Prayer Note #69: A Prayer (Drawn from Colossians 3:12-14)

Grant that I might be a living embodiment of Christ’s saving, healing, redeeming love in this broken world.

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."

Prayer Note #64: Anger and the Fruit of God’s Spirit

God, my Father, as I look around me,as I see the newsand read my social media feed,anger wells up in me.I am offended by what I see.This world is not as it should be.In my anger, I want to lash out.In my offense, I want to call downfire from heaven.Then, I find in your wordthat … Continue reading Prayer Note #64: Anger and the Fruit of God’s Spirit

Pastor Note #132: Anger and Following Jesus

In my youth, which took place in those dark days before the existence of computers and apps on mobile devices, it was very difficult to say definitively how often, if at all, a given phrase appears in the Bible.  These days, of course, it is a matter of a few moments of thumb typing, and … Continue reading Pastor Note #132: Anger and Following Jesus

Quote of Note #96: Patience with the Failings of Others

"Endeavour to be patient in bearing with the defects and infirmities of others, of what sort soever they be; for that thyself also hast many failings which must be borne with by others.  If thou canst not make thyself such an one as thou wouldest, how canst thou expect to have another in all things … Continue reading Quote of Note #96: Patience with the Failings of Others

Quote of Note #53 — Irritability, Impatience, and Serving God

“I believe God cannot use many of His servants because they are full of irritability and impatience; they are fretting all the time, from morning until night.  God cannot use them; their mouths are sealed; they cannot speak for Jesus Christ, and if they have not love, they cannot work for God.” Dwight L. Moody,  … Continue reading Quote of Note #53 — Irritability, Impatience, and Serving God

Quote of Note #50: Graciousness to Others Because of God’s Graciousness to Me

"As you contemplate the cross of Christ, you should be overwhelmed with the oceans of grace you have received from the Lord.  Even when others commit pools or even lakes full of sin against you, you should be gracious to them because of those oceans of grace you have received.  'Be kind to them,' Jesus … Continue reading Quote of Note #50: Graciousness to Others Because of God’s Graciousness to Me

Pastor Note #78: Christian Witness in an Age of Offense

In the 1960s it was the Age of Aquarius.  (If you’re much younger than I am, you probably don’t understand that reference.)  We are now in the Age of Offense.  Everybody is offended these days.  Everybody has become touchy.  We all tend to take everything personally.  We have begun to use the things that offend … Continue reading Pastor Note #78: Christian Witness in an Age of Offense