church

  • John’s Call to a Changed Life

    “Change your hearts and Lives! Here comes the kingdom of heaven!” (Matt. 3:2 CEB).      We see that John’s version of baptism (small “b” because it is not a sacrament) appears different than what Christianity came to know. John called… Continue reading

    John’s Call to a Changed Life
  • What is in a Name?

         I must admit that I miss writing in my personal blog space. However, I will try to do better in the future. Today, Wednesday, February 22, 2023, marks the beginning of Lent. My goal this year is to read… Continue reading

    What is in a Name?
  • Navigating a Church Split

         I am a United Methodist Pastor, and the season in which we live is not easy. So it is with great sadness that I see and hear churches in my annual conference choose to disaffiliate with the United Methodist… Continue reading

    Navigating a Church Split
  • God Speaks Even in Our Exile

    We finished the Book of Daniel yesterday, and something hit me over the head for the first time.  This is not my first time reading the text, yet the message revealed to me is quite clear.  Why have I missed… Continue reading

  • A New Covenant

    Devastation and heartbreak surrounded Jerusalem. Disaster followed the Hebrew people. God officially claimed that due to the constant disobedience of the favored nation, the covenant broke. And for the first time in the nation’s history, Divine favor did not exist.… Continue reading

  • Count Your Blessings

    Today is my birthday.  Each year, I give thanks for one more moment, one more second here on this planet.  So, by all accounts, I consider myself a blessed man.  Today I am thankful for: My wife who continues to… Continue reading

  • Advent and I

    As the congregation of my church stood singing carols and decorating the Chrismon tree, I couldn’t help but give thanks for the customs that are part of my United Methodist heritage.  I learned my earliest religious instruction in a tradition… Continue reading

  • The Best Necklace in the Whole World

    I was eleven years old, and my mission in life was to by my mother the best birthday gift possible.  Her birthday was coming up, and I was desperate.  My grandparents took me to a shopping mall in Houston, and I was… Continue reading

  • A Moment of Truth

    When I stand at the altar to prepare for Communion, there is an innate sense of responsibility that flows through me. I think long and hard about every word that comes out my mouth, as I consecrate the elements, inviting… Continue reading

  • Ah! The Joy of Being Human!

    I must admit that I have a fear of being found out.  I try everything I can to hide my weaknesses, and many times I am very successful.  I can do this as along as I do not have to… Continue reading