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If you’ve ever been a Bible class teacher or had one, than I need you for my next project.
For information, please head over to my blog and see how you can participate. See you there :)
http://paulaharrington71.blogspot.com/2011/05/bible-class-teachers-book.html
I was asked by Dale Jenkins and Adam Faughn to participate in their popular podcast, iPreach, this Friday, April 8, at 10am. This week’s segment will be dedicated to the preacher’s wife and will feature some of the ladies who participated in my first book, A Sunday Afternoon with the Preachers’ Wives.
Please help me spread the word by telling the preachers’ wives in your family and encourage them to log on and participate in the discussion via the chat room.
The link for iPreach can be found by visiting the Equip Network. Scroll down until you see iPreach.
Chik-fila! Love it.
Yes, they are. I appreciate that they do this.
My favorite shoe? I’ve never been asked that before. :)
Probably my walking shoes. Since I’m always on the move at work, I wear them most days.
Heard a great lesson on marriage by Gary Hampton last night. How have I never heard him preach before? He and Teresa are great people.
Talking about blessings in disguise at my blog. Here’s the link: http://paulaharrington71.blogspot.com/
Share some hard times that you’re thankful for and have a great day.
If you’ve read much of what I write then you know that I absolutely adore the Kindergarten Bible Class. Those kids are the sweetest, most intelligent children I’ve ever met (I might be a bit biased… but just a bit).
Last Sunday morning they came in dressed to the tee and quickly realized that something about class was different.
I had covered our rug with a purple blanket. Also, only purple crayons, purple colored pencils, and purple markers were on the table. A huge box of stickers was placed neatly on the table with instructions to only use the ones that were purple. Our lesson was centered on that faithful, influential Christian lady, Lydia.
Class went great but it was at the end when one of my girls came up to me and remarked, “I play Bible class at home and you are the Princess.” I wasn’t sure what she meant but later, her mom explained.
At home, this sweet little girl lines up her dolls and stuffed animals and plays church. I am the teacher and I am Princess Peach. (I had no idea who Princess Peach was but Googled her when I got home). I was so excited that this little girl enjoys Bible class so much that she plays it at home.
I remember when my kids were little and would play church. One time they insisted that my husband and I dress for the occasion. It was close to 9pm when we sat on the couch and they took turns leading the singing, preaching and praying. I will never forget the importance on their little faces. This wasn’t just play, to them it was serious.
Sadly though there are some adults who still play church. However, most of us know that Church isn’t what we do nor is it where we go. Church is who we are.
Do you remember playing church as a child?
Honestly, I don’t remember playing church as a child, but my sons have done so. They love to preach and lead singing and prayers, which is fine by me. If they all became leaders in the church one day, that would suit me just fine!
One of my projects for this year is to built a podium for home use for the boys. I need to design it to be adjustable in height (i.e., have multiple pieces that can be added/subtracted for the various heights of my boys).
Excellent thoughts, Paula
I don’t remember anything else that happened that day. And honestly, I can’t even recall the week, month, or year. I’m not for certain which Bible verses he used or what song we sang before or after but I’ll always remember my favorite sermon. The preacher (I won’t mention his name due to the fact that he would much rather have people remember the message and not who delivered it) wore a nice suit.
He stood at the front of the packed auditorium and spoke about hypocrisy. He mentioned how often we strive to look like we’re following Christ but sometimes our hearts are far from him. I was going through a difficult time in my life and knew that I needed to get right with God. The message hit home and I got back on the path I needed to be on.
When the speaker concluded his sermon, he took off that nice suit coat and underneath was a ripped, torn, and filthy dress shirt. It didn’t take long for those of us sitting in the pews to realize and soon everyone began to chuckle. But the point was made and will stick with me always.
If you’re like me, then you’ve probably heard thousands of sermons. Some at lectureships, workshops, Gospel meetings, or your weekly church gathering so I’m asking, what sermon has made an impact in your life and why?
What’s your favorite sermon?
I expected to see that new book link on your gravatar …
I’m waiting for your review :)
Working on it.
