Good Morning Friends,      When we see a person in sin, we do not know how hard they have tried not to sin. We do not know the power of the forces that are prompting the sin and we do not know what we would have done in the same circumstances. With that in … Continue reading How Is A Christian To Judge Between Justice And Mercy When It Comes To The Issues Of Our Day? →

Good Morning Friends,     In a few days will be the anniversary of the September 11th attack. And for those who watched it unfold on television our saw it firsthand, it has become part of our identity and shared anger and horror. It is part of our identity that has been given a place of honor … Continue reading Have You Been Chosen By God To Deal With Difficult People? →

   Good Morning Friends,  Growing up as children we learn that there are rewards and punishments in life that were related to the timing of things…chores…homework. And then some things we had to wait for as we might expect, like Christmas and the coming of age. In the process I learned a sense of what … Continue reading Do You Trust God’s Perfect Timing? →

   Good Morning Friends,     Today we look at the nature, context, and actions we call worship to discover that we can be doing worship type things, like singing hymns and listening to sermons and giving at the offering, and even taking communion, but still not enter the place of worshipping God. We can be … Continue reading What Happens When Power Comes Out Of You? →

   Good Morning Friends,     There is a difference between church growth and church health…community growth and community health. And the distinction comes to roost in the church and community when we make allowances for sin and the gossip about it that often exasperates the problem when it is weaponized with hate. Today's texts focus … Continue reading Are You Enjoying The Gifts of God? →

   Good Morning Friends,    We often do not know what we really want and sometimes what we think we want is not what we really need. No wonder we all too often choose the wrong things. Do You Profile For What You Think Is Your Own Best Interests Instead Of Choosing God's Better Way?   … Continue reading Do You Profile For What You Think Is Your Own Best Interests Instead Of Choosing God’s Better Way? →

    Good Morning Friends,     Some argue that Jesus came to initiate a New Covenant, not to improve the Old Covenant. Jesus came to give us new life, not to change our old life. And to some extent that is true. Life with Christ is not like putting patches on an old, tattered garment – … Continue reading How Do We Balance The Need For Both Religion And Spirituality In An Ever-Changing Culture? →

   Good Morning Friends,     Today we look at the connection of being a disciple of Christ and following the wise ways of growing in our faith of God in purposeful relationships with others knowing that there is just one of you and only one of me. The lectionary text is about growing up in … Continue reading Are We To Be Spiritually Unique Too? →

 Good Morning Friends,     Today's lectionary selection includes the introduction to Paul's letter to the Colossians and what is interesting about it is its very positive attitude of thanksgiving. That was the convention of the day on how to write letters. Give the good news first before the bad. The real issue that Paul had … Continue reading How Is Your Spiritual Health Aligning With The Kingdom Of God? →

 Good Morning Friends,     I have a confession. You know those people who call on the phone to sell you something you really do not need nor want. Honestly, I have had some bad thoughts about how eternity should take care of their behavior. But then a friend pointed out another approach and once I … Continue reading Will We Be Filled Up Or Fed Up…Building Up Or Burning Up? →