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The Thanksgiving holiday is a good reminder to be thankful, but we need to practice the discipline of giving thanks everyday. 1 Thessalonians 5.18 says, “Give thanks in every situation because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (CEB). I’m glad it says “in every situation” rather than “for every situation.” While we … Read more
On Sunday, I handed out cards with an outline of a red heart. At the end of the sermon, I asked people to write in the percentage of their heart they wanted to give God. Of course, the hope is everyone wrote 100%! In reality, I’m sure the percentage fluctuates and it may not even … Read more
I was just reflecting on some of the unexpected blessings I’ve experienced because of blogging. At first, it was a place to post sermon notes. Then it became more of a resource for ministry and leadership, as well as a way for friends and family to keep up with what’s going on in our lives. … Read more
Next Thursday, September 13, the West Side UMC morning Bible study will begin a new study, “James: Putting Faith to Work.” Following our study time at the church at 10:00-11:00 a.m., I’ll post a summary and a question or two so that those who cannot be with us in person may connect with us and … Read more
Recently, I’ve read certain verses of scripture and thought, I want that to be a description of me. Here are a few statements I want to describe me … “Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.” (Luke 5.16, NLT) God’s description of David: “… a man after my own heart. He will do everything … Read more
Recently, I’ve been writing about my need to manage stress more effectively (see 3 Steps I’m Taking to Manage Stress Better and God’s Crushings). While journaling the other day, I reflected on a prayer I’ve been praying for at least the few months: “God, give me a heart like yours!” The prayer is based on … Read more
In the Christian year, Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday and concludes on Easter. The week encompasses extreme highs and extreme lows. Yesterday was Palm Sunday, which celebrates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Here’s how the event is recorded in Matthew 21 (Common English Bible) … 1 When they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage … Read more
Last week, I heard our bishop note that “the early Methodists were on fire for Jesus Christ.” I thought about that during a time of prayer a couple of days ago, and as I thought about it, I remembered something I learned way back in a physics class. In physics, I learned that heat travels … Read more
Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Yesterday, I finished reading the book of Lamentations and thought chapter three was a fitting way to begin the Lenten journey. The name Lamentations gives you an idea of the nature of the book. Lamentations is a funeral song. It’s written about, and in the midst of, … Read more
Last month, I mentioned some words from the prophet Isaiah, slamming idols. Since then, I’ve read a couple places in the Psalms that also take a low view of idols. Here are some excerpts from Psalms 115 and 135 (with similar words) … Psalm 115.4-8 (CEB) 4 Their idols are just silver and gold— things … Read more