For me it was when a preacher, who I do not remember his name, simply began by saying the sermon was not original with him, he had only memorized it. He would allow the words of the sermon to speak for themselves. He proceeded be quoting Matthew 5-7 (the Sermon on the Mount), softly closing by inviting the hearers to follow the Master Teacher and sat down. I was a teenager and had never heard the Sermon on the Mount in one setting. That left an impression of Jesus not the speaker.
One of my all time favorites was “Who Is the Truth? Defending Jesus Christ as The Way, The Truth and The Life” preached by Ravi Zacharias to the Mormons in the Salt Lake Tabernacle. He pulled no punches and made the case forcefully that Jesus alone is the only way of salvation.
You ask a hard question, Paula! There are a few that stick out in my mind, and I simply cannot narrow them down further…
In chapel at MSOP, a sermon by Eric Owens on “The Salvation of the Lord” (Exo. 14). I was so enthralled with the sermon itself that I didn’t take a single note (much to my dismay when I wanted to preach that sermon later!). Imagine my delight when I saw the exact outline reproduced a few months later in a church bulletin!
Somewhere around 5 years or so back, a sermon by Reid Perry in the Chattanooga, TN area. He laid a towel across the pulpit and proceeded to preach from John 13 about “The Servant’s Towel.” He often would pick up that towel and reference it as a metaphor for service. Those object lessons stick!
A CD audio sermon by Eddie Brinkley, of Wharton, TX. I saw this CD in the foyer of a Chattanooga congregation when I was there filling in for the local preacher. I’d never heard of the preacher before, so I decided to pick it up and check it out. Wow! The sermon, “Running from a Lion & Met by a Bear,” was one of the best I’ve ever heard on how so many run from the “lion” of worldliness, only to be met by the “bear” of denominationalism (and, thus, are no better off than before). The sermon was preached in a gospel meeting, and was more than an hour in length, but I found myself wishing at the end that it would continue on and on! Bro. Brinkley trained at the feet of the late Marshall Keeble, and it is obvious that bro. Keeble trained him well. I had the esteemed privilege of sitting down with bro. Brinkley for a lengthy interview, an experience that I will always treasure (excerpts can be seen here – http://tinyurl.com/5r5u2tz).
These are the big 3 that stick out in my mind, though I could certainly name more (Guy N. Woods’ sermon on Matthew 6:33 also comes to mind). Thanks for the trip down memory lane, sister Paula!
As a teen, Bro. Winkler preached at our home congregation about worship. I vividly remember him emphasizing the nature of true worship. Yet he also made strong points of emphasis that changing (gasp!) things like the order of worship are beneficial. He was specific that songbooks may detract during the invitation song. He suggested just announcing “Just As I Am” and singing it without books. I was leading singing that morning, and had chosen/announced a different invitation song. I was extremely close to changing it and just start singing “Just As I Am” instead. :)
In college, we were assigned to listen to Bro. Highers’ “Five Minutes After Death” from Rich Man/Lazarus. I would clearly label it the “most memorable” of all the sermons I’ve heard.
I was visiting an older minister & his wife one afternoon when they received a phone call. It was an automated community alert message about a runaway girl from the next county who might be in their neighborhood. I remember instantly thinking, “they should lock their doors! Oh no! I didn’t lock my car! What an inconvenience. If she comes knocking at their house we have to call that number & report it…” A variety of thoughts went thru my head about how the tranquility of our afternnon had been interrupted by a kid who’d made dumb choices in life. In the few seconds all these thoughts were passing thru my mind my host, the minister of 50+ years, had grabbed his car keys & on the way out the door was saying ” I’ll be back. Gonna drive around the neighborhood. I hope she is OK.” A while later he returned. He had driven several neighborhood streets, stopped everyone who was outside to tell them to watch for this poor little girl who likely needs help & protection, even knocked on a few doors to spread the alert to help this girl. As I listened to him humbly talk with compassion & concern, I felt worse and worse and worse about my sorry little selfish attitude. After my pity-party, I was thankful to my Lord & his minister-servant for walking that sermon in front of me.
“Father, forgive them…” (Luke 23:34) gets me every time I read it. I wonder what His followers thought when they heard those words. Did his mother hear Him say this? How did it affect her?
