Month: September 2010
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Go To Hell!
“Go to Hell!” is an oath hurled in anger. I don’t recall ever hearing those words come from my mouth, but have my actions said as much? Has a judgmental spirit, a harsh unforgiving heart, or a refusal to extend the offer of God’s grace to someone I determine to be unworthy as much as…
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You’re Invited! How will you respond?
The envelope announced that I was part of a select group chosen specifically for the enclosed invitation. The sender surely knew how to appeal to pride! The print flourishes and gold trim made it look very official and important. Urgency was implied as the back of the envelope warned me that space was limited and…
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Are you a star?
“Become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life.” (Philippians 2:15-16, NIV) Have you walked under the stars and looked up at them? In the vast expanse of the night sky, they…
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A Magic Bullet
Do you ever wish for a magic bullet, a one shot solution that solves a problem forever? I do! I’d like to preach one sermon that answers all the needs of the people in the pews, bring one ministry into being that could lead all of the people to a vibrant relationship with the Lord,…
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Do you smell good?
When I go to Mom Catalano’s house, I know when she’s cooking turnips because to me, they stink! But, that awful smell also means there’s a great roast beef meal in the making. Curious, isn’t it? The smell of cooking turnips, which I hate, announces a feast of roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, and baked potatoes…
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Not a nice essay
This is an ugly piece of writing and not because of poor grammar. The subject is painfully ugly. America is sex-berserk! Two stories hit ABC news last night. The first was about another mega-church pastor from Atlanta who has been sued by several young men in his congregation who allege he has them, and many…
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Can these bones live again?
Ezekiel’s famous vision of ‘dry bones’ defines revival for me! The prophet saw a valley full of old, dry bones and at the Lord’s command, preached the Word of the Lord to those bones. Before his eyes they rattled, arranged into skeletons, took on flesh; and the wind of the Spirit blew over them restoring…
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Over-thinking prayer?
The old proverb advises us not to ‘miss the forest for the trees.’ We can miss the main idea if we become obsessed with some detail. We can become anxious and bypass an obvious solution when we focus so tightly that the whole picture goes out of view. Somebody told me that they received a…
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Today – will you live in it?
That opening line might seem silly to you, your response being, “What choice do I have?” You could try to relive yesterday’s glories or attempt to erase some ugly blot that stains the record. You lean forward, reaching for tomorrow’s resources or anticipated rewards. Both are sure ways to miss out on today! Lewis Smedes…
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Are you worthless?
A nagging thought sometimes forms at the edge of consciousness: “Jerry, are you growing obsolete? Are your ideas and skills of value in a world that re-invents itself every couple of years?” It’s a Self thing, and I repent when I let it take over. Still, I know that I am not unique in that…
CoffeeBreak With The Word 