- receiving 14 new members at HMPC this weekend The Lord did not set his heart on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other nations, for you were the smallest of all nations! Rather, it was simply that the Lord loves you, and he was keeping the oath he had sworn to your ancestors. That is …
If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you. Psalm 130:3-4 In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the …
Continue reading You are Welcome! World Communion Sunday is for Everyone
He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 2 Timothy 1:9 - church at HMPC It's not a hard and fast rule, but Mondays I tend to find …
Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” The man asked him, “What is your name?” “Jacob,” he answered. Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel,[a] because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.” Genesis 32:26-28 - Rebekah blessing the congregation The best I …
Continue reading “I will not let you go!” Rebekah has the opportunity to preach again.
I have come into my garden, my sister, my bride; I have gathered my myrrh with my spice.I have eaten my honeycomb and my honey; I have drunk my wine and my milk Song of Songs 5:1 Over the years the garden has been a recurring theological theme in my writing. It's kind of funny because I am …
Continue reading Sunday morning preaching – and how our garden reminds me of church
Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23 Two days, two worship services. They could not have been more different. They could not have been more similar. First, on Saturday, I enjoyed the blessing of being in the sanctuary at Wake …
- Old Presbyterian Meeting House in Alexandria "Instead, when you receive an invitation, go and sit in the least important place. When your host approaches you, he will say, ‘Friend, move up here to a better seat.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests. All who lift themselves up will …
Continue reading Jesus – always turning the tables on the power-hungry
They have ears but cannot hear, and mouths but cannot breathe. Psalm 135:17 Then he said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” Mark 4:9 To whom can I give warning? Who will listen when I speak?Their ears are closed, and they cannot hear.They scorn the word of the Lord. They don’t want to listen at all. Jeremiah 6:10 …
Continue reading “They have ears but cannot hear” (what I learned at the audiology office)
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19 - at St. Giles this Sunday It's been a while since I last penned any updates in the "Derek & Rebekah go to Church" series. We are …
Continue reading Another splash of new life (at hashtag “Derek & Rebekah go to church”)
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:9-16 I have been thinking …
Continue reading The only answer is to “Be devoted to one another in love”
Derek Maul: Words, Photographs, and Food for the Journey 