The late advice columnist Ann Landers use to receive something like 10,000 letters a month. When asked what seems to be the most common topic, she answered that most people seem to be afraid o...
"I have preached the gospel now these thirty years and more, and . . . often, in coming down to this pulpit, have I felt my knees knock together, not that I am afraid of any one of my hearers, but I a...
"Mr. Clark, I'm afraid I have bad news," the doctor told his anxious patient. "You only have six months to live."The man sat in stunned silence for the next several minutes. Regaining his composure, h...
In her recent book, Team of Rivals, Doris Kearns Goodwin focuses on the political genius of Abraham Lincoln. Goodwin notes that after Lincoln won the presidential election, he put his Republican ri...
No one could say that George Smith didn't have courage. A daring jet test pilot in the 1950's, back when the sound barrier was first being broken, he could face anything - until he had to bail out of ...
A man found a magic lamp, rubbed it, and out popped a genie, who offered to fulfill one wish. The man said, "I've always wanted to go to Hawaii, but I'm afraid of planes and boats. I'd like you to bui...
John Leo, writing in U.S. News and World Report, noted that twins are now more frequent. Someone said, "I guess it's because little children are afraid to come into this world alone!" Those who think ...
Some Christians are so afraid of failure that they become reserved, overly cautious, and uninvolved in life. They follow a policy of guarded living, holding back time, talents, and treasure from God's...
The promise of the resurrection was especially comforting to a woman named Freida Barkman after her 15-year-old foster son, Vernon, was killed in an accident. Afraid that he would soon be forgotten by...
An elderly mother in Scotland gave up her son to the Lord. One day she went to a missionary society meeting where only contributing members were admitted. The doorkeeper asked, "Are you a contributor?...
One bright, beautiful Sunday morning, everyone in the tiny town of Johnstown got up early and went to the local church. Before the services started, the townspeople were sitting in their pews and talk...
A sick man turned to his doctor as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said, "Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side." Very quietly, the doctor said, "I don't k...
An older couple had a son, who was still living at home with his parents. The parents were a little worried that their son could not decide on his future career, so they decided to do a little test. T...
David Jeremiah tells the story of a small boy who was terrified of thunderstorms at night. Whenever the lightning and thunder would begin, he would invariably end up at his parents bedside and saying,...
Preaching through books of the Bible can be difficult, but pastors must embrace that challenge....
The story is told that many years ago, a little boy was visiting London with his family, and he decided he wanted to see the king. Of course, when he arrived at the palace, the gates were closed and t...
In a Preaching magazine sermon called "Easter as an Earthquake," William Willimon concluded with these words: "In the fifties, in China, there was a devastating earthquake. But as a result of the quak...
Chuck Swindoll writes, “You and I are afraid that if we open the door of contentment, two uninvited guests will rush in: loss of prestige and laziness. We really believe 'getting to the top’ is worth ...
Chuck Swindoll writes, "You and I are afraid that if we open the door of contentment, two uninvited guests will rush in: loss of prestige and laziness. We really believe that 'getting to the top' is w...