It can be frustrating to do right. It can be hard to be faithful and follow God, especially when you see so many others, that in your mind, are not. We can see the wickedness. The greed. All the things … Continue reading
Is God our First Look?
What Shall Be
Sometimes in Scripture the Lord paints a picture of what shall be. The world is not perfect. Life is not perfect. Things happen that we do not like; that we do not want. So often, each day of life, we … Continue reading
Doubts
Our faith can be shaken when we go through difficult times. All of us have been there, and if you have not yet been there, trust me, at some point, you will. When things that are challenging come, it is … Continue reading
He is Lord, He is Lord
One of the defining statements of Christianity is this – Jesus Christ is Lord. You can make an argument that was the first “creed” of the Christian church, the belief that we hold to that really is essential. Jesus Christ … Continue reading
Healing
One of the most powerful words in the Bible that speaks to our relationship with God is healing. I had a professor in seminary that used to always say that the Greek word for salvation within the scripture could also … Continue reading
Blessed are Those who Dash Your Children’s Heads Against the Rocks
My whoopings as a child were almost always for my smart mouth. I’ve always been a smart aleck. I try to use my powers for good and not for evil, but it is hard sometimes. After I became a Christian, … Continue reading
On the End of My Sabbatical
Today is the last day of my sabbatical, or what we call in the United Methodist Church, a renewal leave. It’s a time as a pastor to take a break, go away with Jesus, renew yourself, and refocus. I needed … Continue reading
Checking in Halfway Through my Sabbatical
June 27 marked the fourth Sunday of my renewal leave (i.e. Sabbatical), and I’m just about at my halfway point of this time. It has been a real blessing. I took my first church job in 1997, as Youth Minister … Continue reading
Grief is an Odd Thing
Today is forty years since my Mama Sarah was murdered. Every April 16th I take a few minutes to write about her, her life, her death, and all that has come after. For those familiar with my story, I’ve always called … Continue reading
Good Friday and the Cross
I don’t like bad news. I’m the kind of guy that always wants the bad news first so I can end with the good. I like having the good taste in my mouth. I don’t like leaving on a somber … Continue reading
