Throughout the Bible, there are references to a spiritual discipline that we largely ignore: fasting. Many Christians have no real idea what a ‘fast’ is. A fast is a voluntary abstention from something we enjoy, most often, food. There are… Continue reading

We are a few days into the season that many Christians call, “Lent.”  One of the oldest traditions of Christianity, Lent is the name for a fast, extending for 40 days prior to the celebration of Easter, that is intended… Continue reading

Yes, You are Lord! Five years ago as my Dad wrestled with the cancer diagnosis, his soul was restless, his faith tested. Repeatedly, during long nights, we would talk and he would wonder aloud why he was not healed, why… Continue reading

The Least Among You It’s just an hour each month, but it’s an important one to me.  Several of us from our church gather at a home for the aged on the second Sunday of the month to worship with… Continue reading

Afraid of Being Alone? Our networked era keeps us ‘in touch’ almost constantly. Twitter tweets, Facebook updates, and text messages follow us 24/7!  Many work in small cubicles, not private offices. Our churches press us to form relationships and get… Continue reading

Every year I speak at many funerals.   Some are emotional, with many tears, grief laying on those gathered like a thick fog.Some are functional- the prevailing mood being  “let’s just get through this and get on with life.”  Some are celebratory… Continue reading

Let Us Pray The mid-point of Sunday worship in our church is what is often called the ‘pastoral prayer.’  We invite those who would prayer to come to the front of the church where the church’s Elders meet them and,… Continue reading

Jeremiah and Jonah I like to think that the good guy ultimately finds success, don’t you? If I do the right things I should hope for positive results. Generally, that is true! There are, however, two contrasting stories in the… Continue reading

The best kind of friend The story of David, who rose from a country shepherd boy to Israel’s hero and, by God’s calling to the throne, experienced encouragement along the way. He was not a ‘self-made’ man even though he… Continue reading

Betrayed When a ‘friend’ turns against us, the pain is sharp, isn’t it?  When someone with whom we have shared a part of our life walks out, the loss is real, and grief persists like the ache of a broken… Continue reading