Category Archives: 20/20 Vision Series

December 15, 2020 · 6:20 am

20/20 Vision. COVID-19. And Seeing The Unseen.

“Eyes that look are common; eyes that see are rare,” observed J. Oswald Sanders.

However, regarding COVID-19, an oft-repeated phrase by our politicians, pundits, and health care experts has been “No one could have seen this coming.”

And neither could us preachers and the churches we serve. Many of us planned as a theme for the year some variation of “20/20 Vision.” How ironic! The purpose, plans, and programs surrounding what we thought was a clever and timely topic have largely been scrapped due to services being shut down and/or scaled back. Classes canceled. Fellowship altered. And miniseries modified. Continue reading →

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May 21, 2020 · 8:35 am

The Power of a Vision

“A blind man’s world is bounded by the limits of his touch; an ignorant man’s world by the limits of his knowledge: a great man’s world by the limits of his vision,” observed author and minister, E. Paul Hovey

Or as expressed by the often quoted author anonymous, “We are limited not by our abilities but by our vision.”

Today’s Bible reading from Acts 26 speaks to the power of a vision and illustrates our theme for this year “20/20 Vision: Restoring Our Focus.” Continue reading →

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April 28, 2020 · 6:46 am

Seeing The Unseen

“No one could have seen this coming,” is an often repeated phrase used by President Trump in his press conferences referring to the current crisis caused by COVID-19.

Critics, of course, are quick to point out there are certain signs our leaders should have seen that were red flags. There have even been predictions of a global pandemic for years by some health officials. Continue reading →

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April 2, 2020 · 8:16 am

How To See Through The Darkness

Norma Jean and I are blessed to be “sheltering in place” in the Smoky Mountains. Since my April meetings have been postponed and my current preaching appointments cancelled we’re going to remain here for the month of April.

As I write in the early morning darkness I look out my balcony window and it’s pitch black. There’s a beautiful mountain view, but I can’t see it. Yesterday we awoke to rain. The clouds and fog covered the mountains, so we could hardly see. Continue reading →

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March 12, 2020 · 8:32 am

3 Fundamentals of Spiritual Vision

“I just can’t believe it,” gasped Rose Crawford as the doctor lifted the bandages from her eyes. For the first time in her life Rose saw a beautiful world of color.

Crawford, who had been blind for 50 years since birth, underwent a delicate surgery in an Ontario, Canada, hospital that restored her sight. But here’s the sad and stunning part of the story as related by David Sargent. Continue reading →

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March 3, 2020 · 7:43 am

Seeing Like Paul Saw

Years ago Duffy Daugherty, the legendary Michigan State football coach, was in a tight game against UCLA. With only 14 seconds left to play the score was tied.

Daugherty sent in placekicker Dave Kaiser who booted a field goal that won the game. When Kaiser returned to the bench, Daugherty said, “Nice going, but you didn’t watch the ball after you kicked it.” Continue reading →

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February 25, 2020 · 7:17 am

The Eye of Discernment

Ron Thomas tells a story about an elderly woman who stood on a very busy street corner in rush hour traffic. She was fearful, confused, and hesitant to cross by herself.

Finally, a gentleman came up to her and asked if he could cross the street with her. Grateful and very relieved, she took his arm and stepped into the busy intersection. As they proceeded, she grew progressively alarmed as he zigzagged randomly across the street, to the blare of horns and screech of locked brakes. Continue reading →

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February 18, 2020 · 8:41 am

God’s Vision For A Relevant Church

This past Sunday morning Norma Jean and I visited the University church in  Tampa.  This congregation holds a special place in our hearts.  It’s the church we attended when we were dating and first married.

Josh Creel is one of the ministers that serves in a preaching capacity and does a wonderful job.  His sermon title, “God’s Vision For A Relevant Church” captured my attention since my theme for the year is “20/20 Vision: Restoring Our Focus.”

Josh cited a Barna Group survey that asked, “What, if anything, helps Americans grow in their faith?” Continue reading →

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February 11, 2020 · 7:42 am

Spiritual Awareness

“Eyes that look are common. Eyes that see are rare,” wrote J. Oswald Sanders in is classic book Spiritual Leadership.

Sanders further illustrated his point with this Bible example. “The Pharisees looked at Peter and saw only a poor, unlettered fisherman, totally insignificant, not worthy of a second look. Jesus saw Peter and discovered the prophet and preacher, saint and leader of the unique band of men who turned the world upside down.” Continue reading →

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January 28, 2020 · 7:14 am

How To Never Lose Sight of Heaven


Donald S. Whitney in his book, “Spiritual Disciplines For The Christian Life,” wrote: “Discipline without direction is drudgery.”

Then he gives an example of Kevin, a six-year-old boy whose parents enrolled him in music lessons. His friends are outside playing ball, having a good time. For Kevin the lessons are drudgery.

Suppose an angel appears and transports Kevin to Carnegie Hall where a guitar virtuoso is giving a concert. Kevin is amazed at how the musician plays with such skill. Kevin is excited and enthralled by the concert Continue reading →

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