“Something To Believe In” Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 I recently had an article shared with me that listed the results of a survey on the state of faith in the United States. The information was based on a Gallup poll … [Read more…]
“What’s Your Name?” As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at a tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. Matthew 9:9 I was out to eat with some colleagues on Monday night in a noisy restaurant. We had had a long … [Read more…]
“Ready, Set, Naptime” Let us keep looking to Jesus. He is the one who started this journey of faith. And he is the one who completes the journey of faith.” Hebrews 12.2 It is Friday afternoon and Vacation Bible School has just concluded! I cannot express to you how much energy, excitement, and fun has … [Read more…]
“Go, Set A Watch” Several years ago now, when my boys were still little and cute and cuddly–before the teen years set in and they knew more, wanted more, and looked at the world through slightly more jaded eyes–in a time and place that now seems kind of like a “once upon a time”, my … [Read more…]
“Sweet Relief” And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Mark 11:25 This discomfort and pain has been overwhelming at times. I stretch my arms up as high as possible and hold them there as long as possible. I … [Read more…]
“Who Counts?” A colleague of mine posts a devotion every week on various topics. For the month of June, she has themed her reflections around children’s books which communicate the Gospel in creative and impactful ways. I was blessed with her reflection this week on the “Lost Ones” as described in the Gospel of Luke … [Read more…]
“Fightings Without, Fears Within” What troubles have we seen, what mighty conflicts past, fightings without, fears within, since we assembled last!“ Around the time this gets published, I will be gathered with 1,000 plus United Methodists from across the state of Missouri for our Annual Conference. For those of you not familiar with this particular … [Read more…]
ARE YOU READY FOR GOD TO SHOW UP? This past Sunday, Christians around the globe gathered in churches scattered far and wide to celebrate something big–the birth of the church. On Pentecost Sunday, we remember the remarkable story of the Holy Spirit roaring like a hurricane throughout the room where the apostles were gathered, branding them … [Read more…]
“Big Moments” Graduations. Birthdays. Accomplishing goals. Getting promoted. Falling in love. Becoming a parent. Mastering a new skill. Achieving a dream. Living out a call. Life is full of big moments. Some are exciting, some are difficult. Some we have worked toward for years, while others arrive as if out of nowhere. This Sunday is … [Read more…]
“The Ascension of Jesus” They gathered around (Jesus) and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy … [Read more…]