Posts from 2023

As we think about this New Year, there are things that we need to remember to have a good year. The decisions and choices we make will determine the kind of year we can have. Therefore, let’s notice some suggestions that will help us to have a good year. Apologize when we do wrong. The three words, “I am sorry” are difficult to say for those filled with pride. If you would, think of the relationships, homes and even congregations…

This is the time of year when we’re usually treated to the customary barrage of sermons and articles telling us that Christmas is an unauthorized Holy Day (Col.3:17; 2Jn.9). We are reminded of some of the myths of Christmas, such as: the “three” wise men (and their names), or that they were at the manger along with the shepherds. In truth, we don’t know how many there were, nor their names; and they most assuredly were NOT at the manger.…

With the winter holidays just around the corner, we will all be seeing items and hearing stories related to the season. As such, I just read about the fact that there is a website known as emailsanta.com where young ones may write an electronic letter to the North Pole. Several letters from these innocent children were funny, but one stood out to me. Christian, age seven, wrote: Mommy and Daddy say I have not been very good these past few…

Typically, when the doctrine of God’s providence is discussed, a handful of well-known Scriptures are used to illustrate his protective care and blessings. For example, we frequently reference Joseph (Genesis 50:19-20), Esther (Esther 4:14), and Onesimus (Philemon 15), but rarely have we referenced the following passage I want you to consider When Israel crossed the Jordan to take possession of the “promised land,” the nations in Canaan took up arms against them and did what they could to destroy them.…

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2) This time of year emphasizes just how special it is to be with family. Gathering around a table to enjoy food and fellowship is so uniquely powerful that it is difficult to describe adequately. In our digital age, with an emphasis on screens…

This morning I sat with my cup of coffee, reading over the news articles of the day. Sometimes I wonder why I choose to torture myself first thing out of bed, but it’s my ritual, so I keep on. Today’s feed was filled with a lot of the same aggravating or depressing types of articles I’ve been reading for a long time. Unholy agendas being pushed in society, crooks effectively being given free passes for their crimes, souls lost in…

Throughout the Bible, we see thanksgiving for blessings as a theme. The Old Testament resounds with the people praising God; Israel had a history of giving thanks to God for the mercy and deliverance he showed them. In the New Testament we read, Jesus “Then he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven he gave thanks and broke them” (Luke 9:16). At the Last Supper Jesus took bread and gave thanks, and offered it…

“When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly…

It was a Sunday afternoon after worship that Armando heard the announcement. The announcement said that some members of the congregation from Decatur, Alabama, were coming to help build three classrooms for the children in their Mayan village of Texan. The announcement said that a list was being made of all those who wanted to come and help the Americans build the classrooms. Armando wanted to help, but he had to work, Armando is a barber and had a commitment…

A few weeks ago, a dear old friend asked if I would make him a walking stick. I went to the barn and found a maple stick that I’ve had drying for several years. Taking it to the workshop, I peeled the bark away, sawed off the knots, and sanded it down smooth. Several coats of finish were then added along with a paracord wrap for a handle. I eventook the wood burner and put his initials near the top.…

A couple of weeks ago, I looked out the front door and saw a small mound of dirt toward the front of the yard. I thought it was a new ant mound and said to myself, “I’ll put some ant killer on that thing tomorrow.” Well, as it would be, I forgot about it for a couple of days and the next time I looked it was now three mounds of dirt. “That’s a gopher run and he’s heading straight…

The title of this week’s article comes from a 1970 song by the late Janis Joplin. The song is a parody prayer in which the singer asks God to give her a luxury car. Well, we know she ain’t going to get that car, at least not from the Lord. The reason being, it is a prayer of selfishness and greed. The Bible says it best in James 4:3, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that…