Strong Coffee

A true story was told by Jim Henry former pastor of Two Rivers Baptist in Nashville TN. It was about a WWII infantry unit that was scheduled to lead a decisive push in the famed Battle of the Bulge . The night before the fight, soldiers were gathered around the fire in a somber, reflective, and intense atmosphere. The Colonel instructed the chaplain to assemble the men and conduct some form of  chapel service. It was apparent for most of the men that the battle for freedom and liberty would soon require the ultimate sacrifice of their lives. Needless to say the air was thick with a veil of darkness and fear of death. Cautiously the chaplain approached the men and spoke of their call to duty and the value of their sacrifice. The men were silent and downcast as he spoke. The chaplain then asked if any had a favorite hymn,  if any had a poem,  or perhaps a letter from home. He then asked if anyone had a word . One soldier broke the silence and said… "C...

Matthew 6: 19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. These past several weeks have been extremely difficult for my mother- in-law. My uncle Bob died a few months ago and it has been her sole responsibility to manage and liquidate the complete estate of her only brother. Over the years I had seen uncle Bob's life and family decline. I had officiated his sons funeral, his wife, and eventually uncle Bob. I had been their minister for years. He and Aunt Nell spoke to me on numerous occasions about their final instructions, things you don't enjoy talking about but weigh heavy on the minds of the elderly. This Saturday was a culmination event of Uncle Bobs life and legacy. It was a living ob...

A physician said to me the other day, "Chaplain, I'm convinced that God sends many of our patients here for things other than medical". Undoubtedly!!! Enter Mr. S. A prince of a man and an original product of "The Greatest Generation." Mr. S had toured England, France, and Germany during WWII. He returned from the war and married his school sweetheart. They have been married for over 60 years and he visits her daily in a long term facility where she suffers from Alzheimer's. They raised a beautiful family with loyal grandchildren and adorable great grandchildren. For half a century he ran a small business selling tractor tires and parts for the small farmer. He went to work everyday up until recently when he was diagnosed with end stage pancreatic cancer. His doctors have given him a life expectancy of 6 months or less. A phrase we hear around the hospital all to often. Devastation, shock and unbelief had seized his heart. Hi...

Psalm 124:1-5 If the LORD had not been on our side— let Israel say— if the LORD had not been on our side when men attacked us, when their anger flared against us, they would have swallowed us alive; the flood would have engulfed us, the torrent would have swept over us, the raging waters would have swept us away. Try and imagine what your life would be WITHOUT the Lord. Maybe that's a little too much for you to fathom. I know that I couldn't, however in Psalm 124 the writer posed the big "what if" question. Just like the psalmist its alright to think along those lines. It can actually be a healthy exercise to consider where our lives would be without God, friends, family, privileges, blessings, among other things.   What if...can be applied to every page of history, every disaster, every victory,  every sadness in life, and in every joy.    Its abundantly clear that Israel would not have survived as a nation or a people on several occasions ...