"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. . . " These declared our forefathers in the Constitution of these United States, are basic human rights. They considered that all people … Continue reading I Give Up Trying to be Happy

Congregational expectations vary from place to place and congregations expect much from their preacher(s).  Too often these expectations are not written down and this lack of concrete expectations can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings.  I suggest having as many on the table (written down) as possible.  We also know that some expectations are ridiculous … Continue reading Churches and the Preacher

The family was sitting at breakfast, dressed in their Sunday best, when Dad shuffles in, still in his pajamas, unshaven, and looking as if he had just rolled out of bed. "Honey, you are going to make us late for church." said his wife. "I'm not going today." He continued, "No one likes me, no … Continue reading For the Preacher

The young preacher accepted the preaching position in a small country church in rural Kentucky. Excited and on fire with passion for truth, his first Sunday sermon spoke against the dangers and evils of gambling and horse races.  It was a masterful polemic.  The church leaders pulled him aside and complemented his study and delivery, … Continue reading The Object of My Devotion

Righteousness: Right living, living "right-wise." These are just a couple of ways we define righteousness within the church. In all honesty, the concept of righteousness creates within me a juxtaposition.  Perfect righteousness in something I can never obtain, yet complete righteousness is something I must strive for. The juxtaposition lies in this simple truth: I … Continue reading Extreme Righteousness

Why, Lord? Why did Christ have to die? I thought about this question this morning as I sat down to eat breakfast. I thought about it more as I scanned the news feeds on Yahoo. What are some reasons Christ died? He died because the religious leaders felt threatened by his popularity and teaching. He … Continue reading Reasons Why

Thumbing through an old file of sermon illustrations and poems, I came across this encouraging piece.  The clipping does not have an author listed, so I am not sure who originated it - it was NOT me. But I am drawn to it. Now, not all our attenders are members, And not all our members are … Continue reading Points to Ponder

A few years ago, I shared this list I heard from Vance Hutton. I ran across it the other day and decided that it is worth a second share. 10. You have a God to glorify. 9. You have a Savior to imitate. 8. You have a Soul to protect (save). 7. You have a … Continue reading Thoughts to Consider

He was out of his mind crazy! You know the scene; You know of that person who is not just different, but certifiable. They talk to themselves and give answers. Their demeanor, if not their words say, "Stay away!" You and I both have seen them and maybe interacted with them.  I once watched as a … Continue reading Turning Turmoil to Peace

According to the researchers at B.R.I. (Bathroom Reader Institution).  The delicacy knowns as lobster has an interesting story.  The following is from Uncle John’s Endlessly Engrossing Bathroom Reader, (Bathroom Readers’ Press:Ashland, OR) 2009. “Lobster may taste like shellfish (crab, shrimp), but it looks like an insect.  And technically, it’s an arthropod – more closely related … Continue reading Not What you Thought it Would Be