Acts 5:41 (NKJV) So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. I know I must have read or heard Acts 5:41 quoted dozens and dozens of times over the years, but I actually heard it today. Did you catch what they rejoiced … Continue reading
Monthly Archives: April 2016
Amazed to have won!
Let me share just one more memory from my week at the Smoky Mountain Jubilee. Yesterday was the awards ceremony and I happened to have a front-row seat. I was a little taken aback by the way one of the participates reacted to winning. There is “over the top” and then there is “OVER THE … Continue reading
My dad’s advice about old people and children
Having spent the last couple days in Gatlinburg, TN at the Smoky Mountain Jubilee, a Senior Adult retreat sponsored by my denomination has gotten me thinking about some advice my dad gave me. (By the way, I was only there because of my wife’s age! 😉 ) He told me that as a pastor I should … Continue reading
Timeless wisdom for dealing with “Evil-Speaking”
Recently I ran across the following rules to live by as it relates to “evil-speaking” (gossip, slander, etc.). It comes from the writings of Reverend Charles Simeon, a well-known English minister from the early 1800’s. These timeless truths are just as relevant today as they were in Simeon’s day and bear repeating (and practicing). Rev. … Continue reading
Is Truthfulness always the best policy?
Someone recently sent me this little story (it’s got to be true, it was on the internet! 😉 and it illustrates excellently the dilemma of always being truthful: Our teacher asked us what our favorite animal was, and I said, “Fried chicken.” She said I wasn’t funny, but she couldn’t have been right, because everyone … Continue reading
The Single Most Important Truth About Christianity
John 10:4 (NKJV) And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. If you hope to go anywhere with your Christian faith you must remember this all-important truth: Jesus first calls you to himself… …not to a ministry, a place, a list … Continue reading
Your “trail-blazer”
John 10:3 (NKJV) To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. “…and leads them out.” These four little words should bring you much comfort. Shepherds today do not lead their sheep, they drive their sheep. They and their sheep dog are … Continue reading
The Event of the Time
Proverbs 16:3 (NKJV) Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established. Proverbs 16:3 teaches a wonderful principle. However, there is no better example of the “old covenant” revealed to us in the Old Testament vs. the “new covenant” instituted by Jesus in the New Testament. For the Old Testament follower of … Continue reading
God and impatience
Psalm 86:15 (NKJV) But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth. We live in a “it’s-got-to-be-done-yesterday” world. Overnight shipping and instant messaging are normal parts of our lives. People expect to push a button and things get resolved–quickly and easily. But remember, God will not be … Continue reading
On planning
Proverbs 14:22 (NLT) If you plan to do evil, you will be lost; if you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness. Plan to do good today. Be intentional about adding value to those around you no matter the situation or surroundings. We all know good-hearted people who, faced with an … Continue reading
