Submitted by Tim Perkins

Across the Preacher’s Desk: No Room In The Inn

December 22, 2022 - There is a sad and tragic statement in the Gospel According to Luke in regard to the coming of our Savior into this world. Dr. Luke tells us that when Jesus came into the world he was “wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.

We read that passage through the prism of 2,000 years of history and are quick to speak harsh words about the innkeeper who forced Jesus to be born in a stable with the animals. We wonder why he could not have found a room for a woman who was great with child.

Across the Preacher’s Desk: A Lesson in Friendship

December 15, 2022 - I remember reading a fable some years ago that teaches a very valuable lesson. It seems that two friends were setting out together upon a journey which led through a dangerous forest. They mutually promised to assist each other if they happened to be assaulted. They had not gone very far, before they noticed a bear headed their way in a great rage.

Across the Preacher’s Desk: Hurt Feelings

“Tis a sad, sad story they relate
These weak and foolish beings
Who never get through the day
But someone hurt their feelings.”

December 8, 2022 - Injured feelings are given as an excuse for a lot of wrong doing. Alcoholics have used hurt feelings as an excuse for going on another binge and not a few Christians have forsaken the church because some member of the church hurt their feelings.

Across the Preacher’s Desk: Football and Church

December 1, 2022 - Except for Conference Championship Games and the Bowl Games, the College Football Season is about over. I came across the following that was written by another minister (to be honest, I am not nearly creative enough to come up with this!) and he makes some compelling arguments much like the arguments folks make for quitting the church. Here are the reasons he has decided to quit attending sporting events.

Across the Preacher’s Desk: Count Your Blessings!

November 25, 2022 - I don’t want to alarm anyone, but there are only 31 days until Christmas Day. That means there is a lot of shopping left to be done. The weeks between Thanksgiving and New Years Day have become a frantic, anxiety filled dash through the holidays. It all happens so fast that we hardly remember any of it. Slow down and take a breath.

Across the Preacher’s Desk: Are We One of The Nine?

November 17, 2022 - Dr. Luke records a story for us in Luke 17 that occurred one day when Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem and was passing through Samaria and Galilee. Jesus was approached by ten lepers, miserable creatures afflicted with a horrific disease. They cried out to Jesus for mercy and He told them to go and show themselves to the priests. While they were on their way, they were cleansed. We are told that only one of the ten returned to Jesus to say “thank you.” Jesus asked the question, “were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?”

Across the Preacher’s Desk: The Dash

November 10, 2022 - Have you ever walked through a cemetery and taken the time to look, really look at the tombstones there? It is often quite interesting to walk among the old tombstones and see the epitaphs that have been written by men.

Across the Preacher’s Desk: Praise Someone This Week!

November 3, 2022 - One of the things there is too little of in our world today is praise. People have become so filled with critical ideas and harsh words that a little genuine praise and appreciation is often mistaken for flattery. Yet, every heart yearns for appreciation. All of us want to know that our efforts, however small they might be, are appreciated and noticed.

Across the Preacher’s Desk: Church Shopping

October 27, 2022 - In case you don’t feel like there is enough pressure in your life, I want to remind you it is just slightly over 8 weeks until Christmas. Many of you have already started your Christmas shopping. Some of you will wait until December 20th or 21st to get started. Thinking about that, we often hear people talk about “choosing a church” or “looking for a church home” like they were doing their Christmas Shopping. I have heard folks say, “I am shopping around for a church and when I find the one I want, I’ll join it.”

Across the Preacher's Desk - Church Shopping

October 26, 2022 - In case you don’t feel like there is enough pressure in your life, I want to remind you it is just slightly over eight weeks until Christmas. Many of you have already started your Christmas shopping. Some of you will wait until December 20th or 21st to get started. Thinking about that, we often hear people talk about “choosing a church” or “looking for a church home” like they were doing their Christmas Shopping. I have heard folks say, “I am shopping around for a church and when I find the one I want, I’ll join it.”

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