Tony Barnes
I am a native Texan who spent 3 years in the Marine Corps Reserves and 25 years on active duty in the Air Force. I have been a Christian since 1985 and am an ordained minister. I am conservative politically and love to study history. I publish a monthly column called Nuggets of Faith and was published in a World War II encyclopedia about 12 years ago. I married and have 4 children.
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- 9/1/2010
Education/Experience
Bachelors Degree in Business Management
Displaying Results 1 - 136 (of 136) for All Content
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This is JEOPARDY!: My Attempt to Be a ContestantAlex Trebek says he may be retiring after 28 years of hosting Jeopardy. I will never forget the experience I had when Trebek visited Germany and I competed for a chance to be on JEOPARDY!
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Afghan Corpse Photo Leak: a Plea for ContextCertainly our military shouldn't be posing with pictures of corpses taken in Afghanistan. But, there is a desperate need to remember the context from which our troops fight each and every day.
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Great Experiences on Earth, but Looking Forward to HeavenEven though I have stood on the deck of the USS Constellation and flown in the backseat of an F-16 Fighting Falcon, the greatest moment of my life will be when I breathe my last and enter heaven.
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Flak Vest Devotion #32 - Marine Corps Blood StripesMarines wear "blood stripes" on their service dress uniforms in honor of casualties suffered in the Mexican War. Christians wear crosses for a very similar reason.
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Paris Air Agreement and the Age of Sport FlyingThe Treaty of Versailles placed great restrictions on Germany in the post-World War I years. The Allies wanted to use German airspace and have landing rights and decided to strike an air agreement to support these goals.
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Living Beneath Your PrivilegeFoots Fowler was a well-known hitch hiker in Azle, Texas. What if he had won $10 million?
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Does God Give Tim Tebow Favor?Much discussion has been made over whether God gives Tim Tebow favor. For many, it is an emotional issue.
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Flak Vest Devotion #31 - Secret Sins Have Open ImpactThe things we do in secret can have an open impact. The military combats secret drug use with the random urinalysis program.
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I Dream of Jeannie FaithChristians often treat God as if He is a genie in a bottle.
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Confessions of a Recruiter: Salary NegotiationsSalary negotiations can be stressful. But, like the Kenny Rogers song, "you gotta know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em." Salary negotiations can be like a poker hand.
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A Mother's Faith in the Face of MiscarriageWhen a mother has a miscarriage, there are so many unanswered questions.
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A Daddy's Prayer for His SonLooking into the cradle of my son, God laid this poem on my heart.
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Flak Vest Devotion #30 -- Kitchen Patrol DutyOlder veterans can tell you about pulling KP duty in the military. However, in today's military it is rarely experienced.
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Flak Vest Devotion #29: The First Salute an Officer ReceivesWhen a person is first commissioned as an officer in the military, they are supposed to have a silver dollar for the first person that salutes them. It's a moment in time, just as salvation is a moment in time.
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Looking at Other Women: A Tough Battle for Every ManFor the Christian man, lust can be an incredible struggle. Here's some insight into dealing with it.
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In the Ghetto...The Vicious CycleRecently it was announced that 9,000,000 more people in the US are now in poverty. There are organizations that are making a difference in fighting both financial and spiritual poverty.
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Should Rick Perry Hush His Religious Talk?In his run for the presidency of the United States, Texas Governor Rick Perry is causing a stir with his references to his Christian faith. Should he stop talking that way? Is it hurting his chances?
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Great Memories of the Texas RangersHaving been a Texas Rangers fan for nearly 40 years, I am proud of them making it to the Series. It makes me nostaligic and here are a few of my favorite memories of the Rangers.
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Flak Vest Devotion #28 -- Tours on the TerrazzoYears ago, an Air Force Academy cadet might have to do 5 tours around the Terrazzo as punishment for falling asleep in class. But, in Jesus Christ there are no punishments for the believer.
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7 Pieces of Advice for New CommandersCommanding a unit can be the highlight of your career as an officer. However, if you don't listen to your enlisted leadership you may as well stamp failure across your tenure as a commander.
