Tag Archives: COVID-19

November 19, 2020 · 6:59 am

Living With Second Choices

(Monday I was privileged to speak in chapel at Florida College. Today’s blog post is an edited version of that talk.)

In 1959 Walt Disney began looking for land to build a second resort to complement his California park. And he wanted enough land to control the development around his next park.

It wasn’t until 1963 that Disney flew over the Orlando area and finally decided on this location. The process of acquiring the land and building the park took 9 years. Disney died in 1966 before The Magic Kingdom opened in 1971. Continue reading →

7 Comments

Filed under Choice

Tagged as , , , ,

October 22, 2020 · 4:22 am

Pressure and the Pandemic

Yesterday The Today show featured a segment on the problem of pressure during the Coronavirus pandemic. It released the results of research by Mental Health America (MHA) and the American Psychological Association (APA) on the mental health of Americans during this crisis.

  • 78% of adults said COVID-19 is a significant source of stress in their life.
  • 2/3 said they were experiencing increased stress during the pandemic.
  • Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2012) are more likely to feel lonely.
  • More than 50% of kids 11-17 admitted they had thought of committing suicide.
  • The number of people looking for help with anxiety and depression during the pandemic has skyrocketed.

Continue reading →

6 Comments

Filed under COVID-19

Tagged as , , ,

October 18, 2020 · 4:18 am

Sunday Seed Thoughts: Seeing God Through Sad Eyes

Today, I’m worshiping with and preaching for the brethren in Cosby, Tennessee. We were here back in March when COVID-19 ramped up and they had to suspend their services, like so many other churches around the country.

So much has happened in the past 7 months that it seems almost surreal.

-Almost 8 million Americans have contracted COVID-19 and more than 39 million worldwide.

-Over 216,000 have died in the US, and more than 1.1 million people worldwide. Continue reading →

2 Comments

Filed under COVID-19, Sunday Seed Thoughts

Tagged as ,

July 30, 2020 · 4:30 am

Staying Connected When We’re Apart

Rick Warren is fond of saying, “You are not just called to believe, but to belong.”

While I disagree with some of Warren’s theology, he was right when he wrote in The Purpose Driven Life ,“We are created for community, fashioned for fellowship and formed for a family.”

However, during these COVID-19 days, our community is disconnected. Our fellowship is somewhat fractured. And our families, both physical and spiritual, have become detached, disjointed, and disassociated. Continue reading →

14 Comments

Filed under COVID-19

Tagged as ,

May 19, 2020 · 8:24 am

Let’s Don’t Go Back To Normal

America is beginning to reopen from the shutdown caused by COVID-19. Little by little. State by state. City by city. There is obviously a great desire to get back to normal.

“I want my life back,” is a familiar refrain. But do we? Do we really need to get back to normal? Continue reading →

3 Comments

Filed under COVID-19

Tagged as

May 17, 2020 · 5:17 am

Sunday Seed Thoughts: When To Assemble Again?

Today, I am blessed for the second consecutive Sunday to be worshiping with and preaching for the brethren in Cosby, Tennessee.

The situation up here in the mountains is unique. There have been only 18 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Cocke county where the church is located. And no deaths.  In neighboring Sevier county only 65 cases with 2 deaths. Continue reading →

4 Comments

Filed under COVID-19, Sunday Seed Thoughts

Tagged as ,

April 30, 2020 · 8:37 am

We’re All In This Together. Or Are We?

We are now 45 days into the government shut down due to COVID-19. Although some states are gradually opening up, it will admittedly be some time before we’re back to some sense of normalcy, which some are calling a “new normal.”

It may be another month before some states will allow churches to resume public assemblies. When will sports venues open? Or theme parks? Or concert halls? How long will people be wearing masks? Social distancing? Or working from home? When will we be able to cross the Canadian border? Travel to Europe? To take an Alaskan cruise? Who knows? Continue reading →

5 Comments

Filed under COVID-19

Tagged as , ,

April 14, 2020 · 8:10 am

10 Things the Coronavirus Cannot Do

As we continue living through this new normal, which is so abnormal, our hearts are touched by the amount of sickness and death we are seeing and hearing reported by the media.

In fact, by now you may know someone who’s contracted COVID-19. We know a few folks personally who are suffering from it. And so far, thankfully winning the battle.

Yet, in the midst of this current crisis we continue to hear uplifting stories. Stories of heroism. Courage. And self-sacrifice. People helping people. Neighbors looking after one another. Shepherds employing innovative ways to watch for souls. Preachers learning and using new techniques to teach and preach the gospel. Continue reading →

6 Comments

Filed under COVID-19, Encouragement

Tagged as , ,

March 31, 2020 · 7:45 am

How Christians  Can Cope With Coronavirus Concerns

In response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, my friend and preaching colleague, Mark Roberts, who’s the editor of Pressing On, has dedicated the April issue to many of the concerns Christians have during this unprecedented time in our history.

Today’s blog post offers you a link to receive this issue free, compliments of Mark. In it you will find scriptural and timely articles that will help you navigate the maze of questions and challenges you may be dealing with Continue reading →

5 Comments

Filed under COVID-19, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , ,

March 24, 2020 · 7:45 am

Is it Wrong for Churches to Cancel Services?

This question raised today reminds me of the old joke about the politician who was asked by a reporter his position on a particular issue.

“Well, there are two ways to look at it,” he responded. Then launched into a lengthy explanation of both views, giving both the pros and cons of the respective positions. He concluded by saying he had friends on both sides of the question.

“But what’s your position?” the reporter pressed. Continue reading →

47 Comments

Filed under Church, COVID-19, Worship

Tagged as , ,