The torch has been passed, and I’m still trying to decide if I should be upset or proud.
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The torch has been passed, and I’m still trying to decide if I should be upset or proud.
Ephesus was home to a tremendous ministry. Despite opposition and harsh persecution, the church planted by Paul spread the gospel and was quick to challenge false prophets. But 30 years after the apostle left, John’s revelation included a stern warning for those believers (Revelation 2:1-7).
We are Republicans. We have been told all our lives that we do not need a politician for president of the United States, we need a businessperson. That is what we have now. President Trump is running the country like a business, answers questions directly, to the point, and does what he says…
Having been the recipient of many, many answered prayers here of late, I know what it means to have been prayed for! It’s such a powerful resource we can all benefit from.
The Pharisees, in Matthew 22:15-22, sought to trap Jesus by asking “Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor or not?” (v. 17). Jews who supported Herod collaborated with the Romans. The Zealots refused to pay. Jesus answers, “show me the coin... Whose head is this, and whose title?” (vv. 19-…
This is part of a column I wrote back in February of 2015 when I was working at the Wichita Falls Times Record News.
Parade decision prioritized health
At some point, you’ve probably been hurt. Maybe a person you loved and trusted did something unthinkable—something so devastating it changed your whole perspective on that individual. When this happens, we have a choice either to wallow in self-pity or to forgive (Ephesians 4:30-32).
It won’t be long, and this election will be history. It is my opinion that most people knew who they would support early on. Trump supporters knew he was the one before the line-up of Democratic stars threw their hats in the ring. The Dems, however, had a real problem with one common goal: d…
Agriculture can be a tough business. As an eighth-generation farmer and rancher, I am very familiar with the ups and downs brought on by drought, windstorms, hail, flooding, market fluctuation and government regulation. For that reason, it can often be hard to keep farming and ranching as a …
Spent a little time the last few mornings sitting on my front porch.
Our scriptures, in Exodus 32:1-14, contains a remarkable drama of Moses’ intervention on behalf of a sinful people. The drama begins with the first act.
For years, millions of Texans have known, through difficult personal experience, that health care in Texas has challenges. Over the last six COVID-scarred months, those issues have hit home for millions more.
God’s call on our life extends beyond the moment we receive salvation. He wants to develop Christlike character in us through the Holy Spirit’s presence and power. Every believer is given this call to sanctification.
Since the Watchman’s local columnists are limited to one commentary before the Nov. 3 election, I’ll have to concentrate my efforts on a factual analysis instead of getting into a hissing contest with Trump supporters who drink deeply from the Koolaid mix of hate, racism, xenophobia, violenc…
Former superintendents support the CISD bond
Jesus, in Matthew 21:33-43, told Jewish leaders the parable of the wicked tenants. A landowner sent servants to collect his share of the grape harvest (today known as share cropping). The tenants beat and stoned and killed the servants. Finally, the owner sent his son to collect his share of…
Do you ever think of God as being up close and personal? Instead of being distant and unapproachable, the Creator of the universe has constantly sought to come near us. In order to save us, He chose to identify with us by sending His Son Jesus to live on earth.
Today is Oct. 1! I love October! I love fall! I was thinking back, as I normally do these days, on all the wonderful things I was able to experience in the fall when I was growing up.
As Christians, we live in the tension of Jesus’s presence and absence. We are Christ’s people, His body in fact, and Jesus has commissioned us to do His Work in Matthew 28:19, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and the Holy Spiri…
Like many people today, the Israelites in Jesus’ time believed they were destined for heaven. They mistakenly thought that good works and an intellectual faith were all that were required to join God’s family.
There is a bond proposal on the Nov. 3 ballot to support students and teachers in the Carthage Independent School District. Unlike many bond proposals, this one will not have any effect on the tax rate and will not result in an increase in taxes. This proposal allows our school district to k…
As you no doubt know, election day will soon be upon us. Now don’t get up and leave. I have no intention of telling you who to vote for. Our bishop has instructed the priests of his diocese that we are not to endorse any political candidate nor political party, and that we are not to speak a…
If you keep up with the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, you may already know about the following but if not, please read this example of her “hypocrisy!” She has called the Trump Administration “corrupt” along with many other things. This ol’ gal is downright shameless.
First, thanks to our great law enforcement officers for serving and protecting us. God bless you and this great country of ours. All lives matter, yours especially.
