Year: 2004

Many years ago, I preached a sermon in Maybole, Scotland, on God's call. A visitor from Northern Ireland was in the congregation. His name was Tom, and he was a successful director of a civil engineering firm. The sermon had … Read more

Recently, I stood with a friend at the bedside as his beloved father struggled to die. For several days this man's family watched as he gasped for breath, unconscious of those waiting through those last hours with him. I could … Read more

My brothers and I didn't have a television when we were growing up, and I don't remember seeing a play until I was in high school, so I'm not sure why we enjoyed acting out our Sunday School lessons, but … Read more

When I was a teenager, I worked in a clothing store where young people came to buy the latest fashions. I sold flared jeans, bomber jackets, heavy knit sweaters, and afghan coats. Our store manager, Joe, was constantly buying new … Read more

While living in a rented home for a couple of months, I was not familiar with the toaster. I am in the habit of leaving a slice of bread sitting in the toaster, ready for me to push down the … Read more

Recently, I was drawn to the book of Daniel, and, as I read the familiar passages, I couldn't help but wonder what Daniel might have written to his mother if he had been allowed to write home. If his letter … Read more

Granules exploded in my mouth; a chalky substance chased them down my throat. Machines tipped me off balance: right, left, and center. I did not really enjoy the experience of an upper GI (gastro-intestinal) exam. Still, my doctor had recommended … Read more

I remember an old movie starring Ronald Reagan, Patricia Neal, and Richard Todd called "The Hasty Heart". It's all about a group of wounded soldiers during World War II who are recovering in an army hospital in Asia. Todd plays … Read more

Unfortunately, I didn't have enough brothers available to re-enact the scene of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego when they were in the fiery furnace, but I do remember telling the story to my brothers and their friends in the Bible club … Read more

My new Bible had more bells and whistles than a streetcar! There were teaching notes, maps, and diagrams to add insight to the Word. The leather cover was fresh and clean. But I didn't like it. I couldn't put my … Read more