After everything that had been done to Him the betrayal, the torture, the ridicule yet he still loved them. He still cared. What a wonderful Savior we have.
Also, on another note, the Walnut Grove Church of Christ in Western KY has started a website aimed at teen girls. Please support this venture and help spread the word about this new website. http://forchristiangirls.org
Good observation, Paula! Regarding the “forchristiangirls.org” website, I added the link to my blog two days ago under the heading “Christian Women.”
I still write out the important things such as lists and notes. I’m one of those people who learn and remember better if I write it down. When I speak in front of a group, I write down everything. Much easier than to only have an outline.
George Bailey told me once that he never made notes. Could always use a system for remembering his sermons. I’ve always thought he was amazing anyway :)
Paula, interesting comments. Can you elaborate on George Bailey’s system for remembering his sermons? I agree, he was amazing.
Brother Bailey said recently that he tried to group items together or as he said, used ‘memory pegs’ in order to cluster thoughts or topics. That made sermon ideas or Scripture easier to memorize.
My latest blog post comes from a story I heard from a friend. Heartbreaking! How can we fight these attitudes?
Jesus said to go “into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. Go out into the highways and hedges and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled” (Luke 14:21,23).
We must go to them – not them come to us.
How can we fight these attitudes? The success or failure of the Lord’s church begins with me. I must change me, then the Lord’s church will change. Having an attitude of compassion for the souls of men is a good beginning.
Well said, Mike. Thank you.
This reminded me of my grandmother and “her” spot on the couch. Everyone knew never to sit in Grandma’s spot. It was a family joke (unless you happened to be sitting there when she came in and then you had to move quickly :)
My family is so busy but we always sit down for dinner together every night, if possible.
When we’re able to have dinner together, that’s the best seat in the house.
Paula, I love the last line…so true! Even in our fast-food, eat-out society, studies still show that families who eat together regularly (turning off the TV, radio, etc.!) are healthier families (physically; scholastically; & of course, spiritually). We make family mealtime a priority in our home, & I’m SO glad we do…it truly is “the best seat in the house”!
People don’t realize what they’re missing not sitting down to eat together, do they?
Sure don’t…I wouldn’t trade it for the world…some of our best family time is right there around the table!
I’m always amazed at friends who have several Christmas trees in their homes. We have one and it is covered in home-made ornaments from our five children, kids from the school where I work, and kids from Bible class. I know that there are ornaments worth a lot of money out there and they are grand. However, the ornaments on my tree are priceless.
As for a special recipe…my husband makes his special peanut butter fudge. If I knew the recipe, I’d share it with you. :)
While reading this page, I happened upon the request to send cards to “Aunt Jane” and wanted to remind everyone (and encourage everyone) to send her a card. I love this idea and what a great way to encourage a sister in Christ! Here’s the link: http://acardforjane.blogspot.com/
Try waterboarding, maybe you can get it out of him.
Since my husband’s grandmother (at 99) owns the local drive-in theater and my family runs it, we are knee-deep in movies. However, even if I had to, I don’t think I could narrow them down to my favorite. I like several. A few to mention: Dances with Wolves, Shrek, Elf, Sound of Music, Mr. Holland’s Opus, Gone with the Wind.
As for the question for God…I was driving with my children several years ago when they were very young and my oldest mentioned talking to God and asking Him questions. I inquired what would be the first thing he would ask when he sees God and after a quiet moment, he seriously answered, “I would ask Him where mayonnaise comes from.”
Thanksgiving is the time of year when I gather with my mother’s side of the family. My uncle preaches in the Bowling Green, KY area so usually about this time, we are trekking east. However, this year with our second in college, our plans were rescheduled around his time home so we were going to spend Thanksgiving with my husband’s family (they live in the same city as we do).
Then this morning, our youngest woke with a fever so our plans are hinging on how she feels tomorrow.
Oh well, regardless of where we end up, all five of our children will be in this weekend so we’ll be thankful for having each other and another day to glorify God.
In my opinion, it’s because every situation we face comes with its own field of experience. Whether we want to or not, we base all situations on previous ones.
I’ve found myself jumping to conclusions (usually with my children) too many times and then finding myself apologizing.
