Scripture: John 14:14 If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it. Thought for the Day: This is part of our sermon text for today. These are the words of Jesus according to the Gospel of John. Over the years, I have found myself in some odd conversations around these words. Shortly after I was diagnosed with MS, I was told by another pastor
Scripture: John 14:12 Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. Thought for the Day: I shared this information before, but it is important to restate it. The word we translate as believe is Pisteuo. It is often thought of as
Scripture: Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, so does shame, but wisdom brings humility. Thought for the Day: Maybe it has never happened to you, but I have experienced a few bubble bursting moments. My ego was flying like a helium balloon on a long string. I was dancing in the air and enjoying the view, but then something unexpected punctured my skin and had me completely deflated. I
Scripture: Mark 12:33 And to love God with all of the heart, a full understanding, and all of one’s strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself is much more important than all kinds of entirely burned offerings and sacrifices. Thought for the Day: On this day in 1812, the Waltz was introduced in an English ballroom. In today’s world, the Waltz would be considered a very sophisticated
O God my Creator, continue to create within me an attitude that resembles Jesus; continue to create within me a life respectful of your gift, Jesus; continue to create within me a faith that can follow Jesus. O God my Creator, when my attitude wavers create within me a spirit of renewal; when my life disrespects your gift
Scripture: John 5:19 Jesus responded to the Jewish leaders, “I assure you that the Son can’t do anything by himself except what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise.” Thought for the Day: If you’re looking to understand who Jesus is and how he approaches his work, here is a pretty good overview. Maybe not the specifics, but a good starting place.
Scripture: Ephesians 6:19-20 Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak. Thought for the Day: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in his book Strength to Love, wrote: The church must
Scripture: Ephesians 4:3 …and make an effort to preserve the unity of the Spirit with the peace that ties you together. Thought for the Day: This is the next verse in the 4th chapter of Ephesians. After Paul has encouraged humility, gentleness and patience, and after he has told the community to accept each other in love, he turns to the importance of the community finding unity and
Scripture: Ephesians 4:2 Conduct yourselves with all humility, gentleness, and patience. Accept each other with love… Thought for the Day: Have you ever wished the AND was an OR? Paul invites his listeners to conduct themselves with all humility, gentleness and patience. Notice that he didn’t say, “…or patience.” The OR would have given us options; it would have given us permission to choose; it would have given
Scripture: Proverbs 4:18 The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. Thought for the Day: We usually have our ironing board set up in the guest room, but when we have a guest, we move it. This past weekend, my sister was visiting and I put the ironing board in the living room so that I could