“Without zeal it is impossible … either to make any considerable progress in religion ourselves, or to do any considerable service to our neighbour, whether in temporal or spiritual things,” once wrote the 18th-century British theologian and reformer John Wesley.
Our Biblical character study today, Nehemiah, was a man of passion in his relationship with God, his concern for his people, and his desire to make a lasting difference. Continue reading
Filed under Discipleship
Greetings from Indian Shores Beach
We’re here a little early for our annual Thanksgiving Getaway with our family. We’ve been blessed to make this beach trip for 9 consecutive years. This has easily become our favorite section of beach along Florida’s West Coast. It’s not nearly as crowded as other tourist sections like Clearwater or St. Pete Beach. It’s clean, quiet, and has a beautiful view over the Gulf with absolutely gorgeous sunsets. Continue reading
Filed under Weekly Recap
Facebook Friday is a weekly column where we share posts, articles, and words of encouragement and admonition from various sources.
Today’s post is from gospel preacher Bill Robinson, via Max Dawson. It offers an exhortation for preachers, pastors, and Bible class teachers. Religious writers and all Christians.
We offer it without any additional comments. Continue reading
Filed under Discipleship
Dennis Davidson tells a story about Samuel Bradburn, an associate of John Wesley, who was a highly respected minister of his day.
On one occasion, Davidson was in desperate financial need. When Wesley learned of his circumstances, he sent him the following letter: “Dear Sammy: ‘trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.’ Yours affectionately, John Wesley.” Attached to the letter was a 5-pound note (then worth about $10). Continue reading
Filed under Discipleship
“Life is something you do while waiting to die,” once opined Janis Joplin, the popular folk singer of my generation.
Joplin was an iconic hippie of the 1960s. She was the stereotypical rock ‘n roller, immersed in sex, drugs, and wild living. She engaged in sexual relationships with both men and women. Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
This past Saturday, I was in Garland, Texas, speaking at the memorial service of our dear departed friend and sister in Christ, Billie Mann.
Billie was a wonderful encourager, a servant-minded disciple who lived a joyful life of faith in the Lord. Finally, the progressive disease of Alzheimer’s disease took its toll, and she succumbed to the inevitable. Continue reading
Filed under Discipleship
“Great zeal is often quiet zeal,” opined my favorite author, anonymous. Or to paraphrase John Wesley, “It’s not the noise of zeal that God values, but the sincerity of it.”
The word “zeal” conjures up images of dramatic actions, fiery sermons, and courageous confrontations against the enemy. We think of David slaying the giant Goliath. Elijah challenged the false prophets of Baal, calling down fire from heaven. Or Peter, Paul, and the other apostles preaching the Word despite fierce opposition “with all boldness.” Continue reading
Filed under Be Zealous. 2025 Theme
Greetings from Garland, Texas.
Garland is in the DFW Metroplex. Norma Jean and I are here today to pay our respects to our departed friend, Billie Mann, and to speak at her memorial service at the Campbell Road Church of Christ. Continue reading
Filed under Weekly Recap
“Can you be trusted?” asked Jon W. Quinn in a post on Brethren Online
While his question and subsequent thoughts apply to all Christians, they are particularly relevant to preachers, pastors, and Bible class teachers.
Read it thoughtfully, prayerfully, and with personal introspection. Continue reading
Filed under facebook friday
“A good example is far better than a good precept. Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle,” once advised D. L. Moody.
Today is a good time to begin practicing habitual Kindness. It’s World Kindness Day. Since its inception in 1988, the “Be Kind People Project” has been celebrated as a day to infuse the world with acts of kindness. Continue reading
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