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  • Brotherhood

    Brotherhood

    I’m currently reading through the Old Testament book 1 Samuel.  Much of 1 Samuel tells the story of the rise of David, from boy-shepherd to shepherd-king of Israel.  David’s story includes his close friendship with Jonathan. Chapter 18 says that these two men felt an immediate bond, and that Jonathan,…

  • I wept today…

    I wept today…

    I wept today. A lot. If you don’t know me well, that might surprise you.  But, if you’ve known me long enough, that probably does NOT come as a big surprise.  I’m a sensitive guy, and I’ve been known to cry easily, publicly. But, honestly, I haven’t cried for a…

  • See Me Through

    See Me Through

    I was recently given an incredible new worship CD, called, “Able”, by Newspring Worship (Thanks Carol!).  I highly recommend it!  The second song on the CD is “See Me Through.”  The lyrics are… When the worries of the world are on me Your Spirit breathes and leave me longing For…

  • Keep It In The Lines, People!

    Keep It In The Lines, People!

    Most places I’ve lived have only required a a single, solid, 4-inch line to separate parking spaces.  I’ve never noticed that to be insufficient to guide people safely into a parking spot.  But, in Coral Springs, FL, a single line isn’t sufficient.  We have boxes  – approximately a foot wide…

  • “Restored Hearts” (Sermon preached on Sunday, March 12, 2017, at First Church Coral Springs, as the second sermon in a series called “Restoration”)

    “Restored Hearts” (Sermon preached on Sunday, March 12, 2017, at First Church Coral Springs, as the second sermon in a series called “Restoration”)

      In the NIV Bible, the word “heart” appears over 700 times.  In the old King James version, “heart” appears over 800 times.  And, according the Bible “hearts” perform an amazing array of functions, including… ·      Hearts love, of course. ·      Hearts also lust, change, turn away, and falter. ·     …

  • Unexpected Encounters

    Unexpected Encounters

    This morning, I was thinking about Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s Well, in John 4.  The woman had come to the well, at midday, to fetch water.  She certainly didn’t expect to find Jesus there.  But, that unexpected encounter changed her life. I didn’t grow up in…

  • There is a Balm in Gilead…

    There is a Balm in Gilead…

    This is what the Lord says… Since my people are crushed, I am crushed; I mourn, and horror grips me.  Is there no balm in Gilead?  Is there no physician there?  Why then is there no healing for the wound of my people?  (Jeremiah 8:4, 21-22) In Biblical times, Gilead was known for…

  • Poco a Poco…

    Poco a Poco…

    I was reminded, today, of this quote by John Wesley, “Every one, though born of God in an instant, yea and sanctified in an instant, yet undoubtedly grows by slow degrees…” John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, believed that the “born again” experience, though incredibly important, was only…

  • Our Original Calling

    Our Original Calling

    Genesis 1:26-28 says,  Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the…

  • Fencing the Darkness

    Fencing the Darkness

    I read something profound this morning.  It was one of those “Things that make you go ‘hmmmmm…..’” moments.  I love those! I’ve just started reading Lisa Sharon Harper’s book, The Very Good Gospel.  I’m only 25 pages in, and I am hooked! The opening chapter, called “A Glimpse of Shalom,” begins with…