Church Life
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Suffering–Silently–Secretly
She may have just received some very bad news from the doctor. He may have just lost his job. They may have just lost a child (maybe even in the womb). Hopes and dreams may have vanished into thin air. A seemingly permanent separation has occurred between or among family members or friends. The loss of a spouse, though not recent, still hurts, and the one who remains is still lonely. The aging process is not going well at all. Repeatedly, prayers are sent heavenward, but a spouse, a sibling, a child, or a grandchild remains unsaved or unfaithful. He or she struggles with sin. Surrender has never been seen…
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Have You Had a Pity Party Lately?
Jim and I were sitting and discussing some things one morning and the statement was made, “I don’t know why we would ever have a pity party.” You know what that is, don’t you? A session (party) in which you feel sorry for yourself. It usually involves whining and a facial expression that is either sad or mad. Maybe you didn’t get the trophy you wanted, the raise you thought you deserved, the grade you worked hard for, the family you wish you had, or the recognition you should have had. Maybe it’s your health that isn’t great and you forget about all the good days you have had. They…
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Thinking about the Present
At the recent Lads to Leaders convention, it was a joy to hear so many good speeches. Each was challenging and engaging in their own way, and I feel encouraged by the things I heard. During the Sunday morning worship, one of the young men was speaking and had been asked to extend the Lord’s invitation at the conclusion of his lesson. As he did, he said something that stuck out to me and has caused me to do some reflection. He reminded us of the plan of salvation (hear, believe, repent, confess, be baptized) and of the opportunity to respond as a Christian if we were in need of…
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You Don’t Only Live Once
When I found out I had cancer it changed me. Some of it was for the better, and some of it was for the worse. Fourteen years later, I now understand that when we go through a major event in our lives that alters us forever, there is an adjustment phase. Sometimes while in that adjustment phase we think we have stumbled on to some brilliant realization. But over time, we may find that we were too influenced by the moment to really be thinking clearly. One of the realities you are brought to when you get a diagnosis that may result in your death is the brevity of life.…
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“When It’s Not Fun Anymore”
I was thinking recently about a famous couple who “called it quits” a few years ago. Of course, they were not married to each other. You wouldn’t really expect that from a thoroughly modern couple, would you? They had “been together” for a few years. In today’s social climate, and especially in Hollywood, that’s an accomplishment in itself. Sadly, it is becoming more and more of an accomplishment in far too many segments of our society. I remember seeing a short clip of an interview with the woman who was no longer a part of this relationship. She was asked when a person “knows it’s over.” Her answer was, “When…
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When Attendance Declines, Don’t Automatically Blow Everything Up
I heard of it happening again not far away from where I live. As is always the case, it led to some hurt feelings and a great deal of confusion, even though I am certain such was not the intent. It followed a particular pattern that is so often seen. Some program or series of events begins to hit a lull in attendance. Leaders, out of what I believe is typically a great place in their hearts, begin to try to figure out what is going on. And, in an effort to stem the tide of losing numbers, they choose to completely change things up. Basically, they blow up the…
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What is Life Worth?
The title of this article is also the title of a book. The subtitle of the book is The Unprecedented Effort to Compensate the Victims of 9/11. The author of the book, Kenneth R. Feinberg, was appointed by the then-Attorney General of the United States, John Ashcroft, to administer a fund that had been created just eleven days after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Congress had set no limit on the size of the awards and had given Mr. Feinberg very few guidelines. Of course, he had a staff, but every final decision about an appropriate amount to be awarded to those who lost loved ones and/or those…
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Shared Poetry
I did a Ladies’ Day in Elk City Oklahoma a few days ago. It was a great day and the ladies did an excellent job with the decorations, lunch, and other activities. One of my favorite parts of the day was a poem that was written by one of their ladies, Pam Hagerman. It was so moving as she presented it and I asked her permission to share it with all of you. It did not have a title on the sheets she gave me, so I present it here to you in its entirety. In guilt and fear Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.…
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One Thing Hell is Not
I have seen it twice in the last few days. Driving around a smaller town, I have seen a man on a street corner holding a sign. To his credit, he is not shouting at people or being a nuisance. He is simply holding a sign with a message he intends to share with those who drive or walk by. At the top of the posterboard sign, in huge Sharpie letters are two words: “Universal Salvation.” Underneath, in smaller, but still very readable ink, are four words: “Hell is a Hoax.” I get it. I get the mindset that would lead to someone making such a sign and trying to…
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The Best Rest You Will Ever Get
How important is your sleep to you? Do you look forward to the end of the day when you are completely worn out, and you finally get to sit down or lie down and just rest? (The older you are the more you look forward to that moment at the end of the day). It is funny how we can remain active to a certain point each day and then all of a sudden, our bodies just tell us that we are DONE! When that moment comes, how satisfying it is to stop all activity and simply rest. Before you read any further I would like you to pause and…
