A long-time friend posted an article concerning the church going dark – that is, low lights in the congregation, and spotlights on the stage. Another attempt at what I call performance-based worship, which may in itself be an oxymoron. We used to sing “Standing on the Promises” while sitting on the premises, I guess we…
When I read a book that I really love, the end of each chapter causes a mini-disappointment in my mind, as I get closer to the end of the book. Life is similar. I appear to be close to finishing a chapter. A few days ago, I was surprisingly informed that my retirement office was…
In the early days of the Coronavirus quarantine, I was extremely restless and frustrated. Even in retirement, I’ve been running close to full speed. Sitting in my den recliner I was reading my Bible, and praying, and asking God what I was to “do” since my travel was now limited and cancellations had caused more…
I walk in my neighborhood every morning. A few weeks ago I saw a new sign in a neighbor’s yard – “Black Lives Matter.” The next day, a sign appeared across the street – “Brown Lives Matter.” Then “White Lives Matter,” and finally the all-inclusive sign appeared in our diverse neighborhood – “All Lives Matter.”…
A long-time friend asked me recently, “Do you suppose that in our life-cycle the call to take care of one’s health becomes one of the highest callings God makes to an individual?” I have thought much about his question, especially as I am asked to “shelter in place,” wear a mask, and keep a social…
I’ve always believed and taught that you could learn from anyone, even if you had little in common with them. His name was Matthew. He was the custodian for my college dormitory. He was a source of encouragement when students were discouraged, an ever-present source of laughter when one was sad. He good naturedly endured…
When I was young I lived with my grandparents. My Dad was a Chaplain in WW2, stationed in Germany. My mother was in a Sanitarium in west Texas with Tuberculosis. Due to my grandmother’s physical problems, she had a lady come into the house several times each week to assist with cleaning. Ella dipped snuff…
It was several decades ago this month, having sensed the call of God on my life, I was licensed to the Gospel ministry by the West End Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, where my father was Pastor. Shortly thereafter, I enrolled in Howard Payne College, to major in Bible, and prepare for the ministry. In…
Do you remember the cell phone commercial where the guy kept asking, “Can you hear me now?” as he moved from unique location to unique location, attempting to prove that his cell phone company could provide transmission from anywhere? Reminds me of what God may be asking today, although it is not God who is…
The truth can now be told. While Barber Shops were still under orders to remain closed, during the COVID-19 lock down, my barber called me and asked if I needed my hair trimmed (not cut as that would be illegal). “That or a dog tag” I replied. My Dad once said the worst thing about…