O God our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Our shelter from the stormy blast, And our eternal home. Under the shadow of Thy throne. Still may we dwell secure; Sufficient is Thine arm alone, And our defense is sure. That is Issac Watt’s summary of Ps 90 – a good psalm for us […]
Merry Christmas! May each one celebrate the child who is the Light. The world up till the birth of Jesus was in terrible darkness but ever since he came there has been glorious light! The child in the manger eventually died as a substitute for our sin and was raised from the dead. Let us […]
Susan and I noticed a church sign that read – Comparison Ruins Contentment. Warning: What will you get for Christmas this year? Not what you want? Others will get more? Comparison ruins contentment. Scripture speaks about contentment. Phil 4:11 … for I have learned to be content in whatever the circumstances. A friend asked Abraham Lincoln, “What’s wrong with your boys?” The […]
Every year at this time we challenge daily Bible reading. How are you doing in your daily devotions? There are countless ways to read our Bibles but on the kiosk in the foyer is a schedule which enables you to read the Bible through in a year – a noble goal. I’ve used this schedule a […]
I know I live a sheltered life. Susan and I recently watched a documentary – we were taken back by what my dear mother would have called “potty mouths.” Tragically such language is common today. Recently in my devotions the prophet was denouncing Israel for her sin. There is no faithfulness … only cursing, Hosea 4:2-3. That […]
I often say, “Sunday is the best day of the week” and I mean it. Sure I understand that every day is lived for Christ – one man considers one day more sacred than another; and another man considers everyday alike, Rom 15:5. Sunday is the best for me because it’s on this day we come together for corporate […]
“Change is constant—so is the mission.” This motto is used by the Marines to inspire adaptability without abandoning its purpose. I love it. It also captures the pastoral challenge of holding fast to timeless truths while engaging in timely ministry. Local church ministry in 2025 is different than 1965 or even 1995! Think about the […]
The title pastor comes from the Latin – meaning shepherd. Pastors/elders are shepherds. Living in a metropolitan area we aren’t as familiar with the job of a shepherd. What does a shepherd do? Last week we looked at 2 descriptions of shepherds: they protect and lead the flock. There are 2 more descriptions. Shepherds feed […]
What does a pastor do? With Anthony Lange joining the pastoral team it would be helpful to review that answer. The title pastor comes from the Latin – meaning shepherd. Pastors/elders are shepherds. Living in a metropolitan area, we aren’t as familiar with a shepherd’s job. So the question is, what does a shepherd do? […]
Kindness. I think it’s the missing virtue of our age. Years ago, a stranger in a parking lot had to comment about the size of one of our pregnant daughters. He wasn’t just unkind. He was rude. Uncaring. I am sure he had no clue. He was unaware how hurtful he was. But unkindness isn’t […]