I am writing these words on the day I was asked to participate in the funeral of a very special Christian lady. Some of what I am about to type could probably be written after any number of funerals. I am afraid, though, that not all of it could.  Funeral services have a way of reminding us about things that are vitally important. A story I heard from a family member is, at least to me, a great example of this. Many of us have had the heartbreaking experience of trying to help a loved one as the aging process takes a terrible toll on that loved one. At some…

There are a lot of important pieces of information and wisdom that help us throughout life. Each of us can look back on our lives and remember conversations that gave us just one bit of wisdom, but that was enough to aid us through a tough time or help us with something that would come later in life. Today, I want to suggest a conversation that every Christian should have. It won’t take but a few minutes, but it might just change your perspective. And it can be with any number of people. Here is who you go talk to: an older Christian who now struggles to get out of…

If you’re like me, your home is decorated with pictures and plaques that have special meaning to you and your family.  Some of them may be gifts that have been given to you. One of the largest paintings in our home hangs in our dining room. It was a gift from Jim on Christmas many years ago. I still love it and enjoy it. It isn’t just a painting on a wall, it is a memory of how much Jim pleases me with his wonderful gifts. In our study we have all different kinds of plaques and pictures that are mostly work related or inspiring. Some are drawings from friends,…

I suppose that every generation has them. They are the ones who adamantly refuse to conform to whatever norms there are at a given time and/or place.  My generation probably didn’t invent the idea, but many sure popularized it. Some of us did not buy into the entire agenda, but we were influenced in various ways. One of those ways was seen in what could very loosely be called a “wardrobe” back then. Anything that was deemed to be “dressy” or “formal” was frowned upon. We were determined to not look like our parents. If they wanted to get dressed up, that was fine with us, but we were intent…

51. 45. 37. Have you guessed what those numbers are? They are not (as far as I know) the combination needed to open a safe somewhere. They are not winning lottery numbers. They are not any number of things you may be thinking.   We could go on and on with various possibilities, but it’s probably better not to do that. They are the numbers I observed on “the board” of a small rural church building not long ago.  You do know what I mean by “the board,” don’t you? It is the board that is placed in the front of many places of worship. Sometimes, it is one of two boards.…

I doubt I’m in the minority of preachers when I say that I don’t really enjoy preaching on attendance. It would seem to be just about the most basic concept of the faith; after all, it’s just showing up. However, it seems that it was an issue even in the First Century. After all, the “attendance verse” that everyone seems to know–Hebrews 10:25–even says that, back then, “forsaking” was “the habit of some.” Still, even though I mention it in sermons at times, I don’t enjoy feeling like I have to do so. It would seem that just being present should be a given for those who claim to love…

I was blessed to be asked to speak this last weekend at the Cane Ridge Restoration Lectureship held at the North Lexington church of Christ in Lexington Kentucky. It was a great gathering of fellow Christians and the lessons were outstanding. The North Lexington congregation is to be praised for their planning and execution of this lectureship. The singing was outstanding and their hospitality was beyond measure. The theme for the lectureship was “He Opened HIs Mouth and Spoke.” Of course, the text for the lessons all came from the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5, 6, and 7. Each speaker was assigned one of the Beatitudes and a…