Numbers 11:5-6 says, “We remember the fish which we used to eat free in Egypt, the cucumbers and the melons and the leeks and the onions and the garlic, but now our appetite is gone. There is nothing at all to look at except this manna.” (NAS) Saturday, August 17, 2019
My son turns 30 this week and I remember how much I wanted to shield him and his sister from the harsh realities of this world. I dreaded the day when my children would realize what kind of world this is with crime, senseless violence, murder, war, and injustice. Sunday, August 11, 2019
Christian Ministry just released its stats and facts for the month of July. It helped 640 families with food, 63 families with utilities and/or rent, 227 families were helped with furniture and household items and personal items, LINC Home Meals program delivered 1,619 meals, and the ministry’s soup kitchen served 3,610 meals to 3,027 people. Saturday, August 10, 2019
A few years ago my wife and I went on vacation to Daytona Beach, Florida. One of the jobs everybody has to do when they arrive at their vacation destination is to go to the grocery store to buy supplies for the duration of your time away from home. Saturday, August 10, 2019
By now you may have grown tired of hearing the reports about the tragedies in El Paso and Dayton, but Dr. Spence reminds us that only by considering the problems we are facing can we hope to solve them. Thursday, August 8, 2019
Cherryville-based Heart 2 Heart will perform a free concert, Aug. 10 at 6 p.m. at Living Word Ministries in Lowesville. They have placed on the gospel charts many times and appeared on television. Sharing the bill will be the Johnson Edition from South Carolina. Wednesday, August 7, 2019
Invite your friends and neighbors to this wonderful concert as St. Luke’s opens their doors and arms to the community welcoming everyone into their church home on Friday, August 9 at 6 p.m. in their Parish House at 315 N. Cedar St. in Lincolnton. Tuesday, August 6, 2019
This week, Dr. Spence uses the occasion of the start of school next week as a reminder that watching out for others is important. Sunday, August 4, 2019
When we are gone all that will remain will be our story told through the lens of those who remember us. Our story is the legacy we leave for our family and friends. For God’s people it contains our common spiritual heritage that knits us together in the Body of Christ. Sunday, August 4, 2019
I have always underestimated the role of the belt in a man’s wardrobe. I have worn a belt since I was a child and I thought that it was just for looks. Saturday, August 3, 2019
This week someone from the community who knows me as a pastor called to cry out in pain in the middle of a horrific family tragedy. He needed someone to listen and be present with him in his sorrow. Sunday, July 28, 2019
After months of debate, my wife and I adopted a kitten from a local animal shelter. I am convinced that is one of the best decisions we have ever made! Saturday, July 27, 2019
Spartanburg’s own Pine Ridge Boys return to Living Word this Saturday. Also on the bill are the Citizens of Glory, all the way from California. Friday, July 26, 2019
It was a pleasant evening to say the least. The band played, people listened to the music, visited with friends, and some danced. The 'Men in Black' weren't there--and frankly, they weren't missed. Friday, July 26, 2019
Living a Christian life doesn't mean that we won't face hardships, times of uncertainty, darker hours. It is these times that our faith in God's promise is most important. Thursday, July 25, 2019
One thing in life we can count on is life can be unfair. People will do us wrong for no good reason. Sometimes we get what we didn’t deserve. Why did they have to do that? Sunday, July 21, 2019
There's a well-known saying, WWJD--What would Jesus do? This week, Dr. Spence talks about keeping God's will as central to your everyday life and the daily decisions you make. Friday, July 19, 2019
As temperatures rise, so do the needs of Christian Ministry. Whilst it is true that winter is surely the hardest season for charities and their clients, both physically and fiscally, summer presents its own challenges. Friday, July 19, 2019
This week I got a letter from a reader of this column named James Webber who worked for years as a truck driver. He used to read a newsprint magazine called “Highway News and Good News” in the 1970s published by the Transport for Christ ministry written for highway cowboys to encourage them in their faith. Sunday, July 14, 2019
Have you ever wondered how our “old sayings” became “old sayings?” Take for instance, “You can’t have your cake and eat it too?” This sage old saying has never made any sense to me. Why would you want cake if you couldn’t eat it? Saturday, July 13, 2019
Springfield Memorial Baptist Church hosted the Gaston County Missionary Baptist Association (GCMBA) July 7-11 for their 65th Annual Session in Stanley. Thursday, July 11, 2019
The Hudson-based family group will perform a free concert at the Lowesville church, coming up on Saturday, July 13, at 6 p.m. And sharing the bill will be the Rogers Family of Rutherfordton. Wednesday, July 10, 2019
The group’s soup kitchen is in need of help from volunteers. If you can work a stove and cook a meal, then we need you! Our weekday supply of volunteer cooks––Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. ––has dwindled. And we need cooks to help serve those who come in every day for a hot, cooked meal. Monday, July 8, 2019
Paul says in Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” One of the most important things Jesus came to teach us was about our sin, and He wanted us to know that our sin is more than our outward behavior. Sunday, July 7, 2019
It has been a long time since I have been a patient in an Emergency Room, and I wished it could have been even longer. But last Monday evening I was a patient instead of a visitor. Saturday, July 6, 2019
Here’s a great idea for items for the food pantry - why not have a food drive sign-in at your VBS and ask for macaroni-and-cheese to be donated to Christian Ministry. Also the ministry's soup kitchen has been chosen by Bi-Lo for their community bag program through July. Monday, July 1, 2019
This week one of the faithful readers of this column, Marie Jenkins, shared something with me she found in her keepsakes. I invite any of you to send me things you think would be edifying in this column. Sunday, June 30, 2019
One of my favorite television shows is the, “Andy Griffith Show.” It is a series that can still make me laugh, cry, and think within the span of thirty minutes. Saturday, June 29, 2019
The bluegrass gospel greats will present a free concert during that Sunday morning’s worship services and everyone is invited to a covered-dish lunch with the quartet immediately after the concert. Thursday, June 27, 2019
One thing I hear about everywhere I go is the disabling effects of anxiety in our community. “My anxiety is so bad right now”, or “my anxiety is getting worse” are very common themes. Sunday, June 23, 2019
Over the past few months I have baked enough cakes to make Paula Deen blush. It started out as a hobby, but it is now a border line obsession. Saturday, June 22, 2019
