My Ten Favorite Non-Religious Books to Read

This morning I thought I would give you a reading list.  I like to read.  I read fiction, non-fiction, and religious books.  I enjoyed Harry Potter and the Lemony Snickett series and a few other pre-teen and teen books, but I also read on my level.  Here are ten books (both fiction and non-ficiton) I liked enough to read most of them more than once.

1. The Old Man and the Sea - Earnest Hemingway  - (Classic man against nature)
2. A Farewell to Arms - Earnest Hemingway - (The realities of war on one man)
3. A Painted House - John Grisham - (a departure from the normal Grisham style)
4. To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee - (I really like Jem, Scout, and Atticus Finch)
5. 1776 - David McCullough - (Historical reconstruction)
6. Treasure Island - Robert Louis Stevenson - (Not much better than pirates, treasure, and adventures at sea)
7. Tom Sawyer - Mark Twain - (The copy I first read had an early 1900's publishing date)
8. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn - Mark Twain - (same as above)
9. Greece to 14 A.D. (?? Shuckburg, Putnam Bros. 1906) - (A rare history book)
10. Due South - R. Scott Brunner - (Scott's dad is a friend of mine.  This book is a collection of humorous stories and anecdotes about being a Southerner.  Scott's maternal grandparents are members where I preach and recently celebrated their 73 wedding anniversary.)

Grab a book a read.

Scott

Excuses, Excuses, You Hear Them Every Day

The title is a line from an old song, I think the Kingsmen did the original version. There is truth in those lyrics, people supply excuses for many missed opportunities and appointments. Here are a few favorites (typos are in the originals):

1. Please excuse Johnny for being, it was his father's fault.
2. Kimmy is under Doctor's orders not to do p.e., please execute her.
3. I was late to work because my cat unplugged my alarm clock.
4. I was late because I could not find my shoes.
5. I cannot come in to work today, my garage door is broken.
6. I was late because my wife is expecting and I was experiencing morning sickness.
7. I will not be in today, my cat has hairballs.
8. Please excuse Jenna's absence, she was sick and I had her shot.
9. I had to take my dog to her psychiatric appointment.
10. I borrowed a friend's car to get to work.  The car was reported stolen and apparently used in a robbery.  I was in jail for possession of stolen property.  The police were interrogating me, which kept me from calling in to work.  I was eventually able to convince the officers of my innocence, so they let me go and I got here as fast as I could.

I need to tell you that a secretary called the local police about that last one and found it to be completely fabricated.

Excuses are not the sole property of students and employees.  If we are honest with ourselves we are guilty of excuse making.  The compiler of Proverbs records an ancient excuse for laziness, "There's a lion in the road, there's a lion in the street" (Prov 26:13).

In the arena of the Christian experience, one finds people making excuses for: 1) not obey the Gospel, 2) refusing to give up a sinful practice, or 3) getting involved in the Lord's great work.  Our lame excuses will not hold up.  I can hear them now, "God, I would have done . . . ., but you see there was this . . . ."  I just do not see that standing in God's court of law.  What about you?

Maybe, just maybe, instead of excusing why we cannot, let's rationalize why we should and can serve God (Rom 5:8; Phil 4:13).

The next phrase of the Kingsmen's song reminds us about excuses, "The devil, he'll supply them if from church you stay away . . ." Here is a video of the Kingsmen Heirs.

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Have a great day! -- No Excuses!
Scott

Top Ten Passages on God's Grace

Here is a list of ten of my favorite passages about grace.  Feel free to add your own passages.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John bore witness about him, and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.'") And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (Joh 1:14-17)

But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will." (Act 15:11)

But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. (Act 20:24)

But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it-- the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. (Rom 3:21-25)

But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. And the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Rom 5:15-21)

For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! (Rom 6:14-15)

For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. (2Co 4:15)

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. (2Co 8:9)

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ--by grace you have been saved-- and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Eph 2:4-10)

You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. (2Ti 2:1-2)

Dear Father, Thank you for the undeserved favor that you offer each of us through the gift of Your Son our Savior, Jesus the Christ. - Amen

Scott

Top Ten Ways to Show Love

(image courtesy of Daniel Howell Photography)

From the home office just off of AL Hwy 269 in Parrish, Alabama is today's Top Ten Ways to Show Love to your husband or wife . . .

10. Speak Kindly to your love, even when you disagree. - Eph 4:29.
9. Put the one you love first, before yourself - Phil 2:3-4.
8. Write notes to them telling of the love you have for them - Phil 1:3-7.
7. Spend time with them, getting to know them even better, and enjoying their company - Song of Solomon (Songs) 8:6.
6. Build them up in public. I cringe when I hear other men putting down their wives and criticizing them in front of others. (I feel the same when women are men-bashing) - Matt 7:12.
5. Chase your spouse. You had to chase them to catch them, keep pursuing - Songs 3:1-4.
4. Give them and show them R-E-S-P-E-C-T - Eph 5:33.
3. Be affectionate with them - Songs 1:2.
2. Be faithful to them for life - 1 Tim 3:2, 12.
And most importantly, share a common faith in God and
1. Pray together - 1 Pet 3:7.

