intentional worship
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How Long Must We Wait?
During this season of Advent, I cannot help but wonder how long God expects us to wait for His presence. The people of Israel lived in a ridiculously lengthy period of Advent, as they waited for hundreds of years… Continue reading
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What Does the Lord Require of You?
“He has told you, human one, what is good and what the Lord requires from you: to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8 CEB). Nowadays, we lack kindness in our world. Whatever happened to… Continue reading
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The End of the Journey
It is hard to believe that we are nearing the end of our journey through the Bible. As we finish with the Book of Revelation, the Apostle John invites us to a ringside seat regarding the end of times. The… Continue reading
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Our Songs of Ascent
Psalms 120-134 are known as the Psalms of Ascent. The title possibly refers to physically climbing the outer stairs of the temple to reach the center square. Songs reflected melodies that started low and gradually got higher with each idea… Continue reading
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Living Our Faith
Last Sunday I asked the congregation, “You are a new creature in Christ, so what are you going to do about it?” In asking the question, I hoped to spark an awareness that our faith requires us to not only… Continue reading
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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
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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
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A Chance to Give Thanks
Recently I traveled to Carlsbad, California and had dinner at a restaurant overlooking the Pacific Ocean. All I had on my mind was the promise of excellent seafood. Living in a landlocked state does not afford me many opportunities to… Continue reading
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A Time to Remember the Incredible!
Last week I attended a retreat at Sacramento Methodist Assembly. The camp is located north of Cloudcroft, NM on top of a mountain. It is truly in the middle of nowhere. At night the stars seem to be so close… Continue reading
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Freeing Yourself from Shame
Shame is more than a five-letter word. It can hold you hostage and keep you wholly locked within a prison of your making. For me, I carry shame for things that were not even my fault. The wounds pierce my… Continue reading
From a Pastor's Point of View 