During the 1st session of our online Lent study, we spoke about the importance of forgiveness, and I mentioned that sometimes I think I have forgiven something only to have it resurface again. At the time, I couldn’t think of a specific example, but God showed me one of my triggers...
I don’t think I need to tell you that the situation in Ukraine is as much a spiritual battle as a material one. James 5:16b says “The prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective” so continue to pray for a timely, peaceful resolution and that through this ugly situation...
Just as the world was beginning to relax regarding COVID-19, apprehension about inflation and tensions between Russia and Ukraine began to rise. Now we are witnessing the invasion of Ukraine and wondering what this will mean for the rest of the world. While watching this unfold, it can be hard...
Church Leadership is Holy Work! Sunday’s Verses: 1 Timothy 3:1-13 The verses above describe traits that are required in church leaders (all leaders, not just pastors). Because the leaders in a church will determine the direction and dedication of its members, it is a responsibility not to be taken lightly...
Last week I challenged you to re-commit to reading scripture on a regular basis, and I suggested beginning with 1 Timothy. I hope you accepted my challenge and that it has been a blessing to you. Today my challenge if for those who are already reading on a regular basis...
If you are not reading the bible regularly right now (outside of Sunday morning), this would be a great time to revive the habit of spending time in God’s word. In order to “Fight the Good Fight,” build our faith, and live with a good conscience, we have to know...
I ended last year’s Thoughtful Thursday post with Gratitude and I’m going to begin this year’s post with Gratitude too. While it is human nature to be prideful and self-centered (and our culture heavily promotes it) I have noticed that the more self-absorbed I become, the more unhappy, unsatisfied, and...
It’s the official season of LOVE, HOPE, JOY & PEACE, but for me it’s just as much about GRATITUDE. GRATITUDE that God LOVES us so much that he sent his son into the world to reconcile us with him. GRATITUDE for the HOPE that the birth of Christ gives us....
An Abbreviated History of Christmas Carols Did you know that carols were originally pagan jigs? The Church tried to replace the popular carols with Christian songs, but they were in Latin and never caught on. St Francis of Assisi’s Nativity Plays introduced Christmas canticles that grew popular and spread through...
Thanksgiving is about gratitude, feasting and spending time with those we love. It can also be a reminder of those who we cannot be with. I never used to understand that both joy and pain often intermingle, but long before I understood this, Christ lived that reality. This Thanksgiving, give...