Today I share a Bible reading guide that I have found helpful. I first became aware of this plan through a handout I received at the Edmond church of Christ about 6 years ago. The guide suggests an Old Testament and a New Testament reading for each day of the year. I use the chart …
Monthly Archives: January 2011
Bible Reading: A “New” Plan
An interesting Bible reading plan has been developed by Michael Coley. He has divided the Bible into seven different section (New Testament letters, Old Testament books of law, Old Testament books of history, Psalms, the remaining Old Testament books of wisdom, prophecy, and New Testament history) with a Bible reading from each section on a …
It’s Sunday Again: Bible Reading
How are you doing on your Bible reading for 2011? Even though we are half way through the first month (in fact, only about 95% of 2011 remains), and despite the fact that some have already given up on their resolution to read the Bible through in 2011, it is not too late to develop …
Legalism and Mediocrity
[Working on an article–here is a draft of my introduction. What connections have you observed between legalism and mediocrity?] The ultimate result of legalism is mediocrity—a willingness to do the minimum, a lack of motivation to go beyond that which is required. Perhaps you have seen this quote from Alexander Solzhenitsyn: “A society based on …
Choosing the good over the best
Good, better, best. The sequence of positive superlatives is not always easy for children to learn in English class. I suggest it is sometimes equally difficult for adults to learn in daily life. Paul wrote to the Philippians, praying that they might know how to discern what is best (1:11). How often do we sacrifice …
When life is normal
Life is filled with special events and unique experiences. A special Sunday, a special speaker, a touching encounter, an overwhelming sense of commitment. Spiritual high points give us hope and encouragement. Yet the reality of the routines of life is this: the greatest challenge of Christianity is to know God’s presence and power in the …
My “Home” Congregation
When I turned the daily inspiration calendar on the shelf, this thought jumped out at me: “No one gives you a home, you make a home.” The editor of the calendar probably intended to encourage us to strengthen our families. As is often the case, the saying caused me to think….Don’t parents give or provide …
A World of Sin and Sorrow
[updated Monday, January 10, 7:00 A.M.] The events of the weekend concerning the tragedy in Arizona have flooded the news shows, the talk shows, and the special news programs. The events were the subject of last-minute bulletin articles; the prayers of God’s assembled people included petitions on behalf of those involved and our nation. An …
Update: Good News!
Yesterday I wrote of my hopes for genuine renewal at the beginning of this New Year, and also of the challenges I have felt in recent years–especially in view of the annual area-wide combined worship. Today I upate those observations. Yesterday was undoubtedly one of the best of the nine New Year’s combined worship events …
It’s Sunday Again: First Sunday of the Year–New Beginnings
As a minister, the first Sunday of the New Year is traditionally one of my favorite Sundays of the year. Through the years, I have enjoyed the freshness, excitement and enthusiasm of leading the church in beginning a New Year with new hopes and expectations. The church seems poised and ready for action. The holidays …
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