The joy set before Him
Last Sunday, E.G.,the pastor at Mariners Church, brought up a beautiful reminder that Christ willingly took the cup of God’s wrath so that we would only know the cup of his blessing. Hebrews 12:2 says, “….For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand…
What does it really Matter?
It is the beginning of a new year and many people turn their wishes into resolutions, adding feet to their goals. At the very least there seems to be a willingness to try again. To be better or to become something more. I too have goals and aspirations, although nothing like I planned when I…
Letter to the 8th “Church”
Challenged by Mike following the sermon series on Revelation 2 & 3 to write a letter to myself from Jesus, I will make a feeble attempt. The 7 letters to the churches included some form of acknowledgement or praise for what they were getting right, followed by correction and a call to action. I am…
The Empty Seat
Today I was startled by another person who has gone ahead to heaven; that is number 6 in as many days. Why does it feel like more people die at the holidays?! I know that it probably not true, but perhaps it just feels even more difficult because of the season. For many, me included,…
Count it all Joy
Counting it all joy comes from James 1: 2, which says, ” Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” It is so…
Contagious!
Some things are not contagious even if they are hereditary. Just because certain cancers, diseases, or mental health disorders run in a family, there is no guarantee that someone will get it just because they are related. While the probability is higher, it may or may not happen. And on the flip side, someone may…
Heart Language
Recently I went to a men’s ministry breakfast that was honoring a friend who was “retiring” from ministry. Like other faithful servants who have a call to full-time ministry, he is not really retiring. Instead, he is just letting go of full-time employment. The people I most admire don’t really retire; they walk faithfully and…
My friend Everitt
A few days before I heard about Carmen’s passing, I heard from my dear Susan that her father, Everitt Shepherd, had gone home to be with Jesus. So many people I know are heading to the party that will never end. It makes me a little homesick for a place I have never been yet!…
My Friend Carmen
We landed in Chicago a few hours ago and when I turned on my phone I was greeted with the news that Carmen Elaine Trust went home to be with Jesus and Bob as she joined the great cloud of witnesses. I will miss the funeral as we are on the beginning of a family…
Grace Eddies
Grace eddies. It swirls. It makes all the difference. It changes everything. I know because I experience it constantly. I am reminded repeatedly how hints of grace keep showing up in surprising places daily. The intellectual knowledge of grace is not enough once a person has experienced the practical reality of a life shaped by…