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How Do You Witness to a DrunkI was asked by www.gotquestions.org to give advice on how to witness to a drunkard.
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Witnessing the Terrible Toll of 10 Years' Combat in AfghanistanAlthough I have never set foot in Afghanistan, the war has impacted my life as I work with those wounded troops that come home from combat. -
I was Robbed and HumiliatedMy home had broken into by a ruthless criminal.
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I Finally Wrote the LetterShe had witnessed to me about Jesus Christ many times when I was in high school. I finally wrote a letter telling her how much it meant in my life.
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Stationed in Kuwait During 9/11During 911's attack, I was stationed in the Middle Eastern country of Kuwait.
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What About Criss Angel's TricksIn writing for www.gotquestions.org, I was asked to comment on Criss Angel's magic tricks.
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Call Me Veep - a Look at TitlesShould we use religious titles?
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Book BurningThe Nazi's used book burning to incite crowds and set the tone for the rise of Adolph Hitler's power base.
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If a Christian Commits Homosexual Acts, Will They Still Go to Heaven?In writing for www.gotquestions.org, I was asked to address whether a Christian would go to hell if they have homosexual sex.
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¿Cu¡les Son Algunas Creencias Y Las Pr¡cticas De "la Religi³n Maya, Y C³mo Est¡n Mal?Para empezar con cualquier religi³n que no se basa en Cristo Jesºs y de Dios revel³ palabra conocido como la Biblia est¡ mal desde el principio.
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Is it Ever Right for a Christian to Use Violence?In writing for www.gotquestions.org, I was asked to deal with the issue of whether a Christian can ever use violence.
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Can You Date a Non-Believer? Looking for Love in All the Wrong PlacesJohnny Lee sang of "Looking For Love in All The Wrong Places"
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Memories of White Settlement, TexasThere is a Facebook pages where people remember the things about White Settlement they most enjoyed, most hated, people they miss, people they don't miss, etc.
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First Sergeant Perspective #2 -- Farewell to My Troops in KuwaitAs I prepared to leave at the end of my year in Kuwait, I bid my troops farewell with this article in the base newspaper.
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Flak Vest Devotion #27 -- Detail PaintingWhile they were fortunate to have jobs, they were slowly killing themselves with the radium paint they were using.
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I Hated Sweeping Berries Off the SidewalkThat captain always made me sweep those berries. I hated that.
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Bachelor and Bachelorette: Are These Shows Sinful?The Bachelor and Bachelorette are very popular programs. But, should a Christian be a part of these programs?
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Flak Vest Devotion #26 -- Confidence in a Gas MaskJust as the military go into gas chambers to give them confidence in their mask, so too we must appreciate the challenges God gives us to strengthen our confidence in Him.
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Flak Vest Devotion #25 -- Identification CardsTo enter a military installation you have to have an access badge. Heaven also has some entry requirements.
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Flak Vest Devotion #24 -- Death of a Military MemberFirst Sergeants and commanders dread hearing the news that someone in their command has died. Not only do they have to operate in their official mode, they also must deal with their own personal grief.
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Flak Vest Devotion #21 -- Why Did You Enlist?People join the military for many reasons. At reenlistment time, it is important for a person to evaluate those reasons. For the Christian, you must always remember why you serve in God's Army.
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Flak Vest Devotion #23 -- Protecting Classified InformationThe US government protects classified information by normally labeling it as Top Secret, Secret, and Confidential. God's plans are confidential in that day by day we don't know His plan until it unfolds.
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Flak Vest Devotions #22 -- C130 Combat LandingsA C130 pilot loves to land on long runways. But, there are times where the mission needs dictate a scenario where the only landing strip may be a dirt path in a clearing of trees. It is definitely not within the comfort zone of these aviators.
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What Does the Bible Mean by "Worldly"What does the Bible mean by "worldly desires"?
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Flak Vest Devotion #18 -- Mosquito NettingA bite from a mosquito bearing malaria can cause a lifetime of problems. There are spiritual blood suckers that seek to disrupt our relationship with Jesus Christ.
