Category Archives: Influence

The Rebuked & The Rebuker

It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise than for a man to hear the song of fools. (Ecclesiastes 7:5, N.K.J.V.) …Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. (Proverbs 9:8, N.K.J.V.) …a scoffer does not listen to … Continue reading

Posted in Church, Counsel, Courage, Criticism, God's Work, Honesty, Influence, Ministry, Personal, Preaching, Sports, Truth, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Job’s Wife & Her Tongue of Fire

The book of Job consists of 1,070 verses and 42 chapters. First, chapters 1 and 2 feature conversations between God and Satan. Second, chapters 3 through 31 feature conversations between Job and Eliphaz, Job and Bildad, and Job and Zophar. … Continue reading

Posted in Communication, Complaining, Criticism, Influence, Marriage, The Tongue | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Jesus & Nazareth

But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” (Mark 6:4, N.K.J.V.) With the exception of the times when I was attending Appalachian State … Continue reading

Posted in Christ's Miracles, Doing Good, Evangelism, Family, Friendship, God's Work, Individuality, Influence, Leadership, Ministry, Pastors, Personal, Preaching, Service, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

What Do Sequoia Trees Have to Do with Christians?

Many times, I have ended a conversation with some fellow Christian by saying, “I’ll pray for you, and you pray for me.” As you might guess, these words have come at the end of talks in which we’ve shared our … Continue reading

Posted in Christian Unity, Communication, Friendship, Influence, Ministry, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Problems, Seeking Advice, Worry | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Turning the Other Cheek

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to … Continue reading

Posted in Attitude, Character, Choices, Discipleship, Doing Good, Extending Forgiveness, Influence, Persecution, Personal, Revenge, Sports, The Sermon On The Mount, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Miss Thompson & Teddy

Today, I feel led to share a story that I picked up years ago from well-known pastor and author John Ortberg. It’s Ortberg’s story put into my own words. The story has always been a blessing to me, and I … Continue reading

Posted in Children, Christmas, Doing Good, Encouragement, Evangelism, Friendship, God's Love, God's Work, Influence, Mercy, Ministry, Motherhood, Service, Teaching, Witnessing, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Mitchell County (We’re Not All Leaving)

In March of 2024, the United States Census Bureau released its 2023 county population estimates for North Carolina. Of North Carolina’s 100 counties, 85 of them had either grown in population or at least remained almost identically the same in … Continue reading

Posted in Adversity, Business, Church, Commitment, Contentment, Current Events, Faithfulness, God's Omnipotence, God's Will, God's Work, Individuality, Influence, Ministry, Obedience, Pastors, Personal, Problems, Prosperity, Service, Submission, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Jesus & Social Media

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31, N.K.J.V.) And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks … Continue reading

Posted in Character, Communication, Current Events, Discernment, Discipleship, Doing Good, Evangelism, God's Work, Gun Control, Influence, Personal, Personal Holiness, Righteousness, Sanctification, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Incredible Power of Showing Kindness

The Battle Creek Sanitarium in Battle Creek, Michigan, was once a world-renowned health resort. Opening its doors in 1866, the Sanitarium eventually grew into a massive complex that included a hospital, a nursing school, and multiple research facilities that were … Continue reading

Posted in Character, Communication, Counsel, Criticism, Doing Good, Encouragement, Friendship, God's Work, Influence, Ministry, Problems, Reconciliation, The Tongue | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Christianity in Shoe Leather

In my previous post, “For His Name’s Sake,” I talked about how a Christian’s conduct has a direct effect upon Christ’s reputation with the lost people of this world. Summing up the situation, a Christian’s sinful conduct does harm to … Continue reading

Posted in Backsliding, Business, Character, Church, Discipleship, Doing Good, Faithfulness, Honesty, Influence, Lying, Obedience, Personal Holiness, Salvation | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment