Quote of Note #234: True Biblical Justice

"I've come to understand that justice is an act of reconciliation that restores any part of God's creation to its original intent, purpose, or image." J. Perkins

Pastor Note #127: A Devotional on the Lord’s Return

Introduction:Surely, there are few biblical topics that have generated as many books, articles, Bible studies, and sermons as the topic of the return of Christ.  They are often filled with charts and tables and complex speculations that make quantum physic seem simple.  A. W. Tozer writes this, “There have been enough foolish formulas advanced about … Continue reading Pastor Note #127: A Devotional on the Lord’s Return

Bible Note #41: Building Up and Healing with Words

“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

Bible Note #20 — Deuteronomy 22:6-7 and Cruelty to the Vulnerable and Weak

Deuteronomy 22:6-7 [ESV] “If you come across a bird's nest in any tree or on the ground, with young ones or eggs and the mother sitting on the young or on the eggs, you shall not take the mother with the young.  You shall let the mother go, but the young you may take for yourself, that it … Continue reading Bible Note #20 — Deuteronomy 22:6-7 and Cruelty to the Vulnerable and Weak

Quotes of Note #1 Healing and Redemption

". . .  Jesus is working to restore the original vision of creation.  Jesus starts from the innermost part of us, the seat of our relationship with God, and works outward to include our physical being.  This process is like what [C. S.] Lewis called 'death working backwards,' as the ravaging effects of the Fall … Continue reading Quotes of Note #1 Healing and Redemption

Prayer Note #35 — A Prayer for Artists and Artisans

Thanks you, Lord, that you have led me to discover the pleasures of making things with my hands -- durable things that last, things that can be appealing to the eye, things that show the natural beauties of the wood and stone that you have made and the metals you have shown us how to … Continue reading Prayer Note #35 — A Prayer for Artists and Artisans

Sermon #3–Sex and Loving God: Natures and Origins

This sermon was preached at North Presbyterian Church on January 8, 2012 at morning worship.  It's part of a series I preached on the topic of "Sex and Loving God."  During that worship service we read Matthew 2:1-12 ( because this was the Sunday nearest to Epiphany, the church holy day when we celebrate the … Continue reading Sermon #3–Sex and Loving God: Natures and Origins

Prayer Note #21 — On a Muggy Day by a Lake

Creator of all beauty, I sit here beside Keuka Lake at the end of a hot day.  But now at 7:30 P.M., with the sun setting behind me and a huge volume of cool water just in front of my, I feel the cooling of the air and a kid of freshness settling over me.  … Continue reading Prayer Note #21 — On a Muggy Day by a Lake

Prayer Note #20 — On a Snowy Day

What a gloriously complex and intricate world you have made for us to live in, Lord!  I am so very grateful.  The beauty of the white snow blanketing everything and even doing a kind of tight-rope walk along the utility lines and tiny branches of the trees seems to somehow blanket and soothe my busy … Continue reading Prayer Note #20 — On a Snowy Day

Prayer Note #11

A Prayer from the Winter There is a beautiful, pristine, white layer of snow covering the ground, trees, roofs, every surface.  You've sent us a lovely winter gift, though I know that it can be hardship for some. Still, it is beautiful to look at -- a sort of purity, an unsoiled and unspoiled scene.  … Continue reading Prayer Note #11