HOPE FOR TODAY: Why forgive?

“I will never forgive him for what he did!” Have you ever said that to yourself about someone who deeply hurt you? When someone you trust lies, physically abuses, verbally intimidates, tricks or uses you – it hurts.

OUT TO PASTOR: It’s hard for me to conceal a giggle

Recently, the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage and I celebrated our 48th wedding anniversary. I would not be truthful if I did not admit that those 48 years have been rather challenging. Not so much in a negative way, but each challenge carried with it a life lesson.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: The greatest answer

Good week to all. Welcome to the “front porch.” Let’s take a walk today with the Lord on the shores of Caesarea Philippi. He abruptly turns to his disciples and asks them whom men say he is. The Lord is well-known for getting right to the point, to cutting to the chase, as we say.

HOPE FOR TODAY: What’s happening with my adult kids?

“Pastor Miller, thanks for coming over on short notice. My wife and I appreciate it. We are at a loss and don’t know what to do with our son, Tom. We just can’t handle it anymore. He’s an adult and has been out on his own for a while.

OUT TO PASTOR: I sure do miss St. Sanity

The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage and me recently celebrated our 48th wedding anniversary. It sure does not seem we have been married that long. I guess, as you get older, according to my grandmother, time goes faster. If that is true, I must be getting older.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: Lessons learned behind the gym

Good day! We have a special “front porch” story this week – with an important lesson attached. Read on. As a boy, I never liked to fight. Mama always said, “Just walk away.” I’d even do better. I’d take off and run, if needed. But sometimes, a fight hunts you down.

OUT TO PASTOR: My mirror doesn’t lie, but sometimes it giggles

I have never been fascinated by my looks, and I don’t think anybody else has either. Sometimes, however, I have to spend a little more time before the mirror to get prepared for where I am going. I must say, I am not fond of mirrors and I make it as quick as possible. I do not trust mirrors.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: When the Lord pushes you in, you swim fast!

Good day to all. Welcome to the “front porch.” Recently we shared the story of a young man who courageously swam across a lake filled with alligators and snakes. Well, he may not have been all that “courageous.” One of his buddies pushed him in, so he didn’t have much of a choice.

OUT TO PASTOR: And then, there it was

It is not that I do not like to travel; I just don’t like to leave home. I am quite comfortable at home where I have everything I need within easy reach. Sometimes I have to travel to a conference or something, which is rather inconvenient for me. However, as my friend used to say, “That’s life.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: Motivation may come from surprising sources!

Good week to all. Welcome to the “front porch.” For years, Zig Ziglar, the great motivational speaker, would gather his staff every Monday morning for a devotion. He called it, “the best fifteen minutes of the day.” I have carried that idea with me for many years and used it in numerous settings.