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Dose of Truth Our firm foundation Recognize the name John Rippon? Most of us do not, but about 250 years ago this British pastor served at Carter’s Lane Baptist Church
November 20, 2024
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Dose of Truth Our firm foundation Recognize the name John Rippon? Most of us do not, but about 250 years ago this British pastor served at Carter’s Lane Baptist Church
Dose of Truth The church will prevail Seven years ago, on Nov. 5, 2017, First Baptist Church, of Sutherland Springs, Texas, made news around the world when Devin Kelley killed
Dose of Truth Who do you trust? No matter who you voted for Tuesday, or if you even voted, you are probably glad this year’s election is finally over. Most
Dose of Truth God welcomes us One of my favorite authors, Pastor Charles Swindoll, turned 90 earlier this month. He has written over 70 books; I have read many of
Dose of Truth The high cost of low morality Nearly 10 years ago, I read a disturbing story that caught my attention and left me shaking my head in disbelief;
Dose of Truth Our mysterious hope Honest people recognize the presence of both good and evil in our world. Dr. Jim Denison’s Oct. 8, 2024, Daily Article, described the “utopia
Dose of Truth Sacrificial serving Though his extraordinary bravery has inspired millions, few readily recognize the name Desmond Doss. This unusual soldier’s story was the basis of the 2016 blockbuster,
Dose of Truth Only God knows Last week, our church hosted a group of senior adults on a visit to Niagara Falls. According to the website, Science for Kids, more
Dose of Truth Living up to our potential Like many of you, I grew up in rural America. I remember my Grandma Richards being the only serious gardener in our
Dose of Truth Digital vegetables, not digital candy I was privileged to recently watch a lecture about the impact of children consuming too much electronic entertainment. In her presentation, Arlene
Dose of Truth Talk less, listen more We all need friends, yet many say they have few friends who genuinely care about them. Friendship is vitally important, but more and
Dose of Truth Finding common ground In her March 17, 2024, “Our Daily Bread” devotional, Christian author Xochitl Dixon wrote about her experience as a children’s book author and shared
Dose of Truth Practice makes perfect In James Clear’s excellent book, “Atomic Habits,” the author writes about University of Florida professor Jerry Uelsmann dividing students into two groups on the
Dose of Truth Motivating others In “The One Year Book of Amazing Stories,” Robert Petterson tells the story of Jack, a boy struggling with the disability of stuttering whose father
Dose of Truth Thanks, Dad! Those who know me know the last month has been challenging. Four weeks ago, my dad’s doctor found a mass on his pancreas and another
Dose of Truth Recognizing our worth Moving from childhood into puberty and then to adulthood is never easy. The “tween” stage is often a period filled with intense questions and
Dose of Truth Embracing change The Bible contains many fascinating stories from Jesus’ life. One of the most interesting is found in John 5:1-15 about a man waiting to be
Dose of Truth We need not be lonely In a survey on loneliness that appeared in the Jan. 31, 2020, Minneapolis Post, Susan Perry reported how 61% of Americans admit
Dose of Truth Trust Last Friday, my wife and I took our grandson, J, to the St. Louis Aquarium. Since he is not yet 2, we knew he would not
Dose of Truth America has been blessed During the deadly September attack, casualties mounted, with both the capital and the White House being targeted. What few know is how the
Dose of Truth The danger of pride Until recently, I knew little about the Korean Conflict except that the U.S. entered the fight in 1950 to stop the spread of
Dose of Truth Priorities Our church staff is reading an incredible book suggesting tiny changes can produce remarkable results. In “Atomic Habits,” James Clear combines fascinating research with interesting principles
Dose of Truth Happy Father’s Day In 1995, 35-year-old Wendy Lawrence flew her first Space Shuttle mission and later flew three more times. She had dreamed of being an astronaut
Dose of Truth Being available for our little ones On May 17, my wife and I welcomed our first granddaughter. Baby R weighed in at barely 5 pounds and had
Dose of Truth Ask God to bless your marriage You are not alone if you have forgotten the news from Sept. 20, 2016. Only minutes after we learned Angelina Jolie
Dose of Truth A debt of gratitude Next Monday, the United States will officially observe Memorial Day for the 156th time. There were occasions before May 30, 1868, when citizens
Dose of Truth You have amazing worth When 15-year-old Amanda Jane Cooper saw “Wicked” on Broadway, she immediately wanted to play the role of Glinda. She enrolled at Carnegie Mellon
