There is a fallacy in the minds of many people that if you accept something or someone, you are tacitly demonstrating your approval.
When the conversation comes to a person’s practice, lifestyle or opinions, the contrarian is often heard to pronounce: “That’s wrong. I just cannot accept that.”
What we need to realize is that there is a vast difference between accepting someone and approving of their choices, behavior or beliefs. Let me illustrate from God’s Word. Continue reading
Filed under Christian Living
The centerpiece of our annual anniversary trip was an Alaskan cruise on the Island Princess. Their theme is “Come Back New.” Their advertizing brochure invites you with these enticing words. ” Escape to breathtaking ocean views, fresh, local flavors and the chance to see someone you love in awe of the world again.
It is indeed a relaxing way to vacation and enjoy special time away from your daily routines with your husband or wife. They use words like “refresh,” “renew” and “revitalize” to emphasis the new feeling you will experience. Continue reading
Filed under Christian Living, Spiritual
“I have learned that track doesn’t define me. My faith defines me. I’m running because I have been blessed with a gift,” said Olympic track star Allyson Felix.
Next week Felix, a 2012 Olympic Champion and 3 time world champion, will compete in Rio in the women’s 400M event. However, Felix, told the LA Times last week that “faith leads my life.” She said that there is a “bigger picture” and “a greater purpose” to life.” Continue reading
Filed under Christian Living, Discipleship
Last week we raised the question “Does God want America to be great again?”
The point of our post really spoke to God’s providence in a nation that is moving father and farther away from honoring Him, His Word and principles of righteousness.
Apparently some were concerned that either I’m not going to vote, maybe would vote for the “wrong candidate,” or could be encouraging others to “sit this election out.”
Among the numerous questions we asked was “What if God’s definition of great is different from ours?” Continue reading
Filed under Spiritual
Yesterday I heard Shane Brethowr share a neat story about a man who went to a coffee shop, ordered and sat down at a table with a sign that read, “FREE COFFEE, if I can tell you MY STORY.”
He sat there for two hours and no one took him up on his offer. He left disappointed. Frustrated. And perplexed.
But the next day, he returned to same coffee shop at the same time. Ordered. Sat at the same table. But this time with a different sign that read: Continue reading
Filed under Christian Living
Kansas City native Calvin Trillin is an American author, journalist and humorist. He is a long time food writer for The New Yorker.
In 2012, Trillin was awarded the Thurber Prize for American Humor for Quite Enough of Calvin Trillin: Forty Years of Funny Stuff, published by Random House. He often speaks of his late wife, Alice, who was an accomplished author, educator and “long time muse to her husband.”
In the book, he writes about “the Alice Tax.” Never heard of it? On the eve of our tax deadline in America, consider this. Continue reading
Filed under America, Christian Living
In recent posts I have been critical of the behavior of the Republican candidates running for President. But last night something occurred that you don’t hear very often.
A politician apologized. Acknowledged he was wrong. And vowed to change.
Senator Marco Rubio admitted to Fox’s Megyn Kelly that he regretted his recent personal attacks on front-runner Donald Trump. “I’d do it differently. I really would.” Continue reading
Filed under Christian Living
You Are My God is the theme of the 2016 Florida College Lectures that Norma Jean and I are attending this week.
It is a series of lessons from the Psalms that addresses our relationship with God. The question that President Buddy Payne raised in his forward to the lecture book is one that is often asked by spiritually minded seekers: “How do I get closer to God?” Continue reading
Filed under Christian Living, Florida College Lectures, Psalms, Righteousness
Last night Norma Jean and I watched Megyn Kelly’s exclusive interview with Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar as they discussed the child molestation charges against their son, Josh.
Leading up to the interview we saw clips of the intense criticism toward the Duggar family from various news outlets. They have been called “hypocrites” and much worse. The vitriolic venom emanating from some sources has been excoriating. Continue reading
Filed under Christian Living, Sin
Do you have your bracket filled out? Now if you have no idea what the question means you are obviously not a basketball fan.
Today begins in earnest “The Road to the Final Four!” It’s the quest for the NCAA championship in men’s basketball. It’s called March Madness!
The tournament reminds me that the qualities for success in the sports world are so similar to those we need to acquire as Christians. The apostle Paul must have been a sports fan. Because he frequently used sports metaphors to make spiritual points. Consider these two passages. Continue reading
Filed under Christian Living
ThePreachersWord 