faith choices
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A Light in the Middle of Our Darkness
“We saw his star in the east[a] and have come to worship him” (Matt. 2:2b CEB). Sometimes, I watch a New Mexico sundown and feel transfixed by the fantastic colors. One of my favorite moments is watching as the… Continue reading
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Let Us Not Forget Joseph, the Father of Jesus, whose virtues of faithfulness and humility serve as a model for us all.
“Joseph was a good man…” Matt. 1:19a). The Bible highlights Joseph’s love for Mary and his choice to divorce her privately, emphasizing virtues that inspire us to embody kindness and obedience. This gentle act should motivate us to… Continue reading
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Keep First Things First
“But nobody knows when that day or hour will come, not the heavenly angels and not the Son. Only the Father knows” (Matt 24:36 CEB). At first glance, the scripture for today seems to indicate a colossal mistake. Why… Continue reading
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Our Calling to Great Journeys
Recently, I embarked on a journey through the Bible with a Monday evening class at my church. As I revisited the familiar passages in Genesis, I found myself captivated by Abram’s transformative journey. He was in the land of… Continue reading
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What to Do When Faith Does Not Provide Answers
As a pastor, I turn to my faith to provide answers to questions that often prove difficult and are beyond my ability to explain. When times get tough, I turn to my sacred texts to find a glimmer of… Continue reading
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In a New Place, With New People, and New Ways of Doing Ministry
As a pastor, one of the most challenging issues I face is relocating to a new worship space. My five years in Belen proved excellent, but now the possibilities seem endless in my new parish, St. Paul’s UMC in… Continue reading
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There is a Time to Mourn When Moving to Another Church
“Everything on earth has its own time and its own season” (Eccl. 3:1 CEB). The first verse from the third chapter of Ecclesiastes reminds me that mourning the loss of the church I leave is natural. The reading does not… Continue reading
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Recalling Wonderful Memories from Truth or Consequences, New Mexico
Over the next several weeks, I will write about some of my most cherished moments as a pastor in the churches where I served. I first served the First United Methodist Church of Truth or Consequences. I told my… Continue reading
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Doing Last Minute Errands to Finish
My wife, Cazandra, and I just returned from last-minute shopping before the big day. She prepares a tray of this, a tray of that, and a mess of something. Our kitchen is the best place to be during the… Continue reading
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Doing Spiritual Work Brings Spiritual Joy
As I sweep my spiritual floor clean, I notice something that gets my attention. Laying in a corner of my soul is a list of those who have hurt me. I want to go over and sweep with everything… Continue reading
From a Pastor's Point of View 