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“I know very well how foolish the message of the cross sounds to those who are on the road to destruction …” ” … God in His wisdom saw to it that the world would never find Him through human wisdom …” “This “foolish” plan of God is far wiser than the wisdom of human plans … ” ” … God deliberately chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise …” Paul wrote these words in his first letter to the Corinthians verses 18, 21, 25, and 27. (NLT) Recently I’ve met …
a consistent walk
This past week I officiated a funeral for an 89 year old man that I had never met. After spending time with the family in their home and at the funeral parlor, I discovered a commoon theme about this man. He consistently read his Bible and prayed every morning. He consistently worshiped on Sunday mornings. He was a creature of consistent habits … and had numerous little quirks and sayings that he would use consistently in response to his circumstances. It seemed everyone I talked to used that same word … “consistent” … while describing this old gentleman. I decided …
the last word battle
Famous last words. In years past many such words have been recorded and often quoted. Some are bold. Some are sad. Some are joyful. Some are humorous. I have been in a “word battle” with people who always have the cleaver ability to get in the last word. Leaving me without a response. The Bible teaches us that it wil be Jesus who has the final say in my life and in yours. He and He alone will have the last words when you and I stand before Him. There will be no argument or negotiation. He is the judge. …
King Kong, Superman, and Baseball
I’ll be 57 this fall. But yesterday afternoon, in the middle of packing for our move, I escaped to be a kid again. I treated myself to the movie “Superman”. I have seen all of the “Superman” and “King Kong” movies. There is something about the power of super natural strength that grabs my attention. Then I returned home and watched the Cubs play the Cardinals while I taped and labeled boxes. To this day I dream of being a major league baseball star. Oh my, what’s wrong with me ? You know … Jeus Christ is greater than my …
a stabilizing force in a dark age
You and I are living in an insecure, angry, confused, sinful, and dark age. No matter where you go you can find a turbulent environment filled with deception. Every morning I read the news and discover something more terrible than the day before. > parents selling their daughters as sex slaves. > wars that intentionally kill civilians. > pornography infiltrating all walks of life. > video games that promote violence and lawlessness. > gay olympics that celebrate open defiance to God. Then I open my Bible and God’s word reminded me of my own “dark age” … littered with lies, …
no delete key found
I have been sending these brief “e-sermons” now for 3 years … some are probably deleted before they are even opened. This reminds me of a few people I know who believe that once you take your last breath your existence ends … the “delete key of life” erases your very being. But that is not what Jesus says. He makes it very clear that you and I will live forever. Forever with Him or forever separated from Him. My life has been a mess because of sin … then Jesus captured my heart and changed me … and He …
kiss the concrete
Yesterday life was good. I was proud that I had lost 12 pounds in 3 weeks. I received some good news from one of my Moody Bible Institute grad school professors. Linda and I are moving to a bigger townhome. Yes, life was great. Then, while going for a walk-run with my wife, I stumbled over an uneven piece of sidewalk and fell on my face on to the concrete. I’ve always wanted a “boxer’s brow” … you know a scar on your eye brow that makes you look tough. Now I finally have one … along with a cut …
The Potter
Over the last two weeks I’ve been shocked to see the behavior of children between the ages 2-3. I’ve noticed that children develop at different rates. For example some may speak really well while others already understand 4+2. Some children are already potty trained while others don’t know what the word “potty” means. Sadly, some children are behind developmentally in most areas. I even saw a prodigy 2 year old boy on ESPN who was hitting golf balls into a umbrella 15 feet away. He actually chipped 8 out 10 golf balls into a turned over umbrella. The funny piece …
dividing the crowd
God gave me the opportunity recently to put together a golf outing with former major league All-Star pitcher Frank Tanana as our guest speaker. Frank told several interesting baseball stories which captured the attention of everyone. Then he started telling the story of how he was a 25 year old pitcher with a sore arm, an alcohol problem, a desire for women, and of love of himself and his money. A few minutes later Frank informed the audience of men the circumstances that brought him to a saving acknowledge of Jesus Christ. At the end of the evening some men …
