Category Archives: Word of the Week

July 20, 2020 · 4:20 am

Word of the Week: Friendships

 

This past weekend Norma Jean and I have enjoyed the hospitality of our friends Aaron and Kristin Thompson in Castle Rock, Colorado.

We first meet Aaron and Kristin when we moved to Tampa in 2002 to work with the North Boulevard church. They were single college students. During our time there, they began dating, married, and sweet Molly was born. After moving to Colorado they gave birth to their son Caleb, a lovable, energetic little fellow.

Being with the Thompsons rekindles my appreciation for the need, joy, and value of good friendships. Continue reading →

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July 13, 2020 · 4:13 am

Word of the Week: Seek

An army General was walking around the base one day and saw soldier acting oddly.

The soldier picked up a piece of paper off the ground. Looked at it. Frowned. Shook his head. And said, “That’s not it.”

This same scenario was frequently repeated every day for some time. He would pick up some random scrap paper and mutter, “That’s not it.”

Finally, his commanding officer sent him to the base psychiatrist for a mental evaluation. After extensive testing, it was determined the solider was mentally imbalanced and was given a medical discharge. Continue reading →

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July 6, 2020 · 4:06 am

Word of the Week: Godliness

 

One Sunday on their way home from worship services, little Suzie turned to her mother and said, “Mommy, the preacher’s sermon this morning confused me.”

“Oh, why is that?” the mother asked.

“Well,” replied Suzie, “He said that God is bigger than we are. Is that true?”

“Yes, Suzie, that’s right.”

“But he also said that God lives in us. Is that true, Mommy?” Continue reading →

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June 29, 2020 · 12:21 am

Word of the Week: Politeness

Is it just me, or does it seem our national discourse is growing more crass, coarse and crude?

Foul language and rude retorts are nothing new. But they seem to be increasing in frequency and intensity. It is definitely reflected in exchanges on social media. Even among Christians.

Recently I witnessed a clash of opinions on facebook that featured name-calling. Imputing of motives. And disrespectful accusations. In a few cases, vulgarities were hurled at others with opposing views. Continue reading →

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June 15, 2020 · 4:04 am

Word of the Week: Tolerance

Thomas Donelan, a Florida minister, offered this description of tolerance.

To tolerate means I can disagree with you while still respecting you.

One person is a Republican, another Democrat. We put aside our differences and get along.

One person is a (Florida) Gator, another a (FSU) Seminole. We put aside our differences and get along.

Some of us are NY Yankee fans, the rest of you hate baseball. I love you anyway, and we get along. Continue reading →

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June 8, 2020 · 4:44 am

Word of the Week: Righteousness

I am told that the Chinese character for righteousness is composed of two separate symbols. One is a lamb. And the other is for me.

When the “lamb” is placed directly above “me” it forms a new character, “righteousness.”

This powerful picture reminds me that I cannot attain righteousness by myself, through my good works, or by my own merit. Real righteousness is found only in “the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (Jn 1:29). Continue reading →

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June 1, 2020 · 4:44 am

Word of the Week: Justice

“No justice. No peace.” Protestors have cried across America’s major cities for the past week.

From New York City to Minneapolis to Los Angeles and in between, people have been demonstrating against police brutality in response to the death of George Floyd, a black man, at the hands of a white cop.

Pop star, Beyoncé, expressed the feelings of so many in a video posted Saturday: “We need justice for George Floyd. We all witnessed his murder in broad daylight. We’re broken and we’re disgusted. We cannot normalize this pain.” Continue reading →

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May 18, 2020 · 8:26 am

Word of the Week: Happiness

“Where is happiness?” asked minister Clarence Macartney. He debunked the answers most people give with several illustrations from the history of prominent people.

The 18th century British poet Lord Byron who lived a hedonistic life, learned that happiness is not found in pleasure. He wrote “The worm, the canker, and the grief are mine alone.”

Happiness is not found in money learned the 19th century American Financier, Jay Gould. Although known for his ruthless and unscrupulous business practices, he became wealthy. When dying, Gould lamented, “I suppose I am the most miserable man on earth Continue reading →

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May 11, 2020 · 7:40 am

Word of the Week: Together

This past week-end is one we will always remember.

Not only was it Mother’s Day, but also the day 47 years ago that Norma Jean went into labor. Kenny was born the next day. So for her gift this year, I arranged for a surprise visit for Kenny’s family to come to Tennessee for a few days. Imagine the look on Norma’s face when our grand kids, Miles and Katherine, knocked at the door with a bouquet of flowers. Continue reading →

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May 4, 2020 · 7:49 am

Word of the Week: Reasonable

Although COVID-19 restrictions are gradually being lifted in many states and cities, citizens in some places are protesting that their Governors are moving too slow.

Some folks are commenting to media outlets that their Governors or Mayors are being oppressive in their edicts, dictatorial in their demands and unreasonable in their restrictions. Continue reading →

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