George Muller was a 19th century evangelist, missionary and director of orphan homes in Bristol, England. It is estimated that he cared for over 10,000 orphans in his lifetime.
On February 6, 1870, Mueller’s wife, Mary, died of rheumatic fever. Shortly after the funeral, the 64 year old evangelist, preached a “funeral sermon” as he called it.
What text would Muller choose while mourning the death of his beloved wife of 39 years? Continue reading
Filed under Great Bible Verses
Last night I closed a meeting with the Eastside Church in Denton, Texas. At their request, I spoke on a series called, “Experiencing Intimacy with God.” The lessons were well received by the brethren as well as the guests who attended. However, I may have received the greatest benefit of all by visiting again this vital theme and reflecting on my personal relationship with the Lord. Continue reading
This quarter where I preach at the West Main Church in Lewisville we are studying the Old Testament period of the Judges. It was a time described this way. “Everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25).
Following the death of Joshua “another generation arose who did not know the Lord nor the work which he had done for Israel.” Soon they sinned, falling prey to the idol worship of their heathen neighbors. To punish them for their disobedience, God sent a foreign foe to oppress Israel. Finally, they would cry for deliverance. Then God would raise up a Judge to deliver them from their oppressor. This cycle is repeated again. And again. And again. Continue reading
Beautiful. Gorgeous. Awesome. Amazing. Majestic. These and other descriptive words were exchanged by Norma Jean and me as we enjoyed the incredible scenery on our recent trip to Alaska.
But no doubt the most awe-inspiring, breath-taking, God-affirming sight was on our next to the last day when we saw Denali, formerly known at Mt. McKinley. It is the highest peak in North America, rising 20,310′ above sea level.
On the day of our tour deep into the park, it was cloudy, overcast and drizzling rain off and on all day. “The Great One” was shrouded from view. While we were disappointed, we had an enjoyable day. Continue reading
Filed under God
Good morning!
Norma Jean and I have returned from an amazing trip to Alaska. It’s been on our “bucket list” for a long time. And now it is a dream realized.
It was not only enjoyable, relaxing and breathtaking, but faith strengthening as well. Soon into the trip I knew my next word of the week for this blog was going to be “Creator.” Continue reading
Filed under Word of the Week
“I tackled my first English essay in college with enthusiasm, a thesaurus, and a naive disregard for page limits,” writes Carolyn Arends in an April 2014 article in Christianity Today. To her dismay the professor returned her paper with this comment: “Carolyn, you’ve made some fine points, but unfortunately they are lost in a sea of circumlocutious wordiness.”
While Carolyn admits she has always “loved words” and “a well turned phrase,” she confesses that she grew “troubled by a growing sense that (she) needed to pay more attention to wordless things.” She asks, ” Have I reduced the scope of what I can know to what I can articulate?” Continue reading
Reese Witherspoon, The “Legally Blonde” star, recently appeared on Chelsea Handler’s Netflix talk show, “Chelsea,” where the guests talked about faith and death. I didn’t see the show, but saw a news clip.
Witherspoon discussed the role of faith as she grew up in the South, her Episcopalian roots, and her disdain for using religion to promote hate. She commented that many people “use parts of the Bible in order to express their intolerance and their hate and they manipulate it.”
Chelsea then asked, “Is there any way you feel that religion has held you back?” Continue reading
Filed under God
It’s Saturday and time for a little humor to end our week.
Did you hear about the children who were lined up in the cafeteria of a “Christian” elementary school for lunch?
At the head of the table was a large pile of apples. Because the children had been taking multiple apples and then wasting them, someone made a note, and posted on the apple tray, “Take only one. God is watching.” Continue reading
Filed under God
Larry Byerly tells about a time he was driving one foggy night. “I topped a hill and I could see through the fog for a moment. What an awesome sight!” Larry exclaimed.
“The clouds were scurrying along at a rather quick pace, across the face of the huge moon that seemed to softly light up the entire sky. Quite a change from driving in that fog with “no vision.” Continue reading
Three days and three nights. 15 Lectures. 15 men. And 15 Psalms. Now the 2016 Florida College Lectures have ended. But, not my renewed quest to know God. Heighten the awareness of God in my life. And enhance my relationship with God.
The theme, “You Are My God,” has served us well. Actually, more than “well.” It has been magnificent. We have been revived. Renewed. And energized. Last night Ralph Walker closed the Lectures with a lesson based on Psalm 145, “I Will Bless Your Name Forever.” Continue reading
Filed under Florida College Lectures, God
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