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Flak Vest Devotion #20 -- Should I Re-Enlist?In the secular military, there are re-enlistments? What about God's Army?
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Forgotten Veterans -- a Challenge to Every NCO and SNCOIn the panhandle of Florida is a facility that houses Air Force enlisted widows. There are many more than can be helped...but, we need the funding and support of every enlisted member of the Air Force.
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Flak Vest Devotions #19 - Getting Fitted for My New UniformYou will forget the smell of new military uniforms.
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Bob Barker Made Me Do PushupsBecause of a lapse of judgment, I had to do a lot of push-ups.
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Reflections of a First Sergeant #1 -- Death of a Military MemberFirst Sergeants and Commanders hate getting the notification that someone in their organization has perished. Here are some reflections from one such incident.
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God's Promises: the Resume of the BelieverThere are hundreds of promises in the scriptures of the Holy Bible. But, Psalms 112 is certainly a great summary of what the radical follower of Jesus Christ will experience in life. -
Katy Baker - Brewer Graduate Becomes an ActressKaty Baker dreamed of becoming an actress from the first time she hit the stage at the age of 4. -
If I Lust or Am Tempted -- is that Sin?Does a person have sin in their life if they have lust or temptations when they see all the provacative advertisements?
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Do the SEALS Have Blood on Their Hands?Are the SEALS who killed Usama bin Laden guilty of murder?
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Matthew 11:12 - Kingdom of Heaven Suffers ViolenceWhat does the Bible mean when it says the kingdom suffers violence?
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Flak Vest Devotions #17 - Aboard Ship - Out to SeaJust as a sailor is stranded on the mission at hand, so should the dedication of a Christian resemble that of the mariner.
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Flak Vest Devotion #16 -- It's Not All Black and WhiteThe Marine Corps mountain training facility is a great lesson in things being black and white.
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Flak Vest Devotion #15 -- Where Does Promotion Come From?Promotion doesn't come from a military headquarters.
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How Do I Surrender Everything to God and Start a Christian Walk?How do you start a Christian walk and truly surrender everything to God?
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When Bad Things Happen to Good PeopleI can't explain all the theological explanations of 911...but, God is faithful.
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Flak Vest Devotions #14 - Dress for SuccessJust as you would dress appropriately for a job interview, know that Jesus Christ has dressed you appropriately for the job He has for you.
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Is Stoning Too Harsh of a Punishment?Is the Old Testament practice of stoning too harsh?
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Flak Vest Devotion #13 - Weapon System ProtectionJust as we protect military weapons and valuable jewelry, we should protect our testimony.
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Premarital Sex -- Overcoming TemptationPremarital sex is a sin and not pleasing to God. But, in today's media society how can a Christian avoid the temptation?
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Flak Vest Devotion #12 -- Prepare for Boot CampJust as a recruiter prepares someone for boot camp, so too the Christian should be prepared for the trials of this life.
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Can We Speak to Our Illness and Heal as Jesus Did?If Jesus Christ is in us, can we speak to our illness and heal ourselves?
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Flak Vest Devotions #11 -- Keeping Your Weapon CleanJust as an infantryman cleans his weapon daily, so too must the Christian.
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What Does the Bible Mean About a Drunkard Not Going to Heaven?It is important to remember that the Christian is clothed in the righteousness of Christ.
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Flak Vest Devotions #10 - Losing a StripeEven though you may lose a stripe, in life you can recover and go on to a great career.
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Lessons from an Army Squad LeaderAn Army squad leader will often have a little lime green book where he keeps the secret of being a good leader.
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Flak Vest Devotion #9 -- Good Enough for Government WorkHave you ever heard the phrase, "Good Enough for Government Work"? Is that okay for the Christian? Could someone get killed with that mentality?
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The Day After You Retire from the MilitarySome people say once you retire the next day you are just another retiree. I beg to differ.
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Flak Vest Devotion #8 -- Casualty NotificationsIt is a sobering moment when the military car pulls up in front of a private home and two uniformed officers emerge and proceed to the door of the house.
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Being a CrimefighterThe best way to fight crime is with the Gospel.
