Quote of Note #201/Prayer Note #68: Make Me Merciful & Kind

"Father, restore our souls in Jesus Christ, that we may be merciful and kind, even as Thou art."

Quote of Note #195: God’s Grace to Me, My Grace to Others

"God gives us real treasures; we are rich people, but only if we put this capital into use. Forgive your brother; then you will also get peace for yourself. Otherwise you are a dead spiritual capitalist."

Quote of Note #190: Racism and Division in the Church

"The Church must speak out with one voice against bigotry and racism. We have been too quiet. The time is now. A platform has been placed in front of us and we must speak with clarity and truth. We've made a mess of things, but there is a way forward. It will require us to … Continue reading Quote of Note #190: Racism and Division in the Church

Pastor Note #126: A Good Friday Devotional

Introduction:At the very core of his being, our God is a relational God.  Every fiber of God’s nature is biased toward relationship.  We see that in the mystery of the Trinity—one God in three Persons, woven in a profound interrelationship of love, one with the other. We also see this relational nature of our God … Continue reading Pastor Note #126: A Good Friday Devotional

Pastor Note #124: Forgiving–Why Should I?

Let’s start with this key truth about forgiveness, one that runs counter to much of what we tend to think and what we hear from our culture.  Forgiveness does not start out as a feeling.  It starts out as a decision.  We almost always decide to forgive someone who has hurt us before, often long … Continue reading Pastor Note #124: Forgiving–Why Should I?

Pastor Note #123: The Gospel Art of Apologizing

            The art of apologizing is something that has to be learned.  We tend to assume that apologizing is an act that everyone just naturally knows how to do.  And I suppose in every day, little mishaps, the simple but sincere “I’m sorry” is sufficient to cover matters.  But in most matters bigger than minor, … Continue reading Pastor Note #123: The Gospel Art of Apologizing

Pastor Note #79: Families in the Holiday Crucible

Families are paradoxes.  On the one hand, family relationships can be the source of the greatest comfort, strength, and stability in our lives.  On the other hand, -- who doesn’t know what’s coming next – family relationships can be the source of the greatest heartbreak, sadness, and anxiety of anything in our lives.  No other … Continue reading Pastor Note #79: Families in the Holiday Crucible

Pastor Note #71: Loving Each Other in Words

Loving Each Other in Words The sad truth is that not all churches are places where people treat each other well.  Some churches can become notorious for the way their people are prone to fight and mistreat each other.  Jesus said, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you love … Continue reading Pastor Note #71: Loving Each Other in Words