From a Pastor's Point of View

redemption

  • The Things Our Children Teach Us!

    As I reflect on my stinky boy’s journey through the extended hospital stays and the enormous amounts of time traveling back and forth to and from our home, I remember the one thing that seemed to be missing. It was… Continue reading

    The Things Our Children Teach Us!

  • Counting My Blessings During This Season Brings Me Joy

    I remember one time when Julian, my oldest son, was sixteen. He sang in a good choir in his high school years. This program featured a very ambitious selection of time-honored works and new music. I know I must shut… Continue reading

    Counting My Blessings During This Season Brings Me Joy

  • God Can Handle Our Complaints

         One thing that I respect about the ancient Hebrew prophets is their unwavering honesty.  Many times, God addressed the people about their sin, but sometimes God heard the people’s cries and needs.  At first, one might think that this… Continue reading

  • New Life Comes Where We Least Expect It

    “A shoot will grow up from the stump of Jesse; a branch will sprout from his roots” (Is. 11:1 CEB).      The prophet Jeremiah utters a strange proclamation to the people of Israel. He boldly tells them that “A shoot… Continue reading

  • Actions Speak Louder Than Words

         As I write each day during the Advent season, I realize something about myself. I often suffer from imposter syndrome. Yes, the words that I type possess truth, but putting them into action is another story. The truth is,… Continue reading

  • Cleaning the House for Our Guest

         During the Advent season, we take a fearless, moral inventory of ourselves and of how we relate to those around us. To truly prepare, consider specific practices like prayer, reflection, or confession that help us remove the lent of… Continue reading

  • Finding God in a Chaotic World

    “Be still, and know that I am God!” (Psalm 46:10).      The season of Advent sounds excellent, but finding time to prepare and listen to God seems impossible. Through December, leading up to Christmas, we find ourselves bombarded by countless… Continue reading

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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