Tag Archives: Word of the Week

March 18, 2019 · 7:38 am

Word of the Week: Imitate

Yesterday it was our pleasure to worship with and preach for the brethren at the Low Country Church in Goose Creek, South Carolina, where my friend Steve Brewer ministers.

As is often the case when we visit various congregations, I leave feeling like I received more than I gave. Yesterday was no exception. The Brethren warmly welcomed us with the right hand of fellowship. And some hugs. The atmosphere was encouraging. It felt like a family who truly enjoyed being together.

The Bible class taught by Ricardo Perry on the “Life of Christ” was especially insightful. Thought-provoking. And spiritually relevant. The focus of the class was we should be like Christ. Continue reading →

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March 11, 2019 · 6:59 am

Word of the Week: Understanding

Yesterday I preached and taught the Bible class for the brethren in Alajuela, Costa Rica.

Since most of the congregation are only fluent in Spanish, and I’m only fluent in English, we needed a translator. Thus, I was able to speak so they could understand.

Several times this week I needed to communicate something, and it was difficult when a translator was not available. Words were spoken. But there was no understanding. Continue reading →

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March 4, 2019 · 6:34 am

WORD OF THE WEEK: FELLOWSHIP

This week Norma Jean and I are in San José, Costa Rica.

It is the home of one of my former preaching interns, Gabe Chaves. We’ve wanted to come for a long time to meet Gabe’s family, worship with the brethren in Alajuela, and see their beautiful country. By God’s grace, this is now a reality.

Numerous brethren in the United States have enjoyed fellowship with the Costa Rican brethren for many years. More recently among them are Kenny Moorer, Kerry Keenan, Ken Embry and Jack Gagle. Everyone who has visited here speaks highly of these brethren. Now I know why. Continue reading →

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February 25, 2019 · 6:32 am

Word of the Week: Circumspect

Circumspect is not a word that we often use in our everyday speech.

For example, I never heard my Dad use the word when I was a kid walking with him out in the pasture where the cows were grazing. Nor did my mother tell me to be circumspect when crossing a busy street. And neither did my Driver’s Ed instructor warn us to be circumspect when driving on a hilly, curvy road. But they did use words to warn me of the consequences of failing to be circumspect. Continue reading →

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February 18, 2019 · 6:23 am

Word of the Week: Builder

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 →

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February 4, 2019 · 6:03 am

Word of the Week: Remember

 

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 →

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January 21, 2019 · 7:11 am

Word of the Week: Willing

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 →

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January 14, 2019 · 7:22 am

Word of the Week: Rejoicing

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 →

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January 7, 2019 · 6:52 am

Word of the Week: Press

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 →

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December 10, 2018 · 6:59 am

Word of the Week: Certainty

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 →

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