Month: March 2020
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This is God’s judgment?
I knew the question would come up and, sure enough, it did. Someone wrote to me asking, “Pastor Jerry, are the current troubles in the world the judgment of God?” There certainly are plenty of reasons that the Almighty would want to let loose a corrective plague. Greed, materialism, violence, unending war, exploitation of the […]
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“I’m gonna kill somebody”
The shock of the current crisis is weighing down on us. Beyond the unknowns to the health and well-being of our family and friends, we are experiencing serious economic consequences as those in authority are shutting down commerce. I am seeing anger starting to crop up around me and in me, too! Anger is a […]
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Getting it wrong
In our current environment of fear, a time unlike any in my memory, Christians need to lead the way in faith. No, not with bravado that appears to dare that old virus to touch us. That is foolishness. No, not defying our government, no matter how misguided some public policies appear to be to some […]
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Getting it right
A team at the church which I serve has been working on the governing documents of the congregation for months. We are discovering how important words can be, how a little shift in a phrase can affect the meaning. Yes, we know that words matter as they are an expression of our understanding. Words can […]
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Is there a mountain in your way?
A few months ago, I drove up to the top of Pike’s Peak to stand and take in the view from that peak at 14,110 feet above sea level! To the east, the Great Plains lay like a tabletop. To the west, the Rocky Mountain peaks poke into the sky. Standing on top of a […]
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Will washed hands make me holy?
Pleasing God is a real concern for me, and if you’re reading this, probably for you, too. The ‘how to’ is the issue. We understand the ‘big’ things – live honestly, be kind, stay faithful to your spouse. But, what about the rest of life? Are we content to wear some superficial religious traditions to […]
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Abba, hold us near
News of the coronavirus continues, a drone in our ears the moment we turn on the news. With each day it creeps closer to our homes. Some say it’s nothing to fear, others lay out nightmarish scenarios. Our local schools are planning for extended closure. Our church attendance was down yesterday and I wonder if […]
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Take my hand!
Coronavirus – Covid19. It’s become real and people are afraid! Are you? So many are making decisions that are out of proportion to the actual threat of the virus. Our economy is staggering as the stock market responds with fear. Travel plans are being cancelled. Even the smallest risk of exposure is creating terrible anxiety. […]
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“You are asking the impossible!”
The person who is serious about following Jesus soon runs into His ‘impossible’ requests. He says to you and me – “Build my Church!” “Make disciples!” “Love your enemy!” “Forgive as I forgave you!” “Die to Self.” Maybe you are more optimistic about yourself than I, but that list, which is just a beginning, is […]
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The carpenter’s son
You know that phrase – “Familiarity breeds contempt” – don’t you? When we know someone closely, it’s hard to think of them as uniquely gifted or talented. It is possible to completely miss the value of a friend’s advice just because they are a friend. That wisdom that comes from Mom or Dad that is […]
CoffeeBreak With The Word 