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Flak Vest Devotion #7 -- Tone Down PaintThe barrel fell off the trailer and burst open staining the man in paint.
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AWOL from the Marine CorpsI copped an attitude and was AWOL from the Marine Corps.
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Old Enough for a 25 Year Reunion??? How Can that Be?25th high school reunion coming up...how can I be old enough?
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Failed Big? Christ Offers a Fresh StartFailures can cripple...but, in Jesus Christ there is a fresh start.
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Funerals Bring Potato Salad and Family MembersFunny how families today only tend to get together at funerals.
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CMSAF Thomas Barnes' Pseudo NephewThe man claimed to be nephew of the 4th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. It wasn't the truth.
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Memories Don't Have to Shape Your DestinyMemories can haunt you...if you let them.
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Waiting for a SignatureTry getting an appointment with a governor, military base commander or a bank president.
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Flak Vest Devotion #5 - Our Life is a VaporAn air show tragedy of massive proportions shows how transitory our lives really are.
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Flak Vest Devotions #6 - Having a Good Seal on Your FaithJust as you make sure your gas mask has a good seal, it's important to have a good seal on your faith.
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Flak Vest Devotions #3 -- Dream SheetsIn the military, you get plenty of fresh starts through reassignments. With God, his mercies are new every morning.
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God is Faithful in the Midst of Communist PersecutionPersecuted by the Communists for their faith, God was still faithful.
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Flak Vest Devotions #4 - Deicing Your WingsA plane will crash if it has ice buildup on its wings. Likewise in our Christian life if we allow the ice of sins to build up on our wings we are doomed for a crash.
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Flak Vest Devotions #2 -- Waiting to DeployYou see two kinds of people waiting in an airport to deploy. One will be a rookie troop anxiously awaiting his first combat zone deployment. The other will be a seasoned veteran who has deployed before.
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I Betrayed SamSam was a great therapy dog...but, I betrayed her.
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The Neighbor's Dog Taught Me a Spiritual LessonThe neighbor's dog has been teaching me some lessons on unconditional love.
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He Just Got Out of Prison -- My Encounter with HimHe had just gotten out of prison and I was an answer to his prayer.
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Flak Vest Devotion #1 -- High Altitude FaithDon't be surprised at the fiery trial that tries your faith.
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Chaplains HandcuffedCongress may have handcuffed military chaplains.
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Another Preacher ScandalIt was another preacher scandal and Euliss was running from the law.
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What If You Are Murdered and Die Early?: Do You Get to Go to Heaven?What if your life ends early through murder or an automobile accident? Do you get to go to heaven since your life was cut short?
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Frozen in FearWithout Christ, we can find ourselves frozen in fear like the Marine in this story.
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I Can Eat Two Dozen McDonald's HamburgersThe man claimed he could eat 2 dozen McDonald's hamburgers. I challenged him to do so.
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What Happens in Vegas...Stays In Vegas...Really?What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Wheels up, rings off. Ever heard of these sayings? Is it really all about fun, fun, fun?
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What Are the Mayan Beliefs?There is much ado about the ancient Mayan predictions of the end of the earth. What did they really believe?
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Wife Drags Husband ShoppingBetty had dragged James Robison to go shopping with her.
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Is Islam Legitimate: How Do I Witness to My Muslim Friends?What parts of Islam are legitmate? And, how do I witness to my Muslim friends?
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The Blame GameIt's a little thing called The Blame Game.
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Afraid of Heights -- I Crawled to the Foot of the CrossThe cross that overlooked the town of Oberammergau had a strange draw on me. I knew that I was going to have to climb up to that cross.
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A Horrible Morning: Should I Go Back to Bed?After hearing my "nothing-has-gone-right-today" sad luck story, the poor girl took pity on me and gave me my breakfast for free.
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Lucky Charms - They're Magically Delicious, But, Biblical?Do we treat Jesus Christ as a good luck charm?
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Are There Pharisees Today?Pharisees introduced hundreds of rules to keep people from even coming close to breaking the law. There is a tendency today to establish rules when Jesus Christ specifically came to abolish the 'handwriting of ordnances' that were against us.