I was reading the Profile page on Facebook recently when I ran across the news of a Disney channel celebrity who has recently entered rehab. It seems this young star has been battling an eating disorder and cutting herself.
There was a comment on the thread that was disturbing. A teen remarked that she couldn’t understand how this star could go through something like that, especially considering how beautiful she was.
Society has told us that we must be beautiful and if we are then life will be perfect. No problems, no worries, no needs, but the truth is, we are only beautiful in the eyes of Jesus. Without Him, we are as ugly as the sins we commit.
Don’t be fooled by the lies of this world. Find your purpose, find your beauty, find your future in Christ.
As the Proverb writer once said about beauty, “Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised” (Proverbs 31:30).
“Work Will Win When Wishing Won’t” – Unknown
The little ones keep me encouraged. As you know, I teach the 5 and 6 year olds on Wednesday nights and love being around them. Their innocence is refreshing as is their complete confidence in God. We are thankful to have many little ones in our congregation and I’m thankful I’ve been able to share a little in their lives.
There are so many things I love about this story. The fact that Jesus spent a few minutes with someone that most religious people would have avoided speaks volumes. He found an outcast and turned her into one of his most effective missionaries. He approached her with love and sincerity. He showed her respect and compassion. And she refused to let her past keep her from a mission greater than the mistakes she had made.
It’s a beautiful story.
My favorite flowers have always been tulips. Don’t know why other than I’ve always found them beautiful.
Christians need to be the example, not the warning. A couple of prime warnings in the Bible are found in Phillipians 4.
Paul said, “I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.”
These were church-going Christian women who had been helping the Apostle Paul spread the Gospel. They did great things for the Lord but He didn’t want us to know them for the good they had done. He wanted us to know them for another reason.
They were hurting the church at Phillipi. We don’t know what they were doing but we do know what they weren’t doing. They weren’t getting along. They weren’t loving each other the way God intended. They weren’t being the godly women that they had been and could’ve been.
A friend recently sent me this quote, “I’d rather be the one who nailed the hands of Jesus to the cross than the one, who by pride or arrogance, hurt His church.”
May we never be so arrogant and prideful that we hurt or split the church of God and may we always be the example and never the warning.
It takes me about 3 minutes to get to work. I always have my own children (they catch a bus at my school to theirs) and usually in the afternoons, I also have other children that come home with me to play or hang out until their parents pick them up. There is no quiet time in the car but I enjoy listening to their chatter.
“Chatter” is the word!
After reading a blog article about a friend’s difficult childhood this afternoon, I started to think of mine. It was unconventional and, at times, volatile yet God was always there. I’ll be forever amazed and thankful for where I was and where He brought me.
My mother had a lot of problems. I wrote about her here:
Oops! I thought I had a title on here. Sorry, Randal :)
Forgiven. Just don’t let it happen again. ;-)
comfort, encouragement, and love. The One who has complete authority is the same One who loved me so much that He gave His life for me. Am I under his authority? Absolutely, where else would any child of God want to be.
On a news note, I spent the day at one of my favorite places, Freed-Hardeman University, enjoying Makin’ Music. We took a group down and enjoyed the fellowship and great weather.
We have some beautiful talented kids in the church. Let’s keep them in our prayers.
Paula, good point! Let’s indeed keep all the kids in the church family in our prayers. They are the future of not only the church, but of our nation as well.
Paula, it is truly a challenge for parents and the church to keep the influence of the peers of our teens from drawing them into the world. Yes indeed we need to keep them in our prayers.
My best friend (other than my husband) is my brother. We are very close. We talk, text, or email everyday and try to see each other at least once a year. (He lives and preaches in NJ). Either I will fly there or he’ll come here or we’ll pick a place that we’ll be and make plans to meet there for a few days. His best qualities beside his faith in God is his sense of humor. After graduating from FHU and Harding’s SBS he went into the mission field. That’s where he met my beautiful sister-in-law who was also a missionary. My husband and I were able to attend their wedding in Italy.
I would say working with children is my best talent. I love being around and teaching the little ones. I’ve been blessed with a job that keeps me close to kids during the day and also blessed to be able to teach them the Bible, also. I love watching their eyes light up when they come to an understanding and nothing compares to the love and honesty of a child.
