Sweet Spots
Ideas and messages from Len Sweet.
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Use a Mic –Preaching Tip for November 1, 2015
There’s nothing sadder than a great preacher whom no one can hear. Wherever you are preaching, you’ll always be helped to have a mic. Even if you have a booming voice, with a mic, you can use more emotion, more inflection in your voice, you can even drop to a…
Seven Men and the Secret of Their Greatness
Seven Men and the Secret of Their Greatness
by Eric Metaxas
Last week The Open Table featured a review of Seven Women and the Secret of Their Greatness. Because that book was so enjoyable and memorable, this week’s review is of the first book that Eric Metaxas wrote featuring short biographies of exemplary people who lived out their convictions, called Seven Men and the Secret of Their Greatness. As in Seven Women, Metaxas does not want the reader to think that “the list of seven persons is in any way definitive…I simply chose seven people whose stories I found most compelling and inspiring.” read more…
Jesus Prays
And then Jesus began to pray:
Jesus: I praise You, Father—Lord of heaven and earth. You have revealed Your truths to the lowly and the ignorant, the children and the crippled, the lame and the mute. You have hidden wisdom from those who pride themselves on being so wise and learned. 26 You did this, simply, because it pleased You. 27 The Father has handed over everything to My care. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son—and those to whom the Son wishes to reveal the Father. 28 Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Put My yoke upon your shoulders—it might appear heavy at first, but it is perfectly fitted to your curves. Learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble of heart. When you are yoked to Me, your weary souls will find rest. 30 For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.
Matthew 11:25-28 (The VOICE Bible) read more…
Hearing Problems
A person of advanced age began to have hearing problems. Reluctantly she gave in to suggestions from family members that she consult an otolaryngologist (eye-ears-nose specialist). After a thorough examination of the woman’s ears, the doctor said to her: “We can fix your hearing problem by some minor surgery. Let’s…
Gumption
British Presbyterian theologian John Oman (1860-1939) liked to tell the story of the old Scottish professor who used to say that there were three qualities for the preacher. First, the grace of God. Second, the knowledge of the Scriptures. And third, gumption. The first, he said, we have the promise…
Angels
The angels grew jealous of God’s intention to endow Adam and Eve with God’s own image. Should mere mortals be so gifted? They plotted to hide the divine image. Some angels proposed that it be hidden beneath the seas, others that it be buried in the tallest mountains. But the…
Luther’s Morning Prayer
Luther’s Morning Prayer
I thank you, my heavenly father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger.
Keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please you.
Into your hands I commend my body and soul and all things.
Let your holy angel be with me, that the wicked foe may have no power over me.
Amen.
Syrophoenician Lives Matter!
God’s Bountiful Breadbasket of Grace / Syrophoenician Lives Matter! Story Lectionary 25 October 2015 The Story of Tamar (Genesis 38) –Loyalty is not as it may appear A Raining Down of Manna (Exodus 16 and Numbers 11) Elijah’s Healing/Raising of a Phoenician woman’s son and a gift of bread (I…
The Great Physician Will See You Now
The Great Physician Will See You Now Lectionary 25 October 2015 22nd Sunday After Pentecost Reformation Sunday Job 42:1-6,10-17 Psalm 34:1-8, (19-22) Hebrews 7:23-28 Mark 10:46-52 Text to Life October is when the temperature drops and the rains move in. So what do we do? We take up sports or…
Let the Children Come… Preaching Tip for Oct 25, 2015
“Let the children come…” said Jesus. Preachers, we need to take Jesus’ lead to heart. Most preachers are only preaching to those 30 and up… if that. You need to preach in a way that involves all members of the congregation –yes, even the children! Be participatory. Use examples that…