A bell rings and the announcer says: In this corner, bearing the weight of his past is Jacob the heel grabber. Then the announcer continues, as another bell rings. And in this corner – Oh wait, he doesn’t fit in the corner or in the ring, or in the auditorium, or in the Universe. He […]
Archives: Teachings
Lord, I Can’t Hear You
Introduction: I grew up in a home with hearing loss. My father had boils on the back of his ears as a child, so the doctor lanced them and in so doing, severed his nerves. Ever since I can remember, he has had a hearing aid. We had to speak directly to him and if […]
Guidelines for Group Leading and Leadership
1. Always remember, you are there as a facilitator, not a teacher. You are there to guide the conversation, help people with any specific problems, if necessary, and draw everyone, as much as possible, into the conversation. 2. Maintain your own private life with Christ; set high standards for yourself; not too high so you […]
Grace Back and Forth
We think of grace in terms of our salvation – and we should. It was given by the grace of God – not because of anything we did or didn’t do. We must receive that gift of grace through faith, since it unwrapped the only true gift that changes our future. Here you are blessed […]
The Calendar of the Resurrection
There are many calendars in use: The Julian, Gregorian – which we use; it reformed the Julian one in 1582 by bringing Easter to the time of the Spring Equinox. Also, there’s the Jewish calendar. I want to go back to the beginning and see how God formed His pattern for life. He did it […]
Good Friday
On this Good Friday, we know that the adjective “good” is God’s premiere word. It means in its general terms “satisfactory to God”. It is always His designation, from the creation story as each day ended, to the Father’s reference to His Son, as well as the phrase to be uttered in the future for […]
A Hug Can Save Your Life
Once in a while seeming innocent thoughts invade one’s mind. At the time, they do not appear to have any relevancy beyond the initial reflection. This time was different. In early 1996, I was in a car with both my roommate and older sister. We had just returned from church and were taking my sister […]
God Courted Us
Living Spring’s Wesleyan Talent Night – 2014: God Courted Us! One PowerPoint sign says: “ssh – quiet in the court” and “today’s court rulings are unalterable; they will stand”. First person comes down the aisle dribbling a basketball and is followed by his younger brother doing the same (Andrew, Noah). When they get to the […]
What Does the Resurrection Teach Us About God
WHAT DOES THE RESURRECTION TEACH US ABOUT GOD? 1). His Character A. Faithfulness 1. Justice is paid; is exacted, not estimated. 2. Mercy is bestowed. 3. Promises – He said “I’ll rise …. Jesus”. B. Compassion 1. Sins forgiven. 2. Sorrows – forebears with us. 3. Sicknesses – feels for us. C. Self – Composed. […]
Flag Day
Today is Flag Day, the date of the commemoration of the adoption of the U.S. Flag, which occurred on June 14, 1777. It was proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson on May 30, 1916, and on August 3, 1949, was signed as an act of Congress by President Harry Truman. When people say it takes an […]