“Come to me, all you who are struggling hard and carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. – Matthew 11:18 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do…
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have…
Read more Motive and Opportunity: immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…
Some people brought children to Jesus so that he would place his hands on them and pray. But the disciples scolded them. “Allow the children to come to me,” Jesus said. “Don’t forbid them, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to people like these children.” – Matthew 19:13-14 Sunday morning I woke up, walked Max, poured a…
But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a…
As for you also, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit. Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; today I declare that I will restore to you double. Zechariah 9:11-12 Three short stories from a good weekend: First, to follow up on yesterday’s “Reality Begins…
Read more In the words of Zechariah, we are “Prisoners of Hope”!
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 This “getting ready for Rebekah to retire” business has been a little surreal…
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. –…
Read more Beach Party Wash-out! (let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love)
Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures.Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you. – Psalm 119:89-91 In the churches where we have served, it has always been a bit of a joke to talk about Rebekah’s favorite scriptures. “This one,” she…
Read more Preaching “The Top 10” (and why it is really more like 200)
There are several posts I intend to write today. They all may or may not happen. First is this one, a beautiful and peaceful invitation into rest and reflection. The second will reflect on Rebekah’s message from Sunday – the 3rd of her “Last Ten” sermons. Then I have the perfunctory but always popular Month…
Read more Let God wash over you; let love fill you; let it spill over and out.
Shout joyfully to God, all the earth! Sing praises to the glory of God’s name! Make glorious his praise! Say to God:“How awesome are your works! Because of your great strength, your enemies cringe before you. All the earth worships you, sings praises to you, sings praises to your name!” Psalm 66:1-4 It is another Sunday morning, and sometimes – especially when people…
