Why did the monkey fall out of the tree?  Because it was dead.

I will confess: it is stupid, and doesn’t make much sense, but whenever I hear that old joke, it makes me laugh; sometimes really hard.  And laughter these days is a valued commodity.

I certainly agree that we have much to be concerned over during these turbulent, wavering times; but in spite of all the heralded doom and gloom, the church needs to reclaim its joy.  Sometimes I wonder if people resist salvation simply because of their fear of becoming like the calloused and miserable Christians they …

It was John Bunyon who said, “You have not lived today unless you have done something for someone who cannot repay you.”  Giving is not just an act; it is an attitude, a mindset.  Giving may manifest itself in the form of an offering, pledge, or neatly wrapped present, but it is birthed in the heart and nurtured in the soul.  The person who constantly pours out the goodness of God from his life will never go wanting.

It has been frequently said that “God will give you to give more than He will give you to keep.” If this …

I would like to preface this article with a simple notion: not all complaining is bad.  If a school-bus driver speeds in your neighborhood there is reason to complain.  If you find a hair in your food at a restaurant, for the safety of others there is reason to complain.  If you are in great pain and are asked what level your discomfort is, you should complain about the pain in order to get the right treatment.  Again, I repeat, not all complaining is bad.  There are some complaints that are legitimate; but there is a vast difference between legitimate …

Years ago on older gentleman asked me to pray for him.  He said, “Preacher, pray until you break through.  Pray until you can feel the presence of God.  Pray until you cross over into another world; and when you finally get there, then pray for me.”

The single-greatest thing you can do for any person is call their name before a Living God.  We all know it is our duty to pray for others; but many times we struggle with how to pray. If we are not careful, we can approach God with a long list of names and circumstances …

Books abound in the preacher’s life.  At times I feel they overtake me.  They are on my desk, on my shelves, on my nightstand, on my electronic devices, in my briefcase, in my car, in the floor, at the house, at the church, at the office…everywhere I see them, I read them, and I pour them into my life.  Some of them inspire me, others offend me.  Some solidify my convictions, others rebuke them.  Some are creative, while others are contentious.  I love books; most preachers do.

It was Mark Twain who said, “A man who doesn’t read good books …