“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…]
“All The Lonely People” They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer… Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all … [Read more…]
“Unity In Diversity” What does it mean to be diverse? Technically speaking, it’s just having a variety of stuff, though when we use it we’re generally referring to the inclusion in a group or organization of people from many different backgrounds, ethnicities, and experiences. The kingdom of God has always been a diverse place–you can … [Read more…]
“One Person’s Trash …” Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 This week the trash service for town held their annual large item pickup, when people rid their garages, yards, basements, or any other areas of big stuff they no longer … [Read more…]
“Today – Tomorrow – Together” One of the podcasts I enjoy listening to is called “Fake Doctors, Real Friends.” It is hosted by two of the lead actors from the early 2000’s sitcom Scrubs. It’s not the deepest, most intellectual podcast in the world, but it is entertaining and provides a bit of a brain-break. … [Read more…]