Church Blog (Page 4)

I’ve spent enough time in small Texas towns to know that after about 6 o’clock, things begin to shut down pretty quickly. Stores that were once hubs of energy and excitement are vacated until dawn, and the brightly flashing neon lights of “mom and pop” eateries are promptly switched off. Not surprisingly, those who aren’t familiar with small-townliving are often shocked when they find that most businesses and restaurants have been abandoned. They may even begin to feel a sense…

Professional athletes are often seen as giants among men because they accomplish in one year what it would take most people two lifetimes to do. While we might be tempted to conclude that they look up to no one, many sports stars have their own heroes. For instance, Muhammad Ali was influenced by boxer Sugar Ray Robinson; Tony Romo was influenced by Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach; Phil Mickelson was influenced by Arnold Palmer; and Barry Bonds was influenced by…

Have you ever celebrated a victory in your life only to experience a setback in the days and weeks to follow? During my junior year in high school, our 2A football team triumphed in the playoffs over a team that was far superior to us. However, a week or two later, we succumbed to a team that we should have easily beaten. And, to add insult to injury, their fight song was “Frosty the Snowman.” Ouch. That story reminds me…

Although there are few things more painful than the death of a loved one, there are also few things more reassuring than when that loved one was obedient to the gospel. That ’s because we believe Jesus’ words in Revelation 2:10 when He said, “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. ” Over the last year, Bell Avenue has lost several precious members and loved ones. And while that isn’t unusual for a congregation…

In 1989, rock musician, Tom Petty, released a song entitled, “I Won’t Back Down.” In the lyrics, he affirmed that even though the world was trying its best to drag and push him down, he would stand his ground; he would be immoveable and unshaken. Today, there are few things that remain stationary. Like a raging river that dumps its refuse into the ocean, everything and everyone seems to go with the flow – even if it leads to their…

In The Screwtape Letters, author C.S. Lewis unveils some frightening truths about the nature of Satan and his goal to lure as many souls as possible away from a relationship with God. Perhaps the most alarming passage comes at the end of chapter twelve when a demon named Screwtape writes, “Murder is no better than cards if cards can do the trick. Indeed, the safest road to Hell is the gradual one – the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden…

Long before Armani, Calvin Klein, and Ralph Lauren became household names, men’s suits were often produced on those old pedaloperated sewing machines that now adorn the shelves of antique stores. The talented seamstresses that operated them knew that it was essential to cut both the jacket and trousers from the same piece of fabric because it was the only way to ensure that the suit would match. Although most of the quaint sewing shops of yesterday have been replaced by…

Few inventions in modern history have had as profound of an impact on the world population as the automobile. For instance, trips that used to take days on foot or horseback can be completed in several hours, and families that were once separated by hundreds or even thousands of miles can be reunited in just a day or two. Yet, despite the beneficial role that cars play in our lives, they’re not perfect. Sometimes the battery dies, or the engine…

Although I like other kinds of soft drinks, I consider myself to be a Dr. Pepper enthusiast. First manufactured in Waco, Texas in 1885, Dr. Pepper is distributed to at least 30 states throughout the US as well as dozens of other countries. What makes it so good? The 23 delicious flavors that it claims to have. Not surprisingly, off-brands like Pibb Xtra, Dr. Thunder, and others have attempted to replicate Dr. Pepper’s unique taste over the years, but its…

Some time ago, an old bachelor decided to purchase a parrot to help cure his loneliness. After careful consideration, he selected a beautiful bird and took him home. The very next day, however, he came back to complain, “That bird doesn’t talk!” The storeowner asked if had a mirror in its cage, and the man said he did not. “Oh parrots love mirrors,” he explained. “When he sees his reflection in the mirror he’ll start talking right away.” So, he…

A prosperous young Wall Street broker met, fell in love with and was frequently seen escorting about town a rising actress of gentility and dignity. He wanted to marry her, but being a cautious man he decided that before proposing matrimony he should have a private investigating agency check her background and present activities. After all, he reminded himself, I have both a growing fortune and my reputation to protect against a marital misadventure. The Wall Streeter requested that the…

Chances are, you have a Facebook account, or you know someone who does. Now over 15 years old, the multibillion dollar social media platform was launched as a way to reconnect old friends and acquaintances, and has also been instrumental in forging new relationships. However, despite the fact that over one-third of the world population uses Facebook, many people believe that we are more disconnected now than ever before. That’s because instead of calling our friends to have meaningful conversations,…