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Misunderstood Meaning to a CommercialHave you ever misunderstood the message in a television commercial?
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Moments to Remember Always EndWhether its a graduation event or holidays with family, those things always come to an end. But, for the Christian although life is fleeting here on earth...for the Christian there is an eternal life that will never end.
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Word of Faith Movement -- Is It Biblical?Conservatives attack the Word of Faith Movement unfairly.
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Mrs. Paula Hope, My Favorite Teacher -- I Lied to HerI was almost arrested on a school trip to Hawaii. The Samoan cop did not seem to believe my fabricated story.
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Another Thanksgiving at Mamoh's HouseHow I would love to go back to another Thanksgiving at Mamoh's House
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I Did Not like Glenn BeckGlenn Beck is right on politics; wrong on religion.
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Thanksgiving Memories of My GrandmotherThanksgiving gatherings in Azle, Texas were very special. My grandmother was the classiest lady I have ever known.
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Two Christian Air Force GeneralsAs I got in the vehicle, I saw a star on his hat. He was the PSAB base commander.
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Can a Person Get Wealthy in the Military?A person can get rich in the military.
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Preaching in a Bar on Bourbon StreetI once had the opportunity to preach in a bar on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans.
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My Perspectives on the Colorado State Political Campaigns SeasonThe race for governor of Colorado is proving to be a challenge for me. I am a Libertarian who ends up voting Republican 99% of the time. While I would much rather vote for a Libertarian, I also don't want to see a Democrat in power.
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What Verses Are Most Important in the Bible?Which verses are most important in the Bible? Are we obligated to follow the Old Testament? Are some passages only for some races?
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Oath of Enlistment: Footsoldier for ChristBecoming a foot soldier of the Lord Jesus Christ.
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Are Pawn Shops and Predatory Lenders Biblical?The Bible has much to say about our finances. While the Bible doesn't say anything about pawn shops specifically, it would be unfair to say that all pawn shops are unscriptural.
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Conversation with a MormonIn late July 2010, I had the following conversation on Facebook with a Mormon lady I went to high school with in the late 1970's. Unfortunately, she "defriended" me after the conversation.
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Does God Give Christians Favor?God certainly does grant favor to his children. Psalms 90:17 (NIV) says, "May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us - yes, establish the work of our hands."
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As a Christian, Should I Attend an Event Where There is Alcohol?A Christian mother asks about taking her 15 year old to a family event where there will be alcohol.
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A Faith Lesson in NachosNow please pass the tortilla chips and that bowl of cheese --
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Martyred for His Faith -- David McDonnallWhen taking the gospel to the world, he was gunned down by extremists who oppose Christianity.
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The Military Airlift Command (MAC) EvangelistThis veteran of the Air Force was faithful to the calling Christ had placed upon his life.
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Fort Hood Massacre -- Were the Victims Ready for EternityFor the disciple of Jesus, sudden death simply means sudden glory.
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The Real Crimson TideYou owe it to yourself to become a fan of the crimson tide that flowed from a rocky hillside near Jerusalem. It didn't involve a football, jerseys or tailgate parties.
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My Life in the Major LeaguesI can wear a baseball cap, carry a bat and grip a baseball as I sit in Texas Rangers stadium. However, you stand a greater chance of being hit by an asteroid than of me being called up to pitch a couple of innings
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Pray Without Ceasing? How is that Possible?Pray without ceasing? Was the Apostle Paul serious? How is that possible? Am I to quit my job, abandon my family and run away from all semblance of modern life? Should I check into a monastery in some austere location?
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Nonsense at the Air Force AcademySome called it a hate crime.
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They Called Him Kissing JohnnyThey called him kissing Johnny.
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I Am Coupon ManI am a "reward-aholic".
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Rick was a Phony!Rick was a phony!
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You Cannot Lose Your SalvationIt is impossible for a Christian to lose or forfeit their salvation.
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Preaching the Gospel in Kuwait...LegallyA story about preaching in Kuwait City