Praise God for giving you this gift. It is a gift that is sometimes overlooked, yet so necessary. Peace to you!
That was well-said. God Bless your work with children.
Paula, the ability to work with children is indeed a great talent. Not many folks have that kind of patience and understanding. Consider yourself blessed by God!
Probably a Garth Brooks concert in his heyday.
My father was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) when I was five. At the time, he preached for a small congregation in Western Kentucky. My mother had just had my brother and times got tough. The people at the Heath Church of Christ stepped up and got involved. I spent many days and nights in the homes of these good people while my parents were seeing doctors or dealing with the diagnosis.
I learned at a very young age that ‘church’ family is the best family you can have.
I, too, would give up the car and keep the computer. Glad I’m not the only one who feels that way.
One of my greatest joys is teaching the Wednesday night Kindergarten Bible class. These five and six year olds keep me on my toes and help me sleep very well on Wednesday nights.
Our recent lesson was about King Joash (2 Kings 11). He was only seven years old when he became King of Judah and out of love for God, this young man, restored the temple.
I made a big deal out of Joash only being seven and even said, “Did you know that seven year olds could be king?” I was quickly informed by a cute little boy, “That doesn’t happen anymore ‘cause my sister turned seven and she didn’t become King!”
Some of the students thought that maybe having a 7 year old king wasn’t a good idea (apparently, there are some 7 years old, known to people in my class, that are mean to dogs). Right when I thought I had lost control, one boy set the class straight when he said, “God don’t make bad decisions.”
I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Near the end of the class, one boy declared that when he grew up, he was going to be a preacher! I was so proud and then he added, “Only if the monster-truck driving thing doesn’t work out.”
I hope you’re teaching a Bible class and I especially want to encourage you to get involved in a children’s Bible class. These kids need to see faithful men and women, besides their parents, who love God and His Word.
They need you and, trust me, you need them.
Paula, since you enjoy teaching children, I thought this article might be interesting to you:
http://www.elpasotimes.com/opinion/ci_14795088
Ramnath Subramanian is a 6th grade science teacher that writes a once-a-week article for our local newspaper regarding some aspect of teaching.
Loved the post, Paula! I had to read it to my wife. She’s quite familiar with sweet, funny, and the occasional out of control class as she has taught cradle roll for many years. I get to hear lots of stories about these little tykes.
Keep up the good work!
Enjoyed reading this very much.
Thanks to everyone! Mike, going to check out article now.
Paula, do you mind if we share this post. I’m thinking it will end up in a few bulletins.
Of course, Richard. Thank you!
At a funeral when we have that deep need to say something, silence is sometimes the best answer. At my parent’s funerals, I remember several people saying such things as, “God loved them so much He wanted them to be close to Him.” or “God needed another angel.” etc… Not the best thing to say to a child.
I understand that people have a need to say something during uncomfortable times but sometimes the least we say is the best. :)
is much more important than physical health. Yet, there are many people waking up this morning with a fear that life will change for the worse thanks to the American government. How bad can it be when you know that your God is in control though?
A healthy Spiritual life consists of keeping yourself close to God, setting your mind on things above, and rendering unto Caesar what is Caesars. Will life get worse? Is America turning into a Socialist nation?
Does it really matter when you look at the big picture? Our God saves. He has won the battle. Let us remember where are citizenship lies and regardless of what happens here, we have a home in Heaven where the health care is guaranteed and perfect.
Thanks for the words of comfort, Paula–easy to lose sight of the big picture if you’re painting on a small canvas.
Then we’re going to be okay. It doesn’t matter what we’re faced with in this life – death (of a loved one), divorce, destruction. Let come what may. If Jesus is Lord, then we’re going to be okay.
Good answer, Paula!
Hugh Fulford tells the story of Gus Nichols plowing in the field:
“He would get to one end of the row, pull out the New Testament from his overalls, get a verse firmly planted in mind, then repeat it until he got to the other end of the field and if he was satisfied with his memorization; he would pick another verse for the next row. If not, he would repeat it to himself until it was planted in his heart.”
