hope
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Are We Saved by Grace or Works?
For many years, the idea of cleaning the house to prepare for the arrival of the Christ child has confused me. In short, must we “do” certain things before Jesus enters our hearts? The more profound question is, “Must… Continue reading
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The Christian Life Is Not All Happy, Happy, Feel Good Stuff!
When I was young, I heard a song that indicated that the Christian life provided a straightforward pathway. All one had to do was profess faith in Jesus, and suddenly one lived stress-free and happy all the time. I grew… Continue reading
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Giving Thanks for My Current House of Worship
There are moments in ministry, especially itinerant service when moving occurs. Sometimes the possibilities of moving forward appear to be the next right steps. This experience is not the case for me at this moment. This week I had… Continue reading
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Finding Pockets of Rest
Every day I find the busy-ness of life calls for rapid decisions and constant movement. If I am not careful, I can move from busy to overwhelmed at a lightning-fast pace. I run at 100 miles per hour and… Continue reading
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Moving from Point A to Point B
Each year, as Annual Conference begins, I remembered my ordination service several years ago. I remember how a boy raised in exceedingly challenging circumstances found his way to a place unimaginable among his family. I represent the struggles to… Continue reading
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Coming Out of the Darkness
Over the last few weeks, I find myself grappling with new information about the pandemic and a possible end to what quickly became a strange way of life. On the edge of summer, we look forward to churches opening… Continue reading
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The People that Walk in Darkness Have Seen a Great Light
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those living in a pitch-dark land, light has dawned.” (Is. 9:2). There is a familiar hymn whose chorus reads, “For the darkness shall turn to dawning, and the… Continue reading
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Tear Open the Heavens
“If only you would tear open the heavens and come down!” (Is. 64:1 CEB). Advent is a season that calls us into a re-examination of our faith life. What are the things that we keep in the shadows; that… Continue reading
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Not Enough Paper to Go Around
“But there are also many other things Jesus did; and if they were all to be recorded, I don’t think the whole world could contain the books that would have to be written!” (John 21:25 CJSB). As the Gospel of John… Continue reading
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Gripe, Gripe, Gripe!
God delivered the people of Israel and what do they manage to do? Gripe about their circumstances. Never mind that Moses, with God’s help, led the people out of bondage. Everyone safely crossed the sea and witnessed one of, if… Continue reading
From a Pastor's Point of View 