Nancy Kennedy, religious writer for our local Citrus County Chronicle recently wrote a column entitled “Red Door Churches” that caught my eye.
Kennedy relates touring a new meeting house of a church that had red doors. She learned that traditionally and historically, dating back to the medieval day that churches had red doors.
While the red door was symbolic of Jesus’ blood shed on the cross, thus reminding us of salvation in Christ, it also had a cultural significance. Continue reading
Filed under Christian Living, Church, Discipleship, Relationships
Monday was the 126th running of the Boston Marathon with Kenyan Evans Chebet breaking away from the crowded pack to win his first major marathon.
The women’s division was won by Peres Jepchirchir from Kenya who pulled away from Ethiopian Ababel Yesaneh during the final mile.
This 50th anniversary of women being allowed to compete reminded me of the infamous Rosie Ruiz who was crowned the winner of the 1980 Boston Marathon. Her time was the 3rd fastest for any woman in Marathon history and 25 minutes better than her best time. Continue reading
Filed under Christian Living, Discipleship
Today, November 16, is the International Day for Tolerance.
It is a day officially designated by the United Nations, which “is committed to strengthening tolerance by fostering mutual understanding among cultures and peoples.”
From their web page, the UN offers this explanation for this day which was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993. Continue reading
Filed under Christian Living
“It can feel lonely to stand for Biblical morality in our radically secular culture,” observed Jim Denison, an American cultural apologist who comments on current issues through a Biblical lens.
Denison relates that he and his wife recently returned from a wonderful trip to Vermont. They enjoyed the natural beauty of the state and met many wonderful people. But they were surprised by “the irreligious nature of the culture.” Continue reading
Filed under Christian Living, Morality
On Sunday, the Las Vegas Raiders defeated the Miami Dolphins in overtime to begin the season 3-0, their best start since 2002.
Quarterback, Derek Carr, in a post-game interview, deflected credit for the team’s success saying, “All of the self-glory – that stuff is fleeting,”
The Fox interviewer told Carr that he’s playing with confidence and command like an MVP. Carr responded, “I’ve been through that stuff before…all I want to do is glorify {God}. Continue reading
Filed under Christian Living
“South Carolina principal takes night job at Walmart to support struggling students.”
“Meet the 8-year-old who opened a food pantry.”
“10-year-old connects with officer injured in Capitol riot after writing him a letter.”
“Seattle home bakers donate over 1,300 loaves of bread to local food bank.”
“Colorblind 22-year-old sees color for the 1st time after putting on special glasses.”
“Texas school district opens free grocery store to help disadvantaged students.” Continue reading
Filed under Christian Living
One of the serendipities of our current itinerant ministry is having some Sundays open when we’re traveling and being able to hear fellow preachers.
Not long ago we were visiting the West Citrus church in Crystal River and I heard Michael Lusk preach a sermon entitled “A Fly in the Ointment.” I’ve thought about that lesson ever since and today’s post draws its inspiration from my notes that day. Continue reading
Filed under character, Christian Living
The story is told that during the Ronald Regan presidency, Secretary of State, George Shultz, kept a large globe in his office. When newly appointed ambassadors had an interview with him he would test them by spinning the globe and ask them to put their finger on the country they were going to.
It’s said that when his friend, Mike Mansfield, former Senate majority leader, was appointed as ambassador to Japan, Shultz even tested him. However, Mansfield spun the globe and put his hand on the United States and said, “This is my country.” Continue reading
Filed under Christian Living
During our current crisis in dealing with COVID-19, President Trump has often characterized himself as a wartime President in fighting this vicious virus.
He often compliments doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals who are on the front lines combating this “unseen enemy” as “warriors.” The other day in the Oval Office, he described American citizens as “warriors” in fighting this deadly pandemic. Continue reading
Filed under Christian Living, COVID-19
Did you skip reading the book of Leviticus?
If you’re following Mark Roberts’ 5 Day Bible reading program of the entire Bible, you’re nearing the end of 9 long days of reading Leviticus. Pretty exciting stuff, eh?
You’re getting detailed information about all kinds of sacrifices and offerings. Burnt offerings. Sin offerings. Meal offerings. Peace offerings. Trespass offerings.
You read about the special Jewish observances. Besides the familiar weekly Sabbath observance, there’s the Day of Atonement. The Passover. Pentecost. Feast of Tabernacles. Feast of Trumpets. The Sabbatical Year. And the Year of Jubilee. It’s filled with details about blood, guts and animal fat. Continue reading
Filed under Christian Living
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