“They didn’t finish” is an expression often used by sports color commentators to describe a team or athlete who should have won, but lost.
In “The Greatest Finish Fails in Sports History,” Andrew Daniels relates numerous stories of runners, cyclists, and ballplayers who celebrated their victory too early, only to lose. Continue reading
Filed under Discipleship, Purpose
“Are you stumbling toward an uncertain future,” asks author John Mason in his little book Conquering An Enemy Called Average. Mason then offers this challenge.
“First, concentrate on finding your purpose, then concentrate on fulfilling it. Having a powerful why will provide you with the necessary how.”
American author Robert Byrne was right when he wrote, “The purpose of life is a life of purpose.” However, too often the problem is that most people begin at the wrong place–ourselves. Our goals. Our dreams. Our success. Continue reading
Filed under 2013 Top Posts, Discipleship, Purpose
“I have no peace. All life is at the end of the tether,“ wrote the English writer and philosopher, H.G. Wells at age 61.
The poet Lord Byron admitted, “My days are in yellow leaf, the flowers and fruits of life are gone, the worm and the canker, and the grief are mine alone.”
The literary genius Thoreau opined “Most men live lives of quiet desperation.” Continue reading
Filed under Renew in '22, Word of the Week
Even with all of the negatives of lockdowns, sickness, and death caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been some unforeseen positives.
Stories abound of neighbors helping neighbors. Relationships being rekindled. Families spending more time together. Preachers and pastors finding new and innovative ways to minister. An increase in people reading the Bible and spiritual material. And people becoming Christians Continue reading
Filed under Purpose
Following yesterday’s post, 5 Things To Do During Troubling Times, here’s a succinct list, adapted from Master’s University professor Glenda Hotton, an author, counselor, and lecturer, on where to look when facing adversity, challenges, and problems.
If you’re a new reader of the ThePreachersWord, you can access the previous 11 Friday’s lists by clicking here. Continue reading
Filed under Friday's List to Life By
Today, as I write these words, we should be returning to the USA from a trip to Greece and Turkey which followed the travels of the apostles Paul and John.
Then we would drive back across the border to Ontario, Canada, where we should have been since May 14, to begin a meeting at Jordan. Then a VBS at Wellandport. And on to South River for another meeting.
Instead, we’re in Polson, Montana. Looking out at the scenic Mission Mountains and Flathead Lake.
What happened? Continue reading
Filed under Purpose
Last week we wrote about the extraordinary demonstration of compassion and forgiveness by Brandt Jean to Amber Guyger, the woman who shot and killed his brother, Botham Jean.
Now we learn that the Judge presiding over the case, Tammy Kemp, has been accused of “an abuse of her power.”
What awful act did Judge Kemp commit? Continue reading
Filed under Purpose
“What our deepest self craves,” wrote Henry J. Golding, is not mere enjoyment, but some supreme purpose that will enlist all our powers and will give us unity and direction to our life.”
The key word in that quote is “purpose.” It is a word that seems to be more and more at the forefront of my mind.
Currently, Norma Jean and I are in Madrid, Iowa, for a month working with the brethren, these fine elders and their young preacher, Stefan Richardson. In addition to preaching once every Sunday, I’m teaching a class “Parenting with Purpose.” The concept behind the studies is to be, as Dr. Paul Faulkner puts it “an intentional parent.” Continue reading
Filed under Word of the Week
Last night Norma Jean and I attended the mid-week Bible Study service at the Downers Grove church in suburban Chicago where my friend and former college classmate Steve Wolfgang preaches. After being out of the country for 25 days, it was good to be “home.”
Steve’s class focused on the mission of the church. As an assignment, he had asked the class to write a “mission statement” either collectively or individually. As someone who has worked with churches through the years in developing Biblical mission statements, I was interested in hearing what the class had to say. Continue reading
Filed under Purpose
Charles Krauthammer, the conservative American columnist, author, and political commentator died yesterday at age 68.
Last August Krauthammer underwent surgery that was believed to be successful in removing a cancerous tumor. However, the cancer aggressively returned with no hope of recovering.
On June 8 Krauthammer issued a statement in the Washington Post saying he had only a few weeks to live. In reality, it was less than 2 weeks. After thanking his doctors, caregivers and professional colleagues, Krauthammer closed with this statement about his life’s work. Continue reading
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