The name Charles Haddon Spurgeon is often invoked by those in theministry with a sense of awe and admiration, and with good reason. He was one of the greatest preachers to live since the Reformation. He was a giant.

On Mothers' Day, I shared how I believe church attendance should not be one option on the smorgasbord of many options on a Sunday morning. I stated that it is vital that parents develop a commitment to church attendance that will be an example to their children. Below is an article, that came out last week, by Dr. Mike Fabarez that is one of the best statements on the priority of church attendance that I have every read. 

J. Hudson Taylor, pioneer missionary to China, said these words: "There are three stages in any great work attempted for God: impossible, difficult, done.:"

At first glance, you will perhaps think this is just another article prodding you to get involved in missions or outreach.  However, as important as both of those endeavors are, it really is not -- this is something that goes much deeper.

For followers of Christ, depth, not appearances or superficial spirituality, is important. It is not how flashy the talk is but the substance of the talk. It is not how flowery and eloquent one may sound, but how sincere and truthful one is.

A letter written in a childish scrawl came to the post office addressed to "God." A postal employee, not knowing exactly what to do with the letter, opened it and it read: "Dear God, my name is Jimmy. I am 6 years old. My father is dead and my mother is having a hard time raising me and my sister. Would you please send us $500?" The postal employee was touched...

There is a Persian proverb that sounds more like a tongue twister than sound advice.

He who knows not, and knows not that he knows not, is a fool; shun him.
He who knows not, and knows that he knows not is a child; teach him.
He who knows, and knows not that he knows, is asleep; wake him
He who knows and knows that he knows, is wise; follow him.

We had a very good day this last Sunday. It was a good turn-out and there was a great spirit among our people. Visitors commented about how friendly everyone was. I want to thank all of you who reached out to our guests and contributed in some way to make it a special day.

When a lion tamer holds a stool in front of the lion's face, the lion tries to focus on all four legs of the chair at the same time. With its focus divided, the lion becomes confused and is unsure about what to do next. What the four legs of a stool do to a lion is what stress does to individuals.

I remember once when my older son had one of his friends over to spend the night.  For the occasion, I promised my boys I would bring home a movie to watch.  My choice for the evening was "Brian's Song."  As I watched this movie with them for what seemed like my 20th time to view the film, again my eyes welled-up with tears as the story moved to its dramatic conclusion.