Scott

Top Ten Gifts for Men

After reading Trey Morgans list of Bad Christmas gifts for Men, I felt inspired to write a list of good gift ideas for men. Here is my Top Ten Best Gifts for Real Men:

10. Hand Tools: Hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, anything that he can use with his hands. Even if your man is not the handy-man type; simply buying him these gifts will boost his manly ego and may even spark that handy-man gene.

9. A Tool Belt: What good are tools if you do not have a belt to display them in? Make sure it is of high quality material -- preferably leather (brushed or rough). A lightweight canvas apron is NOT a tool belt.

8. A Gift Card to a Hardware / Tool Store: He knows what he needs, let him get some therapy buy walking in a MAN-store make a selection and walk out.

7. Recreational Supplies: These vary from man to man. If he likes to fish, fishing gear is a great gift (a boat is even better). If your man is a hunter, you cannot go wrong with camouflage. If your guy is a spectator, buy clothing for his favorite team (Roll Tide Roll!).

6. A Gift Card to Bass Pro Shop or a similar outlet: This way he can get the gear he really needs that he does not already have.

5. A Year's Supply of Beef Jerky; Nothing says "I'm a Man!" like tearing hard dried beef with your teeth.

4. A Year's Supply of Sunflower Seeds: Manly seeds must be in the shell. Not only are sunflower seeds healthy, they give a man the opportunity to partake in a manly past-time: spitting. There is something reassuring to manhood when we expectorate the shells of sunflower seeds.

3. A Good Bible or Bible Study Guide: Real men need to be like the ultimate real man, Jesus. To be like Him, we must get to know Him through His word.

2. A Loving Home: Show your husband (father, son) that you truly love him. They may not be outwardly affectionate, but men do want to be loved and to show love.

1. Friendship: God looked down on Adam knew that man needed a companion like him. Men are social creatures and need friends. Wive, be your husband's best friend. And Husbands; be your wife's best friend.

My two cents worth,

Scott

A Football Classic and a bonus Top Ten

Hope you enjoy this classic from Andy Griffith; They Call if Football.


Now that you had a mid-week chuckle; here are the top ten reasons I have decided to never attend another football game.

10. The Public address system was too loud at times and not loud enough at others.

9. There were teenage girls dressed inappropriately.

8. The referees made calls I disagreed with.

7. The coaches used the same plays they did the last few games.

6. The High School Principal did not welcome me or shake my hand.

5. The band played songs I did not know or like.

4. There were people there to socialize (gossip) and not watch the game -- those hypocrites.

3. I had to pay to get in, pay to get a snack, pay for a program -- football is all about making money or the school not about guys playing ball anymore.

2. The lady beside me screamed too loudly.

and the number one reason I have decided not to attend another football game . . .

1. Large crowds are bad on my nerves and raise my blood pressure too high.

Why do these excuses sound familiar?

Scott

Top 10 Things You Won't Do in Heaven

Today's Top Ten List comes from notes taken during the last lesson in our Revival. Levi Sides asked the question, "Do You Really Want to Go to Heaven?" During the lesson he mentioned about 7 or 8 things we did or will do this week that we will not do in heaven. Thinking about that this morning as I drove to my study, I added a few to make it a Top Ten List.

Top Ten Things You Did This Week That You Will Not Do in Heaven . . .

10. You drove by a cemetery (Rev 21:4). There is no death in heaven.
9. You turned on a light switch (Rev 21:23). God is the light in heaven.
8. You faced temptation (Rev 20:10). Satan is banned from influencing heaven.
7. You visited or called a sick person (Rev 21:4). No sickness there.
6. You locked your door (Rev 21:27). No crime or evil in heaven
5. You aged a little - grew older, found a gray hair (Rev 21:4). All former things like aging will cease.
4. You shed a tear (Rev 21:4). No tears in heaven.
3. You took pain medicine (had a headache, back ache, etc.) (Rev 21:4). No pain in heaven.
2. You worked to earn a living or to serve your neighbor (Rev 14:13). You will rest from your labor.

And one more thing you did this week that you will not do in heaven . . .
1. You said a prayer (Rev 22:4). You will speak with God and Christ face to face.

Have great day!

Top Ten Human Relationship Tips

From the bottom of a pile of papers on my desk comes today's Top Ten Human Relationship Tips (a.k.a Top Ten Ways to Make Friends or Keep Them).

10. Speak to people: There is nothing as nice as a cheerful word of greeting - Phil 1:3

9. Smile at people: Some suggest it takes 72 muscles to frown and only 14 to smile - Phil 4:8

8. Call people by name: The sweetest music to any one's ears is the sound of his or her own name - Matt 7:12.

7. Be friendly and helpful: If you would have a friend, be one - Prov 18:24.

6. Be cordial: Speak and act as if everything you do is a genuine pleasure - Eccl 9:10.

5. Be interested in people: You can like everybody if you try - Gen 1:27.

4. Be generous with praise while cautious with criticism: Praise when you have opportunity - Prov 3:27 and season all your speech - Eph 4:29ff.

