“Speaking recklessly is like the thrusts of a sword, but the words of the wise bring healing.” Proverbs 12:18 [NET] This verse is built on a recognition of the power of words. And the couplet begins with a warning about the destructive power of words. It is very tempting to launch out now on a … Continue reading Bible Note #41: Building Up and Healing with Words
Author: gachorpenning
I am a pastor, a husband, and father. A small, town about twenty miles west of Pittsburgh is home currently, though several other places have served that purpose before this. I do some carving in wood and small stones. I like taking photographs and use a lot of them in my blog posts. I've recently taken up fishing for the first time since I was a kid. I'm blessed in that regard to have a very nice trout stream flowing right past my church.
Quote of Note #103: Pride and Sinning with Words
"The mother of all sin is pride. Those who are being harsh and critical think they are right. In fact, they are certain they are right. Fools are filled with pride. 'I don't really care about you and what you think,' the fool tells himself. 'It's my view or no view!' As Proverbs 18:2 puts … Continue reading Quote of Note #103: Pride and Sinning with Words
Quote of Note #102: Living by Faith and Not by Sight
"This kind of living ["living by faith rather than by sight"] invites opposition. It will come first in the form of those who insist on living within the budget, thereby restricting the ability of God to reach the community. The easiest answer to a leap of faith is 'No!' The church that I now pastor … Continue reading Quote of Note #102: Living by Faith and Not by Sight
Quote of Note #101: Sacrifice our own Agenda
"Our legacy is written in heaven; we are called to practice compassion for the plight of others and to sacrifice our own agenda to the work of Christ, a task beyond human capacity. That is the definition of discipleship; that is the business we had all better be about--the Father's business." Stan Moody, "I've Met … Continue reading Quote of Note #101: Sacrifice our own Agenda
Pastor Note #98: Hearing Our Neighbors’ Cry of Distress: A White Pastor Talks to his White Congregation about Race
A Sermon Preached on June 7, 2020 These are very challenging times for our society. We all like church to be a place of comfort, peace, and ease. But sometimes it just can’t be like that. Sometimes we have to wrestle with hard and uncomfortable things. And that’s what we’re going to do today. If … Continue reading Pastor Note #98: Hearing Our Neighbors’ Cry of Distress: A White Pastor Talks to his White Congregation about Race
Pastor Note #97: A Christian Rationale for Social Distancing in a Time of Pandemic
Medical experts widely agree that the coronavirus that causes Covid-19 is spread by minute droplets of saliva and mucus that come out of the mouth and nose of someone who is infected by the virus. Those droplets contain the virus. The viruses in those droplets find their way into the eyes, nose, or mouth of … Continue reading Pastor Note #97: A Christian Rationale for Social Distancing in a Time of Pandemic
Blog Announcement: My Video Notebook Now on YouTube
Pastor Gary's Video Notebook on YouTube I appreciate all the support that readers have given to my various Notebook posts here on this site. I have now also added a sort of sister outlet to written offerings here. You can find a growing library of video reflections and sermons on my YouTube channel--Pastor Gary's Video … Continue reading Blog Announcement: My Video Notebook Now on YouTube
Pastor Note #96: Why I Wear a Mask, My Badge of Love
For me it is quite simple. I wear a mask because I don’t want to make anyone else sick. I wear a mask to protect the people around me. The Covid-19 virus, like most other respiratory viruses, is spread mostly by tiny droplets of saliva and mucus that come out of our mouths and noses … Continue reading Pastor Note #96: Why I Wear a Mask, My Badge of Love
Pastor Note #95: A Declaration of Easter
A Declaration of Easter At Christmas we sing a song with these words: No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make his blessings flow Far as the curse is found, Far as the curse is found. The resurrection of Jesus is the first expression of the fulfillment … Continue reading Pastor Note #95: A Declaration of Easter
Quote of Note #100: No Panic in Heaven
"The Lord never makes a mistake. One day, when we are in heaven, I'm sure we shall see the answers to the whys. My, how often I have asked, 'Why?' In heaven, we shall see God's side of the embroidery. God has no problems--only plans. There is never panic in heaven." Corrie ten Boom, He … Continue reading Quote of Note #100: No Panic in Heaven
