“Preacher, I want to be a better Christian.”
This is a common refrain I’ve heard through the years from good people, God’s people, people seemingly sincere in desiring to improve their lives.
Yet, when I ask the question, “What would make you a better Christian?” Most people look dumbfounded. They’re not really sure what being a better Christian means in specific terms. Continue reading
Filed under Discipleship
In his book Kingdoms in Conflict, Chuck Colson relates a time in the 1980’s when Polish Prime Minister Jaruzelski had ordered crucifixes removed from all public buildings.
The government had banned the display of the cross in hospitals, factories, and other public institutions. Following the Jaruzelski’s lead one zealous Communist school administrator removed all the crosses from a school’s lecture halls where they had hung since its founding in the 1920’s. Continue reading
Filed under Fundaments of Faith
Greeting from Beverly Hills, FL
Six years ago this month Norma Jean and I turned an important page in our lives and ministry as we ventured into new and unchartered territory. Stepping away from full time local church work after spending 48 years in that endeavor which included 9 congregations in 6 states, we began traveling full time, combining our travel with ministry opportunities.
Over the next 33 months we traveled to 36 states, 10 countries and visited 48 congregations. It was an exciting and rewarding adventure. Hopefully it was also edifying for the churches where we preached. In come cases, it was a single Sunday sermon. Or a weekend or week long Gospel Meeting, In other places, we stayed from 1-3 months where we preached and taught classes. We made new friends, Embraced new opportunities. And were encouraged by brethren from churches both large and small. Continue reading
Filed under Weekly Recap
The Secret of Soul facebook page recently posted this story about a Kenyan runner Abel Mutai who was competing in a cross-country race in Burlada, Navarre, Spain, in 2012.
Mutai was just a few feet from the finish line, but became confused with the signage and stopped, thinking he had completed the race. Continue reading
Filed under facebook friday
“I have everything I need for joy!” exclaimed Robert Reed.
“Amazing!,” thought Max Lucado as he relates Reed’s story in his book The Applause of Heaven.
“His hands are twisted and his feet are useless. He can’t bathe himself. He can’t feed himself. He can’t brush his teeth, comb his hair, or put on his underwear. His shirts are held together by strips of Velcro’. His speech drags like an {outdated}worn-out audio cassette.” Continue reading
Filed under Joy
The late Erskine “Erk” Russell was an American football, basketball, track and baseball player and coach.
For 17 years Russell served as the defensive coordinator for the Georgia Bulldogs (1964-1981). As the first head coach of the Georgia Southern Eagles (1981-1989), he revived the program from a “40 year dormancy” and “established a standard of excellent during his tenure.”
Known for his creative but unorthodox methods Russell once pulled this stunt at Georgia Southern to discourage his players from getting involved in drugs. Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
Last Saturday several items belonging to Elvis Presley were sold at an auction, including the Bible, found on his night stand when he died.
The front cover is embossed in gold with his name– “Elvis Aaron Presley.” Also there are a “large amount of book marked pages and underlined passages that seemingly spoke to Elvis,” according to GWS Auctions.
Copyright forbids ThePreachersWord showing a picture of Elvis’ Bible, but you can click this link to see it as well as a few of the underlined pages. Continue reading
Filed under Bible
Greetings from Beverly Hills, FL
Did you see the funny typo from Thursday’s blog post?
In describing The Voice finalist, Josh Sanders, I called him a “soulful sinner,” instead of a soul singer.” Several of you pointed out that mistake, one reader a particularly humorous way. Continue reading
Filed under Weekly Recap
Florida College professor and gospel preacher Doy Moyer posted on facebook the other day some personal guidelines for posting on social media. He titled it “A Manifest for Myself on Social Media.”
With Doy’s permission I would like to adopt this manifesto for my own. I recommend it to all of you as well Continue reading
Filed under facebook friday
Tuesday night was the finale for the 25th season of The Voice. Reba McEntire’s soulful singer Asher took first place. But she also had the runner up with country artist Josh Sanders.
Leading up to the announcement of the winner, the coaches sang with each of their team members who had advanced. Reba and Josh performed their special rendition of Randy Houser’s song “Back to God.” Continue reading
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