1-22-19 Free Will, My Will, Thy Will How you have fallen from heaven, Lucifer, Son of the Dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! You said in your heart, “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God…I will… Read More »
Looking Ahead and Steering a Course
Looking Ahead and Steering a Course Recently someone suggested that rather than write “a year in review,” I write “a year in anticipation.” So, I’d like to start the New Year by thinking about future. What lies before us? What are the challenges? And, what kind of people is God calling us to be? … Read More »
1-2-20: Pace
Pace The Psalmist teaches us to pray: “Lord, teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” If the Psalmist were living today, and a typically modern person, he might pray something quite different: “Lord, teach us to number our days that we may fit one more thing in our… Read More »
Advent
Advent There is no Christian Holy Day as at odds with the culture as Christmas. For example, we begin celebrating Christmas with the first Sunday in Advent (usually the first Sunday after Thanksgiving); I saw stores decorating for Christmas and offering Christmas “specials” before Halloween. Another big difference is in the mood of Christmas… Read More »
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving The Scriptures, saints, and experience all agree that if there is a secret to living the Christian life, it is the cultivation of a thankful heart. No one can be both grateful and angry; both thankful and judgmental. Anyone can begin to practice gratitude; you don’t have to be smart or strong—just willing. A… Read More »
INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW!
INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW! The first Sunday we worshiped in our new Sanctuary, a young college student was home for a visit and came to church with her family. She was pleased with the new paint and carpet and the freshness and beauty of the room. However, she immediately asked her mother what the… Read More »
The Jogging Monk and the Seminary Student
The Jogging Monk and the Seminary Student There is a wonderful story about an aspiring seminary student and the “jogging monk.” It seems that a certain seminary student had found the arid and rarified airs of the academy study spiritually draining. After several years he knew he was in need of spiritual renewal; he felt… Read More »
Longing to be Found
Longing to be Found It is no secret that the fastest growing religious affiliation in the US is the “Nones,” those who claim no affiliation with any religion. Pew Research surveyed 35,000 Americans in 2007 and again seven years later in 2014. They found that the percentage of those who claim no religious affiliation had… Read More »
Rest
Rest Do not be afraid. Stand still and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today…you need only to be still. (Exodus 14: 13-14) Sometimes the most important thing we can do is nothing, absolutely nothing. Sometimes it is not our activity that brings a desired result, but our inactivity, our… Read More »
Worship As Drama
Worship as Drama “Like a man about to face a firing squad, I was sitting there waiting for the choir to finish. In a few short seconds I would once again stand before the congregation to preach. Fear gripped me…” These words were penned by a pastor who suffers from a common fear among pastors. … Read More »
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