February 2013

26 Feb

Posted at 00:49h in Devotionals
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"Also she had a great and high wall with twelve gates... three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west." Revelation 21:12,13 It's an awesome picture - "A great and high wall with twelve gates." Here, John, the Revelator presents a rather strange picture of the Heavenly City, one which both repels and invites, all at the same time. First we're told that there is a great, high wall that separates the city from those on the outside. Then we're told that there are twelve gates in that wall that allow entrance into the city. It's almost as if the city really had no desire to repel anyone.

22 Feb

Posted at 12:37h in Fridays Are For Family
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"I love you." Everybody from sociologists to pastors to grandparents tell us that these are the three most powerful words in human language. Yet, sadly, there are many children who grow up and never even hear these words spoken, much less displayed, by those who should show and say it the most - their parents. Now, I am not naturally what would be considered to be a "soft" or "sensitive" person. I don't cry at the drop of a hat. I don't normally get "misty" in the sentimental parts of movies. I don't really care for "tear-jerker" books or stories. I know, this fact may not go over well with some of my female readers, but it is simply the truth. I am not interested in, and don't really plan on, getting in touch with my "feminine side."

18 Feb

Posted at 11:59h in Devotionals
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“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14  Christianity is no doubt an audacious faith! In fact, the mind of man with all of its machinations could never have dreamed of the heights of its aspirations. The religions of this world constantly seek their glory by looking to the past, but the faith of Christ forgets those things which are behind. In fact, in Christianity there is no past. It looks forward to the future, desires the coming day and presses forward for the prize.

15 Feb

Posted at 08:44h in Fridays Are For Family
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Over the past couple of weeks I've been thinking a lot about weddings and marriage.  That's not because I'm looking to get married again. (I'm happily married to the "wife of my youth.")  The reason marriage has been in the forefront of my mind is because as we've  reached more and more young people through the ministry at Abilene Baptist Church I have started to receive more requests for me to counsel our young couples and perform their weddings. I count this not only as a great honor; I consider it a great responsibility.