Submitted by Tim Perkins

Across the Preacher’s Desk: Blessed are the Peacemakers

October 22, 2020 - It was in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:9 that Jesus said, “blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” For more than 20 centuries this great word has been knocking at the closed door of the hearts of men and women, largely in vain. We have said yes with our lips. Yet, in our hearts, we have said, “blessed are the sowers of discord.” Blessed are the war makers and blessed are the fomenters of strife. We see it every day in our land.

Across the Preacher’s Desk: The God of the Mulligan!

October 15, 2020 - Once upon a time, I thought I might like to take up the game of golf. I played a little for a few years, and then realized, golf was not my game. The men I played with (my grandfather and some of his friends) were guys that believed strongly in the Mulligan. Truth be told, none of them was ever going to join the PGA.

Across the Preacher’s Desk: The Proof of the Pudding

October 8, 2020 - We are all familiar with a number of old sayings. One of these is “The proof of the pudding is in the eating.” It is in fact a phrase I have used on many occasions. Usually it was used to try and get a head start on eating something.

There is a passage of scripture in Psalms 34:8 that speaks to this where David says, “O taste and see that the Lord is Good.” David, you see, invites us to taste and see that the Lord is Good.

Across The Preacher’s Desk: The Iron Rule or The Golden Rule

October 1, 2020 - All of us are aware of the “Golden Rule”. It was announced by Jesus in Matthew 7:12 when he said, “Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them”. Of course, we are more familiar hearing it as “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you”.

Across the Preacher's Desk... How Many Loaves Have Ye?

September 24, 2020 - Unexpected dinner guests. Have you ever had that happen? That is what happens to Jesus and the disciples in Mark chapter 6. John the Baptist had just been killed and Jesus and the disciples were trying to get to a secluded place. They were tired from the teaching and healing being done. They were leading busy lives and needed a little R&R.

Across the Preacher's Desk: Light in the Darkness

September 17, 2020 - Often there is a heavy mood among people in our day and time. The rioting and lawlessness taking place in our cities, the pandemic of Covid 19 along with the quarantines and shutdowns are having a profound effect on people. The mood often is one of disillusionment mixed with discouragement. Things we once thought certain are no longer certain. Things we once thought secure are no longer secure. Our political landscape is like a minefield and one wonders what ordinary people like us can do.

Across the Preacher’s Desk: Embarrassing Questions!

September 10, 2020 - When God asked Adam, “Where art thou?” if was embarrassing to him, because he was in the wrong place and had done the wrong thing. He had disobeyed God. When God asked Cain, “Where is thy brother?” is was embarrassing because of his sin. In the parable of the marriage feast, when the king asked the men who did not have on a wedding garment, “Friend, how camest thou in hither not having on a wedding garment?” the man was so embarrassed that he was speechless (Matthew 22:12).

Across the Preacher’s Desk: Too Busy – Are You Sure?

September 3, 2020 - I read a story not long ago about a businessman, a man who was quite busy. He was harassed, discouraged, and overwhelmed with all the pressure he was under. He had deadlines to meet, projects to complete and a never-ending list of things he needed to take care of. Finally, in desperation, he decided to consult a psychiatrist. The good doctor immediately told him to slow down and work less. He also had some further instructions. He told the man to spend one hour every week in the cemetery.

Across the Preachers’ Desk: Storm Warnings!

August 27, 2020 - By the time you are reading this, Hurricane Laura should have made landfall along the Gulf Coast. This storm has caused me think of an incident in the life of Jesus when he was in a little boat with his disciples on Galilee. We read in Mark Chapter 4 that a great storm of wind arose on the Sea of Galilee, the waves were beating into the ship and the disciples were afraid. Yet, in the midst of that horrific storm, Jesus was asleep in the back of the ship.

Across the Preacher’s Desk: Growing Up Spiritually

August 20, 2020 - One of the great themes of the New Testament is the concept of individual spiritual growth. When Paul wrote the letter to the church in Corinth, it was a congregation beset with problems. There was a party spirit and the church was divided into factions. In Chapter 3 he tells them he cannot write unto them as being spiritual because they are carnal. They are still babies spiritually. They have been fed with milk and not with meat because they cannot handle meat.

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