Category: Meditations
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You’re Not Finished Yet
Five Books for a Changed Life Pt. 4 and what a title! From the get-go this enjoyable devotional volume exudes the attitude, energy and faith of the author, Christine Caine. She is Greek by ethnicity and Aussie by country of origin. And she draws on both to add color and authenticity to her writing. For…
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The Purpose of Lent
Did you ever wonder what is the purpose of Lent? Maybe, like me, you didn’t grow up with a Lenten emphasis. In the country Wesleyan Church of my childhood, I don’t remember the church routine changing until Palm Sunday. But over my years as a pastor I began to appreciate more and more the power…
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Easter Service at Copper Hill Church
Jesus’ Victory is Contagious was the theme Watch the service I was privileged to be asked along with my wife to speak at and lead the Easter celebration at Copper Hill church this past Sunday. Pulpit supply there has been week-to-week lately and it was great joy when supervising pastor Rev. Gene Ott called and…
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Why go to Church
Thought for a Sunday People-watching statisticians are telling us that more people are choosing to do other things on Sunday morning besides go to church. There are lots of choices from a trip to the beach to the ever-expanding Sunday sports schedule. But even among those who still prioritize a worship experience on the weekend,…
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Wisdom is needed
A key verse Wisdom is a key theme for my blog. I found this verse during one of my recent devotional times. It is a reminder of how important wisdom is to all our projects, both short-term and long term, both physical and interactive. Success in building for the future requires wisdom today.
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Experience the Good Things of God’s House for Yourself
If you are one of those who tries to get by without actually attending church much, I urge you to reconsider! Often I’ve said, “It is a blessing to be able to be in God’s house on Sunday morning.” People probably think I am just advertising since I am the pastor. But my statement is…
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On Choosing Barabbas – A Good Friday post
Pilate proposes a choice One of the illuminating side stories of the passion of Jesus is the mini drama of the choice that Pilate proposes to the people of the crowd assembled at the trial of Jesus. Pilate is looking for ways to avoid condemning someone he believes is innocent and he remembers…
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How to honor Jesus at Easter
Business as usual not an option What will you do to honor Jesus this Easter? Let’s be creative and look past traditional habits and token self-denials. Are there other practical answers to that question? Unfortunately, many people who answer to the label as Christians will do little or nothing to honor Jesus this Easter! No…
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How to Observe Lent
People always wonder, “What should I do to observe Lent?” Here are three excellent suggestions I have printed in my bulletin for Ash Wednesday for the last two years. They are strongly inspired by the 2015 Lenten Letter of Methodist Bishop Jane Allen Middleton to whom I give credit for these ideas. “Give Up” —…
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Real faith Involves discipline
A gem from my favorite devotional One of my favorite devotional books is a little volume titled, “A Guide to Prayer for Ministers and Other Servants” by Ruben P. Job and Norman Shawchuck, (The Upper Room, 1983). A rich collection of readings for each week, taken from various classic Christian authors always provokes thought and…