A friend taught me about greatness…. I lost a friend a little over a week ago.  He lay down for an afternoon nap and woke up in heaven.  We’re happy for him, he was ready; we’re sad for the rest of us, we weren’t ready for him to go yet. A large crowd attended a … Continue reading Greatness →

I'm one of those rare people who have been at the same church almost my whole life.  The Church of Christ of Hempfield Township in Greensburg, PA was established in 1958.  My parents, grandparents and other family members were charter members.  The church recently held it's 60th anniversary celebration and I was asked to say … Continue reading The Ripple Effect →

In honor of Father's Day on Sunday, I'd like to share an excerpt from "It's Suppertime" that talks about my father-in-law who sang this song on Father's Day 1986. Jim A Child of the King There’s an old hymn titled “A Child of the King.”* One of the verses and the chorus have been included … Continue reading A Child of the King →

You've probably been there.  I have.  You get an idea that seems like it must have come by direct revelation from the Holy Spirit.  It's something you want to do for God.  It will bring him glory.  It will help others come to know him.  You're not interested in people noticing you; your motives are … Continue reading When God says, “No” →

In “Hey Look at Me!” I related the story of the unidentified deliverer who God provided to rescue Israel from the power of the Arameans. That’s impressive. One deliverer defeats a whole nation to deliver another nation. It sounds like a great story line for a blockbuster action movie. Sadly, the epilogue turns this great … Continue reading Why Bother? →

4 Then Jehoahaz sought the LORD's favor, and the LORD listened to him, for he saw how severely the king of Aram was oppressing Israel. 5 The LORD provided a deliverer for Israel, and they escaped from the power of Aram. So the Israelites lived in their own homes as they had before. 2 Kings … Continue reading Hey, Look at Me! →

Rationalize - to devise self-satisfying but incorrect reasons for one's behavior.  Are you  good at that?  I know I can be.  It doesn't take me long to talk myself into or out of a lot of things that deep down I know aren't right.  I think it's one of Satan's best strategies for getting us … Continue reading What Could It Hurt? →

 The LORD was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of his words fall to the ground. 1 Samuel 3:19 (NIV) I came across this verse the other day and it caught my attention. I looked at several Bible commentaries to see what that phrase meant. They either said nothing about this … Continue reading Don’t Let Your Words Fall to the Ground →

Rear-view mirrors make me nervous.  Especially the one on the passenger side that says, "Objects in mirror are closer than they appear."  How am I supposed to know how much closer?  My exit is coming up and I need to get into the right lane so I check my mirrors.  The right one looks like … Continue reading You Can’t Trust the Rear-View Mirror →