Gus Nichols knew the importance of learning Scripture. He kept the Word of God close to his heart and within arm’s reach. When he could have been worrying about the harvest or stressing over bills, he was reciting precious Scripture.
Do you have a secret to memorizing the Bible or do you even do it at all? If not, today’s the day. Pick a verse, devote your day to learning it, and don’t stop until it’s firmly planted in your heart.
Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. Psalm 119:97
Great example and encouragement, Paula!
Thanks for sharing this Paula. Wonderful idea.
Paula, my grandmother heard Bro. Nichols preach several times in her lifetime. She knew of his great love and concern for the souls of others as well as his great work ethic.
Thanks for the reminder, Paula. I have let this part slip.
It can make us or break us. Someone once said, “The only disability in life is a bad attitude.” I agree with Ron, there are some days when it’s difficult to have a good one. However, attitudes are infectious. If we can stay positive, then we can influence others for Christ.
I’m a music lover so it’s always playing in our home. My parents loved music, too. I remember How Great Thou Art, Our God is Alive, and Ring the Message Out playing in the background while doing homework.
We must think Jesus, look for the cross, and stay focused.
Paula, since you enjoy gospel singing, here’s some pretty good groups:
Thanks for the link, Mike!
Last night I attended the visitation of a man who served as an elder in the Lord’s church when I was a little girl. The visitation happened to be in the same building where my father last preached and where I became a Christian.
Have you ever noticed that the visitation/funeral of a Christian is different than one of a non-Christian? There are more smiles, genuine laughter, and it can be a homecoming of sorts. The familiar faces from last night brought back precious memories. I saw people I hadn’t seen in 20 or 30 years and it was good. We shared a common love and a common bond. And even though there was sadness at the passing of this man who had served this small church for 50 years, there was gladness knowing that someday we would all be together forever.
Paula, yes, the Christian has a hope that a non-Christian will never have. Our hope is based on the solid foundation of our Lord (Hebrews 3:6; cf. Colossians 1:4-5; 1 Timothy 1:1; Titus 3:4-7; 1 Peter 1:18-21).
My favorite way to rest/relax is to write and my favorite time to do it is early in the morning when I have the house to myself.
And excellent writer you are!
Thanks Mike.
Some of us bloggers were asked recently to write an article about the preacher who had the most influence over our life. It could anyone from our childhood preacher, the minister who baptized us, or maybe a professor who impacted us the most. I wrote mine yesterday. It was one of the hardest pieces I’ve ever written. You can find it here: http://paulaharrington71.blogspot.com/
Who is the minister who changed your life? Is he still living? Does he know how you feel about him? I encourage you to take a few minutes and write him a note or give him a call. Let him know how much you appreciate him and what an influence he has been on you and then take his name before the throne the God.
Everyone needs a little encouragement from time to time.
(Philemon 1:7 NIV) Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.
Our minister has been at Calvert for over twenty years. Our youth minister recently took a full time preaching position. He had been with us for 11 years. In this day and age, that is saying a lot.
Paula, there’s no question that long-term service to a congregation, is practically a thing of the past. Preachers, like Superintendents of public schools, don’t last very long – two to four years at most.
The brethren at Calvert should rejoice in their preacher’s longevity there, encouraging him daily to “keep on keeping on.”
Last night I was watching old family videos and came across one that brought the tears. I had thrown my husband a surprise birthday party one Wednesday night after Bible class. Since it had been several years ago, some of the guests had since passed on. As the video panned over them, and I said their names, it reminded me of the great faith chapter, Hebrews 11.
If I were to write a Hall of Faith chapter, their names would be there. They were wonderful Christian examples who took time out of their busy schedule to be with us. Fellowshipping, you might say. I’m thankful for them and their influence on not only me, but my family.
So, my question to you is- who would be in your Hall of Faith chapter? If they’re here, send them a note today and thank them. If not, relish the memories and be certain you’ll be together again.
What beautiful thoughts to read first thing this morning. Thanks Paula.
I agree with Glenda, Paula
Glenda Williams are discussing. 
barry, 
jimnewy and 
Are they the restaurant that closes on Sunday so their employees can worship God?