Paul, in Philippians 2:1-13, encourages Philippian Christians to have “the same mind” “the same love” as Christ (v.2). Humility and a concern for others are marks of the oneness with Christ, who “humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (v. 8).
Forgiving those who have wronged us is a tough command to follow (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). Our human nature finds it easier and more satisfying to hold onto our anger. But as vessels of God’s love, Christians no longer live according to the impulses of the flesh.
For those readers expecting a cleverly-written rebuttal to another “column” writer, please accept my apology because I think this is far more important than his gibberish. I am not backing away, just postponing my comments to use this column to express myself on an especially important issue.
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Suicide is among the top 20 leading causes of death for people of all ages around the world; in Texas, it is the 11th leading cause. For each suicide, approximately 135 people suffer intense grief or are otherwise affected.
Robert P. Alvarez is a media relations associate at the Institute for Policy Studies. This op-ed was distributed by OtherWords.org.
Paul, in Philippians 1:21-30, writes from prison at a time when he faces a martyr’s death. He does not complain about his circumstances or seek another reward. Rather, he encourages “the saints of Christ Jesus who are at Philippi” that their “Love may overflow more and more.” He wants to be …
One of the most challenging things we’re to do as Christians is to “wait in silence for God only” (Ps. 62:1). We tend to think of waiting as passively sitting back until something happens. However, in the midst of a stormy life event, we don’t like inactivity. Our instinct is to react quickl…
As we pause later this week to remember the anniversary of the horrendous terrorist attacks on our nation 19 years ago, I want to issue a couple of challenges.
In just 50-some odd days, we will be going to the polls to elect the next President and Vice President of our country. Many people, much more capable than I, are saying “This is the most important election in the history of our nation!”
“Are all Democrats traitors?” screams the headline on Andy Harvey’s column published Aug. 21 in the Watchman. First off, the headline writer should be censored for such a provocative and ill-chosen choice of words. Maybe I should write a column asking if all journalists are stupid. I know th…
The Ten Commandments, in Exodus 20:1-10, are the highest and best requirements of duties toward God and neighbor. The first four relate to God, no other gods, no idols, no misuse of God’s name, keeping the Sabbath. The last six relate to neighbor, honor you father and mother, do not kill, do…
Your purpose in life may be found in Ecclesiastes 3:1-13. Solomon’s point in these scriptures is that God has a plan for all people, if they are willing to let God be in charge. Thus, he provides cycles of life, each with its own work for us to do.
What is your usual response when you face times of trouble? Are you inclined to stand and fight? Perhaps you are convinced that you’re strong enough to handle any obstacle. Or maybe you do what many others do: Run as far and as fast as you can.
If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault” as revealed in Matthew 18:15-20. This lesson, a part of the sermon to the church, follows the parable of the sheep gone astray.
Like nursing homes, residents of assisted living communities are among those most vulnerable to COVID-19. More than half of residents are above the age of 85, and many live with chronic health conditions and need extra assistance with daily activities.
We don’t enjoy times of trial or conflict. Despite the assurance God will always be by our side through any and every circumstance (Heb. 13:5), it is still natural to fear and bemoan such occurrences.
Whether you are in an urban community or rural Texas, the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our families, businesses, communities and schools are far-reaching.
Facing a fierce public outcry, the U.S. Postal Service is “suspending” its sudden cost-cutting moves — tossing out high-speed sorting machines, uprooting collection boxes, reducing Post Office hours and eliminating carrier overtime — that have slowed mail delivery and threatened the on-time …
Jesus predicted his suffering and death, in Matthew 16:21-28. Peter said, “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you” (v. 22). The Lord rebuked Peter, “Get behind me, Satan!” (v.23). Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up …
I’m not sure if it will help ease the pain after 19 years, but Spring Hill High School baseball fans deserve to know the truth.
Confidently trusting the Lord brings many blessings. These include spiritual growth, personal achievement, peace and influence (2 Corinthians 3:1-6).
Every now and then, I say to myself that I could have entitled this column, THINGS THAT REALLY MATTER! Case in point: In 74 days, we will vote for our next president and vice president of America! Just think how much that really matters! We cannot sit this one out! Shouldn’t sit out any pres…
When Jesus Christ asked his disciples, “But who do you say that I am?” in Matthews 16:13-20), Peter, the self-proclaimed captain of the disciples, made the first confession of faith: “You are the Christ.”
Back to school shopping! Perspectives vary on this annual event- feast or famine; good or bad; fun or punishment; depends on if you’re the purchaser or the one being purchased for.