Yesterday, Norma Jean and I visited the Wesley Chapel Church and heard my former summer intern Justin Lewis deliver a wonderful sermon on “The Two Builders.”
Typically when I think of a builder, I contrast it with a wrecker. Some people build up. Others tear down. Some edify. Others ruin. Some encourage. Others discourage.
However, Justin made the observation that “we’re all builders. Everyone is building something.” Continue reading
Filed under Parables of Jesus, Word of the Week
Leadership guru John Maxwell says that ‘most people settle into one of three areas: survival, success, or significance.”
He explains that some folks are struggling in life. They may be scrambling just to keep their head above water financially. Other people are doing well. They’re working hard to have a better life. They’ve reached a level of stability in life that the world calls them successful. Continue reading
Filed under Word of the Week
Recently we were in a barbeque joint in Deerfield Beach that was filled with all kinds of interesting, funny and motivational signs. As we were reading the various quotes while waiting for our food to arrive, I noticed one that really spoke to me and snapped a picture of it.
“When you feel like quitting, remember why you started.”
That advice really resonates with me this week as Norma Jean and I are attending the Florida College lectures. Continue reading
Filed under Word of the Week
The seed thought for our word today came from a recent “Minute with Maxwell” video by leadership guru John Maxwell.
John says whenever he’s working with someone and they are not performing well he always asks two questions about that person: (1) Can he or she? And (2) Will he or she?
“Can he” speaks to one’s ability. Sometimes an individual is trying to do something, but not being successful because they don’t possess the innate capacity to accomplish the task. Maybe they are unqualified. Lack the necessary skills. Or even the knowledge required to be successful. Continue reading
Filed under Word of the Week
Edward Skidmore relates a memorable moment many years ago as he and his wife Susan were on their way to Sunday worship. Sitting in the back seat was their 2-year-old daughter, Kimberly and her slightly younger cousin, Able.
Kimberly was in a foul mood that morning, but her smiley-faced cousin decided it was time for a word of exhortation. Though he could barely talk, he looked her in the face and said happily, “Rejoice Kimmy!” Continue reading
Filed under Word of the Week
Norma Jean and I are spending the month of January on the southeast coast of Florida in the area of Ft. Lauderdale, often called the gold coast.
We have been invited to work with the Northside church and their preacher, my good friend, Steve McAllister. I am preaching every Sunday morning and teaching the Bible class. Our theme for the month is “Pressing Toward the Prize” We are studying the book of Philippians in the Bible class and presenting sermons around the theme that encourages us to “press on.”
Here are a few thoughts from yesterday’s lessons. Continue reading
Filed under Word of the Week
Dr. David Edwin Harrell, Jr. is a social historian with an impressive academic resume. He’s known nationally for his expertise and scholarship of religious history as evidenced by his authorship of several books, interviews on news programs and papers published in professional journals.
To those of us who know him, he’s Ed Harrell, a beloved brother and faithful proclaimer of God’s Word.
I once heard Ed relate the story about a young man who was prone to some speculative religious thinking and justifying it by saying he was “thinking outside the box.” Continue reading
Filed under Word of the Week
With Christmas fast approaching, I’m reminded of the 90-year-old lady who, one Christmas, found buying presents a bit much.
So she decided to give checks to all of her family and friends. She bought a nice card with a thoughtful message to mail with the checks. At the bottom of the card, she wrote, “Buy your own present,” signed her name, then sent them off. Continue reading
Filed under Word of the Week
I can remember as a child my mother scolding me for something I did in public that was improper by saying “There is a time and a place for everything. And this isn’t the time or the place.”
When we became parents, we taught our children the same value. Now they are working to pass that on to their children. Of course, it’s a never-ending job when kids are small to help them understand what is proper in private is not necessarily proper in public.
Our word of the week, propriety, sounds old-fashioned and outdated, but it is a much-needed virtue today. Continue reading
Filed under Word of the Week
There is a Chinese legend about a group of elderly, cultured gentlemen who met often to exchange wisdom and drink tea. Each host tried to find the finest and most costly varieties, to create exotic blends that would arouse the admiration of his guests.
One day when the most venerable and respected of the group entertained, he served his tea with unprecedented ceremony, measuring the leaves from a golden box. The assembled epicures praised this exquisite tea. Continue reading
Filed under Word of the Week
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