Special thanks to those who attended or helped with our counseling conference. Attendance was 150+ – larger than I ever anticipated with around 30 churches participating. Recently I read an article why church members are trending to go to therapy instead of the church with their problems. The article was written by Laura Kleinshmidt from […]
Happy Easter! Probably more appropriate is the early church’s greeting on this day. The worship leader would say, “Christ the Lord is risen!” and the congregation would respond, “He is risen indeed! This tradition continues – be ready! The Barna Group explored Americans’ definition of Easter. Most consider it a religious holiday (celebration of God, a holy day, […]
I have been a collector of quotes. Here are some old ones I had on a page in my Franklin Planner from years ago. Some are anonymous – others I’ve given credit where credit is due. With every job … “work through the problems and seize the opportunities.” – Colin Powell “There is no ideal […]
One of the holiest of celebrations for Christians occurs in 2 weeks. Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus. It is also a time where unbelievers are more open to come to church. We want to take advantage of that cultural tendency. Please use the enclosed card to invite someone to breakfast April 5 and to […]
Iran is in the news today and we need to pray for our military, leaders and our president. We also need to pray for those innocent victims caught in the middle of this war too. My home church in Decatur, IL was the sending church for missionaries in Tehran – Dick Corley and family. It […]
Remember post cards? They’re still around. Those small pieces of cardboard with a tourist picture on the other side are sent through the mail without envelopes. I well remember sending them to family and friends when on vacation (before cell phones). There were (are) a quick way of sharing an experience with a loved one […]
Do you ever suffer from the “winter blues?” I do at times, especially about now. While Susan and I love the snow and the winter season, come early March we’re looking forward to warmer weather. We might not be able to help on the weather aspect, but we can bring a little “sunshine” and “warmth” […]
I’ve enjoyed the writings of Tim Challies, pastor and blogger. I’ve quoted him before. Here are some other random writings of his that spoke to me. I hope they speak to you as well. “It’s almost never the wrong time to say, ‘Let’s pray.’” “Learn to apologize. Learn to apologize first. Learn to apologize often. […]
A few weeks ago, I quoted Elisbeth Elliot (1926-2015) in my sermon. She wrote, “Sometimes life is so hard you can only do the next thing. Whatever that is, just do the next thing. God will meet you there.” I then quoted an old poem from which Elisabeth borrowed that line – “do the next […]
Saturday is Valentines Day. What a nice time that our culture sets aside to celebrate love. Susan and I will purchase cards for each other – such little tokens are a means to keep the candle burning. Marriage is an important subject with God. After all, he’s the divine Architect. Why did he create marriage? What’s its […]