Created to Be Slow–Called to Be Diligent

Today is International Sloth Day, according to the calendar of weird and wacky holidays.

According to their website, this unofficial holiday, created in 2010, raises awareness of the little mammal that lives in the rainforests of Central and South America. Continue reading →

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Love Always Perseveres

In “Living by Vows,” Robertson McQuilkin relates a painful, personal decision he faced.

McQuilkin had served as president of Columbia Bible College and Seminary for 22 years. He loved his work and saw opportunities ahead and dreams yet to fulfill. Continue reading →

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Weekly Recap: October 12-16

Greetings from the Great Smoky Mountains!

This week, Norma Jean and I identify with a comment by hiker and blogger Alex Derr, who wrote, “I don’t know why mountains lift the spirit so. They just do.”

We feel very blessed each October to enjoy the gorgeous Fall foliage,  experience cooler weather, and, of course, eat some pancakes.  It’s also become a tradition I preach at the Cosby Church each year we visit.  We’re looking forward to worshiping with the brethren at Cosby this Sunday and next, and enjoying time with our friends Olie and Mary Williamson, who are still going strong into their 90s. Continue reading →

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You’re Not Good Enough

Last week my friend and preaching colleague, Wilson Adams, shared a Facebook post that no doubt resonates with many people—including many Christians.

Consider Wilson’s words in light of Scripture and a few pertinent observations.

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Sunday Scaries—or Sunday Peace?”

Have you ever experienced the “Sunday Scaries”?

No, it’s not the fear of the preacher preaching too long.

If you’ve never heard of the “Sunday Scaries,” you’re not alone. I just learned about it the other day on an in-depth segment on The Today Show. Continue reading →

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Psalm 147–The God Who Counts The Stars

Jeff Strite tells the story of a farmer in a country restaurant who bowed his head in prayer before eating his breakfast.

Two young fellas at the next table thought it was odd and quietly made fun of him as he prayed. When the farmer finished his prayer, they chided: “Hey, old man, does everybody out on the farm pray over their meals?” Continue reading →

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Religious Entitlement

“When you talk about what we deserve, that rings of entitlement. It’s a big ask, and I know we have nothing coming,” said inmate Jessie Milo, who’s serving three life sentences for attempted murder.

Christianity Today reported on Milo’s story, recorded on YouTube during a frank discussion between prisoners and correctional officers.

The group debated a difficult topic: Does everyone in prison deserve a second chance regardless of the crime they committed? Continue reading →

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Love Always Hopes

In his Daily Study Bible series, William Barclay recounts a story about the Irish Bible commentator Adam Clarke.

As Barclay tells it, Clarke struggled in school as a boy. One day, a distinguished guest visited, and the teacher singled out Adam, saying, “That is the stupidest boy in the school.” Continue reading →

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Weekly Recap: October 5-9

Greetings from rainy Beverly Hills, FL

If you are following the weather, you know Florida experienced its first hurricane of the season, Isaias, which made landfall last night near Destin, FL, as a CAT 2 hurricane, around 8:30 p.m.  While we’re thankful that all we’ve had this week on the Nature Coast is rain, we pray for the safety of our friends and fellow citizens in the Panhandle.

Also, some of our congregation members work for the power company and have been dispatched to help restore power in that area.  We’re thinking of them and praying for their safety as they do this difficult work.

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Examine Yourself

 

My Facebook friend and sister in Christ, Jackie Owens Bennett, recently shared a short post prompting some food for thought for today’s Facebook Friday.

Here’s the post, followed by some appropriate Bible passages and a few comments. Continue reading →

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