May 4, 2023 - Though we might be reluctant to admit it, none of us want our lives to be just average. By nature, we want our lives to be full and prosperous. Yet, there seem to be so many things that get in our way. That’s one of the problems with life, it is as someone once said “so daily” We have deadlines and commitments. We are constantly faced with problems, priorities, distractions and obstacles.
April 27, 2023 - Do we realize the world is watching what we do? People get their concept of the church and Christianity by the life that we live, the things we say and the things we do. What will be the legacy we leave behind after we are gone? What kind of example are we living before our friends? In life, especially in the uncertain times we are living in, people are looking for something real to hold on to. They are looking for people who are genuine to look up to and follow.
April 19, 2023 - In Luke chapter 6 and verse 46, Jesus is preaching and says, "Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" At first glance, perhaps that sounds a bit harsh. However, it could have been a question in which the expression of pity, surprise and patient love on the face of Jesus softened the rebuke.
Let's be honest. Often to do the things Jesus tells us to do is not an easy matter. He said so much and often they were such hard sayings. Yet, Jesus dealt in principles and what he said can be summed up in three principles.
April 13, 2023 - A preacher one time was asked if a certain man and his wife belonged to the church where he preached. His reply was, “No, they do not belong to the church here. They are members, but they do not belong to the church.”
April 6, 2023 - When we meet Moses in Exodus chapter 4, he is 80 years old. He has spent 40 years in Egypt, growing up in the household of Pharaoh and 40 years in Midian, herding sheep for his father-in-law on the back side of nowhere.
He had a stammering voice and some serious self-esteem issues. There was nothing about his physical appearance or disposition to make him outstanding as a leader among men.
March 30, 2023 - At the front of the auditorium in many church buildings you will find what is called the “communion table.” On the front are engraved the words of Jesus, “This do in remembrance of me”. On every Lord’s day, it is (or should be) prepared for those who would remember their Lord in the way commanded by the Lord Himself. There is nothing that could be more simple or more human than this appointment. Jesus requests that His disciples make the simple act of eating and drinking the occasion for remembering Him each week.
March 23, 2023 - In reading the New Testament, you find these words recorded in James 2:10-11, “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.”
March 16, 2023 - Sometimes, if we are not careful, our life becomes like the file drawer in our desk. We make a mental file folder for this drawer and in there we put everything that pertains to special subjects. We place God, religion and prayer in one file and we mark that file; “Use on Sunday only” or perhaps “Use in case of emergency.” We might add the caveat, “to be used in relation to special things.”
March 9, 2023 - Why do we live in such a mad rush? Why have you been racing about all day, as though today is your last day on earth? Why do you sit and pat your foot impatiently when your telephone call is a little slow going through?
The answer of course is always, “There is so much to be done, and so little time!” And it is true. However, have you ever heard the old saying, “Rome was not built in a day?”
March 2, 2023 - Let’s be honest. We all enjoy a compliment from time to time. However, we like to hear genuine compliments and not flattery or exaggeration. When Jesus lived on this earth, and when he complimented someone, you can be sure it was sincere. It was not superficial. It had nothing to do with their clothing or style. It had to do with their heart and character.