“What if a church congregation that is made up of people with diametrically different political views could remain united no matter the outcome of the upcoming election?
“In this age of divisiveness, is that even possible?” Continue reading
1 Peter 5:8-9: Be Watchful
“There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils,” wrote C. S. Lewis in The Screwtape Letters.
“One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them,” Lewis warned. “They themselves are equally pleased by both errors and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight.” Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
What is Sin?
“While nearly every evangelical Protestant believes in the concept of sin, what evangelicals define as sin varies tremendously from one person to the next.”
This conclusion was reached by a recent report titled “What is Sin? Evangelical Beliefs and Behaviors” by Infinity Concepts and Grey Matter Research.
The survey asked, 1,039 Evangelicals to answer “yes” or “no” regarding 26 behaviors as to whether or not they considered them sinful. Continue reading
Filed under Discipleship
Joy is Fundamental
The 18th century German composer George Frederick Handel is best known in the Western world for The Messiah which includes the majestic Hallelujah Chorus.
However, what is not widely known is that Handel composed this amazing musical in approximately three weeks. Plus he was experiencing several personal challenges. The Messiah was written at a time when Handel’s eyesight was failing. Not only that he was facing the possibility of imprisonment due to outstanding debts. Yet, he persisted. Continue reading
Filed under Fundaments of Faith
Weekly Recap: October 7-11
Greetings from Beverly Hill, Florida
Where we live in Citrus Country, about 150 miles North of Sarasota and 75 miles North of Tampa, you would never know that our coast has experienced two major hurricanes, both with devastating yet different affects, within the past two weeks. It’s a reminder that it’s easy to be oblivious to the needs, problems, and challenges of others when you’re living in the sunshine. However, TV, the internet, and social media portray all too well the destruction and accompanying suffering that others are enduring.
Our posts this week have offered our perspective as we have faced the storm, as well as encouragement for us to seek and seize opportunities to do good and serve those who need help the most. Continue reading
Filed under Weekly Recap
A Silver Lining Through the Storm
It’s an understatement to say that it has been a crazy time here on the West Coast of Florida the past 2-3 weeks.
First, there was Hurricane Helene. Then Hurricane Milton. Each brought their own set of dire predications and ultimate challenges. In addition to the helpful knowledge we gathered in tracking the path of the Hurricanes and staying alert to warnings, was encouragement we received from friends and brethren on social media. Continue reading
Filed under Discipleship
How To Cope With Compassion Fatigue
I was reading a piece yesterday where the author was recounting the impact that so many crises and disasters were having on our psyche.
Russian President Putin’s invasion of Ukraine continues with destruction and loss of life. Israel is fighting wars on two fronts with Hezbollah and Hamas, who are actually proxies for Iran. Just two weeks after the devastation of Hurricane Helene that ravaged not only Florida, but Georgia, Tennessee, and especially North Carolina, we’re facing another monster storm, Milton, which will have hit the Gulf coast by the time you read this. Continue reading
Filed under Discipleship
1 Peter 1:3-5: A Living Hope
In his book, Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…and Maybe the World, Admiral William H. McRaven shares what he learned during Navy SEAL training in order to live a better life
“Hope is the most powerful force in the universe.” Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
The Calm Before the Storm
As I sit here sipping a cup of hot coffee in the early morning darkness, it is peaceful, calm, and quiet. No wind. No rain. A pleasant 70 degrees.
But…
We know it is just the calm before the storm. Continue reading
Filed under Discipleship
Commitment is Fundamental
Though skeptical of his teenage son’s newfound determination to build bulging muscles, one father followed his teenager to the store’s weight-lifting department, where they admired a set of weights.
“Please, Dad,” pleaded the teen, “I promise I’ll use ’em every day.”
“I don’t know, Michael. It’s really a commitment on your part,” the father said.
“Please, Dad?” Continue reading
Filed under Discipleship
ThePreachersWord 