2017 archive

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

From Our Family to Yours — Merry Christmas!  Thanks for reading and encouraging me with Life in the Kingdom site.  We look forward to continuing the work in 2018.  

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Finding Peace All Year!

One of the most cited Bible verses this time of year is Luke 2:14, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”  The verse records the message of the angels at the birth of Christ.  Our culture emphasizes peace each Christmas, but as Christians we should have peace in …

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Win Championships By Having Good Practices!

I am not a New England Patriots fan.  I have always cheered against them in the big games.  But I must admit they have been extremely successful.  While Belichick has his flaws and detractors, I really appreciated the attitude behind this answer yesterday (12-6-17). Question from reporter: “With all you have accomplished in your coaching …

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Dealing with Slow Walkers This Christmas

A Mastercard survey found that 80% of shoppers say “slow walkers” is their biggest annoyance while shopping.  In response to this annoyance, one large mall in the UK released a “fast lane” which is a strip marked on the floor of the mall for fast walkers.¹ The survey also showed that the average walking speed …

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How the Preacher Identifies with the Same Aims as Christ

I was running one recent morning listening to the gospel of John.  The readings was from John 17, which is the text about Jesus’ prayer for his disciples.  Our Lord is very transparent in the prayer about his work on earth and his goals for HIs disciples.  He prays for his 12 disciples that he …

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The World’s Inconsistent Message on Sex

Our culture is sending so many mixed messages. Each day contains a story about sexual misconduct. Another high profile leader is accused of inappropriate actions toward a woman.  In worse stories, extra-marital affairs or tales involving prostitutes are sadly all too common.  The politically correct view is to condemn these  inappropriate acts. The world demands …

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Your Home Church Wasn’t Perfect, nor Awful!

It is Thanksgiving time and kids are coming back from college.  Good kids who have gone away to Christian schools or gotten involved in a Christian student center.  They have been exposed to other congregations.  They have experienced mission campaigns, large devotional singings, powerful preachers, and new programs.  They now look at their home congregation …

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The Blessing in the Mess!

Thanksgiving is a time when we count our blessings.  While it is easy to number certain blessings, we often may need to look a little deeper.  Sometimes the work and frustrations of life keep us from seeing the blessings that come because of that work. Proverbs 14:4 says, “Where there are no oxen, the manger …

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Do You Want to Be Made Well?

One day Jesus was walking by the pool of Bethesda, which was surrounded by various invalids.  He met one man who had not been able to walk for 38 years.  When Jesus saw him there by the pool, which was believed to have miraculous powers if you could be the first to get in the …

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Missing the Lord for the Crowd

Zaccheus, a man small in stature, knew the Lord was passing by him this day in Jericho.  But he was small in stature and could not see him because of the bustling crowd.  So he famously climbed up in a Sycamore tree, and the Lord noticed him and chose to dine at his home (Luke …

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