Category Archives: Faithfulness

The only assessment that ultimately counts

Posted on February 19, 2017 by vincentsmithauthor

One night at a famous jazz bar, legendary jazz musician Cab Calloway introduced a promising young saxophone player. After he’d played, a self-appointed jazz critic came over and said, ‘You aren’t that good, man. All you can do is play … Continue reading →

Posted in Faithfulness, Judgement, Stewardship, Suffering | Leave a comment

It’s not just the hearing that makes faith grow

Posted on September 29, 2016 by vincentsmithauthor

When Mother Teresa visited Australia, some years ago, a Franciscan monk was assigned to be her guide and gofer. He was thrilled at the prospect and dreamed of how much he would learn from her. But he never got the … Continue reading →

Posted in Actions, Faith, Faithfulness, Spiritual growth | Tagged | Leave a comment

Faith has to be practical

Posted on September 29, 2016 by vincentsmithauthor

I heard about a young woman who took her fiancé home to meet her parents. After dinner the father took him aside asked him what he did for a living. He replied that he was a student of the Bible. … Continue reading →

Posted in Actions, Faith, Faithfulness, Trust in God | Leave a comment

‘God, who sees in secret will reward you openly.’

Posted on September 29, 2016 by vincentsmithauthor

Emil Zatopek, the only man ever to win Olympic gold in the 5,000 metres, 10,000 metres and marathon, had enormous respect for Australia’s Ron Clark who, though he’d broken many of Zatopek’s records, had never won Olympic gold. The two … Continue reading →

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The Power of One

Posted on April 18, 2016 by vincentsmithauthor

Do you know that one vote made Oliver Cromwell Lord Protector and gave him control of England. One vote caused Charles the First to be executed. One vote changed France from a monarchy to a republic. One vote also made … Continue reading →

Posted in Faithfulness, Seeing the possibilities | Leave a comment

Passed preaching but failed Christianity

Posted on March 16, 2016 by vincentsmithauthor

Using Jesus’ story of the Good Samaritan, a professor of theology arranged for ten of his students, for their final assessment before becoming ordained ministers, to record a short talk on radio. Each was released from class at ten minute … Continue reading →

Posted in Christlikeness, Faithfulness, Preacher, Self Deception, Servant leadership | Tagged , | Leave a comment

‘One string – and Paganini.’

Posted on February 13, 2016 by vincentsmithauthor

Nicolo Paganini was one of the greatest violinists of the nineteenth century. His most memorable concert was in Italy, performing before a packed house, when suddenly one string on his violin snapped. He never missed a beat but continued to … Continue reading →

Posted in Faith, Faithfulness, God, God in us, New Life, Perseverance, Transformation | Tagged | Leave a comment

Consider the postage stamp

Posted on February 13, 2016 by vincentsmithauthor

One of the things I’m always grateful to my parents for, is that they always taught me that I didn’t have to compare my abilities to those of other people. All I needed to do was to do my best. … Continue reading →

Posted in Faithfulness, Perseverance, Self respect, Stickability | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Amen

Posted on February 13, 2016 by vincentsmithauthor

The word ‘amen’ is a most remarkable word. It comes from the Hebrew of the Old Testament and has been called the best-known word in human speech. The word is directly related to the Hebrew word for ‘believe’ or ‘faithful.’ … Continue reading →

Posted in Certainty, Faith, Faithfulness, Promise | Leave a comment

Only God knows the effects of our good deeds

Posted on December 20, 2015 by vincentsmithauthor

A Scottish farmer named Fleming once pulled a terrified boy out of a bog. The next day the boy’s aristocrat father arrived at Fleming’s humble cottage to reward him. But Fleming wouldn’t accept any payment except the offer of help … Continue reading →

Posted in Faith, Faithfulness, Good deeds, Reward | Tagged | Leave a comment