Good Morning Friends, Jesus tells us that we are his friends, and I call you a friend, but I doubt that everyone grasps what this means in extending the faith. Jesus does not call us acquaintances. There is not a desire for a transactional relationship and sales job when it comes to the Bible … Continue reading How Do We Build On A True Friendship With Jesus? →

     Good Morning Friends,       Religion is based on the Good Book which is a Spiritual Sword that when balanced and well weighted can be welded with skill and attentiveness to our surroundings. But we must be yoked to Jesus to do anything of value. That is why to be effective in evangelism and mission … Continue reading Is Our Application Of Religion Still Too Heavy A Burden? →

 Good Morning Friends,      Law keeping may keep some in proper behavior, but it just does not alone show forth the maturity that Christ desires for us. Behavior motivated externally has the form of Godliness but is not true righteousness and does not heal. Faith and trust are just the beginning. We need to understand … Continue reading We Know We Are Saved By Grace But Do We Know For What Purpose? →

   Good Morning Friends,       Today we continue to explore the work of the Holy Spirit that began at creation and is available to us right now received by faith and fulfilled in the completed work of Jesus manifesting itself in our lives as peace. It is a gift of peace and rest that people … Continue reading Are We Willing To Proclaim The Good News Of A Peace With A Worthy Purpose? →

   Good Morning Friends,      There is a question asked in today's text from John and answered in John but experienced in our lectionary passage from Acts. It is about why Jesus did not reveal himself to the whole world in the flesh. And since I often ask questions that have no answer of certainty, … Continue reading In What Ways Has The Holy Spirit Been Revealed To You? →

    Good Morning Friends,     The reading this morning is for me like walking along a familiar river of peace and though a woodland of familiar words. But the metaphors immerse me in a different reality each year when I step into them with the events in my life and world. The reading, though often … Continue reading Just How Do Shepherds, Jockeys, Kings and Mothers Keep Their Flock From Upstaging Jesus? →

     Good Morning Friends,     If you are going to be a witness to a life in Jesus, you must not only know the basics of our faith but have experienced them in your life. And today's lectionary selection gives a great start in understanding the key elements of what we might consider sharing. But … Continue reading Will Our Personal Stories Ever Encourage Others To Believe Jesus Justifies Us? →

   Good Morning Friends,           Over the last week I have been following the lectionary and the story of the power of the Holy Spirit that would give birth to the Church and the missionary journeys of faithful followers of Jesus. Today we also include a Gospel reading that reminds us of what happened in … Continue reading Are You Trusting In The Lord To Change The World Through You? →

   Good Morning Friends,     As we approach Pentecost, we circle back to look that how rebirth fits into the storyline and of course it is the most fundamental doctrine that we hold, for without the resurrection there is no Christianity. It is the power of revitalization that gives us confidence. Yes, Jesus died for … Continue reading How Do We Make The Resurrection Real In Our Lives? →

   Good Morning Friends,      Today we continue the journey to Pentecost and beyond and explore the spread of the Christian faith from the stories of Cornelius and Peter and Barnabas and Paul. But we also contemplate the nature of worship then and now. For Christ's promises and assurance can still be accepted or rejected. … Continue reading Is Anything Greater Than Jesus’ Gift Of The Holy Spirit? →