On Sunday, February 4th 2018, the National Football League will declare a new champion in Super Bowl 52! Now you need to know that this writer is hoping that the Philadelphia Eagles will compete and capture their prey, the Patriots, rather than playing like Philadelphia Pigeons! The Eagles must purpose to pound the Patriots offensively and defensively for four quarters or the Patriots will pound them into pigeons! That’s the formula to dethrone the defending champions. So Philadelphia must fly like an Eagle! That is my pregame analysis but now I will turn our attention to the spiritual gridiron given by our God. We have an adversary, an opponent, who enjoys an impressive record of ruining, wrecking and wasting lives. He doesn’t show up just to compete in your spiritual life but to conquer you.
Read MoreHello beautiful body of Christ and blog readers! I pray you are still on target with your God-centered goals for this New Year. On an occasion, I am led to write a word of exhortation to those of us who are married. Therefore, this week’s blog is directed to married couples. However, I believe that this information is not limited to just married couples because there are some sound samples of spiritual truth for our singles as well.
Read MoreCan you believe that we are already twenty-one days into this new year? Many of us have purposed to pursue goals this year with ambitious hearts. Maybe you have elected the following goals for 2018:
Read MoreAs I mentioned in last week’s blog, this is “money time” in the National Football League (NFL). After this weekend, we will have four teams continuing the ambitious pursuit of the goal to advance to the Super Bowl. Just as there are four quarters (15 minutes each) played in a NFL game, I give you four God-centered goals for 2018 based on Philippians 3:10.
Read MoreAre you an ambitious person? Is it a good thing to be ambitious? When we talk about ambition it’s essential that we examine the context, methods influences and results of our ambition. Careful consideration to context is crucial in understanding the word ambition. In addition, when we consider apprehending an anointed ambition we need to consider the means and the ends (steps/course of actions and results).
Read MoreAbout a couple of weeks ago before Christmas I was blessed by a wonderful testimony that turned my attention to a tremendous truth taught in the word: C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S. At the close of our weekly Wednesday night prayer meeting and bible study one of our precious seniors shared with me how she noticed something special in the word Christmas while participating in our Finishing Strong Seniors ministry. One of the seniors was adorned in seasonal, sweet-looking sweater with the words Merry Christmas in huge letters! The individual that shared the story said “She shouted ‘Oh my goodness! I have never seen that before! I love Christmas even more because of what I see in the word Christmas! It is a personal message for me!’” Her rich revelation rested in the last three letters in the word Christmas (mas). She is not of Latin descent but she declared that the last three letters in the word Christmas (mas) means “more” in Spanish. Therefore we should want more Christ in Christmas. Personally I am proclaiming: “That will preach!”
Read MoreAs we approach the Advent season I thought it would be appropriate to offer several blog entries that would turn our attitudes to the reason for the season. How about starting with a good cup of JOE! Not a cup of coffee but Joseph aka Joe the Hero!
Read MoreChristmas is the most wonderful time of the year! Have you counted how many times you have heard that statement? It is featured on the radio and highlighted in music playing throughout malls and elevators country-wide. Our minds are being molded to believe that this is the only time of the year that we will experience joy, excitement, and happiness. But the truth is that for millions of people Christmas is not so wonderful a time. There is more fear than cheer due to unrealistic expectations. Extreme expectations erase the presence and power of the Prince of Peace!
Read MoreNow 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.
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