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As I write this article another terrible hurricane has struck our nation’s coast and remnants of the storm are approaching southern Arkansas. Storms happen as our weather changes seasons. Storms also happen in life. It may be the fearful words from a doctor concerning a diagnosis, marital unhappiness expressed by a spouse, getting the ‘pink-slip’ at work, family issues that rear its ugly head, or one of the hundreds of problems each one of us can face in life. What…

This world has amazing transformations around us constantly. We see caterpillars change into butterflies. We see tadpoles change into frogs. We see leave change color. We see our children grow from babies into adults. When we see these changes many times we don’t even give them a second glance. We are so accustomed to seeing these changes. Change is a good thing. We, however, do see change when a person obeys the Gospel. Notice how Paul was inspired by God…

Saturday was my anniversary. You might say, “But Michael, I thought you celebrated your anniversary a couple of weeks ago.” Well, that was my wedding anniversary. I’m talking about a different anniversary. Saturday was the 3rd anniversary of my FIRST WORKDAY here at 70 West. I remember the day so well. Danny Vaughn met me the prior day and helped me get set up in a temporary apartment. That first workday was filled with getting my office arranged and going…

It has been very well said throughout the years that sin will take you further than you ever wanted to go. Sin will keep you longer than you ever intended to stay. Sin will cost you more than you ever wanted to pay. Sin will require of you more than you ever wanted to give. In our modern culture, the word sin is rarely, if ever, used. However, God’s Word speaks plainly to the idea of sin. Sin is the…

Growing up on the farm, Sunday dinner (city people call it lunch) was always a treat. Mom threw out all stops as the table was overflowing with homemade dishes she had cooked during the early morning hours before we left for worship services. I called Sunday dinner FEAST DAY, as my entire family gathered at our house after worship service for this grand meal.  Today is the kickoff for our SPIRITUAL FEAST DAYS as our elders have lined up a…

This has been a strange and weird time for everyone, especially our young groups. We all have gotten very comfortable with summer fun, weeks of camp, VBS and evangelistic efforts to other states. When the pandemic of COVID 19 hit our nation and the subsequent quarantine, everything changed. It is important to live after the following motto: “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!”  Under this motto, we reinvented the wheel. Every Tuesday morning for the past two months, we…

II Kings 6:15-17 When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord…

This past week I was recording the MANNA IN THE MORNING classes that will run just after our upcoming ‘Virtual PTP: God’s Vision for Hot Springs’ and the text was the last chapters of Acts.  Acts 26:25-27 But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things…

 Luke 14:26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.” ESV  For one of our online Bible video classes last week I spoke about the need for commitment to the Lord. In the passage above Jesus is pointing out that our commitment level to Him must be higher than any other. He must be number…

The answer is an emphatic YES! However, to understand this question in its fullness, we need to understand the question and how our God answers that question in His Holy Word. Let us take some time and explore the question.  Can a man stand before a Holy God justified? What is meant by man? The word anthropos is the word in question. It means the totality of mankind; male and female. This word also includes EVERY race of men. Mankind can…

 In so many ways ministering here at 70 West is so easy. I’m surrounded by encouraging folks who give many pats on the back, even when I do not deserve them. When you are working in the spotlight where people see you, it’s natural for your service to be acknowledged. But how about those folks who are serving but not in the spotlight? It’s easy to overlook them. It’s easy to take them for granted. It’s easy to fail to…

A young boy and his grandfather were in a conversation one day. The conversation was revolving around future plans. The grandfather asked, “What will be after High School for you?” The boy replied, “College.” So the old man said “What then?” Thinking hard, the boy said, “Marriage?!?” The Grandfather said, “What then?” “Kids, I think” replied the boy. “What then?” said grandfather. The boy started getting frustrated. He said, angrily, “Work for about 25 years.” Then the retort of the…