HOPE FOR TODAY: Observations about Chauvin, Floyd and racism

Like millions of others, I watched the video of George Floyd’s death, which was a murder recorded live as it happened. After seeing it, I have prayed to the Lord God for George’s family in the loss of a son and brother.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: Raccoon John Smith’s lesson from a log

Funny where the best lessons come from—a pandemic, perhaps, or maybe a good old-fashioned sit-down ‘talk’ with mama, or just from the famous school of hard knocks. The best lessons come from the most unusual sources, and they come when you least expect them.

OUT TO PASTOR: Will there be television in heaven?

If anybody can ask hard questions, the award has to go to the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage. She knows how to ask a question and, more importantly, when to ask a particular question. On the other side of the parsonage, my expertise has been in not correctly answering questions.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: The history of the church (part 2)

Good day to all. Welcome to the “front porch.” The case we have before us here may best be stated in the form of a question: What happened from 33 A.D. – when Christ establishes His church on the Day of Pentecost – to 2020 when we have hundreds of denominations across the world.

OUT TO PASTOR: My thoughts are worth more than a penny

I must admit that I do gravel a lot in thinking about my thoughts. It has been a habit of mine down through the years. Thinking is what really makes life worth living, or so I believe. My father had a saying whenever he saw me staring off into the distance, “A penny for your thoughts, son.”

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: What it takes to go to heaven

Welcome to the “front porch.” Hope you all are well and safe. “Is Poppy up in the sky, Bamaw?” asked the six-year-old as he and the amazin’ blonde rode along in the car. Poppy was my grandson Connor-man’s great-grandpa from West Virginia who had died a few days prior.

HOPE FOR TODAY: Where you can find hope during the Coronavirus Pandemic

The title of a USA Today story read, “Holding on to hope in the coronavirus pandemic...” The Wall Street Journal wrote in one article, the “world’s best hope is private innovation” in fighting the virus.

OUT TO PASTOR: And then, it was silent no more

During this time of exclusive lockdown, I and the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage have grown accustomed to silence. Don’t get me wrong here. I do not object to noise as long as it’s the right kind of noise. However, I do have a good warm feeling about silence. What was that song?

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: Ah, here’s something this pandemic has taught us

Welcome to the “front porch.” Hope you all are well and safe. So, what is it that we’re learning today in this pandemic period? That type of question probably sounds a great deal like one of the questions you’ve had to ask your children as you have become their teacher in recent weeks.

OUT TO PASTOR: “Love Bugs” are really not that loving

Here in Florida, we have what people call “Love Bugs.” I know exactly why they are called “Love Bugs,” but I am not fond of these little critters. Why don’t they just get a motel room? On Tuesday, I needed to go across town for some quick business and office supplies.