Growing up in the South without air conditioning in the 50’s and 60’s was normal for most folks. You do not bemoan the lack of anything if you never have had it; most people in those decades did not have air conditioning in their houses or cars. We had window fans, that gave us a little reprieve on the dog days of summer. Our vehicles had only “4-60” air conditioning—roll all the windows down and drive 60 mph.
Continue reading “The Wind”True Conversion
If I remember the story correctly, a man in conversation with the famous evangelist D. L. Moody, pointed to a drunken man on the street and said, “Moody, isn’t that one of your converts?” Moody replied, “Yes, that looks like one of my converts.” Implying that the work of man does not change an individual but only a true work of grace by Christ can convert.
Continue reading “True Conversion”Treasure in Earthen Vessels
When I was a young man, I felt like the future was an expanse of forever, laden with endless opportunities, and fueled by youthful endurance that was unstoppable. Too bad, I was also stupid! Some of my mistakes took me back three steps for the one I had made forward. Sound familiar?
Continue reading “Treasure in Earthen Vessels”Whatever a Man Sows…
Springtime is just around the corner and some of us with a need for dirt under our fingernails, plant a garden. Anyone who plants a few seeds revisits the ground in a few days to look for the seedlings bursting forth from the ground. The small green sprigs give a hint of a harvest to come.
Continue reading “Whatever a Man Sows…”Navigation of Life
Without getting too far into the weeds, navigation is basically knowing where you are in relation to where you started. Basic navigation needs two known points to measure the current location.
The old explorers did not wander aimlessly into the seas. They plotted their course to determine where they were in relation to where they started. If you read some of their exploits, you will be amazed at their expertise even with the crude instruments of their time.
Are you wandering aimlessly into the seas of this world?
Continue reading “Navigation of Life”Overcoming Evil
A lingering question is asked these days given the situation we see in our world, “What can we do?” It is an earthly question with a spiritual answer. Much of what people see as a cultural shift, political upheaval, or religious persecution is a spiritual manifestation.
Continue reading “Overcoming Evil”False Prophets Are Poor Swimmers
Many years ago, one of my friends was so excited about this preacher and he wanted me to meet him. When I met him for the first time my spirit was grieved. That may sound strange but that is the only words that describes the feeling. I was a little confused because up to that point I had only heard good things about this preacher.
Continue reading “False Prophets Are Poor Swimmers”Spiritual Rebirth
Concerning our perceived effectiveness, the church has done a fair job of saving people from Hell, but a poor job of saving people from their brokenness. Jesus commanded us to go and make disciples, not just converts. I am afraid in our enthusiasm to make only converts we have left a heap of lost souls in the wake of false confessions and hurry-up-sinner-prayers.
Spiritual Warfare — Stand!
I would never describe myself as a fighter. In my view, it is better to avoid trouble than to stir it up. Some of us remember “The Jerry Springer Show” that kept its ratings by conflict, and more often than not, a fist fight on stage erupted. I knew then as now, that to fight is not the best option. It is better to walk away from trouble than to dive into it, but there are situations when we need to stand and not run.
It Must Be God!!
Many people have a wrong perspective of leaders. In the extreme, some tend to either place them on a pedestal or despise them. Hopefully, most of us view them with some normalcy, as people with a tough job who are trying to do their best despite their own weaknesses. But how do ordinary people do extraordinary things?