“In Christ, you and I have become people drenched in the Holy Spirit; we have become living testaments to the final dwelling together of God and humanity that is to come.” – Casey Page Culbreth The word is incarnation. It’s big giant church word that is often used with very[…]
God is Here – Wilderness and Cold
“The Spirit is always calling us into our deep, wild place. We can go believing or unbelieving. God will be faithful to meet us either way.” – Casey Page Culbreth I’m not a fan of the cold. If you know me this is no surprise or shock. I remember attending[…]
Advent – God is Here: Beginnings
It’s easy to live as if God is far off, even when we know that he has come near. We need seasons to help us remember. During the season of Advent, we go back to the time when Jesus first appeared to us so that we may become more aware[…]
Divisions – a sermon on All Saints Day
This is my manuscript from a sermon I preached on November 1, 2020 as we anticipate the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 3. November 1, 2020 Scripture: Philippians 4:2-9 Theme: same mind of Jesus Here we are once again, on the eve of a national election. An election that feels[…]
Called to Reconcile
Scripture: 2 Cor. 5:11-23 We’re coming out of Independence Day weekend. I spent the 4th with some dear friends – one of whom is a pyromaniac – and we celebrated the freedom of living in this country with a lot of fireworks. I am so thankful to live here and[…]
“In the Pit” – Psalm 40 (88 and 22)
I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has[…]
The week before…Preparation
One of my favorite childhood memories involves my family preparations for Easter. Now, we always dressed up for church – it was just something we did, and I still remember that first Sunday at a new church when we could wear jeans. I felt like I was breaking the law[…]
TJ’s Blog – leaving behind Galilee
Day 4 – Nazareth and the Mediterranean Sea Unfortunately but also fortunately it was time to leave the Galilean Area and make our way west to Nazareth and the Caesarea area. Though it was sad to leave the area, it was also exciting to continue our pilgrimage and advance on[…]
Resurrecting the Blog
It’s been a long while! For the longest time, this blog was a weekly place where I shared thoughts and dreams and devotional thoughts that were rattling around in my head and heart. It is time to resurrect that practice. That’s actually what this is for me – a spiritual[…]
Maundy Thursday – Holy Week 2018
Thursday A meal, a prayer, a cave The Passages John 14:23-29 “Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember,[…]