Tag: message

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

No excuses

Posted on by William Douthwaite

Some “through the bible” thoughts from Romans 1 and 2.

With more means of communication than ever, we’ve also got more excuses.

  • “I didn’t see your email.”
  • “I didn’t get your message.”
  • “My phone was dead.”
  • “I didn’t hear what you said.”
  • “The email went to my spam folder.”
  • “I never got the letter. It must have gotten lost in the mail.”

In Romans 1, Paul states there’s no excuse for not knowing God. Creation makes it obvious (1:20).

In Romans 2, Paul adds there’s no excuse for your behavior, either. You can’t say you didn’t know. Either your conscience (2:15) or the law (2:17) convicts you.

On the one hand, I’m dismayed that all my excuses have been disqualified.

On the other hand, with no excuses to fall back on, I have can only depend on grace. Which is where my hope should be anyway.

Posted in Ministry

Legrand Malany

Posted on by William Douthwaite

Legrand Malany died last Friday, and I did his memorial service today for a packed house at Lohman Palm Coast Funeral Home (read 70+ people).  Quite a tribute to the man.  I had only met him a few times, but knew his wife of 70 years, Marian, very well.  What a privilege to meet his four children, along with lots of other relatives and friends.  The best part is just knowing someone named Legrand.  Awesome name.

I’ve noticed that writing funeral messages comes easier than I remember in the past.  With some biographical information and scripture, they just flow.  Practice and experience help, of course.  Most important:  keep it simple.

All of Legrand’s children spoke.  A tough assignment, but they did a great job.  Just enough to share their hearts and lift our spirits.

I haven’t minded doing funerals and memorials lately.  I like to be the one who mentions Jesus.