One of the most treasured memories of my pastor-father (Who would have celebrated his 100th birthday this month, were he still with us.) took place annually on the Sunday between Christmas and New Year. Following the sermon and prior to the closing prayer, he would always speak to those who had lost loved ones in…
Tomorrow is Christmas Day. While the birth of Jesus didn’t happen on the day we call “Christmas” nevertheless, many celebrate His birth on December 25, our Christmas Day. Almost lost in the scripture account of Jesus’ birth is the story of Anna. By any measurement, Anna was an elderly woman. The Bible describes her as…
Have you ever received a compliment you loved, but knew it was not only untrue, but was a huge exaggeration? As I concluded a recent Interim Pastorate, the person in charge of the reception referred to me as “the Babe Ruth of Interim Pastors.” Before I could glow in that characterization, I remembered that while…
Back in the day, when Monday Night football meant listening to Howard Cosell and Dandy Don Meredith, my favorite part came when the game was almost over, and it was obvious who was going to win, and Dandy Don began to sing, “Turn out the lights, the party’s over. They say that all good things…
Years ago, I found myself in charge of an organization that was deeply divided. Every decision was challenged. Every vote was split. As I struggled to lead, a good friend said to me, “Just lead! We will follow!” While not everyone followed, the organization survived. If you have ever been a part of an organization…
Thanksgiving is coming. By news report, another forty-six million turkeys will be consumed. Calories and memories will remain. As I reflect on Thanksgiving, I am thankful for at least three things, and they come from a rather unusual source. In Genesis 16 Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar had made a mess of God’s plans. Hagar was…
Thanksgiving is over. By news report, another forty-six million turkeys have been consumed. Calories and memories remain. As I reflect on Thanksgiving past, I am thankful for at least three things, and they come from a rather unusual source. In Genesis 16 Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar had made a mess of God’s plans. Hagar was…
My role models have all been workaholics. Many of these have also been perfectionists. This is a dangerous mixture. Trying to justify such a lifestyle, I searched the scriptures, until I discovered Jesus saying in His sermon on the mount, “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48)….
One of God’s greatest gifts is memory. When we remember, we sometimes sit in a recliner and reflect. Other times we do something in response to memory. Yesterday, people placed flowers at grave sites, and memorials of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Others attended ceremonies in cemeteries and at national monuments….
Recent events have reminded me of an old saying. Some years ago, a former pastor of mine and I were having a conversation about a fellow minister who had been terminated from his position. Strangely enough, he had been found guilty of the very action for which he had terminated ministers who worked with him….