Since I am an “only child,” there are family experiences I know nothing about, like sibling rivalry. Also, the first time I attended a Segraves family reunion was just a few Saturdays ago. About twenty people related in some way to the Segraves name gathered to share a meal, pictures and music. My cousin Donnie joined me for 1:05 minutes of “No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus.”
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On July 4, 2018, Susan and I enjoyed the Independence Day fireworks at the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri (my home town). To avoid the traffic, we spent the night in a beautiful hotel just steps from the arch. In the afternoon, we ascended and descended the arch in the barrel-like ride inside its south leg. Although we were warned by a staff member to duck upon entering and exiting the barrel, I bumped my head both times.
The thoroughly renovated museum beneath the arch was worth the visit. As we viewed the film showing the breathtaking construction of this “Gateway to the West,” we were reminded that although it had been predicted that thirteen workers would lose their lives in the construction of the arch, none did.
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About an hour ago, I submitted an article written by request to the Pentecostal Life magazine. It is meant to complement the four “Engage” articles. The title is as above[archive].
Four of the lessons I wrote for The Discipleship Project Winter 2019-2020 have just been released. They are available at pentecostalpublishing.com[archive].
About one year ago, I stated my intention to keep up to date on writing assignments I accepted by posting their completion here on my blog. In addition to whatever interest this may have to you, it would function as a kind of diary for my recollection.
I have failed.
I still think this is a good idea, so this post is an attempt to catch up on what I have written this year in response to assignments for Pentecostal Life, the official monthly magazine published by the United Pentecostal Church International, and for Word Aflame and The Discipleship Project, both part of the educational endeavors of the UPCI.
Word Aflame: Winter 2018-2019
Lesson 10: “His Love Shines Through.” Focus Thought: Because God loves and cares for us, He places people in our lives who will love and care for us. Focus Verse: I Thessalonians 2:8.
Lesson 11: “A Life that Pleases God.” Focus Thought: In response to His great love for us, we must live in a way that pleases God. Focus Verse: I Thessalonians 4:1.
Lesson 12: “Our Ultimate Hope.” Focus Thought: Because Jesus conquered death, we can live with hope and expectation of our resurrection. Focus Verse: I Thessalonians 4:17-18.
Word Aflame: Winter 2020-2021
Lesson 1: “Walking in the Light.” Focus Thought: We can find forgiveness and fellowship by walking in the light. Focus Verse: I John 1:9.
Lesson 2: “Rejecting the World.” Focus Thought: We must reject the world by doing God’s will. Focus Verse: I John 2:15.
Lesson 11: “Fight the Good Fight of Faith.” Focus Thought: We must remember we are in a battle for our souls and fight the fight of faith every day. Focus Verse: I Timothy 6:12.
Word Aflame: Summer 2021
Lesson 9: “Life and Hope.” Focus Thought: God’s Spirit gives life and hope for the future. Focus Verse: Joel 2:28-29.
Lesson 13: “The Role of the Prophet and Prophecy.” Focus Thought: Prophets speak on behalf of God. Focus Verse: Exodus 7:1-2.
The Discipleship Series: Spring 2019
Lesson 1 Big Idea: “So that others may see Jesus through us, we must be doers and not just hearers of the word.” Scripture: James 1:22-25.
Lesson 2 Big Idea: “So that others may see Jesus through us, we must refuse to allow prejudice in our hearts.” Scripture: James 2:1-13.
Lesson 3 Big Idea: “So that others may see Jesus through us, we must speak blessing and not cursing.” Scripture: James 3:8-10.
Lesson 4 Big Idea: “So that others may see Jesus through us, we must exercise patient endurance.” Scripture: James 5:7-8.
The Discipleship Series: Winter 2019
Lesson 1 Big Idea: “We can have hope for the last days because Jesus is returning for His people.” Scripture: I Thessalonians 4:18.
Lesson 2 Big Idea: “As in the days of Noah, God is directing His church toward His promise of salvation.” Scripture: Luke 17:26.
Lesson 3 Big Idea: “God is gathering His church for His soon return, so we must stay ready.” Scripture: Matthew 25:13.
Lesson 4 Big Idea: “We should find hope in God’s promise of eternity with Him.” Scripture: I Corinthians 15:54.
Pentecostal Life Articles
“The Seven Motivators”
“Yahweh, Jehovah, and Jesus”
“Marriage without a Helpmate?”[archive]