Dose of Truth Helping vs. oppressing As I walked to my car following a very busy Sunday, a man called across our parking lot, “Are you the pastor?” I answered
Dose of Truth A challenge worth embracing Our church staff has been reading James Clear’s fascinating book, “Atomic Habits, Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results.” The book began with the history of
Dose of Truth Trusting God I took my grandson to the library for the first time last Friday. J enjoys being read to, so I hoped he would eagerly pick
Dose of Truth Just the right word Last Sunday, I read an inspirational Reader’s Digest post, “The 100 Greatest Compliments You Could Ever Give or Receive.” Sarah Vincent wrote the
Dose of Truth God’s protective love In “How Firm a Foundation,” Jennifer Benson Schuldt described a visit to her great-grandmother’s house when she was a little girl. The elderly relative
Dose of Truth Always trusting God My friend Irene Hurt shared this story about Stephen Grellat, which appeared in “Measure Your Life,” by Wesley Duewel. Grellat sought to follow God,
Dose of Truth The hope of Easter Popular author Jim Cymbala became pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle in 1971. He once wrote about a particularly busy Easter which left him
Dose of Truth Blind faith vs. genuine faith For more than 1,000 years, astronomers believed stars and planets revolved around the earth. They observed how stars moved smoothly in their
Dose of Truth Choices Columnist Bill Crowder wrote in a recent “Our Daily Bread” devotional that according to the Daily Mirror, a British newspaper, the average person makes an astonishing
Dose of Truth Burgers to blessings Ray Kroc was an incredibly successful entrepreneur. The 52-year-old believed he had discovered a gold mine when he entered Richard and Maurice’s restaurant in
Dose of Truth Has stealing become the new norm? If you are like me, you are getting used to using self-check-out lines when you shop. Stores which hire fewer cashiers
Dose of Truth Love is kind Love is kind I recently listened to Carol Burnett read her autobiography, “This Time Together.” The star’s story is both entertaining and inspiring. Since
Dose of Truth Better together Sometimes a single word can bring a thousand memories to mind, words like: “Mom,” “Dad” or “Sweetheart.” Some names from the Bible are like that.
Dose of Truth Hearing God’s voice My friend, Bob Johnston, was pastor of the First Baptist Church of Rolla for over 30 years. He recently retired, but since then has
Dose of Truth Dangerous up and down A few years ago, I read an “Our Daily Bread” devotional by Mike Wittmer about a mountain climber who reached the summit of
Dose of Truth Commitment to a higher purpose Each Christmas someone in my family gives me a book they know I will use for future columns. This year my wife,
Dose of Truth God can bring good from bad Tim Richards I recently finished, “Before We Were Yours,” a fascinating novel by Lisa Wingate. Her book tells the story of
Dose of Truth A fresh start Tim Richards Those who read my last column may remember I wrote about Michael and Matthew Clark; two brothers with leukodystrophy, a fatal disease
Dose of Truth Achieving maturity Tim Richards Yahoo published a fascinating article in 2012 about two brothers living in England. In 2006, Michael and Matthew Clark were living normal lives.
Dose of Truth God never forgets Tim Richards Each year thousands of people who are not typical ballet fans watch the “Nutcracker,” the most popular ballet in the U.S. It
Dose of Truth The power of love Tim Richards First-lady Roselynn Carter passed away on Nov. 19, 2023. Her death and thinking about her family’s contributions to our country prompted
Dose of Truth The Lord is my shepherd Tim Richards The twenty-third Psalm is one of the most famous passages in the Bible. Part of what makes the ancient psalm
Dose of Truth Loneliness Tim Richards In Sam Kim’s excellent book, “A Holy Haunting,” the author referenced a recent national survey released by Cigna, a global health service company, which
Dose of Truth Well done Tim Richards Many years ago, I read best-selling author John Maxwell’s fascinating book, “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.” Maxwell told a dramatic story about
Dose of Truth We need God Tim Richards If watching world news these days makes you nervous you are far from alone. It is also genuinely concerning for many powerful
Dose of Truth God can use you Tim Richards When a mother who had taken cocaine and oxycodone during her pregnancy gave birth in May 2001, her baby boy was
Dose of Truth Second chances Tim Richards I once read about a man whose name was mistakenly included in the obituary column of his local newspaper. The notice that he
Dose of Truth Don’t forget to do good Tim Richards Larry Davies and I are friends though we have never met nor spoken by phone. We have read each other’s
Dose of Truth The surprising power of kindness Tim Richards Jimmy Abbott was born Sept. 19, 1967, without a right hand. When he started school his classmates teased him mercilessly.
