February 4, 2013 · 6:38 am

How To be a Spiritual Champion

SuperBowlIf you are a sports fan, what a great week-end!  Some exciting basketball games.  Especially Indiana’s win over #1 Michigan!  And then a Super Bowl that looked like it was going to be a super bust, that saw a comeback by the San Francisco 49ers that just fell short, as the Baltimore Ravens hung on to win.

I’m always reminded when watching sporting events how the qualities that make for success on the athletic field are similar to those we need to acquire in our Christian lives. In fact, the apostle Paul wrote it about using the imagery of the sports world. Continue reading →

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February 1, 2013 · 6:13 am

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

Cross.FacesWe used to hear the expression, “Don’t kick someone when they are down.”  But today, it seems many delight in “piling on.”  It’s seen in schools where kids bully a weaker child.  Or when someone is caught in a crime.  Or when popular opinion turns upon the object of its scorn.  Then every thing is “fair game.”  And everyone can join in the “fun.”

That’s what happened on the Friday Jesus died on the cross.   Continue reading →

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January 31, 2013 · 7:27 am

How I’ve Written 321 Posts for ThePreachersWord

bloggingSince I first began ThePreachersWord on January 1, 2012, I have been asked several times, “How do you write all those posts for your blog?’

That’s a good question.  Today is post 321.  It is also the final day of the Ultimate Blog Challenge, in which I have posted every day in January.  So, how have I written 31 posts in January?  And 321 Since I began?

Here’s how.  Continue reading →

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January 30, 2013 · 6:24 am

Are You Ready For Change?

changeSamuel Langhorne Clemens, a.k.a. Mark Twain, is credited with saying, “Everybody talks about the weather, but no one does anything about it.”

Well, people have been talking, that’s for sure.  Especially here in Kansas City.  Monday, KC recorded a record high for January of 74 degrees.  It was over 60 when I woke up Tuesday AM.  By lunch time it was 48 and dropping.  And this morning snow flakes are falling! Continue reading →

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January 29, 2013 · 6:37 am

Are You Making a Difference?

Purpose“What have you done that you believe in and you are proud of?”  How would answer this question?

John W. Gardner, who wrote the book “Excellence” says we have the potential to make a difference, not only in our own lives.  But also in the lives of those we meet.

Gardner, the founder of Common Cause, illustrates that point by relating the true story of a cheerful old gentleman who invested his life in others. Continue reading →

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January 28, 2013 · 7:29 am

Are You a Christian?

        CHristian Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian.

          I can remember as a boy hearing preachers say “Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian, anymore than sitting inside a henhouse makes you a chicken!”  Yes, I know that dates me!  But it’s a vivid analogy. Continue reading →

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January 27, 2013 · 6:40 am

Family Time

churchFamily2

We often hear the expression regarding some activity or outing, “that’s family time.” It is good to set aside times in our families just to be together without outside intrusion.

Well today it’s family time.  Time to meet with my spiritual family.  It has been for as long as I can remember.  I’m talking about my church family.  Continue reading →

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January 26, 2013 · 8:28 am

Admission of Wrong or Change of Heart?

CharlieBrown.FootballIt was a classic every football season for several years in the Peanuts comic strip. Charlie Brown practicing his place kicking and Lucy holding the football.

Every time Lucy held the ball for Charlie the same thing would happen.  Charlie would approach the ball and with all his might was ready to kick the ball out of the end zone.  But at the exact moment, the point of no return, Lucy would pick up the ball.  Charlie would kick and his unchecked momentum would cause him to fall flat on his back.

One strip opened with Lucy holding the ball, but Charlie Brown wouldn’t kick it.  Lucy begged.  But Charlie wouldn’t budge. Continue reading →

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January 25, 2013 · 6:17 am

IT’S FRIDAY. BUT SUNDAY’S COMING! Faces Around The Cross #1

Jesus.Cross.CaryingHow’s your Friday so far?  Just another normal day? You awoke.  Ate some breakfast.  Began your daily routine.  Checked out the news.  Went to work.  And you pretty much expect it to end like most Friday’s.  Right?

Did you ever think what is was like on that Friday Christ was crucified?   Continue reading →

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January 24, 2013 · 6:18 am

Are Your Relationships Real?

Manti.teoCrazy.  Unbelievable.  Bizarre.  All of these words (and more) describe the incredible situation of Manti Te’o.

The 21-year-old Te’o, a star linebacker for the Notre Dame football team, has been ridiculed, questioned, and doubted for his role in the hoax that led him, the Notre Dame football team and the public to believe that his girl friend died of leukemia.

In the outside chance that you missed this story.  Sometime in 2009 Manti Te’o began an online relationship with a girl he believed was named Lennay Kekua.  Evidently there were facebook messages, texts, emails and phone calls.  But they never met!  Because she was not real!  She didn’t exist! Continue reading →

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