gift of salvation
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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
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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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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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Holy Week is Here
It is hard to believe that Holy Week is here. We waited so long and are encountering the darkest season of our faith. Within a few short hours, the world would see the crucifixion of the one who came… Continue reading
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Stuck in the Middle of the Desert
My journey through Lent leads me to some unexpected places. At this moment, I find myself in a metaphorical desert, unable to discern the path ahead. I often question if I will ever experience beauty as I once did.… Continue reading
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The Guest, our Lord and Savior, Arrives, and We Welcome Him In
Today is Christmas Eve. It is a time when the family gathers around us to welcome the Christ into our conversations and homes. We finished preparing for our welcomed guest. It is time to celebrate greatness. The very image… 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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Remain Faithful; Christmas is Just Around the Corner
I am tired and weary. I promised to write a post daily through Advent, but I became increasingly anxious about what to put on paper. What more must I clean, and how long must I wait for Christ’s birth?… Continue reading
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We Ask the Savior to Come to Us
One of my favorite Advent carols is “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” Each verse implores the Spirit of the Living God to draw near. We plead for holy tenderness, reclaim the world through holy justice, and dwell with us… Continue reading
From a Pastor's Point of View 