Devotions

Proverbs 14 for August 14 keep your eyes on the path. The prudent understand where they are going, but fools deceive themselves.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭14‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬     https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.14.8.NLT

Proverbs 11 for August 11: Humility “When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ How to prevent pride? Realize with gratitude that everything you have comes from God. How to develop humility:  “Lord, you’ve given me so much. I ask for one more thing: a sense of gratitude.” www.creekbank.net   sign up for …

t“You have no friends. You have no enemies. You only have teachers.” “The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces.” ‭‭ Proverbs‬ ‭10‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ ”LLL”  Be a LifeLong Learner   Proverbs 10 for August 10     https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.10.8.NLT

A cup of coffee . . . and sandwich with Paul I hope you’re enjoying our thoughts on the short book of Philemon.  I ask for your comments and insights.  That is how we learn best! In verse 1, Paul identifies himself as a “prisoner of Christ Jesus.” This humble term identifies Paul and is the first floorboard in building …

  On Leadership   As I begin my 68th year on Planet Earth, I can sum up what I’ve learned about leadership in one sentence: “I want to thank you ahead of time for doing this, and I know you won’t disappoint me.” I’ve been a youth leader, parent, coach, teacher, principal, camp manager, missionary, and now a grandfather. That …

Audio Podcast of “Professor Cavanaugh’s Best Lecture. ”   A word from Curt Teacher. There’s no higher calling. Few professions can influence as much as a dedicated teacher. The best teacher I ever met was Charles Cavanaugh. This is his story. “Yes, God’s will—most often—is simply doing the best we can, right where we are.” Professor Charles J. Cavanaugh and …

Buying Truth “Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.” Proverbs 23:23   Today’s takeaway: The lifelong learner puts effort, time, and money into the pursuit of growth and knowledge.   I’ve always believed that everyone, especially leaders, should be lifelong learners. I call it “L.L.L.” Life Long Learner You don’t need to head a large …

This is a story from my first book, Stories from the Creekbank. It concerns a famous person from Galveston, Texas. The plaque mentioned is at sidewalk level atop the sea wall. A Good Epitaph to Have     Have you ever thought about what epitaph you’d like to have? Recently as I walked Galveston’s seawall, I read a plaque: In …

First Snake of the Year   Tuesday, April 16, 2024 It’s mid-April, and the snakes are crawling out of their winter homes.  The warmer nights are the impetus for them to stick their heads above ground. I’ve spent the winter months not worrying about where I walk or put my hands. But that is changing. I’m waiting to see my …

    Resolve This week I’m thinking about the word “Resolve “ and its double first cousins, Grit, Determination and Perseverance. “Resolve: to act with determination, boldness, steadfastness, and faith.” Resolve: it’s a good word to have in our toolbox.

  The 100-Foot Line     There’s a fine stand of young slash pine at Dead Man’s curve on the Longville Road. I’ve watched the growth of this forest since it was clear cut, then replanted in straight rows. The following year, the pines began to poke their heads above the grass. They’ve emerged above the surrounding bushes and scrub …

Joseph on Forgiveness Part 4   Folks ask, “When did Joseph forgive his brothers?”   The rational answer is that this forgiveness occurred years later when the brothers show up in Egypt. However, the forgiveness was even now taking place after arriving in Egypt. . Here’s why: a person full of unforgiveness and bitterness will never be described as “The …

John Wooden’s Socks   “It isn’t what you do, but how you do it.”   -John Wooden   I was a college senior the year I met John Wooden in 1979. I was preparing to embark on my journey as a high school basketball coach. I traveled to Monroe, Louisiana to hear John Wooden speak at a coaching clinic. Wooden, who’d …

Choosing Your Rut     Choose your rut carefully: you’ll be in it for the next thirty miles. -Sign on Alaskan wilderness road It’s true. I learned in African bush driving that the rut you chose is very difficult to get out of. During the rainy season, dirt roads became paths of deep mud. Whatever rut I chose to follow …