media word of the week is “Scandal.”  Everywhere you turn.  Internet. Cable news. Talk radio. Print media.  Everyone is talking about Scandals.  From the White House to the State Department to the IRS.  We’re hearing about all these scandals.  In his daily commentary, Syndicated Columnist Cal Thomas shared some interesting insights today.   Continue reading →

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May 15, 2013 · 7:17 am

Reflections On Our Son Turning 40

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When I turned 40, I recall my Mom saying, “I can’t believe I have a 40-year-old son!”  Well, it didn’t bother me.  Really.  I was still running.  Playing ball. Raising a young family. Feeling good.

Now the tables are turned.  I’ve got a son who turned 40 yesterday.  And I can’t believe it.  Why are we always surprised at these milestones?  Don’t we see them coming?  Or are we so busy they just sneak up on us?

But we are enjoying it.  It’s an opportunity to reminisce about the past.  Remember the good times.  And reflect on special milestones.  Important people in our lives.  And memories that live on! Continue reading →

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May 14, 2013 · 7:35 am

Gosnell Guilty!

Kermit GosnellThe Jury returned the verdict Monday.  Dr. Kermit Gosnell, the Philadelphia physician, was convicted of first degree murder.

He was guilty of murdering three babies born alive in his abortion clinic.

He was guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the overdose death of an adult patient.

The grisly details reported by Fox News and the ensuing guilty verdict has shocked even abortion advocates and exposed the disturbing details of what really occurs in abortion clinics.  I will spare our readers  the appalling  practices performed by Gosnell.  But they were so shocking it is said reporters did not want to cover the trial and report it. That’s not my purpose here. Continue reading →

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May 10, 2013 · 7:01 am

IT’S FRIDAY. BUT SUNDAY’S COMING! Faces Around the Cross: The Loving Friend

John.ApostleA little old lady finally realized her dream to become a United States Citizens.  As she stood at the swearing-in ceremony the Judge  said. “Raise your right hand, please.” Then he asked her “Do you swear to defend the Constitution of the United   States against all enemies, domestic or foreign?”

The sweet little lady’s face turned pale, her voice trembled as she responded, “Well, I guess so, but… will I have help, or will I have to do it all by myself?”  Continue reading →

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May 9, 2013 · 6:54 am

Six Qualities of True Greatness

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In March, Sports Illustrated’s cover story featured ”The 10 Greatest Players” in the 75 years of the NCAA basketball tournament.  In sports we love greatness.  Great plays.  Great players.  Great teams.

In America we admire greatness in all fields. Business.  Politics. And militarily .

But what is true greatness?  And is greatness compatible with Christianity?  Continue reading →

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May 8, 2013 · 6:51 am

Five Purposes of God’s People

Bible.Purpose

Sir Christopher Wren was England’s greatest architect of all time.  There is a legend that when St. Paul’s Cathedral was being built, a visitor walked on the site where three stone cutters were working.

He asked the first one, “What are you doing?”  He replied, “Cutting stone. I work four hours in the morning.  Four hours in the afternoon.”

He asked the second man, What are you doing?”  The worker looked up, wiped his brow, and said, “Just making a living.  I earn six pence a day.” Continue reading →

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May 7, 2013 · 6:51 am

The Power of Purpose

Purpose.Cross

There is an old story, told by James White, about a lighthouse keeper who worked on a rocky stretch of coastline. Once a month he would receive a new supply of oil to keep the light burning so that ships could safely sail near the rocky coast.

One night though, a woman from a nearby village came and begged him for some oil to keep her family warm. Another time a father asked for some to use in his lamp. Another man needed oil to lubricate a wheel. Since all the requests seemed legitimate, the lighthouse keeper tried to please everyone and grant all the requests. Toward the end of the month, he noticed his supply of oil was dangerously low. Soon it was gone, and one night the light on the lighthouse went out. Continue reading →

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May 6, 2013 · 8:39 am

Word of the Week: Patience

Patience2Phillips Brooks was a great New England Preacher of the 19th century.  He was known for his poise.  Patience.  And quiet manner.  However, like all of us, the pressure of his work caused him to suffer from periods of frustration.

One day a friend saw the minister feverishly pacing the floor.  Back and forth.  Back and forth.  Like a caged lion.  Finally, he said, “What’s the trouble, Mr. Brooks?” His reply was classic. Continue reading →

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