So often have we heard the Christmastime story about the coming of the Wise Men – and sung the time-honored carols about their intrepid following of a yonder star – that some of us probably can quote by heart the details of their bold voyage across field and fountain, moor and mountain. But what weContinue reading “A Different Road”
Tag Archives: grace
The Runaway Bunny
Cute little bunnies are more part and parcel of Easter than they are of Christmas. But “The Runaway Bunny,” a children’s story of a young rabbit with a stubborn wanderlust, seems tailormade for understanding why the birth of Jesus is such a big deal. The story is relatable on a couple different levels. For starters,Continue reading “The Runaway Bunny”
A Pink Cowboy
Pretend for a moment that a cold winter’s night finds you snuggled into your living-room recliner under a comfy blanket. And as you surf through the channels on TV, you stumble into the middle of movie. Two cowboys are standing about 30 yards apart in the middle of a dusty street. The men’s hands hangContinue reading “A Pink Cowboy”
Do You Reject Sin and Evil?
A group of our members will be confirming their faith in worship on October 3, and during that celebration, each of them will be asked to respond “yes” to reaffirm the three questions of baptism. In baptism and confirmation, we first say “yes” to turning away from sin, then “yes” to the lordship and salvationContinue reading “Do You Reject Sin and Evil?”
Funeral meditation: What’s in a Name?
One of the occupational hazards of being a pastor is sometimes only getting to “meet” people in death. And so it goes with Kenny and me. Due to his death, I’m just now coming to know who Kenny was and what he was all about. And that saddens me. Because I’ve come to realize something that all of you already know: Kenny was one mighty special guy who made a difference in the lives of many others.
Griping and Grace
You’d think God’s people would be in a better mood. The Lord has just liberated them from Egyptian slavery through the parted waters of the Red Sea, and they’ve been enjoying their first month or so freedom. But their path to full liberty in God’s Promised Land steers them into desert wilderness.
Mercy Within Mercy
Not long ago, a nationwide study surveyed people’s attitudes about forgiveness. The study found 75 percent of Americans feeling “very confident” that God has forgiven them of their sins and trespasses. But that rosy outlook turned muddy for interpersonal relationships. Only about half of the people surveyed felt certain that they’d forgiven others. While theContinue reading “Mercy Within Mercy”
Dear Diary
Suffice it to say that preachers over the years have not been kind to the woman who takes centerstage in this morning’s lesson. All we know from the Gospel of John is that she’s had five husbands, and in the setting of this story, the man with whom she’s now living is not her husband.Continue reading “Dear Diary”