Last night President Obama delivered the traditional state of the union address. I am writing this prior to the speech, since I will be in a church service and miss it. Here’s what I’m guessing will be in the speech. Continue reading
What’s the State of the Union?
Filed under America, Culture, Uncategorized
Anger Management in the Home
In the spring of 1894, the Baltimore Orioles came to Boston to play a routine baseball game. But what happened that day was anything but routine. The Orioles’ John McGraw got into a fight with the Boston third baseman. Within minutes all the players from both teams had joined in the brawl. The warfare quickly spread to the grandstands. Among the fans the conflict went from bad to worse. Someone set fire to the stands and the entire ballpark burned to the ground. Not only that, but the fire spread to 107 other Boston buildings as well. (From “Daily Bread”) Continue reading
“Under the Circumstances”
There’s an old story about a little lady who was known to be very negative. In fact, folks at church hated to ask, “How are you?” Because she would given them an “organ recital”!
One Sunday as she was leaving the church building the preacher cheerfully exclaimed, “It’s beautiful day, sister! How ya’ doing!”
She turned and with a look of resignation whined, “Pretty good under the circumstances.” Continue reading
Filed under Circumstances
What Do You Think of the Brotherhood?
The Brotherhood? No, I’m not talking about a Stephen Knight expose. Or some secret order. Or a cult. Or a radical religious group. Or the 2001 horror flick!
I’m talking about the brotherhood that Peter, the apostle, mentions in the New Testament. Here’s the context of what he says. Continue reading
Filed under Uncategorized
How To be a Spiritual Champion
If 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
Filed under Discipleship, Success
IT’S FRIDAY. BUT SUNDAY’S COMING! Faces Around the Cross: Blasphemers
We 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
Filed under Christ, It's Friday. But Sunday's Coming!
How I’ve Written 321 Posts for ThePreachersWord
Since 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
Filed under Blogs, Discipline, Success
Are You Ready For Change?
Samuel 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
Are You Making a Difference?
“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
Filed under Purpose
Are You a 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
Filed under Christian Living, Discipleship
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