What is your definition of blessed? For some, it only applies to money or material possessions. Pastor Tom Shepherd shares the following story. John D. Rockefeller lived from 1839 to 1937. In 1916 he became the first person in the world to reach a nominal personal fortune of one billion dollars. He was the founder,Continue reading “This is Who I Am”
Author Archives: davidmckinley
The Blessing of Forgiveness
Forgiveness can come from an unsuspected source and is sometimes met with odd responses. An attorney, after meditating on several Scriptures, decided to cancel the debts of all his clients that had owed him money for more than 6 months. He drafted a letter explaining his decision and its Biblical basis and sent 17 debtContinue reading “The Blessing of Forgiveness”
Christ is Preeminent in and over Creation
“To look at the window . . .as I did that first day . . . to look out at this kind of creation and not believe in God is to me impossible.”—John Glenn, speaking about his view of the Earth from the space shuttle Discovery To think of creation when summer is upon usContinue reading “Christ is Preeminent in and over Creation”
“Our Unrelenting God”
Some of you, a couple of weeks ago, awoke at 4:30 a.m. to watch the royal wedding. Along with the beauty and the pageantry associated with the event, you may have been curious about the outfits that the rich and famous would wear to such an occasion. Or you were curious about who came, andContinue reading ““Our Unrelenting God””
God is Faithful
How do you encounter adversity? What has been your reaction to disappointment or struggle? Experience is a great teacher. It drives home the lessons that the Holy Spirit brings into our lives from God’s word, the Bible. Scripture and experience are two tools used by God to equip us for life. Heaven forbid that weContinue reading “God is Faithful”
The Triumphal Entry
The world has seen many kings. But arguably none crueler or more demented than Nero. The Roman Emperor, responsible for the executions of Peter and Paul, reigned from 54-68. One source states: Nero’s rule is often associated with tyranny and extravagance. He shed the blood of many, including that of his mother, and the probableContinue reading “The Triumphal Entry”
Reflections on Billy Graham
“Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” Matthew 13:43 I was taken aback when I heard of the passing of Rev. Dr. Billy Graham. Dr. Graham was an icon on the American religious landscape, since his ministry started in 1947. He was arguably the most influential Christian inContinue reading “Reflections on Billy Graham”
Reaching and Retaining the Next Generation
Experience can be a cruel teacher. It must be balanced with loving instruction. A young man decided to take private boxing lessons. He found a boxing coach at a nearby gym who agreed to give him twenty-six weekly sessions. As part of his instruction, the young man was required to spar with other aspiring boxersContinue reading “Reaching and Retaining the Next Generation”
A Common Element Among an Effective Church
Spring is coming, I’m convinced! And with it will be mild temperatures, green grass, beautiful flowers and the reminder that it is good to be alive. Growth will set in. The growth season in our area begins after the last frost, sometime usually after April 1 and ends at the last frost of the year,Continue reading “A Common Element Among an Effective Church”
One Church, One Family
Text: Romans 12:1-13 “An effective team is only as good as its members. No one holds the market on value. Sometimes we fail to see the value in each other. For instance, a sea captain and his chief engineer were arguing over who was most important to the ship. To prove their point to eachContinue reading “One Church, One Family”
Central to Life 