Quote of Note #204: Motive, Means, & Politics

"As sinners we need a spiritual strategy for dealing with our own sinful tendency to put the best possible interpretation on our own motives while putting the worst possible interpretation on those of our opponents."

Quote of Note #199: Coercive Force vs. Humble Love

"Loving humility is marvelously strong, the strongest of all things, and there is nothing else like it."

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