Category: Character
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God meant things to be so much easier…
Is it possible that we’ve created a way of living that’s unhealthy, unsustainable, and undermining the kind of life we actually long for? Is it possible that our values and lifestyles – the values and lifestyles of normal, church-going, law-abiding citizens – are actually completely out-of-whack? Is it possible that…
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More Than Objects
Anyone whose lived in Florida for long, and traveled on I-75, will recognize the billboard pictured above. Though the signs have been changed, the billboards, like the one above, adorned the Interstate for years and years. I’ve passed those billboards countless times. I assume the photos imply beautiful women can…
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Bless – The Third Sermon in a Series Called “The 2017 Summer Stretch,” Preached at First Church Coral Springs on July 9, 2017
I’m friends with a Nazarene pastor named Jay. We worked on our doctoral degrees together. On the whole, Nazarenes tend to be pretty conservative about lots of things – especially their behavior. Historically, they don’t go to movies, don’t drink, don’t dance, don’t wear jewelry, don’t gamble, etc., etc. …
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Civility
I believe in the power of words. Words can build up. Words can tear down. Words can encourage. Words can wound. Words can bless. Words can curse. Very few words are powerless and without consequence. I believe, deeply, in the power of words. “Those who guard their lips preserve their…
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Character Development vs. Sin Management
Last night was my weekly Bible Study. Our focus was chapters 46 and 47 of Genesis, and specifically on Joseph. Joseph is often considered an example of great character and integrity, standing strong in the face of betrayal, temptation, false accusation, and hopeless circumstances. And, yet, by chapter 47, Joseph seems…
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Pre-Easter Pondering
I know it’s not Easter yet. Easter is still a few days away. Before Easter, we still have Maundy Thursday and Good Friday and Holy Saturday. We can’t just skip to Easter, bypassing all that led to Easter. But, Easter is on my mind – probably because it’s the biggest…
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I was wrong…
I’ve been wrong. I’ve been wrong a lot. My parents, my wife, my friends, my coworkers and my children can all confirm that I’ve been wrong. I’ve made wrong decisions and wrong choices. I’ve been on the wrong side of arguments. I’ve been wrong about people – sometimes trusting people I…
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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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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…
vancerains.com 