A Strong, Inner Core

"The only truly reliable source of stability is a strong inner core and the willingness to change and adapt everything except that core."

- James C. Collins and Jerry I. Porras

Preparation for Service

I'm again reading through the daily devotional "Holiness and High Country" by A. F. Harper. I found these words instructive this morning:

"From all of us who are true Christians, God expects a portion of our income, a part of our time, and a measure of our thought and planning to be given for the furtherance of His work in the world. Christian life begins at Calvary, but effective service begins at Pentecost."

He begins the final paragraph of the devotional with this question:

"Is my consecration such that God can call on me for some service today?"

Writing Sermons

Ernest Hemingway said it first but I can apply his thought to sermon writing, too:

"There is no rule on how to write. Sometimes it comes easily and perfectly; sometimes it's like drilling rock and then blasting it out with charges."

Hard to explain to people when they think you get your messages from sermon outline books and pre-formed programs!

Patience!

"If your progress seems slow while it appears those around you are engaged in remarkable success, just remember: Patience! God is not finished with you yet!" (Ted W. Engstrom)

I Cannot Call You Friend!

Is there anyone you should share with today about the Lord? Better do it now!

My friend, I stand in judgment now.

And I feel that you are to blame somehow.

On earth I walked with you day by day.

But never did you point the way.


You knew the LORD,

In His truth and His glory.

But never did you share the story!
My knowledge then was very dim.

You could have lead Him safely to Him.


You taught me many things,

This is true.

I called you friend, 

And I trusted you.

But I have learned,

And now it is too late

You could have kept me from this fate,


We walked by day,

And talked by night,

And yet you showed me not the light.

You let me live and love,
AND DIE,

You knew I would never live on high.


Yes, I called you friend in life,

I trusted you through JOY and strife.

And yet on coming to this end, ---

I CANNOT CALL YOU
 MY FRIEND!


(Author unknown)

This Time

I've just started a new book- "Hamlet's Blackberry" by William Powers - and the quote at the start captured my attention:

"This time, like all times, is a very good one, if we know what to do with it." (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

Hmm...