“One does not surrender a life in an instant. That which is lifelong can only be surrendered in a lifetime.” Jim Elliot, https://elisabethelliot.org/tribute-to-elisabeth/ Each time I preach, I offer to pray with people who want to surrender their lives to Christ. A part of my prayer always includes, “as much as I know how, I…Read more The Wonder of Surrender
Advent
Celebrating Faith: Baptism and Holiday Cheer
Christianity is a joyful faith! Jesus speaks of the gift of fullness of joy! This Sunday was an especially joyful day of celebrating God's love through music, worship, prayer, generosity, Communion, the sermon on joy, and the baptism of eight people. Our church family was blessed as each of those baptized briefly shared a bit…Read more Celebrating Faith: Baptism and Holiday Cheer
Blessed to Serve, Not Consume
On this bitterly cold and windy night, the thermometer reads 0º. I go outside and walk a little while, bundled up, until I shiver. Now it feels good to be inside. I think of the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. The difficulties facing them on the journey and then finding no room in…Read more Blessed to Serve, Not Consume
JOY WHEN YOU GRIEVE
Handel's magnificent musical, Messiah, has been a source of joyful inspiration for me during Advent this year. Facing bankruptcy and failing health George Frederic Handel wrote with "a heart bursting with joy," The Messiah in 24 days. When he finished writing the Hallelujah chorus he said, "I did think I did see all heaven before…Read more JOY WHEN YOU GRIEVE
Sunday, Day of Joy
Sunday, happens between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The people of God gather in glorious praise from generation to generation to worship the Lord with thanksgiving and praise. This is a day of eternal priceless joy. The “joy of the Lord” is our strength and the Gospel is “good news of great joy.” (See Nehemiah…Read more Sunday, Day of Joy
Joseph: A Righteous Man
Joseph's character, faith, and God's choice of him to be the husband of Mary and a father to His Son, Jesus captivates me. Meditating on the few verses in the Bible about Joseph, I have grown to deeply appreciate his story. Joseph was a man of honor. Matthew's gospel describes him as a "righteous man."…Read more Joseph: A Righteous Man
It’s Still the Season for Giving Thanks
Of course, I know it’s Advent. Monday through Friday Becky and I are sharing Daily Prayer Updates about the anticipation and hopes of Christ’s birth. Yet, the words of Mary are in my heart today. “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!” Luke 1:46-47 Joy expresses gratitude.…Read more It’s Still the Season for Giving Thanks
Advent: deep longing
Before Advent began this year there was a deep longing to draw close to God and sense his presence. From Thanksgiving to Christmas life has been a blur. An amazing, fast paced and event packed season that leaves me exhausted and ready to head south to rest. Every year I pray that I won't just…Read more Advent: deep longing
Advent: Learning from our Crockpot
When Becky sears a roast on a Saturday night to go into the crockpot, I think, I preach shorter messages. She prepares a meal that cooks slowly all night long. When our family gets up Sunday morning, everyone talks about how good it smells and we can hardly wait to get home to eat. I've…Read more Advent: Learning from our Crockpot
Advent Fasting Reveals Emotional Hunger
"Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we…Read more Advent Fasting Reveals Emotional Hunger
Coram Deo 