Why preach? Why spend hours each week working on a thirty minute message that most people will remember less than thirty percent after one day? Why put yourself in front of a crowd of friends and strangers and speak truth that might be uncomfortable to hear? “Do not preach because you love preaching. Preach because you love Jesus.” -- Paul Mallard
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During the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key watched the bombarding of the American forces at Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore on the night of September 13, 1814 When the smoke cleared, Key was able to see an American flag still waving and reported this to the prisoners below deck. On the way back to Baltimore, he was inspired to write a poem describing his experience, "The Defence of Fort McHenry", which he published in the Patriot on September 20, 1814. It has become better known as "The Star Spangled Banner". (Source: Wikipedia). Hebrews 12:2 … Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him, endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of God. Just as the beleaguered soldiers found hope in seeing the flag still waving, let those of…
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I read this post from Lance Haul at ReHaul: Rethinking how businesses and people interact. It's a good reminder that each of us have a personal responsibility to do our best at whatever we find ourselves doing, especially at work: "We all struggle with politics and roadblocks at work. The good ones find ways around them and get their job done. Sometimes those good ones can push hard enough to make their job a little easier. Others leave, only to find roadblocks awaiting them at their new home. The rest complain and find a way to make them not getting their job done someone else’s problem." Read the entire post here.
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"Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. All those who heard him were astonished and asked, "Isn't he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn't he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?" Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ. After many days had gone by, the Jews conspired to kill him, but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall. When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but…
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This morning as I was walking at the gym, I heard an old song by the band Yes. You might recognize it ... "Owner of a lonely heart / Much better than a / Owner of a broken heart ..." I've heard that song countless times. I can even hum the tune (not necessarily in tune). This morning I thought to myself, "Really? Is an owner of a lonely heart really in better shape than the owner of a broken heart? I don't think I'd like to have either one." And then I kept walking.
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