In 1977 song writer Joe Brooks wrote a song entitled “You Light Up My Life.” It was recorded by Debby Boone and became an instant success. It was the best-selling single of the 70’s. In fact, it continues to rank #7 on Billboards list of 100 top songs. Brooks wrote it as a love song, but Debby interpreted it as a song about her relationship with Jesus. Some of the lyrics go like this: Continue reading
Tag Archives: Discipleship
Jesus: You Light Up My Life
Filed under Discipleship, Jesus
Who’s Your God?
James Michener, in his book, The Source, tells the story of a man named Urbaal, a farmer who lived about 2200 B.C. He worshiped two gods. The god of death and the goddess of fertility.
One day, the temple priests tell Urbaal to bring his young son to the temple for sacrifice, if he wants good crops. Continue reading
Filed under Discipleship, God, Uncategorized
The Storms of Life
I have been watching Fox News on and off all day reporting on the storms tearing across states from the Gulf Coast to Great Lakes. Over 74 storms have been reported. Powerful tornadoes have ripped roofs off of houses. Downed trees. Damaged businesses. Destroyed schools. The town of “Maryville(Indiana) is completely gone,” said Clark County Sheriff Department Maj. Chuck Adams. Wiped away by the fierce winds. Henryville, Indiana, suffered extensive damage. Continue reading
Filed under Christian Living, Discipleship
Know Who You Are and Where You’re Going
Wednesday Night Norma and I visited the Henderson Boulevard church here in Tampa. . I like the fellowship at Henderson and they were having a special series with Paul Sheehan. The singing was spirited. The fellowship was warm. And the worship was God centered. None of this was unexpected. Nor was the unique style with which Paul presents the Gospel. I liked his lesson. A lot. And want to share some of my thoughts from it. Continue reading
Filed under Christian Living, Discipleship
A Foolish Exchange
Do you ever read “news of the weird” that tells about those “stupid criminals” stories? Here’s a good one.
A man walked into a convenience store, put a $20 bill on the counter and asked for change. When the clerk opened the drawer, the man pulled a gun and asked for all the cash in the register. The man took the cash from the clerk and fled, leaving his $20 bill on the counter. Continue reading
Filed under Discipleship, Values
Belonging To One Another
An Army Chaplain tells the story of sitting in the Officer’s Club one rainy day. In fact, it was more than rainy. It was a storm. The winds were blowing fiercely. The rains were descending in sheets. Nearby, two officer’s wives were watching the storm through the big picture window. Continue reading
Filed under Discipleship, Fellowship
What it Means to Say “I’m Sorry”
Wendy Donahue, a staff writer for the Chicago Tribune, recently penned an article entitled “Give and take: The sport of apologizing.” Our local Tampa Bay Times (TBT) picked it up. While reading it, I was reminded of how difficult it is to simply say from the heart “I’m sorry.” It’s reminiscent of the 1976 hit by Elton John, when he crooned the mournful ballad “Sorry seems to be the hardest word.”
Filed under Apology, Discipleship
Five Traits of a Spiritual Champion
Last night several friends and I joined 117 million other people and watched The New York Giants defeat the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI. The food was good. The companionship very enjoyable. And the game was exciting. As I watched I thought about 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.
Filed under Discipleship, Success
Living with Enthusiasm
Curtis Jones relates the legend of a wealthy merchant traveling through the Mediterranean world looking for the distinguished Pharisee, Paul. In time he encountered Timothy, who arranged for a visit. Paul was, at the time, a prisoner in Rome. Stepping inside the cell, the merchant was surprised to find a rather old man, physically frail, but whose serenity and magnetism challenged the visitor. They talked for hours. Finally the merchant left with Paul’s blessing. Outside the prison, the concerned man inquired, “What is the secret of this man’s power? I have never seen anything like it before.” Continue reading
Filed under Enthusiasm, Zeal
Repair and Maintenance
I’m sitting in Par Automotive in Tampa as I write my blog for today. I came because I noticed a couple of the tires on Norma’s car had a rather balding look to them. Turns out that I need a entire new set. When I pulled in I looked at the maintenance sticker, I was due for an oil change. Ok. No problem.
But I also need a front-end alignment. Well, I guess that comes with the territory. Now my friend, Tim Engle who owns Par, informs me, “You need new brakes!” Continue reading
Filed under Discipleship, Improvement, Self-Examination
ThePreachersWord 