Juggling the many details and situations of life can leave us so busy that we only have time for the most pressing priorities. Even the things we love can suddenly be eclipsed by the things we need to do. Sometimes, as we cross off some of the higher priorities, other valuable things rise to the surface, but then there are the times we must dig […]
Yesterday, I went back to the gym. and found some spiritual insight as well. When I moved back in July, I left the membership in my gym behind with a promise that I would find one quickly after getting settled in our new community. I could argue that it took me nearly eight months to settle, but truthfully, getting back into an exercise routine got […]
“What is the least I can do?” It is not a question you will hear many people ask, at least not in such blunt words, but often it is the reality behind much of our motivation. With a world full of demands and desires, it is easy to look for the minimum investment required, but is that what God asks of us? Is that what […]
“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.” – Proverbs 18:22 Twenty-seven years ago, I awoke in a Pittsburgh hotel a married man. The previous day was a flurry of activity leading up to our wedding, and after celebrating with family and friends, and making time to visit a few of our relatives who could not come to […]
What is the secret to a successful Christian life? I frequently receive this question or some variation of it. People want to know what to do to strengthen their faith walk, to help them through difficult times and give them the power to live victorious lives. It is a good question when our desire is to know God’s will and plan for lives and when […]
In our family, we celebrate special days over a period of time. So birthdays become birthday weeks and anniversaries become week, even month, long celebrations. This anniversary is no different. My wife and I began to celebrate our special day nearly a week before the actual day, and we continue to celebrate even now. As we enjoyed our memories and our time together, I began […]
Have you ever stumbled upon a quote, a scripture, a hymn or prayer that suddenly exploded with significance to you? It is amazing how amid all of the words and images of each day, something of deep meaning can break through. It is one thing to find those treasures while on retreat or in a time of intense reflection. It is something even more amazing […]
Today, is the culmination of our congregation’s annual stewardship campaign. On this Consecration Sunday, we ask people to reaffirm their commitment to be stewards of all God gives them. Yes, this involves a financial pledge, but in includes so much more. Stewardship can be an unpopular topic. We like our privacy. We tire of the media voices inundating us with requests for money, and honestly, […]
At 211 degrees, water is simply very hot. Add one more degree and it becomes powerful enough to drive engines and produce electricity. When it reaches its boiling point, a world of potential energy is released and the results of that energy can be quite impressive. Our Christian life can be viewed in a similar way. We can live our lives with Christ just below […]
Recently, I had to take a small break from my exercise routine. After I received the go ahead to return, I found that the break had given birth to significant decrease in my desire to hit the gym. I frequently found myself saying, “I should get started again,” or, “I really should go back to the gym,” but what I did not find was myself […]