What Did You Expect?  Good Morning Friends,  For most of us, the most powerful negative feeling we will ever experience is the feeling of rejection. People are rejected by their parents, children, spouses, co-workers, friends, peers, and even fellow church members. In our scripture for today, Jesus visits his hometown, where he is rejected!Today's scripture … Continue reading What Did You Expect? →

Are We Ready for a Dangerous Opportunity?  Good Morning Friends, I am sure you have heard before, that the Chinese character translated into English as "crisis" means, at its root, "dangerous opportunity." A crisis is scary, but it holds out something wonderful at the same time. When the earliest Christians met it was not easy. … Continue reading Are We Ready for a Dangerous Opportunity? →

Who's in Control?  Good Morning Friends,  Don't assume you know it all.  Listen to a voice in the wilderness of your life calling you to prepare to be forgiven so God can use your fruits for the purpose He intends for you in your daily living. Listen for God to direct your ways in a life that honors Him. That … Continue reading Who’s in Control? →

Are You Connected to the True Vine?  Good Morning Friends,  In today's devotional and scripture reading from John we take a look at some of the last words of Jesus spoken near the end of His earthly ministry. The passage is a well-known scripture that has four basic elements: the vine, the vine-grower, the branches and the fruit.  The vine is … Continue reading Are You Connected to the True Vine? →

Do You Know the Difference Between Costly Grace and Cheap Grace?  Good Morning Friends,  When there is a living and incarnate Christ at work in our lives we are not only called to follow but to obey. If we love it is an easy yoke but if our love of God and others is weak … Continue reading Do You Know the Difference Between Costly Grace and Cheap Grace? →

Did You Know that in Drawing Close to Outcasts You Draw Closer to God?  Good Morning Friends,  Ok you probably have experienced growing closer to God as you seek the help of Christ in the forgiveness of your sins. You have probably experienced Jesus in prayer and praises. And you probably have become more knowledgeable … Continue reading Did You Know that in Drawing Close to Outcasts You Draw Closer to God? →

Are You Connected to a Good Community to Grow Old In?  Good Morning Friends,  Last Wednesday I attended a community breakfast of faith leaders at the Naples Community Hospital to hear about the plans for our county to become a "Blue Zone." "Blue Zones" are places where people have extremely long longevity. Studies related to … Continue reading Are You Connected to a Good Community to Grow Old In? →

What Pleases Jesus?  Good Morning Friends,  Discerning how to live in this world is a challenge for all of us that desire to demonstrate in definable ways the gifts of the Holy Spirit on behalf of those who are poor and vulnerable. Loving others in a spiritual way that has focus and brings glory to … Continue reading What Pleases Jesus? →

How Do I Measure Up?  Good Morning Friends,  In my work this week we have really done some preparation, planning and work related to an accreditation visit in the fall...a partnership with the YMCA, work with students creating the future fresh line of products with the Taste of Immokalee and an eight year healthy community … Continue reading How Do I Measure Up? →

Are You Prepared to Never Give Up Trying To See Jesus?  Good Morning Friends,  Yesterday I had an eye exam and ordered a new pair of glasses. I am aging and so are my eyes. So I thought that today I would follow up the experience with a devotion on a story in scripture about blind … Continue reading Are You Prepared to Never Give Up Trying To See Jesus? →