I should be working on the slides for the sermon I’m preaching in my pastor’s absence (approximately 38 hours from the time of this writing), but I feel compelled to stop and post a few thoughts on the topic of “Hope”. You see, “Hope” is the topic of my sermon. I discovered today that it’s […]
I realized recently that it’s been a long while since I posted anything here. I think I just haven’t felt compelled to share my thoughts as much. But, perhaps triggered by the reflections brought on by the passing of one year to the next, I’ve been thinking I should start up again. As I get […]
Oswald Chambers, in the early 1900s, pegged what has become a fundamental error of much of the modern church today – particularly the self-described “progressive” wing of the church. Sin is a fundamental relationship; it is not wrong doing, it is wrong being, deliberate and emphatic independence of God. The Christian religion bases everything on […]
It’s 22 degrees outside on February 12th. I’m a little behind schedule this year, but it’s time to start the early spring greens, as well as some peppers and onions. I continue to be amazed at the life that can spring forth from a seemingly dead seed, and the abundance that can ensue when properly […]
Every year on Epiphany Sunday, my church hands out gold stars with a word and a scripture verse on the back. Baskets of gold stars are passed with the words facing down, so that people don’t spend time sorting through and picking out a specific word. Somewhat in the spirit of casting lots (in a […]
Nearing the end of 2021, I was looking for a devotional resource to use for 2022. (During 2021 I used Tim & Kathy Keller’s ‘Songs of Jesus’ devotional based on the Psalms, which was great). Somehow in my browsing I stumbled across this updated version of Charles Spurgeon’s classic devotional ‘Morning and Evening’. Some of […]
Cardiphonia, or “Utterance of the Heart” This collection of letters from slave-trader-turned-pastor/priest John Newton is a wonderful look into the pastoral heart of this 18th century believer. I have yet to dive in and read the whole thing, but this excerpt from a series of correspondence to a woman in 1775 shows Newton’s belief in […]
It’s a white as snow kinda love Redemption red kinda grace Love of the Father, kind, kind Jesus Calling out my name He said, do not be afraid Don’t give your song away Weeping lasts a moment but Joy is here to stay, it’s here to stay I lift my eyes up to the Heavens And open wide to […]