In the 2005 movie adaptation of Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice (Directed by Joe Wright, Screenplay by Deborah Moggach) Mr. Bennet, played by Donald Sutherland, closes out his final scene saying, “If any young men come for Mary or Kitty . . . send them in. I’m quite at my leisure.” Then Mr. Bennet leans … Continue reading The Habit of Contentment
Even More on Prayer
Prayer! Prayer is so much more than saying a few words with our heads bowed and hands folded. Prayer involves our entire concept of God. Prayer connects deeply to our faith. Our life as a child of God is to be a life of prayer. Prayer is not simply an emergency line to God, although He … Continue reading Even More on Prayer
Making a Habit of Joy
Tragedies, tornadoes, floods, fire, drought, earthquakes, wars, terrorism, violence, crime, economic crisis, gas prices, health care, and agendas against Judeo-Christian values only begin the list of issues we face as Christians. With all that against us; what, on earth, do we have to shout joyfully about? Yet when we turn to Psalm 66 we read … Continue reading Making a Habit of Joy
Jesus and Prayer
We continue our Tuesday study of prayer but looking to Jesus and His prayer life. John records, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. … Continue reading Jesus and Prayer
A Greatest Habit
As I am writing this lesson Pandora Radio is playing my Gordon Lightfoot Channel. The song playing is American Pie by Don McLean. This eight and a half minute song hit number one in 1971. It is a song inspired by the death of Buddy Holly. Some consider this song to be one of … Continue reading A Greatest Habit
Another Day in Paradise
Yes, I am referencing Phil Collin's song from the 1980's. One of his best in my opinion. This Sunday our lessons at Central Church of Christ will be about our Attitude Toward the Poor and How We can Help the Poor. Phil Collins' song helps me realize my blessings and my responsibility not only as … Continue reading Another Day in Paradise
Making a Habit of Discipleship
Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after … Continue reading Making a Habit of Discipleship
Using Prayer
How do you use prayer? Do you use prayer as an avenue for you or as a way to talk to God? Before you answer think about these "uses" of prayer. We disUSE prayer when we are: Not praying for national, state, local, and Church leaders. Not praying for strength for the Body of Christ Not … Continue reading Using Prayer
“The Lord’s Prayer”
Prayer. People still ask for prayer. Even people with no identified faith ask for "positive thoughts" - I think they mean prayer. Prayer. "Say a little prayer for me, will you?" He asked. I am sorry, but I cannot do that. There is no such thing as "a little prayer." Prayer is not a miracle. Prayer … Continue reading “The Lord’s Prayer”
Making a Habit of Worship
Psalm 122:1, “I was glad when the said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the LORD!’” Worship. Jesus said, “God is spirit and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24). I am not sure that we can emphasize worship too much. We owe God something that can … Continue reading Making a Habit of Worship