John Wayne was not the only one who called people “pilgrims.” The writer of Hebrews referred to early believers as “strangers and pilgrims” on the earth (Heb. 11:13). Likewise Peter wrote, “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims. . . ” (I Peter 2:11) If we are pilgrims, it follows that we are on…
Miss Belle was sixteen years old. In people years that’s well over 100. She was a beautiful, gentle, loving, loyal, long-hair dachshund. She left us last Saturday morning. Mark Twin said, “Heaven goes by favor. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in.” I’m glad heaven is not…
I will never forget the first time I met Jim Hatley. He walked into my office and introduced himself as the new Director of Missions for our Association. He was wearing blue jeans and boots – not drug-store cowboy boots, but work boots. He was on his way to deliver boxes of Bibles to Pastors…
A recent survey asked more than 800 pastors to name the critical ministries of their churches by listing the top five. Only five percent of participating pastors listed prayer/prayer ministry/prayer groups in the top five. Do they not know that exclusive of the Psalms, which is a prayer-book of its own, the Bible records 650…
“I’ve got your back” is a popular way of assuring someone that you are watching out for them. According to “The Urban Dictionary” the phrase comes from making sure you are safe by watching what’s behind you when you’re busy looking ahead. Isaiah knew who had his back. “Your ears shall hear a word behind…
“So live that when the rumors begin, no one will believe them.” I said that to every class of students I had in my teaching career. In recent days I have seen the truth of that affirmed again. Few of us will avoid being the subject of rumors. We must remember that ultimately it is…
It’s so easy to be passionate about spiritual influences, but it takes a heart totally in love with Jesus to put feet in His footprints. It’s fun to be thrilled by spiritual successes, but difficult to walk in lock-step in the midst of hardship. Paul told Timothy to “endure hardship as a good soldier of…
Ever grow weary in well-doing? Paul referenced that idea in Gal. 6:9 and again in 2 Thess. 3:3. Most have experienced it. In our instant everything society, we mistakenly think we can plow, plant, nurture, and reap all at the same time. When that doesn’t happen, we grow weary. Part of the problem is that…
Among the lessons I’ve learned through the years is a good way to minister to people is to get away from them on a regular basis. Before you brand me as something weird, I learned this lesson from Jesus who “often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed” (Luke 5:16). One difference is that Jesus withdrew…
The images were all too familiar. A church surrounded by emergency vehicles. Church members in shock. Yellow crime scene tape everywhere. Various interpretations of what happened. Many worshippers thinking it was part of a skit. This time it was First Baptist Church in Maryville, Illinois. Nine and a half years ago, it was Wedgwood Baptist…