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Thursday Hymn Reflection: “America the Beautiful”
[Each Thursday, we reflect on a hymn. If you would like us to write about your favorite songs, leave a comment with up to three of your favorites and we will add them to our list.] ————————————- Today is Veteran’s Day, so I thought it would be appropriate to consider a hymn that reminds us of our heritage as a nation grounded in the principles of God’s Word. It was hard to select just one of these patriotic songs, though, as nearly all of them have a message grounded in a faith in God and the Bible. The words “purple mountain majesty” are the key to the history of “America…
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Friday Links Roundup: 2011 Planning Edition
It’s a firm belief of mine that far too many congregations just survive week-to-week. They might think of some event that’s coming in a few weeks (like a Gospel Meeting or visit from a missionary), but they rarely think more than a couple of months ahead (at the most). Obviously, there are variables that change our plans, and we need to not “count on” tomorrow coming (the book of James reminds us clearly of that), but congregations also need to think much longer into the future. We have been doing a lot of planning at Lebanon Road for 2011 for several weeks. I have planned the Sunday morning sermon titles,…
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Thursday Hymn Reflection: “His Eye is On the Sparrow”
[Each Thursday, we reflect on a hymn suggested by our readers. To add your favorites to our list, leave a comment with up to 3 favorites. It is hard to believe, but this is the 40th post in this series! Keep your suggestions coming to favorites, old or new.] ———————————- Written in 1905, “His Eye is On the Sparrow” is based upon two statements from the lips of our Lord. In Matthew 6:26, Jesus stated, “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” Then, in Matthew 10:29-31,…
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10 Ways to Get More Done…Without Working 24 Hours Per Day
I am amazed at how some people get so much done during the course of a day or a week. Others say the same thing to me. Yes, I get quite a few things accomplished each week, but I am nowhere near an “expert” on it. However, I have learned a few simple things that help me get more done, and still have time for family and fun. In other words, you don’t have to work 24/7/365, but you can still get things done. These are not earth-shattering, but they work for me. Maybe they (or a variation of them) will work for you. 1. Hit the Ground Running. I…
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Friday Links Roundup: Walking (or Sitting in a Hospital) in Memphis Edition
This week’s Links Roundup is being written from Southaven, Mississippi. Leah’s sister, Heather, had her first child yesterday, and we are thankful that we were able to make it here for the birth. We are glad to meet Jude! If you are friends with me on Facebook, you can see a great picture of him there. Everyone is doing well, and God has proven to be faithful again! ——————— On to the links for this week: 1. Many of you continue to mourn the loss of brother Jerry Jenkins. So many tributes and memories have been shared about this great man over the past few days. As most of you…
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Friday Links Roundup: One Week In…3 Weeks Away Edition
I’m so glad that college football has done such a good job this year. The games have been interesting, and there is intrigue because the bogus BCS system continues to shun teams like Boise State and TCU. But, as I said, the sport has done its job… …it has kept us interested until now, when college basketball starts! Midnight Madness was last Friday night, meaning we are one week into practice, and games start in about 3 weeks (November 10, to be specific). College basketball is the greatest sport for a lot of reasons, not the least of which is that they actually decide who wins on the court (what…
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Thursday Hymn Reflection: “Where Could I Go?”
[NOTE: Each Thursday, we reflect on a hymn. Most are suggested by our readers. If you would like us to reflect on your favorite songs of worship, leave a comment with up to three suggestions. By the way, we have only 10 suggestions left “in queue” from our readers, so we need more of your favorites!] ———————————- One of the most widely-recorded hymns of the last 100 years, “Where Could I Go?” is a favorite to many. Written just 70 years ago by James Coats, the song is one that has a very simple melody line, but has stood the test of time due to its statement of complete trust…
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Friday Links Roundup: Time with Daddy Edition
Our ladies are having their annual retreat this weekend. That means I get the kids all to myself for the weekend, from this afternoon through Sunday afternoon. (Yes, I will need your prayers!) I am looking forward to the time with the kids, and I hope we grow closer together by our time. I love my kids, and time with them is very precious. While being with them alone is hard work (just ask Leah, since she does it all the time), it is worth the effort and time. We’re going out tonight, and will hopefully have a little time at home tomorrow to play and laugh. ……oh, and to…
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Friday Links Roundup: Tea Party Edition
No, not the election season tea party. Mary Carol turned five yesterday and her “big” present was what she calls her “tea party table.” She also got some dishes and cups (thanks to Grammy and Grampy), so she held a marathon tea party yesterday. It is hard to believe that it’s been five years since we adopted Mary Carol. The way God brought her into our lives is one of the most amazing things we have ever experienced, and we are grateful every day for His working in our lives. Here’s our adopted treasure opening a present yesterday. ———————- On to the links for this week: 1. Any reminder I…
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Thursday Hymn Reflection: “O Lord, You’re Beautiful”
Today’s hymn is short, and is also fairly new, being just 30 years old. Keith Green wrote this short song as a simple song of praise. The song (as it is found in most song books) contains just 2 verses of 4 lines each, but the song is amazingly powerful despite its brevity. The song is really a prayer song that does two things. First, the song focuses on God and is a simple statement of trust on Him. Second, the song asks God to continue to provide love and forgiveness to us, even when our faith is wavering. At Lebanon Road, I like to lead the first verse of the…
