“Jesus called a child, whom he put among them, and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:2-3 4:1 These are pretty strong words that don’t get a lot of attention in a hyper-competitive and success-driven culture. Yet it may be […]
I wait. Year after year, generation after generation I’ve been here, waiting, watching and hoping. I’ve watched so many climb these steps as the bell rang through the streets. I’ve watched generations pass by on their way to and from school and wondered if they knew why I was here. I’ve watch as horses gave […]
What is our task in this world as children of God and brothers and sisters of Jesus? Our task is reconciliation. Wherever we go we see divisions among people – in families, communities, cities, countries, and continents. All these divisions are tragic reflections of our separation from God. The truth that all people belong together […]
2011 First United Methodist Church Picnic A special Thanks to all those who came, shared their time and good nature, and generally enjoyed each other’s company. Church is about so much more than a place on the map, it is what’s at the heart of God’s people when they gather because of Him. Related posts: […]
“I will say to the captives, ‘Come out,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Be Free!'” Isaiah 49:9 The highest aim of mission-minded people is not self-protection but self sacrifice, to empty themselves of themselves in order to be used by God and filled with the Spirit of God. They know first hand what addictions […]
Kingdom Focus “Love each other with genuine affection,and take delight in honoring each other.” Romans 12:10 The Kingdom is our true home, the place we most long to be and the place where Christ in all and through all and above all. In the Kingdom of God people experience life differently than they do in this […]
I spoke to a man the other day who does market research (focus groups and interviews) with a wide range of people: what they like and don’t like; what they think and feel about various things. He said that overwhelmingly what people want more than anything else is belonging: to fit in and be accepted; […]
This past Saturday our church hosted a Chili-Cook off to benefit God’s people in Haiti. It was an amazing success and I’ve been reflecting on why. I’ve come to some conclusion that I would like to share, so take it for what it’s worth. (1) I was focused on a clear purpose that was not […]