Yesterday in our staff meeting, Gordon made a statement about the importance of genealogies to the Jews. This got me thinking about the genealogies found throughout the Old Testament and in the gospels. Their lineage allowed them to trace back the family line and provide a point of reference; it was an anchor in their identity, and… Continue Reading Past and future
There is something special about Christmas music for me. I know there are some who think it should only be listened to after Thanksgiving. If you are around at various times throughout the year, you will find Christmas music playing as I study. There is something special about the songs that remind me just how much… Continue Reading Not just a four-week message
I often hear that “getting old isn’t for sissies.” I know in my life that rare are the days that something isn’t sore, achy, hurts or just doesn’t work like it used to. Uncle Art (arthritis) isn’t visiting anymore, he has moved in as a permanent resident. And he seems to want to roam all… Continue Reading Now be thankful
Ever hear of the Peter Principle? In business it means that people rise in hierarchy to their level of incompetence. There is no Peter Principle at play in the parable (Parable of the Talents) we looked at Sunday morning. Instead, the Master knows exactly the competence level of every individual and gives each individual exactly what… Continue Reading Talent, incompetence and service
The question of Peter (and the disciples) in our passage from yesterday still rings in my ears: “Who then can be saved?” The rich young ruler has just walked away with his head bowed down in grief and sorrow because the answer to his question about how to inherit eternal life has devastated him. “If… Continue Reading Break the hold
Imagine always wanting to attend a big event, like the Super Bowl or a Taylor Swift concert, in person. You look for tickets at a price you can afford, and BAM, you land on a site that is almost too good to be true. There are the tickets you want for a price well within… Continue Reading Don’t get sold a bill of goods
The photos of the devastation in Western North Carolina, in places I have spent many months, astound me; they leave me shaking my head. The videos of the storm surge along our coast and the aftermath simply hurt my heart because I know people live and are attached to all those areas. Yet I have… Continue Reading What amazes you? What takes your breath away? Â
Yesterday was the passing of Pete Rose into eternity. There are many conflicting views about Pete Rose the man, but really only one view of Charlie Hustle when he stepped between the white lines of a baseball diamond. You could count on the fact that you would get every bit of effort and energy he… Continue Reading Not accomplishments. Acknowledgement.
Jesus taught with authority. Of those that heard, some were astonished only to be angered later by Jesus’ statements equating Himself with God. Others would believe, follow and be transformed. This is the way it has always been; you either believe and commit, or you question, deny and walk away. In John 6:27 Jesus tells the people,… Continue Reading Turn the world upside down
