Now that another Thanksgiving has turned the corner it’s time to consider the Christmas season. Traditionally, after a faith-filled and festive time with the family, I usually take on the task to find the Christmas Tree! Not any ordinary tree will do. I search for a tree that will be deemed worthy of the season, declared as the most decorative tree on display and will also wrap our hearts and minds to the wonder of Christmas! What do we look for and expect from such an extraordinary evergreen?
Read MoreAs a six year old, Saturday morning Western TV programs walked my heart and mind into the world of the Colt .45, sheriffs, marshals, outlaws, stagecoaches, the Iron Horse (trains),cattle rustlers and gunfights. One of my favorite shows was the Rifleman with Chuck Conners. His character was Lucas McCain, the Rifleman. The outlaws always found themselves outgunned by the Rifleman’s rifle! There were other great Westerns that grab our attention and imagination such as Bonanza, the Virginian, High Chaparral, Big Valley and Gunsmoke. All of these great old Westerns ignited our imaginations to tour the world of the Old West.
Read MoreLike most God-fearing and good parents, we all purpose to promote and help our children process and practice virtues. Virtues reflect behavior that that is involved with high moral standards. These virtues include: truth, honor, patience, goodness, charity, respect and giving thanks.
Read MoreIn last week’s blog, I shared that my wife Gloria and I wanted our sons to pay attention to God’s Voice; specifically His law or Word and always remember how they were raised. It reminds me of the encouragement Paul gave to his spiritual son, Timothy.
“But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:14-15 (KJV)
This week’s blog is encouraged by my reflection as a parent. At this season in our lives, my wife and I are “embracing the empty nest.” God in His fabulous favor and magnanimous mercy gave us three sons who are now 28, 27 and 26 years of age. Like all parents we wanted nothing but the best for them. Specifically, a rich, real and rewarding relationship with God in which they trust and travel in the truth, are framed, focused and fearless in their faith and finally, sound, suited-up and strong in the spirit of God. I love my sons and intensely desire that they walk with the Lord.
Read MoreMaybe you have heard the adage that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. But what happens if a woman is a poor cook or perhaps the man is a better cook? Or what if she is trying to win the affections of a world renowned chief from Paris? As you can see to travel down this path in hopes of winning someone’s heart is misguided and problematic. To be frank: it is fleshly.
Read MoreJust the other day several men and I from my church went down to Hard Rock Stadium located in Miami Gardens Florida to watch a college football game between my alumni the Syracuse Orange and the 8thranked Miami Hurricanes. After a brief shower the sun appeared and we were hammered by the humidity! The temperature was 85 degrees but it felt like 92 degrees! Too bad the play of the Orange in the first half was not as hot as the weather! However, they did make a game of it trailing only 20 to 19 with a little less than 2 minutes and 43 seconds left in regulation. At the end of the game the Hurricanes squeezed out a victory with a final score of 27-19.
Read MoreLast week, I reminded us that as God’s people we are the Kings of Bling because we trust and obey the King of Kings! However, those who are recipients of the Chain of God’s Grace engage in personal effort. Now for clarification I am not calling for or encouraging a work-oriented faith but faith without works is dead. That is, your work for God comes from God being in you! “The proof is in the pudding!” Jesus is the pudding that people will be able to touch and taste in our lives.
Read MoreAs a former high school, collegiate, and professional football player as well as a high school coach I have very fond memories of both receiving incentives and giving incentives for players performing well in games. The word incentive is defined as something that incites or tends to incite to action or greater effort as a reward offered for increased productivity. Football coaches on all levels have utilized everything from stickers on Helmets, lunch pails, wrestling belts, big sticks etc. as incentives for their players. This year’s NCAA College football season has a team that has taken motivational tools or incentives to a new level via something called the “Turnover Chain.”
Read MoreOver the past couple of weeks, we have been considering three principles to practice that will promote intimacy with God. The first principle was watch and pray. We must be watching and praying if we want our will to reveal that we desire a relationship with God and are interested in Him. Second, we should also be walking in wisdom to know how to please the Lord and walk in His ways. Finally, we will discuss advancing Godly words or speech.
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