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The Daily Memo | July 7, 2020 | Saved and Unsaved
God only sees two categories of people. Saved and unsaved and loves them both. Do you agree with that? I keep hearing the words unprecedented times. They really aren’t. I was alive during the riots in the early 60’s and again in the 70’s. Mostly centered around race relations. We thought the world was coming to an end. Do you think Lot and his family thought the same when Sodom and Gomorrah got smoked? I’m sure they did. None of this is a surprise to…
Categories: The Daily Memo | Authored by: sparrowwebsites | Posted: 07/07/2020
The Daily Memo | July 6, 2020 | The Idols that Impede Our Faith
We live in a world that works overtime to stand in the way of our calling in an effort to derail what God is doing in each and every one of our lives. Something I read recently[i] encapsulates my concerns quite well. Keep your eyes peeled for the strategies the enemy is using in his goal to impede our faith. Here are a few common idols that may deserve attention: Our Own Understanding—We often lose our focus on the Father when we don’t fully understand what&rsquo…
Categories: The Daily Memo | Authored by: sparrowwebsites | Posted: 07/06/2020
The Daily Memo | July 3, 2020 | Time to Celebrate
The Continental Congress approved the final wording of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. They'd been working on it for a couple of days after the draft was submitted on July 2nd and finally agreed on all of the edits and changes. July 4, 1776, became the date that was included on the Declaration of Independence, and the fancy handwritten copy that was signed in August (the copy now displayed at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.) It’s also…
Categories: The Daily Memo | Authored by: sparrowwebsites | Posted: 07/03/2020
The Daily Memo | July 2, 2020 | How’s Your Heart These Days?
The Bible says in Proverbs, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” (NLT) What I like about this translation is the direct way in which the writer warns us. He assumes the heart needs guarding or our lives will veer off course. I would agree, wouldn’t you? Today, my heart hurts. Mine and most of the world. The Coronavirus plague has captured the attention of billions of people in an effort to stay safe - or just stay.…
Categories: The Daily Memo | Authored by: sparrowwebsites | Posted: 07/02/2020
The Daily Memo | July 1, 2020 | If You're Offended
On the front page of our local newspaper last week the headline read, “Pastor Apologizes for Comment”. The article went on to describe that comment made during a sermon three weeks ago and the subsequent apology a week later. This isn’t about the comment, it’s about the response of one supposed congregant that took issue with the Pastors’ comments and perspective. With the hot button of race and prejudice in America on everyone’s mind,…
Categories: The Daily Memo | Authored by: sparrowwebsites | Posted: 07/01/2020
Coming - July 1st - The Daily Memo
Hi folks, consider this a heads up on what God has led me to publish. His thoughts for you - through me - for the day. I'm writing each weekday to share a brief memo for consideration, contemplation, or prayer. I hope you find it helpful. I also hope it's not too much for your inbox. Please let me know if it is. I may reduce the frequency to 2-3 times per week and you can find all of them here on the site depending on your response. Thanks for your support and…
Categories: The Daily Memo | Authored by: sparrowwebsites | Posted: 06/30/2020
Prejudice in America – Another Perspective
Walking the campus of my High School with K-9 units roaming the halls was a harrowing experience for a young teenager. It was the mid-70’s and America was at war. “Race Riots” was our descriptor. Fights broke out daily and police handcuffed more students than I can remember. Fear reigned in the hearts of us all - black and white. Knives and guns were confiscated regularly. Locker shakedowns - it felt like we were in prison. It was evident in our perplexed.…
Categories: The Hope of Healing, The Reality of Our Present World, Safe People & Safe Community, Wounded Healer | Authored by: sparrowwebsites | Posted: 06/10/2020
It's Time, Right?
Off in the distance, I could see it coming – galloping toward me like a herd of wild horses. It was an intriguing yet perplexing thought that I tried my best to avoid. I ducked but it successfully circled my head and entered through my left ear. A sneak attack. “Well …….. with this whole COVID-19 stuff and ministry on hold indefinitely, maybe it’s time to enjoy life a little more. Relax, call it what it is, and cherish these last years of my.…
Categories: Restored in Him, The Reality of Our Present World, Knowing & Being Known | Authored by: sparrowwebsites | Posted: 05/24/2020
A Balloon with a Purpose - Guest Post by Mark Noel
We invited our dear friend Mark to share a devotional he wrote for the guests and staff at Water Street Mission. I trust you'll be as encouraged as I was in reading and studying it. I recall the delight of seeing the expression on my granddaughter’s face when she saw a balloon for the first time. She laughed uncontrollably when I blew air into the balloon and then let it go. As it deflated it fluttered and danced around the room until it was empty again. I…
Categories: What We Were Created For, Restored in Him | Authored by: sparrowwebsites | Posted: 05/09/2020
Where Are We in Gods Story?
Could this be the time? Is Jesus’ return imminent? There are a lot of theories being tossed about inside and outside the church as to the reason for this worldwide pandemic. In truth, no one really knows what God is up to. Did He cause the pandemic? No! Will He use it for His purposes? Yes! So where are we in the greater story that God is writing, or in fact already written? Some see this as a period of rest or reset. The kind you need when you’ve been burnt to…
Categories: Restored in Him, The Hope of Healing, The Reality of Our Present World | Authored by: sparrowwebsites | Posted: 05/03/2020