Monthly Archives: September 2011

The Power of a Word of Praise

Benjamin West was a famous British artist in the 1700s. He also served as the President of the prestigious Royal Academy of Arts. He was especially known for his paintings of historical scenes. West first become aware of his artistic … Continue reading

Posted in Children, Communication, Encouragement, Fatherhood, Influence, Motherhood, Parenting, Personal, Sports, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Description of Prayer

Christian, have you prayed today? If you have, what motivation did you have for praying? I hope you’re not like the little boy who was asked, “Do you pray every day?” He answered, “No, some days I don’t want anything.” … Continue reading

Posted in Discipleship, God's Love, Prayer, Prayer Requests | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Let Me Illustrate

All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables, and without a parable He did not speak to them… (Matthew 13:34, N.K.J.V.) Several years ago, at the close of a funeral service we both attended, I talked with a … Continue reading

Posted in Communication, Evangelism, God's Work, Ministry, Personal, Preaching, Sunday School, Teaching, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Throw Up Your Cap

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11, N.L.T.) Years ago, in a small fishing village on the coast of New England, a winter storm blew up suddenly and caught … Continue reading

Posted in Communication, Doing Good, Encouragement, Friendship, God's Work, Influence, Ministry, Missions, Service, The Tongue | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Got a Need?

A small Bible college was growing so fast that it desperately needed more dormitory space. If a new dormitory couldn’t be built, students would have to be turned away. So, the school’s president took the matter to God in prayer … Continue reading

Posted in Comfort, Doubt, Faith, Fear, God's Love, God's Omnipotence, God's Provision, Money, Needs, Personal, Prayer Requests, Problems, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

1,500 Sheep

A few years ago the Associated Press ran a story that came out of Gavas, a town in eastern Turkey. According to the story, one sheep from a very large flock walked to the edge of a cliff and jumped … Continue reading

Posted in Children, Choices, Courage, Decisions, Desires, Discernment, Discipline, Dress and Appearance, Family, Fatherhood, God's Will, Influence, Motherhood, Parenting, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

God Is Not Mocked

Dr. R.G. Lee was one of the most famous Baptist preachers who ever lived. From 1927 to 1960, he served as the pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee. During those years the church grew in membership from 1,400 … Continue reading

Posted in Atheism, Depravity, God's Holiness, God's Wrath, God's Judgment, Rebellion, Sin, Sowing and Reaping | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Tonya’s Birthday

Today is my wife Tonya’s birthday, and so I’d like to devote this post to her. I thought it would be fun to describe a typical day in her life, and since my day-to-day memory only lasts for about one … Continue reading

Posted in Children, Doing Good, Husbands, Marriage, Parenting, Personal, Service, Sports, Wives, Work | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

Making Excuses for Your Sins

Four old codgers were playing poker for money in the back of their local store. Suddenly, the sheriff walked in on them and said, “Gambling again, eh? This time I’m going to arrest you fellows just to teach you a … Continue reading

Posted in Addiction, Adversity, Attitude, Backsliding, Change, Disobedience, Drugs, Gambling, Gluttony, Lust, Lying, Obedience, Personal Holiness, Problems, Racism, Rebellion, Repentance, Sanctification, Sex, Sin, The Tongue, Worry | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Elephants, Grass, & Spiritual Warfare

Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. And the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the … Continue reading

Posted in Adversity, Angels, Demons, God's Will, Personal, Prayer, Satan, Spiritual Warfare, The Devil, Trials | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments