Tag: Lent
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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…
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“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. · …
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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…
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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…
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Preaching to Myself…
I start with an outline. Then, I write a full sermon manuscript of what I plan to say. Then, I condense the manuscript to notes that I will actually preach from. On Sunday mornings, I get up and 5:00 am, and read my manuscript twice – sometimes out loud. At…
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Earth Has No Sorrow That Heaven Cannot Heal
I referenced an old hymn by Sir Thomas Moore in my sermon today. The text of the hymn is… Come, ye disconsolate, where’er ye languish, Come to the mercy seat, fervently kneel. Here bring your wounded hearts, here tell your anguish; Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. Joy…
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Rationalization
I’m currently reading 1 Samuel, which tells the story of Israel’s desire for a king, so they could be like the other nations. God intended to be their king, and warned of the dangers of earthly Kings who become corrupted by power. But, Israel wanted a “real” king. That’s how…
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Lent 2017
Tomorrow begins the season of Lent. Throughout Lent, one of my spiritual disciplines will be this daily blog. I plan to devote more time during Lent to reading, study, prayer, and reflection, which will hopefully lead to something meaningful to share with anyone who might be interested. Many people, during…
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