Month: January 2014
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There ought to be a law
There are thousands of laws that go unenforced in the US of A. Yes, that’s right. Here is a sampling. In Michigan a woman needs to have her husband’s permission to cut her hair. Why? Because a 19th century law says it belongs to him! A law in Charlotte, North Carolina, requires a woman to […]
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A Grandfather’s Thoughts….
Landon Sean joined our family last week. His Dad, my son, introduced us with pictures sent from Florida. Even though it happens millions of time every year, the birth of a child is a thing of wonder and, for me, a moment that reminds me of the awesome responsibilities that belong to us who will […]
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What time is it?
Eric, who has served our local congregation as our Youth pastor since August, 2010 announced his resignation on Sunday. He came to us just out of college with the fresh enthusiasm that is the strength of the young! He saw a need in our town and led the way to founding a youth outreach called […]
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Will day’s end find you standing tall?
Hupomone (hoop·om·on·ay). Go ahead, say it aloud! Hupomone! Fun, isn’t it? It is a word of Koine (coin- ay) Greek. (the language in which the New Testament was first written) It’s a compound word; a prefix meaning ‘under,‘ and a root meaning, ‘remain.’ “Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let […]
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Just a lot of words?
In a lifetime of Christian ministry, I’ve heard and done a lot of speaking! Some of those messages changed me. The sermon preached I heard 40 years ago still inspires. The text was about a warrior named Eleazar of Dodai, a man who served with David. That’s right, it is an obscure one. “He arose, […]
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Humble leader. Oxymoron?
Politics is full of dirty tricks and power plays. The level of media attention being given to NJ Governor Chris Christie over allegations that he played some petty games with rivals is rather strange to me. Is he the first politician that ever pushed people to fall in line? Of course, hindering the travel of […]
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The Gospel is more than a little ‘Jesus therapy’
Knowing how our emotions work, understanding the ongoing effect of past experiences, learning about our personality can be quite useful. Therapists give us tools that aid in overcoming self-destructive ways and addictions. But, Freud is no replacement for Jesus Christ! At the core of the Gospel is the promise of our transformation. A religion focused […]
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The Best News
What’s the best news that you have heard? Near the top of the list are things like the birth of a child, the discovery of love, or a recovery of a very ill person. Somewhat further down are moments of success; a new business, a windfall profit, a new home. I love to share good […]
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This Little Light of Mine
Dad loved bright rooms! I don’t think he ever bought a light bulb that was not a 100 watt. When I visited his house I found every light in the room switched on. The idea of accent lighting was lost on him. Apparently that gene resides in me. I’m not much on having dinner in […]
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Meet My Friend
Let me ask you an ‘in your face’ kind of question. Have you ever been instrumental in bringing a person to a living relationship with Christ Jesus? It is not my intent or motive to create guilt, but I am aiming to renew a sense of urgent commitment to the work of ‘evangelism.’ Jesus gave […]