Dose of Truth ‘My Jesus I Love Thee’ Tim Richards William Featherston was born in Montreal Canada in 1846. He would die there when he was only 26. His life
Dose of Truth Life is short Tim Richards The boy was barely a year old when the atomic bomb dropped just 100 miles from his home. Six years later during
Dose of Truth Christianity – Stronger than you think Tim Richards Christian anthropologist Jim Denison says in his June 28, 2023, Daily Article, we need to ask why some stories
Dose of Truth Being a hero by serving Tim Richards My niece, Jennie Randolph, was honored on August 17 as the Daily American Republic (DAR) 2023 Difference Maker of the
Dose of Truth God loves us unconditionally Tim Richards I love the parables found in scripture. Jesus often used these fictional stories to teach spiritual truth in unorthodox ways. While
Dose of Truth The amazing power of teamwork Tim Richards A couple of weeks ago I was privileged to serve as the photographer for the “Joni and Friends Missouri Family
Dose of Truth Helping others Tim Richards Five-year-old Beth Usher experienced up to 100 seizures every day. She often injured herself when she fell during one of her seizures. When
Dose of Truth Honoring the overlooked Tim Richards Far too often those who work behind the scenes are either ignored or viewed as less valuable than their upfront counterparts. This
Dose of Truth Grandchildren Tim Richards As my wife and I approach the first birthday of our first grandchild I have been thinking about my first year as a grandparent.
Dose of Truth Do your best each day Tim Richards Most of you who read my weekly columns do not know that my friend David Shaw helps me edit each
Dose of Truth Finding hope Tim Richards Stories are one of the most powerful tools speakers have at their disposal. As a pastor I have used them for over 40
Dose of Truth God knows Tim Richards In 1994, the FBI arrested Aldrich Ames for espionage. He was a CIA agent for 30 years; during nine of those he sold
Dose of Truth What America needs Tim Richards This week our country celebrates its 247th birthday. While Americans enjoy the freedoms our constitution affords us, America has become an increasingly
Dose of Truth God loves us as we are Tim Richards Charlotte Elliot, born in 1789, grew up in the home of a minister in Brighton, England. She was a
Dose of Truth Gratitude is an attitude Tim Richards Over the course of many years, James Banks has had many devotionals in “Our Daily Bread.” In his devotional on Jan.
Dose of Truth Jesus loves you Tim Richards For over 2,000 years the life of Jesus has fascinated millions. Even many who do not follow the teachings of Jesus are
Dose of Truth Sharing our blessings Tim Richards Each morning on his way to work, Glen went through the drive-through of a local coffee shop to order a coffee for
Dose of Truth A case for faith Tim Richards Lee Strobel’s journey to faith was long and difficult. The former atheist was an award-winning legal editor of the Chicago Tribune
Dose of Truth Consistent faithfulness Tim Richards I enjoyed reading about young Nelson Bell in the Oct. 28, 2022, “Our Daily Bread.” Devotional writer Karen Huang described how Bell graduated
Dose of Truth Acknowledging failure Tim Richards Few outside the ranks of historians know much about President James Garfield and for good reason; our 20th president was elected on March
Dose of Truth Serving others Tim Richards All of us have read an inspirational story which made us smile, however, occasionally, a friend plays a significant role in one of
Dose of Truth An unexpected lesson from Einstein Tim Richards I have always been fascinated by physicist Albert Einstein. His intellect is certainly amazing, but I also admire his search
Dose of Truth Hope Tim Richards In “The Jesus I Never Knew,” award-winning author Philip Yancey examines the story of Jesus’ resurrection. He says those who reject the resurrection usually
Dose of Truth Overcoming loneliness Tim Richards Last November an article from Michigan State University addressed the devastating impact of rampant loneliness in the United States. It spoke of a
Dose of Truth Revival at Asbury Tim Richards Did you hear about the recent Asbury revival? Continuous revival services began at Asbury University, in Wilmore, Ky., on Feb. 8, 2023.
