Month: September 2010
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Giving away your blessings?
At 5 am today, I awakened to a flood of concerns: my Mom’s health, wondering how best to lead the church I pastor, some major problems that are plaguing some of my congregants, the failure of a contractor do to a good job on a project at the church, etc. The temptation was to let […]
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A fool in the eyes of most
My Mom, recently diagnosed with advanced lung cancer, spent much time praying and contemplating her medical choices. When we met the oncologist on Monday, she told the doctor that she was going to forego standard medical treatment at this time. The young physician’s eyes widened in disbelief. It was obvious she thought Mom’s choice to […]
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Spend the night in sackcloth!
Few things ache like a guilty conscience. From childhood to old age, the pain of shame and guilt that follow doing wrong are as common as a cold. In a moment when our resolve is weak, we make a fateful choice. A cruel word can be uttered, an immoral choice made in just a moment’s […]
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Sunday Circus?
A circus makes us ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ by giving us a spectacle. There are noises, sparkly costumes, and bright colors splashed everywhere. It’s all designed to overwhelm our senses, a kind of sensory banquet that leaves us impressed. And, it works! We do not go to the circus to meditate and think deep thoughts about […]
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Unsure about love?
Sometimes people get under my skin! I’m not thinking about those who are merely thoughtless. A rude or insensitive remark may trigger a moment of irritation, but I quickly get over it. I’m thinking about the people whose choices are hurtful to others, who wrong friends and family by acting in ways that are totally […]
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What’s that you say?
A sage observed there are three messages conveyed in any conversation; “what is said, what you think I said, and what I think I said!” Want to communicate well? First, use plain and honest speech. Jesus taught us, “Just say ‘yes’ and ‘no.’ When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong.” […]
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What I’m For!
Dr. Terry Jones, pastor of Dove World Outreach, (an awfully grand name for a church of 50) is planning to lead his little congregation in a book-burning on Saturday. This Florida church will be burning the Koran to let the world know that “Islam is of the Devil.” The congregation is proud of where they […]
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Are you liberal?
Our church receives an offering at Christmas that is set aside for those in need. Throughout the year, when requests come for assistance we have funds available. Often, I find that it is hard to determine how and whom to help! I see many of the same people again and again, coming to ask for […]
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To serve and protect
“The thin blue line” is a reference to police who form a boundary between lawless chaos and a safe, peaceful society. Though our law enforcement is not a perfect system, I am grateful to those men and women who keep the bad guys from taking over! While I am not always thrilled to see a […]
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Resurrection Life?
Quitters are everywhere! People quit their job, abandon a diet, leave their marriage, even walk away from Christ every day. Americans strongly believe in being happy and because we are such a rich culture that provides a wide array of options for individual choice, we are always moving on. “I’m just not happy,” is reason […]
CoffeeBreak With The Word 