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[…]
Without Complaining…
Do everything without complaining and arguing,so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. – Philippians 2:14-15 Can I be honest for a second? I really hate this passage. Seriously. Every[…]
Refreshed
Joy and I decided to stay in Kentucky this year for vacation. We had planned to head south and spend time on the Florida beaches that we love. COVID spikes invited other plans and to say we were disheartened is an understatement. I know plenty of people who have kept[…]
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[…]
“The Weight of Glory”
I preached this past weekend on Isaiah 6 – Isaiah’s call story. It’s one of those passages that begs for an over-active imagination, like mine, to be let loose. The scriptures say, Isaiah was in the throne room of the Lord and he witnessed or experienced the holiness of God.[…]
Revival?
“I am not afraid that the people called Methodists should ever cease to exist either in Europe or America. But I am afraid lest they should only exist as a dead sect, having the form of religion without the power. And this undoubtedly will be the case unless they hold[…]
Ascension and Pentecost
Every easter, I find myself reminiscing about the celebrations of my childhood. Mom always had us dressed up in a new Easter outfit. Dad always took us to a really special Easter luncheon. The church was always full – my pastor seemed to bounce all morning long, and the music[…]
Unconditional…part 2
“To be loved is to be changed” The love of God is the need of every human being on the planet. Without it, we aimlessly wander trying to fill a hole that seems un-fillable. We try to fit a bunch of other things in it thinking we will be fulfilled,[…]
Unconditional
“To be loved is to be changed” I saw a cartoon recently that showed a bunch of animals walking and observing all the humans closed off in their home habitats. The caption under the picture said, “so this is what it feels like to be in a zoo.” Like many[…]