Inspirational

FRONT PORCH GOSPEL: ‘I’ll stick with Solomon’

Good week to all. Welcome to the “front porch.” During the recent sickness and passing of my father-in-law Bill Dickinson, his preacher-son Billy sent out a text to several of the family members expressing that – through it all – the Lord has been good to us.

HOPE FOR TODAY: When only a miracle will do

For nearly 10 years I served inmates in our small rural county jail as a minister, and saw over 100 of them come through our Bible studies and annual Christmas outreaches. They were there because of drugs, alcohol, theft, sexual violations and more. Men and women. Young and old.

OUT TO PASTOR: Stuck between a virus and a varmint

Normally, I’m not a superstitious sort of a person. But then again there is a good case to be made that I am really not normal. I must confess, I do have a sliver of superstition running through me somewhere.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: ‘Lick that calf again!’

Good week to all. Welcome to the “front porch.” About a decade ago, I heard the great motivational speaker Zig Ziglar tell a memorable story that contained a powerful lesson.

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.