As people of faith, we have spiritual resources to help us live in peace with others, and we need to use them in times when anger rises up between family members, friends, and co-workers. Sunday, March 24, 2019
A well-known hymn includes the words, "My faith is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness. This week, Dr. Spence talks about the temporary nature of our life on earth and the need to have faith in more than what this world can offer. Friday, March 22, 2019
I read about an owner of a large furniture store who was successful but oppressive on all the people that worked for him. He hardly ever associated with any of his employees and remained by himself in his office. Saturday, March 16, 2019
Recently I was in San Diego visiting my son and every day we would go to the beach and watch the sun set over the ocean on Sunset Cliffs. One day as we sat quietly waiting for the orange ball to slip down into the sparkling water my son asked “Mom – how do you handle the fact that you know you are going to die?” Sunday, March 10, 2019
I remember the event as though it happened last night, but it was over 40 years ago! My mother was a columnist for a local newspaper and she wrote about events in the community. One responsibility she had was to go to different theaters and critique plays. Saturday, March 9, 2019
At my church we are currently studying “The Case for Christ”, a book covering the historical and archeological evidence that supports the truth of the gospel. Sunday, March 3, 2019
Several years ago, I took my family to a conference at the beach. Yes, it was a real conference! Being from the mountains, the beach has never really appealed to me. I always get sunburned, sand is everywhere, and it is too hot. Saturday, March 2, 2019
Do you believe in miracles? What exactly is a miracle? Our very existence might well be considered a miracle--and our salvation through Jesus Christ an even greater one. Thursday, February 28, 2019
When you go on a trip do you ever wonder about not making it back or disaster striking while you’re gone? Truly, we never know when we will see someone for the last time. Another day is not promised to anyone. What if we wanted to forgive someone but lost the chance to do it? Sunday, February 24, 2019
I have always believed that a good memory is a terrible thing to waste, and a terrible memory is a good thing to waste. As a writer, I am dependent upon my memory, the good and the bad! Saturday, February 23, 2019
The Holy Spirit is the source of life that Jesus sent for us to live the Christian Life. You might ask, “Then why do so few individuals live in the power of the Holy Spirit?” God desires to fill our lives with His Spirit and we only need to ask. Thursday, February 21, 2019
In Stanley now, you can have a cup of joe and help a worthy cause at the same time. The One Mission Coffee Company just opened and according to the co-owners most of the coffee shop’s profits are going to benefit Christian missionary efforts in Haiti, and some 10 percent of the profits will also benefit the town of Stanley. Monday, February 18, 2019
Want to be an Easter Bunny for Christian Ministry of Lincoln County? The organization is in the midst of its annual assembly of Easter baskets for its many clients that the ministry will start giving out in March. Also check out Ms. Maria’s fundraiser for the clothing closet! Monday, February 18, 2019
Many people know the pain of having children or grandchildren who have problems that are impairing their life, and nothing has worked to heal them. Sunday, February 17, 2019
I heard an old wives tale that if a hoot owl hooted outside your bedroom window three nights in a row you were going to die, or you were going to lose someone you love. Well, a hoot owl has been outside my window for about four weeks and I’m still alive and kicking! Saturday, February 16, 2019
It is interesting to compare similar passages in the Bible for deeper meaning. If a crowd witnesses an event, their individual descriptions of what happened are usually slightly different because they may not have seen and heard exactly the same thing. Sunday, February 10, 2019
To the best of my recollection, I have been in over 12 automobile/motorcycle accidents in my life. I have been hit from behind, hit in the front, landed side-ways while in a tractor and trailer, and have rear-ended cars because I wasn’t paying attention while driving. Saturday, February 9, 2019
Loving one another in the name of Christ is the foundational bedrock of all Christian good news. We have no hope of achieving a satisfactory Christian life if we chose to throw out love. To love someone in the Spirit of Christ is to see them through the eyes of God who made them. They have souls worthy of our respect, kindness and hope. Wednesday, February 6, 2019
What would Jesus think if he came back today and saw what people of faith have done with his message? Suppose he was here now and asked us to show him what we are doing in his name. What would we do? Sunday, February 3, 2019
On the first day of the new year, my wife and I took a walk after lunch. I generally try to exercise 3-or-4 times a week, but I would rather walk with my wife than go to the gym by myself. Saturday, February 2, 2019
The ‘Souper Bowl of Caring’ has become an annual tradition for many congregations, schools and other youth-led communities, which can make a big difference for charities such as Christian Ministry of Lincoln County. Friday, February 1, 2019
It will be held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in downtown Lincolnton. Please encourage your pastor or church representative about attending our annual meeting of the member churches. We will share what each ministry has done over the past year and what we hope to do in the coming year. Everyone is invited! Sunday, January 27, 2019
This week my friend Dawn was celebrating the end of chemo treatment for her cancer, and she wanted to meet for dinner at a fondue restaurant called The Melting Pot in downtown Charlotte at 5 p.m. Trying to find a restaurant I had never been to in downtown Charlotte at 5 p.m. on a weekday was a sobering thought. Sunday, January 27, 2019
My entire life has been surrounded by mystery. The first mystery was when my mom came home from the hospital with my baby sister. Saturday, January 26, 2019
The Golden Valley Crusaders are well known for their performances at local churches; at outdoor concerts and bluegrass festivals; and, as the band’s members recently jointly noted, “anywhere that has a family-friendly atmosphere". Wednesday, January 23, 2019
