Scriptural
Number One or Number Two?
“Which is better? Number one or number two?“ “Two,” I said. The ophthalmologist made an adjustment and flipped to another lens. “Now which is better? Number one or number two?” “One,” I responded. Back and forth we went until the correct lens prescription for each eye was determined. It had been a few years since…
Read MoreOne Thing We Learn from History
“One thing we learn from history is that we don’t learn from history!” That anonymous quote was underscored again while I was recently reading through 2 Chronicles in the Bible. God had given promises that the kings who faithfully followed him would be blessed and experience fullness of life, whereas those who chose not to…
Read MoreFreedom Isn’t Free
The moral decline of our country, including the assault on our freedoms, is accelerating at an alarming rate. The freedom of religion, the freedom of speech, the freedom to educate our children the way we see is best, the right to life, the right to bear arms, etc., are all in the crosshairs of our…
Read MoreA Good Reputation
I was nineteen and sitting at the kitchen table early in the morning, dutifully listening to my grandfather read the daily devotional before we went to work in the fields. I deeply respected him. He was a strong Christian, a deacon in the church, and a recognized leader in the community. Each summer I looked…
Read MoreFrom Generation to Generation
A few short weeks ago I found myself behind the steering wheel of a 26-foot diesel truck with my car in tow as we motored north on I-35 through the states of Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Minnesota. Many thoughts were flooding my mind as I considered the purpose of our trip: to move my…
Read MoreGullies of Erosion
My father built a new house during the summer when I was ten years old. We lived in a small town surrounded by farms on which a variety of crops and livestock were raised. There was plenty of sod, but there were no sod farms where a carpet of grass could be purchased to place…
Read MoreThe Unexpected Quality of a Leader
As we think about leadership, what often comes to mind is being “in-charge;” being “followed,” “noticed,” and “looked up to” by others; having “authority;” or being “in-control.” However, there’s a different quality required for us if we’re going to be a true leader. Jesus speaks about this unexpected quality in Matthew 23:11-12, “But he that is…
Read MoreWhen Being a Man Is Not Enough
“Wipe up those tears.” “You can do it.” “Don’t be a wimp.” “You’re afraid of your own shadow.” “Stop being a baby.” “Real men don’t cry.” “If at first you don’t succeed, another try is what you need.” “No pain, no gain.” “Winners never quit and quitters never win.” “The one who wants it hard enough…
Read MoreTwelve Hearts of a Faithful Man
A clean heart vs. a wicked heart Purpose: Salvation – John 13:10 God’s work – Psalm 51:10 Daily cleansing by God’s Word – John 15:3 Husbands: cleanse wives by Word – Ephesians 5:26 A pure heart vs. a double-minded heart Purpose: to be in God’s holy presence – Psalm 24:3-4 Purify your hearts –…
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