Sitting here in the breakfast room (before it opens) of a Hampton Inn in the early morning hours, I hear the voices of little children ringing in my ears.
No. There’s no one else in here. I’m alone. But the voices I hear are the children from last week’s Wellandport VBS just singing their little hearts out.
“Oh, how I love Jesus…”
“I’ve got the joy, joy, joy down in my heart…” Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
“I’ll have to start off by saying all the glory to God,” said U.S. Olympic gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin.
McLaughlin made history last Friday after she broke her own world record in the 400-meter hurdles at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon with a time of 50.68 seconds.
The 22-year-old University of Kentucky alumnus added, “These past few days getting ready for this race, Hebrews 4:16 has been on my mind – coming boldly to His throne to receive mercy and grace. And I think He really gave me the strength to do it today, so all the glory goes to God.” Continue reading
The retired Radio and TV personality, Charles Osgood, known for his daily radio commentary “The Osgood Files,” once shared this poignant story.
Two ladies who lived in a convalescent center had each suffered an incapacitating stroke. Margaret’s stroke left her left side restricted, while Ruth’s stroke damaged her right side. Both of these ladies were accomplished pianists but had given up hope of ever playing again. Continue reading
Filed under Renew in '22, Word of the Week
Vance Havner, a preacher of the early 20th century, known for his witticism and snappy quotes, supposedly quipped to a congregation where he was once preaching, “I seen happier faces on an iodine bottle.”
One preacher remarked about going into a congregation for Sunday worship and said, “You would think it was a morgue.” Continue reading
Filed under Sunday Seed Thoughts
Good morning from Port Colborne, Ontario
It’s been a wonderful week and month here in Canada. But unfortunately, all good things come to an end (at least in this world). Tomorrow, we leave following worship to begin our way back to Florida.
If you ever come to Niagara Falls, take the time to visit the brethren here. They will be encouraged. And you will be blessed by joining them in worship. Continue reading
Filed under Weekly Recap
In his book simply entitled, Preaching, G. Campbell Morgan relates a story about the 19th century English actor William Charles Macready and an eminent preacher of that day.
“I wish you would explain to me something,” said the preacher.
“Well, what is it?” Macready responded. “I don’t know that I can explain anything to a preacher.” Continue reading
R E S P E C T.
Those of my generation immediately think of the “Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin, belting out these letters which became her signature song. It’s about a confident, young woman demanding respect from her man.
In her 1998 autobiography, Franklin said the lyrics “speak to anyone who feels unappreciated.”
A lack of respect has become an issue in all areas of life and in every relationship. It’s seen and felt in families, churches, communities, schools, social settings, and political positions. Continue reading
Filed under Heart
Having a heart for God requires a correct understanding of what the heart is. Too many are like little Jason on the first day of school.
The class was asked to stand, place their right hand over their heart and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
The teacher, Mrs. Jones, watched the children as they began, “I pledge allegiance to the flag….” when she noticed Jason had his right hand over his left ear. She stopped and said, “Jason, put your hand over your heart.”
Jason replied, “It is over my heart!” Continue reading
“Having a Heart For God” is the theme of the VBS here at the Wellandport church in Ontario, Canada. It’s published by “Shaping Hearts.” And based on the life of King David the one who God said was “a man after MY own heart (1 Sam. 13:14; Ax. 13:22).
Since I’m teaching the adult class, I want to share some thoughts this week about this vital topic. Yesterday, we discussed a caring heart. Continue reading
Filed under Heart
This week I’m teaching the adult class for the Wellandport VBS. They’re using the Shaping Hearts for God Series, “Having a Heart For God.” It’s centered around the narrative of King David.
When you think of David, what qualities come to mind? Continue reading
Filed under Heart, Word of the Week
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