The last time I wrote it was about grieving and lamenting loss, particularly loss because of COVID-19. Well here we are, three months later, and most things are still closed or cancelled. So because of COVID-19, I have too much time on my hands this summer. So what have I been doing during this time… Continue reading Lifelines
What’s Your Proof?
Proof that we have faith, that we love Jesus, is that we are obedient to his teaching.
Mirror, Mirror…
What do you see in the mirror? What mirror are you looking in?
Courageous Perseverance
Sunday Pastor KPaul talked about James 1:1-4, about letting perseverance finish its work in our lives. (If you missed it, check it out here: Faith Works Sermons.) So while I was knitting today I have been pondering some things. The word perseverance (or steadfastness as some translations have it) implies that there are obstacles or difficulties… Continue reading Courageous Perseverance
Who is James?
The book of James is a letter. Since it is a letter, it is helpful to know who the author is and who the recipients are and, if possible, why the letter was written. Let’s start with the author. “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,” is how the author is… Continue reading Who is James?
Community and Communion
I am working towards my master’s in theology. Today was the last meeting of the pastoral care and ministry class. It was different than the other classes that I have had in this program. The professor called it a lab course. I want to call it a “building community” course. We had a couple of… Continue reading Community and Communion
No.
I said no today.
Fruit of the Spirit
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 This is a good verse to remember. These are the things by which we should be identified as Christians. Sadly, I have seen more of the opposite lately. Right above thess two verses it… Continue reading Fruit of the Spirit
Loss and Lament
What do we do with the loss that we feel for the things corona virus has stolen from us?
Presence
My parents taught me by example in most things in life. And one thing I saw them do was attend funerals and go to visitations. They made time to go, not just for family, but for friends, for people from church and from work. They went out of their way to be there. I've known… Continue reading Presence
The Answer of Presence
Where do you run when trouble comes? What is the answer to your suffering?
Choose your own adventure
Think about your favorite book or movie. In the story line, is there suffering? Is there struggle? Do the characters persevere to a good end? I can think of some stories that don't come to a good end, but they aren't my favorites by far. One of my favorite stories is the Lord of the… Continue reading Choose your own adventure
Waiting for Justice
We do not often write complete letters these days. We write emails and notes, but letters are becoming obsolete. It used to be that the letter was the only way to communicate with people who were not physically with you. I've written a few letters in my life since I was almost 20 when email… Continue reading Waiting for Justice
How are you building?
What are you building? Is it what you want or what God wants? If you have no idea what I am talking about, click here to hear Pastor Quincy McGhee's sermon from Sunday on James 4:7-12. You do not want to miss it! Photo by John-Mark Smith on Pexels.com But back to the question: What… Continue reading How are you building?
Sibling Rivalry
My sister and I were great at sibling rivalry when we were kids. We fought over everything. We had the standard, "She's touching me!" or "She's on my side!" in the back seat of the car frequently. We fought over the passenger seat when we got older. We fought over toys and the bathroom and… Continue reading Sibling Rivalry
Displaying Wisdom from Heaven
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you… Continue reading Displaying Wisdom from Heaven