Dose of Truth Surprising endings Tim Richards For many years country music fans have enjoyed the beautiful harmonies of the hit, “Song of the South.” It was written by Bob
Dose of Truth The surprising truth about god’s forgiveness Tim Richards Philip Yancey is one of my favorite authors. His fascinating book, “The Jesus I Never Knew,” did more than
Dose of Truth Amazing kindness Tim Richards While I like sports, I have many friends who love them. Sportsmanship is important in the world of sports. The Merriam Webster’s Intermediate
Dose of Truth Make pleasing god your priority Tim Richards I decided to use the story of Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler in a weekly column during Black History Month after
Dose of Truth Healthy marriages Tim Richards Like most of you, I watched Sunday’s Super Bowl along with an estimated 150 million viewers, but the night before I attended our
Dose of Truth Sacrificial love Tim Richards Eighty years ago, Feb. 3, 1943, on a frigid night in the North Atlantic, a German torpedo struck the SS Dorchester, creating a
Dose of Truth The limits of knowledge Tim Richards All of us have heard the statement, “knowledge is power.” I have a question, is this true? Nearly everyone recognizes there
Dose of Truth God’s help to overcome stress Tim Richards The Penn State Nittany Lions played the Memphis Tigers in the 2019 Cotton Bowl. Penn State’s running back, Journey Brown,
Dose of Truth Don’t give up Tim Richards Many people have heard the story found in Matthew 14 of Jesus walking on water. Most probably also know how Jesus told
Dose of Truth Leading by serving Tim Richards Few today know much about our 22nd and 24th president, Grover Cleveland. He was financially conservative in some areas while liberal in
Dose of Truth Wise words Tim Richards As we begin 2023, most of us are looking for ways to gain fresh perspective. Perhaps some of you read the recent Reader’s
Dose of Truth The power of kindness Tim Richards Most of us put a great deal of time and energy into preparing for Christmas. While New Year’s Day is seven
Dose of Truth Why Jesus came Tim Richards According to a 2022 nerdwallet.com article, 84% of Americans buy Christmas gifts for friends and family. Another survey on YouGovAmerica.com reported in
Dose of Truth For you Tim Richards I subscribe to the 1440 Daily Digest, a politically balanced synopsis of each day’s top news stories. This news organization feels the citizens
Dose of Truth God is personal Tim Richards If you pay close attention, you may be aware advertisers monitor our online habits and create personalized ads that correspond to our
Dose of Truth Wisdom Tim Richards Everyone knows our national government spends a lot of money. The federal budget for 2022 is $6.011 trillion. To determine how much money the
Dose of Truth Thanksgiving Tim Richards Even if your family does not consistently pray before meals, surveys show more than half of U.S. families say grace before enjoying their annual
Dose of Truth The power of godly habits Tim Richards I am currently reading Drew Dyck’s intriguing book, “Your Future Self Will Thank You: Secrets to Self-Control from the Bible
Dose of Truth Embracing change Tim Richards The Bible contains many fascinating stories from Jesus’ remarkable life. One of the most interesting is in John 5:1-15. It tells the story
Dose of Truth God’s surprising angels Tim Richards I read Lisa’s story in the Oct. 4, 2020, Our Daily Bread devotional. Lisa did not know what to make of the
Dose of Truth An amazing answer to prayer Tim Richards I recently had the privilege of attending the 2022 Legacy Grandparenting Summit, which our church helped sponsor in St. Louis.
