A few months ago, a friend and preaching colleague, Steve Wolfgang, posted a quote from Augustine of Hippo (354-430), the theologian and philosopher, viewed as one of the most important “Church Fathers” of the Patristic Period.
Reflect on the depth of its meaning, then consider a few short observations.
Filed under Discipleship
On this day in history, December 11, 1917, a little-known and/or forgotten event occurred. At the time, it was said to be one of the most remarkable scenes of World War I.
After centuries of conflict, conquests, and shifting empires, British General Edmund Allenby entered the ancient city of Jerusalem. But he did so in an unexpected way. Instead of riding in triumph on horseback or rolling in with military vehicles—symbols of dominance and human pride—Allenby dismounted and walked through the Jaffa Gate on foot. Continue reading
Filed under Discipleship
A passenger once boarded a transatlantic ship during the early 1900s. On the second night, a violent storm struck. Waves slammed the ship, dishes crashed, and terrified passengers clung to anything nailed down. One woman, convinced the vessel was doomed, scrambled out of her cabin, determined to find help. Continue reading
Filed under Discipleship
Norma Jean and I are trying to finish up our Christmas shopping. You want to give something that is really wanted, but it seems increasingly difficult to do so. Apparently, we’re not alone.
I read this morning a survey that more than half of Americans (53%) will receive a gift they don’t want. Furthermore, the survey says that unwanted presents will reach an all-time high, with an estimated $10.1 billion being spent on unwanted gifts. Continue reading
Filed under Discipleship
Leadership guru John Maxwell often cites the importance of being teachable as a necessary quality for Leadership. In one of his seminars, Maxwell offered this observation:
“Teachability is not so much about competence and mental capacity as it is about attitude. It is the desire to listen, learn, and apply. It is the hunger to discover and grow. It is the willingness to learn, unlearn, and relearn.” Continue reading
Filed under Be Zealous. 2025 Theme
Greetings from Beverly Hills, FL
“It’s good to be home,” Norma Jean reflected as we pulled in our driveway on Wednesday afternoon. Indeed. Trips are fun. And often profitable. But home? Well, it just feels good to be home.
Of course, she may have been feeling some joy in knowing that our 2025 travel schedule is finished after being away for about 19 weeks this year. It’s a bit of a joke where we worship that I preach there when I’m home, but I’m never home! But we will be home at West Citrus every Sunday in December and most of January and February. If you’re traveling to Florida this winter, come over to the Nature Coast and worship with us. We’d love to see you. And maybe enjoy some of our delicious seafood together.
Filed under Weekly Recap
Recently, I typed “John Maxwell into the search engine of my facebook page looking for some leadership material of the internationally known author, speaker, and former “pastor.”
As I scrolled down reading various quotes, surprisingly and ironically, I stumbled across a past post from 2020.
I hope you find it informative and instructive. Continue reading
Filed under facebook friday
The Thanksgiving Holiday is over. Christmas is fast approaching. And we’ll soon replace the calendar with 2026.
It’s customary to think about New Year’s Resolutions and turn the page, both literally and spiritually, to begin fresh and improve our lives.
But why wait? Continue reading
Filed under Discipleship
Frances Jane Crosby, born in 1820, is hailed as one of the most prolific hymnists of all time. Identified in our hymn books as Fanny Crosby, she penned over 8,000 hymns.
Classic hymns like Blessed Assurance, To God Be the Glory, All the Way My Savior Leads Me, and A Wonderful Savior is Jesus My Lord are still sung in our churches today. However, the joyful lyrics don’t reveal her life marked by suffering. Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
“We are never more like Christ than when we give,” declared the prolific author, Anonymous.
We all have that opportunity today, called “Giving Tuesday.” It’s a day following the emphasis on the consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which challenges us to reconnect with the joy of giving and blessing others through our generosity. Continue reading
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