A recent Barna survey found that only 25% of “practicing Christians” live in households that they termed “spiritually vibrant.”
As a part of a new “Household of Faith” report Barna partnered with the Lutheran Hour Ministries and surveyed 2,347 adults and teens who claimed to be practicing Christian. Their goal was to determine how families practiced their faith together, and not just as individuals. Continue reading
Last night Norma Jean and I attended the Florida College Lectures. What a wonderful pleasure to join with brethren from all over the United States in singing, praying and reflecting on God’s word. There was joy in seeing old friends. Of sharing hugs and handshakes. Smiles and tears. And some good memories of by gone days.
The theme this year is “From the Beginning: Recovering the Divine Design for Marriage and Family.” Doy Moyer, a gospel preacher from the Birmingham area, delivered the key note address on the topic “In The Beginning: God’s Created Order for Male and Female.” Continue reading
Filed under Family, Florida College Lectures
A young father was pushing a shopping cart in a grocery store while trying to contain a screaming, thrashing baby boy.
Very softy he kept repeating encouraging words like “Calm down, Brian.” “Don’t yell, Brian.” “Don’t get excited, Brian.” “It’s going to be ok, Brian.”
A woman observing the father’s calm demeanor offered her approval. “You are certainly to be commended, young man, for being so patient and trying to soothe little Brian.” Continue reading
Filed under Family
Last night President Obama delivered the traditional state of the union address. I am writing this prior to the speech, since I will be in a church service and miss it. Here’s what I’m guessing will be in the speech. Continue reading
Filed under America, Culture, Uncategorized
In the spring of 1894, the Baltimore Orioles came to Boston to play a routine baseball game. But what happened that day was anything but routine. The Orioles’ John McGraw got into a fight with the Boston third baseman. Within minutes all the players from both teams had joined in the brawl. The warfare quickly spread to the grandstands. Among the fans the conflict went from bad to worse. Someone set fire to the stands and the entire ballpark burned to the ground. Not only that, but the fire spread to 107 other Boston buildings as well. (From “Daily Bread”) Continue reading
The marriage vows. You’ve heard them. “Do you take…..for better, or for worse, for richer, or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish from this day forward until death do you part?” Continue reading
Filed under Marriage
Sunday is Father’s Day and I’m preaching a lesson about “How to Be A Great Dad.” But let’s be honest. Father’s day is just not as big a deal as Mother’s Day! Restaurants are not as crowded. Phone circuits are not jammed. Hallmark’s business is not as great as on Mother’s Day. And even church attendance doesn’t compare to Mother’s Day!
But that’s understandable, because typically fathers are not as sentimental as mothers. However, let me share a bit of sentiment as I think about my Dad who passed away 18 years ago and pay tribute to dads.” Continue reading
Filed under Family
One of my favorite authors, anonymous, wrote the TOP TEN REASONS WHY GOD CREATED EVE.
10. God worried that Adam would always be lost in the garden because men hate to ask for directions.
9. God knew that Adam would one day need someone to hand him the TV remote.
8. God knew that Adam would never buy a new fig leaf when his seat wore out and would therefore need Eve to get one for him.
7. God knew that Adam would never make a doctor’s appointment for himself. Continue reading
Filed under Marriage
“Marriage is like a fishing net. Each day fishermen use their nets to catch fish and sell them at the market,” writes Dr. Willard Harley in his book Love Busters. Continue reading
Josh was a college Freshman, but didn’t have a lot of social skills. Kinda shy. Introverted. Actually a computer geek. He didn’t date much in high school. But now he’s got a date with Ashley. She’s pretty. Great personality. And loads of fun.
As he was taking her back to the residence hall, Josh’s mind was racing. He wanted to kiss her goodnight. But should he? He didn’t want to spoil things by moving to quickly. So he decided to be more subtle. Continue reading
Filed under Communication
ThePreachersWord 