By Mike Riley
A song we often sing in our worship to God is, “Soldiers of Christ, Arise.” One verse of this song states, “Stand, then in his great might, with all his strength endued; But take to arm you for the fight, the panoply of God.” In singing this great song, I often wondered what the “panoply” of God was since I rarely saw or used that word at any other time.
By Mike Riley
An out-of-towner drove his car into a ditch in a desolated area. Fortunately, a local farmer came to help with his strong horse named Buddy. He hitched Buddy up to the car and yelled, “Pull, Nellie, pull!” Buddy didn’t respond. Once more the farmer hollered, “Pull Buster, pull!” Buddy didn’t respond. Once more the farmer commanded, “Pull, Coco, pull!” Nothing. Then the farmer nonchalantly said, “Pull, Buddy, pull!” And the horse easily dragged the car out of the ditch.
The motorist was most appreciative and very curious. He asked the farmer why he called his horse by the wrong name three times. The farmer said, “Oh, Buddy is blind and if he thought he was the only one pulling, he wouldn’t even try!”
By Mike Riley
Dear Preacher,
You often stress attendance at worship as important. But I think a fellow has a right to miss now and then. Please have me excused for the following reasons:
By Mike Riley
Generation follows generation – yet it lives.
Nations rise and fall – yet it lives.
Kings, dictators, presidents come and go – yet it lives.
Hated, despised, cursed – yet it lives.
Condemned by atheists – yet it lives.
Scoffed by scorners – yet it lives.
Exaggerated by fanatics – yet it lives.
Misconstrued and misstated – yet it lives.
Its inspiration denied – yet it lives.
By Mike Riley
Yes….I think perhaps I will do better this time around. I have learned from my past mistakes and surely I won’t repeat the same ones again! Right?