February 15, 2022 · 7:12 am

The Rise and Roots of Crime

You don’t have to be a “news junkie” to know that crime in the United States is increasing.

Violent crime is especially on the rise according to FBI statistics. And not just in our major cities like Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles. Even in our rural community of Citrus County our local newspaper, The Chronicle, reports murders, rapes, and armed robberies.

Recently President Biden met with New York Mayor Eric Adams to discuss the crime problem and proposals to reduce violent crime. Continue reading →

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February 14, 2022 · 8:09 am

Word of the Week: Love

There’s an old joke about a woman whose husband died and she had inscribed on his tombstone words to this effect:

“The light of my love has been extinguished.”

In time, however, her heart healed, she met another man and fell in love. As she planned to remarry, the inscription on her first husband’s tombstone bothered her. Continue reading →

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February 13, 2022 · 6:30 am

Singing The Truth

Roger Shouse shared a quote the other day in his fine blog, Jump Starts Daily, from A.W. Tozer that caught my attention.

“Christians don’t tell lies they just go to church and sing them.”

If that makes you wince a bit, or feel a bit uncomfortable, remember there’s an old saying, “the hit dog howls.” Continue reading →

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February 12, 2022 · 2:12 am

Weekly Recap: February 6-11

Good morning from sunny Florida,

Apparently, there was a glitch in Thursday’s email and many of you missed the post, Navigating Life’s Twists and Turns.  Here’s the live link to get that post, if you missed it.

As always on our Saturday, we’ve included a recap of posts from the entire week, so you can catch up in case you’ve missed one.  Also, there’s a special bonus post based on a lesson by Ed Harrell 4 years ago. Continue reading →

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February 11, 2022 · 6:24 am

The New Exodus–Our Exodus

Norma Jean and I have enjoyed a rich and rewarding week at the Florida College Annual Lectures.

This unique series of lessons that used the Exodus from Egypt as a paradigm of God’s redemptive plan for all of humanity was interesting, insightful, and at times challenging. Also, we experienced a wonderful reunion and fellowship with many of our friends from all around the country, as well as making new friends

Last night’s lecture by Bible Chair Tom Hamilton spoke of “The New Exodus and the Final Exodus.” In brief summary, Tom offered six parallels that speak to us today. Continue reading →

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February 9, 2022 · 5:09 am

The Passover Lamb

“The exodus from Egypt is the most significant event in Israel’s history,” asserted Andrew Dow in his lecture “The Sacrifice of the Lamb” at the Florida College Annual Lectures yesterday morning.

It’s difficult to disagree with Andrew’s affirmation.

Imagine this.

A Jewish father in the first century is telling his sons the annual narrative of Israel’s release from Egyptian bondage 1400 years earlier. The story has been passed on from grandfather, to father, and to his sons. Continue reading →

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February 8, 2022 · 5:11 am

God. Is. Faithful.

“Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice?” cynically retorted the Egyptian Pharaoh. (Ex. 5:1).

This was in response to Jehovah’s messenger, Moses, who came with the command, “Let My people go.”

Who is the Lord? Well, Pharoah was about to find out in a dramatic, life-changing fashion. The ten plaques the Lord rained down upon the Egyptians was an “in your face” denunciation of their false gods. And a demonstration of His power. Continue reading →

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February 7, 2022 · 2:07 am

Word of the Week: Togetherness

Over 8 decades of research by Harvard University reveals a direct corollary between strong relationships and longevity of life.

One study of 7,000 people concluded that those most isolated were 3 times more likely to die than those with meaningful relationships.

Regarding the study, author John Ortberg wrote that “people who had bad health habits (such as smoking, poor eating habits, or alcohol use) but strong social ties lived significantly longer than people who had great health habits but were isolated.

In other words, Ortberg quipped, “It is better to eat Twinkies with good friends than to eat broccoli alone.” Continue reading →

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February 6, 2022 · 5:26 am

Lead Us In Prayer

Today, all around the world, Christians will collectively meet to worship God. I wonder how many public prayers will be offered today?

I don’t know the answer. But it’s not hard to conceive it will be tens of thousands.

A disciple once asked Jesus, “Teach us to pray.” In that spirit, we offer ten suggestions and guidelines to help us more effectively lead other worshipers in prayer. Continue reading →

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February 5, 2022 · 2:05 am

Weekly Recap: January 30-February 4

Good Morning from Beverly Hills,

This week has been characterized by wide swings, not just of temperatures in central Florida, but of distance traveled in a short period of time, as we made a quick trip to Ohio, but also of emotions as we spoke at the celebration of life service for our long time friend, Dave Wyckoff.  Our blog posts this week reflect those wide swings.    I guess that’s a pretty good snapshot of life, overall. Continue reading →

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