Dose of Truth Are you looking? Tim Richards Even if you are not a country music fan, you have probably heard Trace Adkin’s 2008 hit, “You’re Gonna Miss This.” The
Dose of Truth Persistence Tim Richards In 1954, Life magazine published a critical exposé of American education which captured the public’s attention. It focused on how grade-school students were falling
Dose of Truth Living for the glory of God Tim Richards One of my favorite movies is the 1981 classic, “Chariots of Fire,” which tells the stories of two British
Dose of Truth God’s grace changes lives Tim Richards John Newton was born in 1725. On Sept. 3, 2020, my favorite blogger, Jim Denison, wrote about an event which occurred
Dose of Truth New beginnings Tim Richards In the late 1890s, Swedish Christian, Eric Lund felt God was leading him to become a missionary to Spain. He soon left Sweden
Dose of Truth My new grandson Tim Richards My oldest nephew celebrated his 32nd birthday on Sept. 2. He was born on Labor Day in 1990. I still remember how
Dose of Truth Life is short Tim Richards Leo Tolstoy, one of Russia’s greatest authors, once penned the story of a young Russian farmer who inherited his father’s small farm.
Dose of Truth Offering forgiveness Tim Richards I quickly knew when I began reading, “Forgiving My Father,” by M. William Lensch in the February 2018 issue of Reader’s Digest that
Dose of Truth We have a lot to learn Tim Richards The Washington Post recently featured an article by John Greer and Mary Catherine Sullivan entitled, “How Politically Divided is
Dose of Truth Remembering Andrew Tim Richards Several years ago, I did a sermon series on the twelve. I found it interesting that Jesus called both Simon Peter and Andrew
Dose of Truth ‘Precious Lord Take My Hand’ Tim Richards Thomas Dorsey, born in 1899, was the son of a Baptist minister and a piano teacher. His life’s work would
Dose of Truth Making a difference Tim Richards Homelessness among our children is a tragedy, unfortunately, it is not a new problem. In 1850 New York City had nearly 30,000
Dose of Truth Active or passive? Tim Richards Sheridan Voysey’s July 23, 2022, Our Daily Bread Devotional caught my attention when he wrote about an animal of which I had
Dose of Truth Focus on faithfulness Tim Richards In his book, “Holy Sweat,” author Tim Hansel tells the story of Clarence Jordan, a man with unusual talent and a total
Dose of Truth Money Tim Richards Catchy quotes often offer helpful perspective. A famous rich man once said, “Whoever says money can’t buy happiness doesn’t know where to shop.” However,
Dose of Truth Difficult moments Tim Richards I am a big fan of author Robert Fulghum and have read most of his books. I am always fascinated by how he
Dose of Truth Do more than talk… Tim Richards Several years ago, my children gave me a book of presidential quotes for Father’s Day. As we prepare to celebrate Independence
Dose of Truth Jesus definition of greatness Tim Richards Tony Campolo is someone who consistently impresses me with his ability to see lessons in life which others typically miss. He
Dose of Truth Grace offers each of us hope Tim Richards Hubert Humphrey’s funeral was held on Jan. 16, 1978. Newsweek Magazine carried the story of the former vice-president’s memorial
Dose of Truth Murder Tim Richards The former Chief Justice of the South Carolina Court of Appeals, Alexander Sanders, told the following story about his daughter Zoe. The judge came
Dose of Truth Prayer Tim Richards Philip Yancey’s excellent book, “Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference,” begins with a story from the author’s November 2002 visit to St. Petersburg, Russia.
Dose of Truth Committed to truth and tolerance Tim Richards Contemporary society has made the word “truth” unpopular and has replaced it with another virtue that has become more highly
Dose of Truth Trust God to help you thrive Tim Richards In recent weeks I have been teaching a class based on Hal Seed and Dan Grider’s fascinating book, “The
Dose of Truth God cares about you Tim Richards For as long as I can remember I have been a fan of an influential man whom I knew I would
Dose of Truth Glorifying God through our kindness Tim Richards You probably have not heard this recent story, but it will likely make you smile. A couple of weeks ago
Dose of Truth The positive impact of Christianity Tim Richards Perhaps you have heard of Lee Strobel, the Chicago Sun Times journalist who set out to prove Christianity was not
Dose of Truth The importance of your name Tim Richards Although the name “Tim” is common in the English language, it catches my attention the moment I hear anyone say
Dose of Truth A holiday worth celebrating Tim Richards Jesus’ trial before the Roman governor, Pilate, in John 18 is fascinating. Pilate’s primary concern was the political threat Jesus might
Dose of Truth God’s love Tim Richards Earlier this year in my men’s group at church, we read James Bryan Smith’s excellent book, “The Good and Beautiful God.” It was
Dose of Truth Jesus’ countercultural perspective Tim Richards The world’s most famous sermon was preached by Jesus; it is commonly called, The Sermon on the Mount. The best-known part of
Dose of Truth God is at work Tim Richards Each Christmas our church has a massive drive to fill shoeboxes for Samaritan’s Purse to distribute to children around the world.
