Bob Russell, a Kentucky preacher, recalls a class when his 5th grade Bible class teacher told about a King who was looking for a new chariot driver.
Three men sought the job and were taken up a winding mountain road to a dangerous precipice. As a test of their driving skills they were each asked, “How close could you drive your chariot to the edge of this cliff?”
The first replied, “I think I could bring the wheel of the chariot within six inches of the cliff.” Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
There’s an old saying regarding Biblical interpretation that “a text taken out of context is a pretext.” In other words, it speaks to the perils of proof texting, making the Bible say whatever you want it to mean.
In today’s passage (highlighted in Mark Robert’s 5 Day Bible Reading program this week) many have lifted verses from this section to apply them in ways Jesus never intended regarding the work of the Holy Spirit. Continue reading
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While revered and respected in history, Winston Churchill had his share of opposition as indicated by his personal and political enemies. However, he was the master of a witty rejoinder to his critics.
George Bernard Shaw once invited Churchill to the opening night of one of his plays. Shaw sent him two tickets with the note, “One for yourself and one for a friend–if you have one.” Continue reading
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Once asked about her handicap of being born both blind and mute, Helen Keller replied, “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.”
This quote reminds me of an observation by author and minister E. Paul Hovey who said, “A blind man’s world is bounded by the limits of his touch; an ignorant man’s world by the limits of his knowledge: a great man’s world by the limits of his vision.” Continue reading
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“The Bible is not an end in itself, but a means to bring men to an intimate and satisfying knowledge of God, that they may enter into Him, that they may delight in His Presence, may taste and know the inner sweetness of the very God Himself in the core and center of their hearts,” wrote A. W. Tozer, in The Pursuit of God.
“The primary purpose of reading the Bible,” opined James Merritt “is not to know the Bible but to know God.” Continue reading
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“Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing,” opined Oscar Wilde the Irish poet, playwright, and novelist.
Since Wilde lived in the 19th century, I wonder what he would think today?
In an age of ethical relativism, moral degradation, and spiritual malaise, it almost seems as if everyone and everything has its price. But there are some things that are priceless. They have value beyond monetary measure. Beyond a price tag. Continue reading
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My wife, Norma Jean, is a wonderful cook. This is not just the opinion of a prejudiced husband, just ask anyone who has been the recipient of her culinary delights.
Among the favorites of our kids, grandkids and college students are her homemade rolls. She uses the receipt from my Mom, and so they are affectionately called “Mattie Rolls.”
I asked her “how much yeast does it take to make a batch?” She said two tablespoons will make 48 rolls. The yeast is mixed into the other ingredients and is unseen, but produces a wonderfully delicious result. Continue reading
Filed under Parables of Jesus, Passage To Ponder
Richard Swenson is a physician, futurist, and author who wrote a book entitled, “Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives.”He describes modern society as harried, hassled, and overloaded with no room left for rest.
Dr Swenson observes, “Overload is not having time to finish the book you’re reading on stress. Margin is having time to read it twice. Overload is fatigue. Margin is energy. Overload is red ink. Margin is black ink. Overload is hurry. Margin is calm. Overload is anxiety. Margin is security. Overload is a disease of our day. Margin is the cure.” Continue reading
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Steve Shepherd tells a story about some construction workers who drove to their local lumber yard. One of them walked into the office and said, “We need some four-by-twos.”
“You mean two-by-fours, don’t you?” The clerk asked.
The man said, “I’ll go check,” and went back to the truck. He returned and said, “Yeah, I meant two-by-fours.”
“All right. How long do you need them?” asked the clerk. Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder, Psalms
The author Norman Vincent Peale was known for popularizing the “Power of Positive Thinking.” He once related the story of a stranger recognizing and approaching him on a New York City.
“Please, Dr. Peale, you have to help me, I’ve got some problems, and I just can’t handle them any more,” the man cried desperately as he grabbed him by the lapels of his coat.
“If you will let go of my coat,” Peale replied, “I will take you to a place that is full of people who don’t have any problems. Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder, Psalms
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