April 23, 2013 · 6:39 am

Earth Day 2013: What did you do?

Earth.Day

I was watching “The Five” yesterday on Fox and Bob Beckel asked his fellow co-hosts, “How did you celebrate Earth Day?”  Their responses were predictable.  And funny.

Somehow I had forgotten all about Earth Day!  But I did mow my grass.  And bought some Scott’s weed and feed to put on my lawn.  Does that count?

Personally, I share Greg Gutfeld’s and Eric Bolling’s skepticism about “global warming.”  Especially after all the cold and snow we had in Kansas City this year.   Of course, environmentalists have changed the language and call it “climate change.” Continue reading →

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April 22, 2013 · 7:44 am

Word of the Week: Kind

Kindness

Marilyn Irlbacher.  You’ve probably never heard of her.  And I doubt you will remember her name.  But you won’t forget her story.

She was only eight years old.  Living in a less than desirable foster care home.  She worried about the 50 cents she owed her school for some lost books.  Unless she paid the fine, Marilyn wouldn’t get her fourth-grade report card.

When she was told that was the case, little Marilyn ran from the school-house in tears. She didn’t have 50 cents.  And the very thought of asking her foster parents for the money terrified her.  As she ran down  the street, she didn’t see the tall man in her path until she ran into him.

“Here’s the rest of the story” In her own words. Continue reading →

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April 21, 2013 · 6:32 am

9 Words to Direct Your Life

Psalm119How are you going to live your life?  What is the basis?  The foundation? The standard?  What are your values?  Your morals?  Your ethics?  If there is not some basis, life becomes confusing and aimless.

The Psalmist said Ps 119:133  “Direct my steps by Your  word,  And let no iniquity have dominion over me.”

Psalm 119 provides valuable insight to living a holy life.  A happy life. A successful life.  Psalm 119 is unique.  It has 22 stanzas with 8 lines each.  It is an acrostic using the Hebrew alphabet and each line begins with the same letter.

Nine synonyms are used for God’s Word that not only highlight its value, but demonstrate how it can direct my life.  Think about these 9 words and how they speak to you. Continue reading →

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April 20, 2013 · 6:53 am

Finding Comfort in Times of Chaos

BostonMarathonBombingThis has been a rough week for Americans.  A chaotic week.  An unnerving week.

First the terrorist bombing at the finish line of the world-famous Boston Marathon. Thankfully the two men who perpetrated these attacks have been caught.  But in the wake of this assault they have left death, destruction and devastation.  Families grieve the loss of loved ones.  People are suffering.  The aftermath will be felt for years to come. For some the rest of their lives. Hurt.  Heartache.  Anguish.  Continue reading →

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April 19, 2013 · 7:00 am

IT’S FRIDAY. BUT SUNDAY’S COMING! Faces Around the Cross: The Weeping Women

Cross.Women.3Everywhere I have ever preached there have been more women than men. I don’t think that’s because women live longer! It just seems that women in general are more spiritually minded than men.
In fact a 2009 study by the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life concluded women are more religious than men: Continue reading →

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April 18, 2013 · 8:55 am

9 Ways To Be A Better Christian

betterIt must be Spring-time, since baseball has begun. Although it still seems like winter-time here in Kansas City!  But tell that to the Royals.  They beat the Braves last night in Atlanta 1-0 and are off to a respectable 8-6 start.  Good enough for second place in the American League Central Division.

One of my all time favorite baseball stories involves famed St. Louis Cardinal pitcher, Dizzy Dean, a member of the so-called “gas-house gang.” In 1934 Dizzy had a 30-7 record. He led the league in strike-outs. Led the league in shutouts. And won two games in the World Series, including the deciding seventh game to beat the Detroit Tigers. He was named MVP in 1934. Continue reading →

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April 17, 2013 · 5:59 am

Who Is Jesus?

Jesus.CollageThe majority of first century Palestinian Jews ultimately rejected Jesus. Why? Because He did not tell people that He was another prophet. He did not tell people “I’m just a man.” He claimed to be More Than just  A Prophet. He claimed to be the Son of God.

These words by Andrew Roberts set the tone and theme of his lecture, “Who Is Jesus?” Tuesday night in Morgantown, West Virgina.  This was the second and final night of his discussion with a Muslim Imam, Sohail Chaudhry on the campus of WVU. The topic was “The Christian View and the Islamic view of Jesus.” Continue reading →

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April 16, 2013 · 6:15 am

In Defense of the Bible

Islam Christian DiscussionLast night I attended a religious discussion on the West Virginia University campus.  The topic was “Two World Religions: Two Books.”  Andrew Roberts, a gospel preacher, and Sohail Chaudhry, a Muslim Imam, discussed the differences between the Bible and Quar’an. Continue reading →

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April 15, 2013 · 7:07 am

Word of the Week: Obey

Little.Boy.ChairThere was a rambunctious little boy who was always getting into trouble.  One particular day when his Mother was trying to get some house work finished, he was into everything.  Undoing what she has done.  Causing havoc.  And generally getting on her nerves.

Finally she said, go sit down in that chair in the corner and be quiet!  He looked at her defiantly and said, “No.”  Well, that did it.  She picked up.  Took him to the chair.  Sit him down with some authority.  And said firmly, “You stay in the chair, until I tell you get up, or you’re going to get a whipping!” Continue reading →

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April 14, 2013 · 6:05 am

Are You Reading Your Bible?

Bible.HighlightedHave you seen this top 10 list regarding Bible reading?

You may not be reading your Bible enough IF…..

10) The Preacher announces the sermon is from Galatians….. and you check the table of contents.
9) You think Abraham, Isaac & Jacob may have had a few hit songs during the 60’s.
8) You open to the Gospel of Luke and a WWII savings bond falls out.
7) Your favorite Old Testament patriarch is Hercules. Continue reading →

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