I admit that I’m behind the curve regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI). Especially as it is being used by some to craft sermons, write spiritual blogs, or produce Bible class material.
But, I was surprised to recently learn that there is now an app called “Text with Jesus.” Continue reading
Filed under Bible, Discipleship
“Flourishing” is apparently becoming a buzz word and a very important concept today in psychological circles.
“The psychology community calls this lofty combination of physical, mental and emotional fitness ‘flourishing.’ It is the exact opposite of languishing, that sense of stagnation,” Adam Grant wrote in The New York Times. Continue reading
Filed under Sowing Seeds for Spiritual Growth
Greetings from Citrus County, Florida
Our traveling has ended for 2023 and we plan to be home for the month of December, enjoying time with family, and sharing the Word at the West Citrus Church in Crystal River.
Tomorrow I will be preaching at the Sunday morning worship service, and beginning a class on The Heart of Christianity. On Wednesday evening I am teaching a class on the book of Ecclesiastes. Apparently, the reports of my “retirement” have been greatly exaggerated. Continue reading
Filed under Weekly Recap
“Ordinary matters” wrote author Max Lucado in a post on his facebook page several months ago.
When I hear the word “ordinary” I think of that which is common, typical, normal and natural. I think of life events that are routine and maybe even humdrum. Continue reading
Filed under facebook friday
My good friend and preaching colleague, Ralph Walker recently sent me an article by Judd Garrett about Megan Rapinoe, a “highly decorated member of the US Women’s National Soccer Team.”
If you watch women’s soccer you may remember she “became a controversial figure due to her protests of our National Anthem.” In her final professional match, Rapinoe tore her Achilles tendon in the first six minutes.
In the post-match press conference, she said, “I’m not a religious person or anything and if there was a god, like, this is proof that there isn’t.” Continue reading
Filed under Adversity
Several years ago the pollster, George Barna, wrote a book entitled “What Americans Believe.” It contained his annual survey of the values and religious views of our citizens.
Those interviewed were asked, “Do you agree strongly, agree somewhat, disagree somewhat, or disagree strongly with the following statement: There is no such thing as absolute truth; different people can define truth in conflicting ways and still be correct.” Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
A New Hampshire man, Geoffrey Holt died last week with a big secret.
The 83 year old caretaker of a mobile home park in Hinsdale, a town of 4,200 people, lived a curious life. Although he once taught Driver’s Ed, he had given up driving his car and rode around town on a lawn mower. He lived in a trailer with very little furniture, no TV or computer and wore threadbare clothes.
His secret? Continue reading
Filed under Giving
Methuselah is said to be alive and flourishing. No, not the ancient antediluvian in Genesis, but a date palm tree grown from a 2,000 year old seed.
According to Smithsonian Magazine, as well as National Geographic, the antique seed was discovered at the remains of Masada, an ancient fortification perched on a rock plateau in southern Israel.
The seed was planted and has grown into a flourishing tree. A 2022 article in The Jerusalem Post says Methuselah (pictured above) is now 4 meters tall. Also it has pollinated a female tree and is producing dates. Continue reading
Filed under Sowing Seeds for Spiritual Growth
Sunday our family visited the Skyview Church in Pinellas Park where Charles Murray serves as one of the pastors as well as a preacher.
His sermon text was from Psalm 136 on the topic of “Thanksgiving,” which is a wonderful passage for us to ponder prior to our American Thanksgiving Day. Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder, Psalms
Conservative columnist, Cal Thomas, just released his Thanksgiving column entitled, “Giving Thanks When I Don’t Feel Like It.”
The column reminds us that Abraham Lincoln issued his Proclamation of Thanksgiving in 1863. It was in the midst of the Civil War. Our nation was divided between North and South. Families were fractured. Even some churches were torn apart with different opinions. Continue reading
Filed under Discipleship
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