Author Archives: ThePreachersWord

January 8, 2021 · 8:13 am

Reaching Forward: Discipline

“The most valuable result of all education is the ability to make yourself do the thing you have to do, when it ought to be done, whether you like it or not,” wrote Thomas L. Huxley.

“It is the first lesson, “Huxley opined, “that ought to be learned and however early a person’s training begins, it is probably the last lesson a person learns thoroughly.”

This week we’re writing about our 2021 theme: “Reaching Forward.” It’s based on this text, written from a Roman prison toward the end of Paul’s life. Continue reading →

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January 7, 2021 · 7:00 am

Reaching Forward: Determination

“Some of the world’s greatest men and women have been saddled with disabilities and adversities but have managed to overcome them,” observed author and evangelical leader Ted W. Engstrom

Engstrom offered these illustrations to prove his point.

“Cripple him, and you have a Sir Walter Scott.”

“Lock him in a prison cell, and you have a John Bunyan.”

“Bury him in the snows of Valley Forge, and you have a George Washington.” Continue reading →

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January 6, 2021 · 6:36 am

Reaching Forward–Direction

The late, great Hall of Fame New York Yankee catcher, Yogi Berra, was famous not only for his on the field heroics, but his funny off the field quips, which came to be known as Yogi-isms.

He once responded about his witticisms, “I never said most of the things I said.”

After a game, when he was asked about going to a certain restaurant, Yogi responded, “Nobody goes to that restaurant anymore — it’s too crowded.”

Here are a few more. Continue reading →

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January 5, 2021 · 8:13 am

Reaching Forward–Devotion

Author and minister, Bill Hybels, was once talking with one of his members about some of the “tough topics” he had taught through the years.

Among the difficult lessons he mentioned were hell, money, sex, relational confrontation, and self-discipline.

The member then asked, “Of all the topics you’ve preached on, which has been the hardest to get across?” Continue reading →

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January 4, 2021 · 7:00 am

Word of the Week: Forward

This year one of my Christmas presents was a book written by Dr. David Jeremiah entitled “Forward” with the subtitle “Discovering God’s Presence and Purpose in Your Tomorrow.”

The first thing I do when I receive a new book is look at the table of contents. Then I read the author’s introduction. When I did that, I thought of two things: Continue reading →

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January 3, 2021 · 4:03 am

Sunday Seed Thoughts: A New You

Most folks like something new. A new car. A new home. A new job. A new iPhone. Or new clothes. The holiday season brings some new things into our lives that we enjoy. At least for a little while.

The word “new” conjures up an image of something fresh. Pure. Clean. Novel. Advanced. Or different.

Although it’s actually just turning the page on the calendar to another day, we love the thought of a new year. It offers the prospects of something better. Of change. And an improvement over the past. Continue reading →

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January 2, 2021 · 4:02 am

Yearly Recap 2020

Good morning from sunny Florida

We begin 2021 in a very familiar place to us–Temple Terrace.  It’s where Norma Jean and I met in 1967 when I was a student at Florida College.  We are spending the month of January here as we finalize plans to secure a home for a permanent resident, which we will be announcing later.

We will be returning to Citrus county tomorrow where I’m preaching for the West Citrus church as well as on January 24th and 31st.  So, I have two openings this month, if any church in the area needs a guest speaker. Continue reading →

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January 1, 2021 · 1:01 am

Friday’s List To Live By #21

People want to be happy. We pursue happiness with passion. But happiness does not come by looking for it. Eric Hoffer correctly stated, “The search for happiness is one of the chief sources of unhappiness.” Happiness is a by-product. It is the result of right living, of seeking something greater than one’s own interest.

Today’s List to Live By is in the form of a simple acrostic wishing you a “Happy New Year” from a spiritual perspective.  And offering 12 ways to experience both happiness and joy. Continue reading →

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December 31, 2020 · 4:31 am

2020 Ministry Report

“This has been the best year ever,” exclaimed my 6-year-old grandson, Miles, last Sunday after worship.

I doubt that many would echo his sentiment. However, I think little Miles was excited about his bounty of Christmas gifts this year. His narrow view of the world doesn’t extend too much beyond the immediate. His family. His school. And life in old Homosassa.

2020 has been unprecedented by the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic. It has impacted our nation and world. And it has directly affected communities, businesses, families, and churches. Many believe it even influenced the outcome of our Presidential election. I’m sure most folks can’t wait for 2020 to be over. Continue reading →

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December 30, 2020 · 5:19 am

Is it Wrong to Observe the Lord’s Supper at Home?

Today, we conclude our top 10 posts of 2020. The challenge addressed continues to be an issue. Who knew? Hopefully, these thoughts will help guide you to a spiritually-minded conclusion.  Additionally, there are a number of good comments to the original post you may find insightful.  You are welcome to add your own thoughts–pro or con.

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Earlier this week, we asked the question, “Is it wrong for churches to cancel worship services?” I appreciate the many positive comments regarding the post.

However, as one of our readers responded, “This brings up another question. Is it scriptural to partake of the Lord’s Supper individually at home?”

Others have asked and commented on this issue as well. Here are a few thoughts for your serious and prayerful consideration.

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