Across the Preacher’s Desk: Laughter

January 26, 2023 - A laugh may be the sweetest or the most bitter sound that comes from the human voice, according to the sentiment it expresses. To be sure, laughter is not an unimportant incident in a happy life, but a gift of God to serve a definite purpose and is even more useful in less happy lives.

Across the Preacher’s Desk: Do Others See Jesus in Us?

January 19, 2023 - I read a story not long ago that comes to us out of the days when passenger train travel was the common and popular method of transportation. It seems there was a little crippled boy who was carrying a basket of candy and fruit, hurrying to the passenger gate of the train station as fast as his crutches would permit him to go. As the passengers rushed through the gate, a fast-moving young business executive accidentally hit the boy’s basket, knocking its contents in every direction.

Across the Preacher’s Desk: Try Smiling!

January 12, 2023 - Some years ago, it was in the 1950’s there was a country music show on television called “Jones Junction.” It was broadcast out of Shreveport on KSLA and later on KTBS. They always closed the program with the same song. While I do not remember all of the words, I do remember it said, “Let a smile be your umbrella on a rainy, rainy, day.” Perhaps that is similar to what Paul had in mind when he wrote “Rejoice evermore” in I Thessalonians 5:16.

Across the Preacher’s Desk: Consumerism and Christianity

Tim Perkins January 5, 2023 - In our day and time, we have become obsessed with the consumer mentality. To be sure, it has permeated every aspect of our lives. We look for a restaurant with the best price, menu, atmosphere and location.

Across the Preacher’s Desk: Living For Jesus in 2023

Tim Perkins December 29, 2022 - I once read where someone said the most dangerous thing in the world is to try to leap over a chasm in two jumps.

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.

Shelby County Today

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Submitted by Tim Perkins