3. Be considerate of the feelings of others: They will appreciate it - Eph 4:32.

2. Be thoughtful of others opinions: You are not right 100% of the time, so listen to them - Phil 2:3-4.

And the NUMBER ONE Human Relationship Tip. . .

1. Be ready and willing to SERVE - 1 Pet 4:10.

Top Ten Keys to a Great Marriage

photo courtesy of http://www.danielhowellphoto.com

From the Home Office in Parrish, Alabama -- Top Ten Keys to a Great Marriage!

10. Communication - Eph 4:26-29
9. Loyalty to each other - Eph 5:31
8. Ability to Cope - Matt 10:16
7. A Sense of Humor - Prov 17:22
6. Understanding - 1 Pet 3:7
5. Humility - Phil 2:5; Eph 5:21
4. Faithfulness - Heb 13:4
3. Commitment to God - Matt 6:33
2. A Forgiving Heart - Eph 4:32
And the Number One Key to a Great Marriage . . . this is not a shocker . . .
1. LOVE - Jhn 13:15; Rom 12:10

Scott

Top Ten Children's Questions to God

And now today's Top Ten list is from the files in Parrish, Alabama. Top Ten Children's Questions to God.

10. When you got elected, did you get all the votes?
9. Why isn't Mrs. God's name mentioned in the Bible? Were you not married to her when you wrote it?
8. There were no clouds on Saturday and I think I saw your feet. Did I?
7. When you made the first man, did he work as good as we do now?
6. Why did you make people speak foreign languages? It would be easier if everybody spoke English like you and me.
5. Is it O.K. to talk to you even when I don't want anything?
4. Where did yesterday go? Do you have it?
3. I am afraid of things at night more than in the daytime. So, could you keep the sun on longer? That would be a good thing for me.
2. I know there is a God because I go by his house and see all your cars parked there. What is your favorite car?

And the number one question children have for God . . . .

1. How come you only have ten rules, but our school has millions?

* for those that are curious -- that is me on the right and my childhood friend Tom on the left.

Top Ten Verses About Fatherhood

From the home office in Oakman, Alabama we have a top ten list of Bible verses concerning fathers, and a comment or two as to how we can learn from them . . .

10. Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers. (Pro 17:6) I know grown children whose fathers were not the best of men, but still love their "Daddy." There may be something to that old cliche'; "Blood is thicker than water."

9. The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him. (Pro 23:24) As the father of a young man who currently seems to have his head on straight, I will amen this. When we raise young men and women who are responsible adults how can our hearts not swell at their successes.

8. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. (Heb 12:9a). The wise man wrote in Proverbs that sparing discipline (the rod) spoils the child. As fathers we must discipline our children so that they will learn to be righteous, responsible adults.

7. Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (Eph 6:4) When we discipline, remember that there is a fine line between correction and abuse. Make certain your children understand the purpose of each punishment. One friend calls his discipline plan, "MLE" - Meaningful Learning Experiences.

6. Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I believe; help my unbelief!" (Mk 9:24) To be a good father, we must be faithful to our heavenly Father. Take time to reflect on and maybe even pray the plea of the father in Mark 9.

5. For God commanded, 'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.' (Mat 15:4). This one is to remind not only children to honor their parents but to remind those of us who are fathers to live in a way to make honoring you easy for your children. Do not teach one thing and live the opposite. Also remember that you are a son of your parents, model the honor you want from your children.

4. 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? (Mat 19:5) There comes a time to leave home. Raise your children to leave, and if you are an adult still living at home, or married and still trying to "cling" to your parents. Let go. You have a family of your own to care for. Do not neglect your parents, but do not neglect your wife and children either.

3. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. (Mat 10:37) Now I really start sounding like a preacher. Love your parents, but love God more.

2. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. (Mat 6:8) You and I as fathers are imperfect. Sometimes there are things that my son wants or needs that I am unaware of. Not God! He knows our needs and longs to bless us in fulfilling them.

1. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. (Lk 6:36) This is my goal. Make it yours as well. Be the kind of father to your children that God is to you.

Top Ten Imitatable Characteristics of Satan

From the home office in Parrish, Alabama: here are the top ten reasons to imitate Satan:


10. Satan does not quit. No matter how many times you turn down his offer, he is not giving up.

9. Satan believes in God, heaven, and hell (Jas 2:19).

8. Satan tirelessly works both night and day.

7. Satan knows the Bible (Matt 4:6).

6. Satan is always looking for a prospect, he may well be the worlds best soul winner, just to the wrong side.

5. Satan accepts people quickly, it does not matter to him how good you have been, if you decide to do what is wrong, he will accept you.

4. Satan is positive; he always sees the good in the bad (Is 5:20).

3. Satan is not easily discouraged (Job 1 & 2); he sticks with his plan.

2. Satan is patient, he will give you opportunity to serve him and leave the offer open for as long as it takes (Lk 4:13).

. . . . And the number one reason to imitate Satan is:

1. Satan uses all available methods at his disposal to reach out to you and to win you over to his way of thinking (Eph 6:11 - wiles/schemes).