By Dr. Mark H. Creech

In one of the earlier editions of the TV show “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” there was a segment from Japan showing a brother and sister coming to a break in the sidewalk. It was a long step across, and the gap was about two feet deep. The boy made it quite easily, but his sister was too fearful and refused to even try. After several attempts to convince her that she could make it, the little fellow stretched out across the gap, forming a human bridge with his body. His sister safely crossed the span by walking over him.

Let me ask a difficult question: In what ways are you willing to lay down your life for others – to be walked on for their sake – to bridge the gap between them and God – to bridge the gap between hope and harm. Read the rest of this entry »

By Dr. Mark H. Creech

You may have heard that old story about the minister who died and found himself standing in line waiting to be judged.

While waiting he asked the man in front of him about himself. “I’m a taxi driver from Noo Yawk Cidy,” the fellow replied.

Suddenly the angel standing at the gate called out “Next,” and the taxi driver stepped up. The angel handed him a golden staff and a cornucopia of fruits, cheeses, and other gifts and let him pass. The taxi driver was more than pleased, and he proceeded through the pearly gates. Read the rest of this entry »

By Dr. Mark H. Creech

A surgeon, an engineer, and a politician were debating which of their professions was the oldest. The surgeon said, “Eve was made from Adam’s rib, and that, of course, was a surgical procedure. Obviously, surgery is the oldest profession.”

The engineer countered with, “Yes, but before that, order was created out of chaos, and that most certainly was an engineering job.”

The politician smiled and said triumphantly, “Aha! And just who do you think created the chaos?”

Its negative perceptions like that one that all too often steer many Christians away from any involvement in politics. For some, the whole process seems dirty, and they just don’t want any of that nastiness to rub off on their religion. Read the rest of this entry »

By Dr. Mark H. Creech

One story has it that a young woman returned home early from a date with a long look on her face. Her mother than asked her what was bothering her. The girl said, “My boyfriend just proposed marriage.”

Her mother replied, “What’s so bad about that?”

The girl answered, “He told me that he was an atheist. He said there was no way he could believe there was a hell.”

The mother started sweetly consoling her daughter: “Awww, my little darling, now don’t you let that bother you. You go ahead and marry him anyway. With a little time and between the two of us, we’ll be able to convince him there’s a hell.” Read the rest of this entry »

By Dr. Mark H. Creech

It is said during election time, a certain politician decided to visit the local reservation to gather support from the Native Americans.

They were all assembled in the Council Hall to hear his speech. The politician had worked up to his finale, and the crowd was getting more and more excited by the minute. “I promise better education opportunities for Native Americans!” said the politician. The crowd suddenly went wild, shouting, “Hoya! Hoya!” The politician was a bit puzzled by that native word, but was encouraged by their enthusiasm, nonetheless. “I promise gambling reforms to allow a Casino on the reservation!” “Hoya! Hoya!” cried the crowd, stomping their feet. “I promise more social reforms and job opportunities for Native Americans!” The crowd reached a frenzied pitch shouting, “Hoya! Hoya! Hoya!” Read the rest of this entry »

By Dr. Mark H. Creech

Once there was a wayward family, who had no interest in God, his church, or the things of God. There was the father and his three sons, Jim, John, and Sam. The elders of the church had often spoken to them about their souls. The pastor had visited them, and many from the church had lovingly invited them to services – but none of it seemed to do the least bit of good.

One day when the boys were out in the pasture, a large rattlesnake bit John and he became seriously ill. They doctor was called, and after an examination, he pronounced John in critical condition and his life in the balance. The physician said, “About all you can do now is pray.” So the father called the pastor and reported to him of John’s condition. He asked the preacher to pray earnestly for John’s recovery. This is what the minister prayed: Read the rest of this entry »

By Dr. Mark H. Creech
Executive Director, Christian Action League

A police officer was waiting across the street from a bar parking lot late on a Saturday night watching for drunks trying to drive home. After a short wait, one particularly sad case stumbled out the door with the front of his shirt soaked. He appeared bleary eyed and confused as he wandered to the parking lot looking for his car. When he finally located his vehicle, he fumbled for his keys, bumped his head getting in, drove off and bumped the curb on the way. Read the rest of this entry »

By Dr. Mark H. Creech

King Duncan, a United Methodist minister, in his book, Amusing Grace, tells the following story:

I was getting dressed one Sunday morning to speak at old First Church – a high steeple church with a rich history. The radio was on. The early morning service from a fast-growing Pentecostal church was being broadcast. I knew the pastor. He is not a great preacher – a little too emotional for my liking. But he knows how to reach people no one else can reach.

As I straightened my tie, I heard him say, “Before we begin this morning, I want to say a couple of things to you. First of all, I want to say that there is far too much moving around in the service while I am preaching. It’s distracting.” I thought that was a rather amusing thing for him to say on radio. Then he added, “And another thing. I would appreciate it if you would wait till after the service is over to go to the restroom.” Read the rest of this entry »

By Dr. Mark H. Creech

A newly elected politician was in Washington D.C. for the first time to get acquainted. He was visiting in the home of one of the ranking Senators who was trying to interpret the bizarre wonder of the capital.

As they stood looking out over the Potomic, an old, rotten, deteriorating log floated by on the river. The old-timer said, “This city is like that log out there.” The fledgling politician asked, “How’s that?” The Senator replied, “Well, there are probably over 100,000 grubs, ants, bugs, and critters on that old log as it floats down the river. And I imagine every one of them thinks that he’s steering it.”

We all know the propensity of egocentric steering by politicians. But from where does all authority and dominion flow? Why does God allow anyone to rise to a position of power? Read the rest of this entry »

Rev. Mark H. Creech
Executive Director
Christian Action League

It was Robert Orben who said, “Life was a lot simpler when what we honored was father and mother rather than all major credit cards.”

The blessing of a good father is a priceless gift and something to be highly honored.

My father passed away on Tuesday, March 6, 2012. His departure has caused me to consider the profound influence that he had on my life.  Over and again, I have found myself thanking God for the abundant grace he made manifest in the man I called, Daddy.

Three events stand out. Read the rest of this entry »