Month: March 2017
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Foreknowing, Causing, Allowing…
In my Lenten small group, this morning, we were debating if God allows tragedy, causes tragedy, or both. Though the word wasn’t used this morning, God’s foreknowledge also comes into play. If God knows everything, then God knows what is going to happen in advance. If God knows a tragic…
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We’re All Mad Here…
I just finished the manuscript for Sunday’s sermon. Unfortunately, I had to cut a quote a I planned to use from Alice in Wonderland, “You’re mad, bonkers, completely off your head. But I’ll tell you a secret. All the best people are.” Confession: Sometimes, when I am preaching, a little voice…
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Muscle Memory
I used to be very involved in Martial Arts – Kenpo Karate, Modern Arnis, and Kickboxing. I spent hours upon hours at the dojo, eventually earning my black belt, and even helping with the classes. I loved it, and grieved when I had to give it up (my body just couldn’t…
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Embracing the Grey
I had a very random conversation with a complete stranger, yesterday. He said that the hot issue many counselors/therapists/psychotherapists are dealing with, lately, is how to help their clients deal with friends and family, with whom they have differing political views. His point was that, in our current political climate, friends…
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What Have We Lost?
Disclaimer: I don’t I have a nostalgic bone in my body. I don’t look back to my childhood, or any other era, as idyllic. Every day, month, year, or decade of human existence had its problems and challenges. Humans have never been perfect. Now. Onto today’s topic. Sabbath. I try…
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Amazing Grace – Just the Black Notes
I told a story at the 8:00 and 11:00 am services, this morning, at First Church Coral Springs, about the hymn Amazing Grace, which I discovered watching this video. It’s very moving. Enjoy. Bill & Gloria Gaither – Amazing Grace [Live]
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Restored Fortunes – the fourth sermon in a series called “Restoration,” preached on March 26, 2017 at First Church Coral Springs.
This is the fourth sermon in a series called, “Restoration.” The basic premise of the series is that God can take what is broken, worn-out, and seemingly beyond repair, and restore the broken pieces and parts into something new and beautiful. So far, we have talked about God restoring our…
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You are What You Love…
I started a new book yesterday, You are What You Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit, by James K.A. Smith. I am what I love? I certainly love my wife, kids, and family. I love my friends. I love to travel, ride my motorcycle, read books, grow bonsai trees. I love…
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Doing the Right Things for the Wrong Reasons…
I’ve been thinking a lot about motives lately – my motives, specifically. Sometimes, I do things because I’m paid to do them. It’s my job. Sometimes, I do things because I have to – like paying taxes Sometimes (too often), I do things out of selfish desires. Sometimes, I act on…
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Waiting for Signs of Growth
I grow bonsai trees. In South Florida, some kinds of trees grow year round. Some never lose their leaves or foliage. But, some, need an annual period of dormancy – typically, the winter (though, we don’t get much of a winter in South Florida!). During the holidays, I visited a…
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