In the 23rd Psalm it says, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for thou art with me.” It’s a message of hope and courage. But have you ever wondered what it means to walk in the “shadow of death?” The most obvious answer is that…
At the close of each year, I take the Guest Cards we collect throughout the year, and do some tallying. Which service(s) guests attended, what town they’re from etc. The results of one category are particularly revealing. Out of the 29 who responded to the question: “How did you hear about us?”, 24 circled “Invited…
In John’s Gospel, after the resurrection, Jesus appeared first to the women and then to the disciples (minus Thomas). When Thomas heard the news, he was skeptical. I’ve always suspected Thomas doubted because his heart had been broken once already and he wasn’t eager to have it broken again. But here’s the thing about Thomas:…
I’m probably more excited than I should be that Easter Sunday falls on April Fool’s Day this year. The last time it happened was in 1956, before I was even born. No one is quite certain about the origin of April Fool’s Day. However, there’s an old Christian tradition of people playing pranks and practical…
Take II for the little things in life! Once upon a time when I would give “tours” of our building and our Fellowship Hall for use of outside events, turning off lights (among other things) are on the check off list. I would show them where to place trash when done and where to find…
Human beings are funny creatures. We have it in our heads that real power and authority always comes from the top. That’s why so many people are in a hurry to get there, no matter what it takes. But, as Jesus made clear in both word and in deed, real power comes from humility, sacrifice…
It is clear from scripture that God is the creator, sustainer, and owner of all. Psalm 24:1 (NIV) says, the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. So why would God command His followers to tithe to the church and to give in accordance to what…
This week is the beginning of March Madness – which means it’s time for me to engage in some brilliant bracketology. Of course, like 99.9 percent of people who follow the NCAA basketball tournament, my bracket will be busted the first day. A professor at DePaul University puts the odds of creating the perfect bracket…
During this Lenten season, the 5th and 6th Grade youth group is working on being aware how often they say an extra prayer, do something before being asked and doing something kind, they normally wouldn’t do. A great story shared by a boy who stuck up for a girl when she was getting picked on…
Last year, I attended a workshop about church growth that was truly inspirational. It wasn’t until later that I realized why I liked the speaker so much. Where so many other workshop leaders highlight their amazing successes, this guy loved to tell stories about all the times he’d failed. Not only was it relatable and…