Posts from 2019

Old book close-up

Do You Understand What You’re Reading?

Have you ever looked at a passage of scripture – read it and looked away and immediately thought, “what did I just read??!!!” We’ve all been there. What happens is that frustration and irritation set in and the Bible sits for longer periods of time unopened and unlearned. Yet, we have the responsibility to make a diligent studied effort (II Tim. 2:15). What are some practical things that can help?  Repetition of Verse: One man said, “What the mind repeats…

Merry Christmyths

Any time our culture talks about Jesus, God’s people have an open door to enrich the conversation about Jesus. As you know, during this holiday season, much will be said about Jesus that is inaccurate. These inaccuracies are not just spoken by the world, but by Christians as well. God’s own children, the “people of the Book,” even struggle to discern between fact and fiction concerning this pivotal, historical event.  May I challenge you to a short quiz? The purpose…
Running mature couple congratulate and happy to finish their morning workout

Finish What You Started

I’ve heard people say, “The hardest part is getting started.” I can see how that could be true in some cases.  Sometimes you have to overcome the inertia of thinking about something and just get on with the doing.  However, I think there’s also some truth to the idea that it can be easier to start something than to finish it. Every time we would drive to Dallas, we’d watch for an old house on the way that was started…

Philippines Mission Letter: November 2019

Dear Brethren,  It is always good and a blessing to be able to see and work with other preachers from different congregations in the vineyard of the Lord. As we gathered together with a harmonious purpose of glorifying God, we were able to help a new congregation in reaching out to the people in their barangay. Many contacts for Bible study had been listed for follow up, and the existence of the new congregation was further heard in the community.…
Cards with question marks

An Important Question

We cannot be certain who wrote Psalm 116. It would be easy enough to attribute it to David. But, we can be certain that whoever wrote the psalm asked himself a very important question. Here it is: “What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me?” (Ps. 116:12)  The writer, like the rest of us, had the ability to look at his life and appreciate what he knew had been given to him. Unlike some, who…
Yellow smileys

A Smile or a Frown

There are times when we look at someone and smile. There are times when we look at someone and frown. Circumstances that we may face cause us to smile or to frown. Can you recall a situation where you did one or the other at either a person or a situation?  The apostle Peter at one time, because of his denial of Jesus had an opportunity to frown. Not only to frown, in fact, but to weep bitter tears. Even…

Philippines Mission Letter: October 2019

Dear Brethren,  As we give time to visit our active and inactive brethren, our knowledge about them increases. It also continues to strengthen our relationship with them. We pray, study, cry, laugh, and eat together. The time, attention, and effort given to them help them feel that they are valued in the Lord’s family. As the Lord gives the increase to this ministry, two precious souls have been restored in October. Our sisters in Christ who came back to the…

The Day Jesus Cleaned House

Why did Jesus have to cleanse the temple? Why was He not content to just let things go on business as usual? In John 2, Jesus “cleans house” literally because those Jews had made the temple a “house of merchandise” (John 2:16). There were things, behaviors, and attitudes that didn’t belong in a house dedicated to the Lord. 1 Corinthians talks about the temple of the Lord being both the individual human body and the collective body of the church…
Gaboon viper - Bitis gabonica, poisonous, white background

Mimicking a Viper

What looks like a Gaboon viper, sounds like a Gaboon viper, and acts like a Gaboon viper? A Gaboon viper, of course. Also, the Congolese giant toad. With its two-inch fangs, the Gaboon viper is one of the largest vipers in Africa. The Congolese giant toad can be found only in the same habitat as the Gaboon viper. With a body that resembles the head of the viper, in that it is the same color and size, the toad can…
Key on a vintage book on wooden background

The Importance of Knowledge

It has been suggested that the word “knowledge” is the keyword of II Peter. A quick reading of Peter’s letter shows why that may be true. In the New King James Version, the word appears five times in chapter 1, once in chapter 2, and is found in the final verse of chapter 3. You also find “know,” “knowing,” “known,” and “knows” a total of eight times. There is an essential connection between knowledge and true freedom. Jesus said, “And…
Dark forest and hills reflection

My Own Reflection in the Sacrifice

A number of years ago, my wife and I had the opportunity to go to Washington DC. One of the most memorable monuments for me was the Vietnam Memorial Wall. In 1965, my cousin, Joseph Meek, was in Vietnam for only two months and 17 days before he was shot and killed. I found his name on the Vietnam Memorial Wall. They have a booth there that hands out a pencil and a piece of paper so that one can…
Newton's cradle crumpled paper bulb bright idea

Thoughts About Momentum

Momentum is interesting. If it’s there, it’s somewhat hard to stop, but if it’s not there, it’s somewhat hard to get going. We have had several wonderful, momentum building things this year that have been designed to gain momentum or to “get the ball rolling.” Of late and of note, we had an excellent success with Friends and Family Day as well as the neighborhood door-knocking event (including the putting together of packets). Now how do we keep the momentum…
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