  James B. Coats (1901-1961) spent most of his life teaching music in public schools in Mississippi.  For over thirty years he was a deacon in the Baptist church, and later answered a call to the ministry.  He also wrote several Gospel songs including “A Wonderful Place”, “My Soul Shall Live On”, “I’m Winging My […]
3377) “Where Could I Go But to the Lord?” Read More »
    (…continued) Make sure you know God and that you know something about God so you don’t end up like Pete, throwing away your best hope for no good reason. We all have different priorities, of course, but one area that should be a priority for everyone, all the time, is getting to know Jesus
3368) Getting to Know God (3/3) Read More »
   (…continued) I once saw a big sign on the side of a city bus that said, “There’s probably no god, so stop worrying and enjoy your life.”    How do you respond to that little bit of advice? The implication is that believing in God is mostly a source of worry that
3367) Getting to Know God (2/3) Read More »
   Charlie was a good friend of mine.  He was on the church council, so we worked together there.  Our wives got along and our kids were about the same age, so we spent time together as families.  And we had a lot in common, so we became good friends. Â
3366) Getting to Know God (1/3) Read More »
   The Lutheran preacher and poet Gerhard Frost once illustrated what it means to trust God by telling a story about a friend’s family.  The friend was married and the father of four children.  He was planning a three week family vacation to Europe.  He spent many hours with maps, itineraries, and other travel
3349) Trusting in Someone Bigger Read More »
Above: From King’s “I Have a Dream” speech at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. August 28, 1963. ———————-    (…continued) Just outside of St. Peter, Minnesota is the Traverse Des Sioux historical site. Traverse Des Sioux is a shallow spot in the Minnesota River where generations of Sioux Indians crossed. In 1851 that
3288) The Declaration of Dependence (3/3) Read More »
   (…continued) In his Small Catechism explanation to the 4th petition of the Lord’s Prayer, Martin Luther listed many of the things God has given us for which we should give thanks. Included in that list is the gift of “good government.” Despite all the problems with our government, and for all that we
3287) The Declaration of Dependence (2/3) Read More »
      Next week, we will celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the birth of our nation. Does this Independence Day celebration have anything to do with religion? No, say many folks in the church. God is God of all people, not just of the
3286) The Declaration of Dependence (1/3) Read More »
    (…continued) One long ago writer who struggled with this issue was John Donne (1572-1631; pictured above). Donne lived during the reign of King James, the king who authorized the first official (and first legal) translation of the Bible into English (1611). William Shakespeare was also a contemporary. Excellent writing and eloquent speaking were much
3284) Who’s the Judge? (2/2) Read More »
     It is common today for people to get angry with God. It is the preferred voice of many when speaking of or to the Supreme Being. The world is filled with suffering and pain, and we insist on an explanation from God. We are the judge and jury, and God is the defendant; and
3283) Who’s the Judge? (1/2) Read More »
