Category Archives: Sunday Seed Thoughts

December 12, 2021 · 5:26 am

Sunday Seed Thoughts: Ruminations From the Space Coast

Today finds Norma Jean and me on Florida’s Space Coast, Cape Canaveral, where I will be preaching for the North Courtenay Church in Merritt Island.

Outer space has always held a special kind of fascination for the human mind. As a kid, I recall the scientific-fiction shows of the 1950s. Commando Cody. Space Patrol. Buck Rogers. Flash Gordon. What was then fantasy, soon became “the new frontier” as promoted by President John F. Kennedy in the 1960s. Space exploration has become reality in our lifetime. Continue reading →

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December 5, 2021 · 4:05 am

Sunday Seed Thoughts: Are You Focused on Getting Or Giving?

“I didn’t get anything out of worship today,” is a remark sometimes offered by disappointed church attendees.

These disgruntled “worshipers” soon find themselves relating to anyone who will listen to how awful the sermon was, how the song leader pitched the songs too high, the distractions by noisy children, and the general lack of inspiration they felt from the service.

Joe McKeever said such remarks are “like dry rot in a congregation…Like a termite infestation in the building…Like an epidemic afflicting the people of the Lord.” Unchecked, they will spread like a deadly virus. Continue reading →

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November 28, 2021 · 6:23 am

Sunday Seed Thoughts: The Scars

“Scars. A sign that you had been hurt. A sign that you had healed,” observed American novelist and poet, Benjamin Alire Sáenz.

On this day when we remember Jesus at our communion services, we often think about the betrayal. The denial. The mocking. The kangaroo court of a trial. And the terrible, excruciating death by crucifixion.

We may focus on His resurrection. His victory over death and the devil. And how His bodily resurrection foreshadows our own resurrection.

We remember also His appearances to the women at the tomb. Peter and John. And the rest of the apostles.

But what about the scars? Continue reading →

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November 21, 2021 · 6:07 am

Sunday Seed Thoughts: Jesus Outstretched Arms

What a day it must have been! When parents brought their little children to Jesus. It captured the attention of all three synoptic writers. Can’t you see the smiles? And hear the giggles? And feel the excitement?

Unfortunately, the disciples threw “cold water” on their good intentions. The text says they “rebuked those who brought them.” Maybe they thought they were protecting the Master. That He was too busy. Or had more “important” matters. Or just needed a break from the pressures of His ministry.

Whatever the reason, Jesus didn’t like it. Not at all. Mark says, that “he was greatly displeased.” Then Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.” Indeed Jesus loved the little children. Many lessons can be learned from this occasion. Continue reading →

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November 14, 2021 · 4:14 am

Sunday Seed Thoughts: A Good Today and a Better Tomorrow

Leroy Brownlow tells about an elderly brother who often prayed at worship offering this petition.

“Forgetting the things which are behind, give us strength and wisdom to press onward to a brighter future. May we be a progressive, improving people. May our tomorrow–if there be a tomorrow–be a little better than today and a lot better than yesterday.” Continue reading →

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November 7, 2021 · 5:12 am

Sunday Seed Thoughts: The Peace Prayer

The Bible teaches and nature tells us that “you reap what you sow.”

This “peace prayer” attributed to the 12th-century monk, Francis of Assisi, offers us a scriptural alternative to our culture’s practice of retaliation and retribution.

Lord, make us instruments of Thy peace. Continue reading →

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October 31, 2021 · 4:31 am

Sunday Seed Thoughts: A Hallowed Day

Today is Halloween, an annual holiday celebrated in the U.S. as well as several other countries. The last time it fell on a Sunday was 2010.

“Halloween” literally means “hallowed evening” or “holy evening.” The holiday is rooted in ancient Celtic harvest festivals, with possible pagan roots. Later Gregory III, the 8th century Catholic Pope, designated November 1st as a time to honor departed saints, so October 31 became known as “All Hollow’s Eve.” Continue reading →

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October 24, 2021 · 4:24 am

Sunday Seed Thoughts: Mountain Majesty

 

This morning Norma Jean and I will be driving down the mountain where we’re staying in Cobbly Nob to Highway 321 and heading East toward Cosby, Tennessee, where I will be preaching today.

It’s a beautiful six-mile drive, surrounded by the majestic mountains and the fall foliage with the colors of yellow, orange, and bright red beginning to burst forth.

There’s something special about the serenity and solitude of the mountains. The quietude and tranquility offer a peaceful place to relax. Renew. Refresh. To think. Mediate. And muse. Continue reading →

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October 17, 2021 · 4:17 am

Sunday Seed Thoughts: The Best Day of the Week

The other day I came across a page from countryliving.com with this bold headline:

20 Best Sunday Quotes That Confirm It’s the Best Day of the Week

Left out of the list were quotes about God. Faith. Church. And worship.

The 20 quotes spoke mainly of relaxing, enjoying the newspaper, sleeping in late, reading a book, or as a lady, Linda Jones, expressed it, “I need some solitary running time. On Sundays, I can unwind and reconnect with the natural world.” Continue reading →

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October 10, 2021 · 4:10 am

True Worship

“Among the greatest privileges afforded to man is the opportunity to worship the Creator–to bow down before him in reverent acknowledgment of Who He is, to thank Him for His goodness, and to offer Him our praise,” wrote Dan Petty in the introduction of the 2005 Florida College Lectures, “True Worship.

“Worship,” Dan wrote, “gives meaning to a life devoted to serving God.” Continue reading →

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