Dose of Truth Responding to Ukraine Tim Richards All of us have been touched by the tragic stories coming out of Ukraine. It is heartbreaking to watch the daily horror
Dose of Truth Blessed to be a blessing Tim Richards Dr. Jim Denison, in his Oct. 15, 2020, Daily Article, shared something a colleague told him several years ago. His
Dose of Truth A life well lived Tim Richards If you follow men’s college basketball you know we are a mere two weeks from the start of March Madness, when
Dose of Truth We need God’s help Tim Richards Over the last few years Americans have become increasingly polarized about politics. With that in mind I try to avoid writing
Dose of Truth The people God uses Tim Richards The Hebrew word, “Lemuel” means “devoted to God.” Lemuel Haynes took the meaning of his name as his personal calling and
Dose of Truth Jesus on divorce Tim Richards My church is starting a support group for hurting people whose marriages have been shattered by divorce. I recently learned another disturbing
Dose of Truth The surprising power of confession Tim Richards Several months ago my friend who helps edit my columns, sent me the link to an article Barton Goldsmith wrote
Dose of Truth Stay alert Tim Richards Occasionally I hear a story which makes me simultaneously smile and shudder. One I recently read in the “Our Daily Bread” devotional for
Dose of Truth We need each other Tim Richards We live in a world which increasingly emphasizes our individuality. While personal rights are important, when taken to an extreme, they
Dose of Truth We could never imagine Tim Richards Future President Ronald Reagan starred in the 1939 Warner Brother’s film, “Code of the Secret Service.” He played the role of
Dose of Truth A remarkable partnership Tim Richards I consider Bob Johnston one of my mentors. In my early 30s, Bob had a little more experience but a lot more
Dose of Truth The hope of Christmas Tim Richards Many of us have left a door open at some point in our childhood only to have our mothers ask, “Were
Dose of Truth Living with purpose Tim Richards Some of you may have noticed my column did not appear in your newspaper in last week. (The Sentinel ran a previous
Dose of Truth An attitude of gratitude Tim Richards An attitude of gratitude One of the challenges pastors and writers face is dealing with important topics like thankfulness every year.
Dose of Truth 15 years Tim Richards As I write these words I am sitting alone in my in-laws’ living room reflecting on my blessings. I feel happy and content
Dose of Truth The power of proper perspective Tim Richards I recently began a sermon with this story told by author Randy Alcorn but in that sermon shared only the
Dose of Truth Grief and hope Tim Richards In the March 7, 2018, edition of the devotional guide, “Our Daily Bread,” Cindy Hess Kasper described the routine she and granddaughter
Dose of Truth The power of a kind heart Tim Richards In a recent national poll 81% of Americans believe life after COVID-19 will not return to normal anytime soon.
Dose of Truth Making a positive difference Tim Richards What do Elinor Donahue, who achieved national fame as Betty Anderson in the 1950s sitcom, Father Knows Best, and 66-year-old actor
Dose of Truth Off our map Tim Richards About a year ago my oldest daughter, Johanna, gave me the fascinating book, “Canoeing the Mountains” by Tod Bolsinger, in which the
Dose of Truth Give 100% Tim Richards I fear we often pay too much attention to professional athletes. While some serve as remarkable role models, many despite fantastic athletic ability
DOSE OF TRUTH God loves to help Tim Richards Later this year I will celebrate 40 years as a pastor. Most of what I have observed during my years of
Dose of Truth Perspective Tim Richards All of us occasionally fall into the trap of viewing important things as if they are insignificant. At other times we make the opposite
One of many Pastor Tim photos on Flickr. A DOSE OF TRUTH The impact of faith A current popular trend is to revise the stories of American heroes. Certainly, historical
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