Quote of Note #198: Lying to Ourselves & Resentfulness

The man who lies to himself can be more easily offended than anyone. You know it is sometimes very pleasant to take offense, isn't it?

Quote of Note #194/Prayer Note #67: A Christmas Prayer

"O Lord, our God, when we are afraid do not let us despair. When we are disappointed do not let us become bitter. When we fall do not let us remain prostrate. When we are at the end of our understanding and our powers, do not let us then parish. No, let us feel then … Continue reading Quote of Note #194/Prayer Note #67: A Christmas Prayer

Quote of Note #187/Prayer Note #66: A National Prayer

"O God, who art the Ruler and Judge of all nations, look mercifully on our land. Sanctify all that is rich and noble in our traditions. Grant that our ideals and aspirations may be in accordance with thy will. Take away pride and false pretense from our midst; give us humility in our relations with … Continue reading Quote of Note #187/Prayer Note #66: A National Prayer

Pastor Note #131: A Pastoral Response to Someone Struggling in these Divisive Times

Feeling connected and part of a community of believers has become increasingly hard for me, too, over the last several years.  So, I can understand how you feel.  There is a kind of spiritual homelessness that has set in for many of us.  We can feel such a desire to isolate and retreat from community … Continue reading Pastor Note #131: A Pastoral Response to Someone Struggling in these Divisive Times

Quote of Note #162: Worldly Power vs. Christ-like Love

photo by GAC "Ever since the snake said, 'The day you eat of the tree your eyes will be open and you will be like gods knowing good and evil' (Genesis 3:5), we have been tempted to replace love with power. Jesus lived that temptation in the most agonizing way from the desert to the … Continue reading Quote of Note #162: Worldly Power vs. Christ-like Love

Quote of Note #159: The Politics of Humility

photo by GAC "But for most people, to be able to simplify issues so as to see only the definite external enemy is extremely exhilarating and brings about the bright eye and the springy step that go so well with the political uniform. This is an exhilaration that the Christian must deny himself. It comes from an … Continue reading Quote of Note #159: The Politics of Humility

Quote of Note #157: Love vs. Power

photo by GAC "What makes the temptation of power so seemingly irresistible? Maybe it is that power offers an easy substitute for the hard task of love. It seems easier to be God than to love God, easier to control people than to love people, easier to own life than to love life. Jesus asks, … Continue reading Quote of Note #157: Love vs. Power