Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the prayers, cards, phone calls, and visits this week. Each and every one has meant so much to me. I’ve felt so supported, encouraged, and loved—and I don’t take it for granted. This past week, I was able to enjoy a full schedule of ministry, even as…Read more God Is Good! All the time God is Good! Week 5 A Pastor’s Cancer Diagnosis
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Turning 70, Trusting God, and Treasuring the Journey: Week 4 A Pastor’s Cancer Diagnosis
My 70th birthday was filled with family, joy, and the deep presence of God. But in the quiet moments before and after the celebration, I wrestled honestly with fear, faith, and the road ahead. One week before surgery, I want to share what’s in my heart—and the peace I’ve found in God's presence. This past…Read more Turning 70, Trusting God, and Treasuring the Journey: Week 4 A Pastor’s Cancer Diagnosis
Faith, Pre-Op, and a Brisket Sandwich: Week 3 A Pastor’s Cancer Diagnosis
“Will you have the surgery since you are asking God for a miracle?” Some of my friends who don’t attend Woodland Church have asked me that question. Thankfully, not one person from our congregation has asked it, which makes me feel I have been a good pastor and preacher. Still, I understand why people wonder.…Read more Faith, Pre-Op, and a Brisket Sandwich: Week 3 A Pastor’s Cancer Diagnosis
Week 2 The Faith of a Community: A Pastor’s Cancer Diagnosis
I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and prayerful support in response to my post last week about my cancer diagnosis. Thank you for the scriptures, songs, prayers, and humor you have shared. I am reading and saving each one in a special file for this journey. It took some time to reply…Read more Week 2 The Faith of a Community: A Pastor’s Cancer Diagnosis
Overcoming Challenges: A Pastor’s Cancer Diagnosis
Last Sunday morning after the message, Becky and I shared with our Woodland Church Family, that I have been diagnosed with colon cancer. Fortunately, my doctor caught it early. This week, I met with the surgeons at University of Michigan Hospital. The scans of my abdomen and lungs do not show any signs of the…Read more Overcoming Challenges: A Pastor’s Cancer Diagnosis
FOLLOWING JESUS INTO A STORM
Following Jesus sometimes means sailing right into the middle of a fierce storm. Fierce storms come in our lives. Jonah ran from God and was caught in a fierce storm. The disciples follow Christ and they too are caught in the middle of a fierce storm. Don't be surprised by the storms but be sure…Read more FOLLOWING JESUS INTO A STORM
The Wonder of Surrender
“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
Mistakes, I have made more than a few!
When Jesus taught us to pray by addressing God as Father, he revealed to us what God is really like. Reading the Bible, there is a clear message that God is our Father. “The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he knows how weak we are;…Read more Mistakes, I have made more than a few!
Anxiety Does Not Define Us
The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety. George Muller Anxiety has become the fixed mindset defining the future for many people today, according to a clinical psychologist at a major university. So many people are worried, hurried, harried, and less confident of their…Read more Anxiety Does Not Define Us
A Call to 40 Days of Fasting and Prayer
Each year, I look forward to our annual 40 Days of Fasting and Prayer. For 25 years I have called our church family to a season of fasting and prayer. For some of us this may be something very new. To give up food for a meal, or for 24 hours, once a week. Why?…Read more A Call to 40 Days of Fasting and Prayer
Coram Deo 