Category Archives: Miscellaneous

Feb 21

The Power of Words

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Words are powerful. What we say or write may mean different things to different people. The wise man said, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Prov. 18:21). Friends, our words convey a message. The question we must always ask ourselves is, “What message does my words send to others?”

Let’s be sure we use our words wisely! Take a couple of minutes and watch this touching video. It wasn’t anything like I expected. It will certainly cause you to think about the power of your words. Enjoy!

Jan 30

A Much Needed Pep Talk

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Some of you may have heard about a young man who is taking a generation by surprise. His name is Robbie and he is the self-appointed Kid President. Kid President is the brother-in-law of my good friend Brad Montague, who I have known for several years. Together, they are on a mission to change the world. Take about 3 minutes and watch this video which has been viewed over 4 million times on youtube in just 5 days . It’s some great advice for all of us to follow.

P.S. Kid President will be on the Today show this morning. I plan to post the video once it becomes available. I hope you enjoy!

 

Jan 11

The CHALLENGE: Day 1 Reflections

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Yesterday, the Student Ministry at Karns began our challenge of reading through the New Testament in only 90 days. The nice thing about beginning yesterday is that last night we had our Thursday night Bible study and 15 kids and 4 adults were able to discuss the reading for the day.

In this post I want to share with you a few things that we talked about last night.

  1.  The genealogy of Jesus mentioned in the book of Matthew is from Joseph’s family history (Matt. 1). One of the students found this interesting because Mary was the one chosen by God to give birth to the Messiah. However, Matthew writing to the Jewish people included Jesus’ family’s kingly history. Read Luke’s account for the genealogy through Mary’s family.
  2. A lot of the people mentioned in Matthew’s account of the genealogy of Jesus aren’t the kind of people you would expect to find in the family history of the Messiah (Matt. 1). We concluded this is important because it shows two things. 1) It shows Jesus’ family tree is a lot like ours today and 2) It shows failures and sinners were the whole point of the birth of Jesus even among His own earthly family.
  3. We discussed the righteousness of Joseph; particularly the fact that he wanted to put Mary away privately and not make a big deal about what had happened (Matt. 1:19). This is interesting when you consider how most people would have responded if this were to have happened today. By God choosing Mary to be the mother of Jesus, He was in turn picking Joseph and his righteous character to be the earthly father of Jesus. Amazing!
  4. When considering the temptations of Jesus (Matt. 4:1-11), it’s worth noting that 1) This wasn’t the only time Satan tempted Jesus (read Luke’s account) and 2) Jesus demonstrated the best means of dealing with temptation is by keeping the Word of God in the forefront of one’s mind. What a great reminder for us all.
  5. The first apostles called by Jesus left everything “immediately” (Matt. 4:18-22). They walked away from their livelihood and followed Jesus not really knowing what was going to happen. How many of us are willing to walk away from almost everything else in order to follow after Jesus? This takes an extraordinary amount of faith.

Last night was incredible. Singing, praying and discussing the Word of God with the teens was both encouraging and uplifting for me personally. I am looking forward to continuing in our challenge together to become the image of Jesus. What a great year this is going to be!

What has stuck out to you during your daily Bible reading over the last few days? Leave your comments below.

 

Jan 05

Happy Birthday, Caden!!!

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imageOne year ago today, my life forever changed. We arrived at the hospital and a few of hours later, I was holding one of the greatest blessings in my life, Caden Lee.

From the moment I first held him, it was over; I was in love and knew my life would never be the same. I mean, how could it, he brings my life such great joy.

The last year of my life has been amazing. Watching Caden grow, learn and interact has been something I will never forget for as long as I live. He has a smile that melts my heart every time I see it. Listening to him play and laugh is music to my ears.  Whenever I have a bad day, seeing Caden makes it all better. The way his face lights up when I arrive home is priceless. He is the best son a dad could ever ask for.

Today, Caden is 1 year old. I don’t know where the last year has gone, but it has been the greatest year of my life. I hope and pray that God will bless our family with many more wonderful years together. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Caden and the Morton family.

Happy 1st birthday Caden, Dada loves  you more than words can say.

Love, Dada

 

Dec 21

We’re Still Here…

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Well, contrary to what many believed, we’re still here. The world has not ended yet, nor do I expect it to end at any point today. I say this, not because I know when the world is going to end, but because God’s Word teaches that no man knows when the world is going to end. Jesus said, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone” (Matt. 24:36).

The fact that people have predicted the world would end today is the very reason I don’t beleive the world will end today. Jesus went on to say, “For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be” (Matt. 24:37-39).

Just as the people in Noah’s day continued on with their daily living, not knowing what was about to happen, people today will continue to be busy living their lives not expecting the Son of Man to return. Then, when we least expect it, the trumpet will sound, the dead shall rise and we will all be caught up together in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air (I Thess. 5:16-17). It is at this point every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess Jesus Christ as Lord (Phil. 2:9-11) and we (everyone) will all give an account of our lives before the Lord (2 Cor. 5:10).

Since we don’t know when the world is going to end, I mean, it could happen tomorrow, in a week, in a month, in a year or ten years from now, we must always be ready for the end to come. I find it sad and heartbreaking that for many, the only time they think about the end of the world is when someone makes a prediction about the end being near. As a disciple of Jesus, I must do my part to spread the word to the world that yes, the world is going to end someday, we just don’t know when the end is coming so we must always be ready (Matt. 24:44).

If the world ended today would you be ready to meet the Lord and give an account for your life?  My hope and prayer is for you to answer yes to this question. Sadly though, many will think they are ready, but will find out they are not when they stand before the Lord in judgment (Matt. 7:21-23).

We’re still here which means we still have time. Why not take the time today? Give your life to Jesus by submitting to His will and being baptized for the forgiveness of your sins (Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16).

How can we as Christians do a better job of teaching people the importance of being ready for when the end comes? Leave your comments below.