Gerald Ford ascended to the presidency at a difficult time in American history. He had been appointed vice president because of his reputation for honesty and integrity, to replace a vice president who had resigned in disgrace. Not long after that, it became clear Ford eventually would become president. When Ford was told he was going to ascend to the presidency at Nixon’s resignation, one of the first things he did was to go to church and pray. He later asked the county to support him with prayer. On his grave are written these simple words: “Lives Committed to God, Country and Love.”


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About The Author

A third generation preacher, Mike Shannon is Professor of Preaching at Cincinnati Bible Seminary of Cincinnati Christian University. He has served as a preaching minister, church planter, and college professor. His most recent preaching ministry was at the historic First Christian Church of Johnson City, Tennessee. In his nearly two decades at Cincinnati Christian University, Mike has served as both professor and Dean of the Seminary. He has also been an adjunct professor at Milligan College and Northern Kentucky University. Mike is the author or co-author of several books.

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Have you ever heard of the disease Encephalitis Lethargica? The disease attacks the brain and causes people to freeze like a statue, unable to speak or move. From1915-1926, there was a worldwide epidemic of it. It seems to have died out, although there have been some isolated cases noted. However, some Christians seem to have been afflicted with something akin to it. There are times we fail to speak and fail to act.


View more sermon illustrations for inspiration for your next message.

About The Author

A third generation preacher, Mike Shannon is Professor of Preaching at Cincinnati Bible Seminary of Cincinnati Christian University. He has served as a preaching minister, church planter, and college professor. His most recent preaching ministry was at the historic First Christian Church of Johnson City, Tennessee. In his nearly two decades at Cincinnati Christian University, Mike has served as both professor and Dean of the Seminary. He has also been an adjunct professor at Milligan College and Northern Kentucky University. Mike is the author or co-author of several books.

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Max Hickerson tells a wonderful story about guitar phenomenon Les Paul. Paul was known as the “Architect of Rock and Roll” and for inventing the solid body electric guitar.

In 1948, Paul’s passion for the guitar almost came to a tragic end. While driving on a bridge in Oklahoma, his car skidded off into a river and his arm was shattered. Doctors told Paul they could save his arm, but he would never play the guitar again. Paul gave the surgeons a suggestion. Could they set his arm at a slightly less than 90 degree angle so he could still cradle his guitar? That’s what they did.

So, for the rest of his life, Les Paul could not throw, reach or raise his right arm. It didn’t matter to him; he could play the guitar. Maybe we should ask the Lord to remold us and set us so that all we can do is fulfill our passion to serve Him.


View more sermon illustrations for inspiration for your next message.

About The Author

A third generation preacher, Mike Shannon is Professor of Preaching at Cincinnati Bible Seminary of Cincinnati Christian University. He has served as a preaching minister, church planter, and college professor. His most recent preaching ministry was at the historic First Christian Church of Johnson City, Tennessee. In his nearly two decades at Cincinnati Christian University, Mike has served as both professor and Dean of the Seminary. He has also been an adjunct professor at Milligan College and Northern Kentucky University. Mike is the author or co-author of several books.

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