A number of years ago, a 92-year-old preacher in Atlanta was asked to speak to his old congregation.  He was asked to answer the simple question: “What is the greatest lesson you have learned through over 50 years of preaching?”  After a slow shuffle to the pulpit, he briefly, but boldly, said that the greatest lesson was summarized in these familiar lyrics: Jesus loves me this I know, For the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong, We are weak, but He is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me… Yes, Jesus loves me… Yes, Jesus loves me… The Bible tells me so. Today may not be your best day.  You may have health or financial concerns.  There may be those in your family who have hurt you or written you out of their lives.  [...]

If I were to ask you what was at the center of an atom, you would reply, “the nucleus.”  Similarly, the sun is at the center of our solar system.  What is at the center of the church?  I suppose the simplest answer is that Jesus is at the center.  He is the cornerstone and the head of the church. However, if that question were asked regarding the functioning of the local church, what would the answer be?  What do you see as the most important cog in the church here?  Some would see the elders and their leadership.  Others might point to Mark or myself as full-time evangelists.  Still others would highlight the entire Bible class program or another ministry.  Would someone refer to the “prayer warriors” — men and women who regularly and [...]

As I got ready to come to the office this morning, I asked my wife, “Honey, what do I need to do today?”  She paused a few seconds and replied, “Eat a salad, drink more water, and smile a lot.” This was not what I really meant or what I expected, yet it was very much what I needed.  The same is probably true of most of our resolutions for 2012.  Most of us tend to resolve to diet better, exercise more, and spend less.  We like practical issues rather than spiritually healthy resolutions like, treating others better, showing more patience, and enjoying every day to the fullest.  We might all be benefitted by asking ourselves what the Lord would like for us to do. Three passages capture the heart of what I believe the [...]

I always find it exciting to have something new.  New clothes, new “toys,” new cars, and new jobs all bring a measure of anticipation.  Most of us experienced that feeling with every unwrapped Christmas present. At midnight this Saturday evening, we will turn our calendars to a new year–the year 2012.  With it comes a host of new dreams and activities.  None of us know exactly what it will bring, but we certainly have reason to possess great expectations. My prayer for your family and our entire congregation is that 2012 will be a year of great excitement filled with spiritual growth, familial joy, and good health.  May we all experience the beauties of peace, forgiveness, and wisdom.  Past years have been filled with blessings, but 2012 may be the best year ever. While some [...]

Paul Riddle is a spiritual care specialist who works with Lifeline Chaplaincy, a hospital ministry supported by churches of Christ in Houston.  Recently he shared a story about Emma, a lady who was in the last stages of pulmonary failure.  While gasping for air, she told him of her love for God and her abiding hope.  She described her life-long commitment to attend every worship service or Bible class, even though as a single parent she was often exhausted.  Paul asked her what about the church motivated her to go even when she didn’t really want to.  Her response was quick and simple, “My flowers needed watering.”  Without regular spiritual interaction our spiritual lives dry up. Certainly church attendance is an act of obedience — the Scriptures command our presence at the assemblies.  It is [...]