Leo Rosten, the Polish born Jewish writer once wrote, “The purpose of life is not to be happy. The purpose of life is to matter, to be productive, to have it make some difference that you lived at all. Happiness, in the ancient, noble verse, means self-fulfillment and is given to those who use to the fullest whatever talents God or luck or fate bestowed upon them.”
Really? Where did Rosten ever get that idea? Continue reading
William Hinson explains why animal trainers carry a stool when they go
into a cage of lions. They have their whips, of course, and their pistols are at their sides. But invariably they also carry a stool. Hinson says it’s the most important tool of the trainer. He holds the stool by the back and thrusts the legs toward the face of the wild animal. He maintains that the animal tries to focus on all four legs at once. In the attempt to focus on all four, a kind of paralysis overwhelms the animal, and it becomes tame, weak, and disabled because its attention is fragmented Continue reading
What a day it must have been! When parents brought their little children to Jesus. It captured the attention of all three synoptic writers. Can’t you see the smiles? And hear the giggles? And feel the excitement?
Unfortunately the disciples threw “cold water” on their good intentions. The text says they “rebuked those who brought them.” Maybe they thought they were protecting the Master. That He was too busy. Or had more “important” matters. Or just needed a break from the pressures of His ministry. Continue reading
Filed under Christ, It's Friday. But Sunday's Coming!
Angry passenger: When is this plane going to take off? I have a very important meeting to get to!
Flight attendant: The incoming plane is delayed, sir, there’s nothing we can do at the moment.
Angry passenger: Well, are you going to make arrangements for me to get on another flight? This is urgent! Do you know who I am? Continue reading
Filed under Christian Living
Are young adults today the new “Greatest Generation”? According to a segment I saw the other day on Fox News some seem to think so! Continue reading
Filed under Culture
Culture War. It’s a term used to describe two conflicting sets of values. The struggle between conservative, traditional values and more liberal, progressive values. It’s a clash of beliefs about what is truth. Especially in areas of religion, morals and Biblical teaching. Continue reading
How are your 2013 resolutions coming?
If you ‘ve already messed up, welcome to the club. For many folks their resolutions don’t survive the first week, let alone the first month. There are a variety of reasons, but rather than focus on “why”, let’s think about “how.”
How can I change? Grow? Improve? Here are five steps to help you. Continue reading
Michael Catt was correct when he wrote, “If we are going to worship in Spirit, we must develop the spirit of worship.” Continue reading
Filed under Worship
(This post received the third most views of 2013)
There is a sad story in the Old Testament about the death of King David’s infant son. When the baby became ill, David fasted, prayed and wept for six days. On the seventh day, David’s servants came with the anguished news, “He is dead.” David’s response is remarkable. Continue reading
Filed under 2013 Top Posts, Death, Eulogy
“Eyes that look are common. Eyes that see are rare.” These words by J. Oswald Sander from his book Spiritual Leadership speak to the importance of looking beyond the obvious. Of seeing below the surface. Of seeing with insight and understanding. Continue reading
Filed under Cross, It's Friday. But Sunday's Coming!
ThePreachersWord 