This past weekend my parents were in town to see me sing in the Heartland Men’s Chorus. They got to come with me to worship as well. During worship one of the prayers talked about the things around us that helped us see the sacred, and I’m pretty sure that my family Read More...
The Bible is an amazing collection of writings. They were collected over hundreds of years. Reading the Bible thoughtfully reveals that there is a wide variety of styles and forms within this sacred treasury. One can find history, poetry, hymns, letters, sermons, legal documents, and more. Within the books themselves there are Read More...
I text messaged my sister and asked her how she was doing. Her response was “Raising three kids, working full time, and trying to take 14 credit hours of college classes.” I responded with “You are too busy…I love you.” She responded, “I always have time to love you.” This message reminded Read More...
Have you heard the story of a man who is dying at home in bed? He could smell the aroma of chocolate chip cookies – his favorite – baking in the kitchen. He was on his death bed but he wanted just one more cookie before he died. He crawled out of Read More...
Psalm 19 God's Glory in Creation and the Law To the leader. A Psalm of David. The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice Read More...
Exodus 20 Busy, busy and still busy. I often think if I can just get through with this (whatever this is at the time) then it will all settle down and I can be more faithful in my prayer time, my Bible study, my relationship with God. But, alas, once "this" is Read More...
Romans 4: 13-15 One of my favorite quotes reads: "It doesn't make much difference how the paint is put on as long as something has been said." - Jackson Pollock Any artist can create a work of art based on a formula or set of rules. Good visual art, for example, should Read More...
Mark 8:31-32 Too many people are hurting. Disease, poverty, loss - there is too much pain. I've just heard the stories of two families who have lost teenage children. Their lives had just begun. These losses are devastating and will remain with their families for the rest of their days. There are Read More...
Mark 1.9-15 Ash Wednesday is one of my favorite days of the liturgical calendar. It's the one of the few times where we are stripped away of the things that separate us from one another and simply acknowledge that we are all human and we will all perish. No matter our status, Read More...
Genesis 9: 8-17 Never again. Those simple words summarize God's promise to the world. Never again will destruction and death have the final word. Never again will punishment be the last act. Never again will you be left without hope. Of course, we know that terrible things have continued to happen since Read More...
This month my discipline has been engaging in worship more fully. At Country Club Christian Church this past week we reflected on many things, one of them being how a heart broken may be a heart open enough to give and receive love. My favorite poet, Mary Oliver, wrote “Whoever you are, Read More...
“Justy!” All it took when I was a kid was my mother referring to me as “Justy” with a look of disappointment and I was in a puddle of tears and begging for forgiveness. I’ve never handled failing people, tasks, or anything very well. I think that is why I’m quite awful Read More...
My friend Russell, a preacher, says that every one of us deals, every moment of every day, with great temptation. That temptation is hurting us; that temptation is killing the church.The temptation he is talking about is probably not what you might think. The temptation he has in mind is the temptation Read More...
Babies have it made. They scream and throw tantrums whenever they want and someone just rocks them to sleep or feeds them. When they are done screaming they are so peaceful. Their expression of emotion knows no boundaries. To survive they are supposed to express themselves dramatically, like a psalmist. During the Read More...
My Feb. 12 sermon, “The Modern Church,” received a great amount of comment. I am grateful for the many kind words. Many of our younger members have contacted me with their thoughts and ideas on how we might move as a congregation into this new era. I am grateful for their willingness Read More...
