I recently heard the story of a person who said “If I worry about it, it won’t happen.” So maybe we should worry! Ha! Why is that story funny? It is funny because 99% of the stuff we worry about never comes to pass. But yet we worry. We can allow our minds to goContinue reading “How to decrease worry – Luke 12:22-34”
Monthly Archives: November 2015
Is it possible to stop worrying?
“Do not worry”??? This is how Jesus leads off his next teaching, and it frustrates me. This phrase, “Do not worry” is in the imperative tense. “Imperative” means it is a command. And when I think about Jesus commanding us to not worry, immediately I feel frustrated because I struggle with worry. I’ve tried toContinue reading “Is it possible to stop worrying?”
Why Faith Church Observes the Season of Advent
The angels said to the shepherds “peace on earth, goodwill to men” that night Jesus was born in Bethlehem. But many of us do not feel like Christmastime is peaceful or filled with goodwill. In fact many of us are afraid that we will have what Elvis Presley sang about, “A Blue Christmas”. Or weContinue reading “Why Faith Church Observes the Season of Advent”
How to have a good relationship with money – Part 2: Be Rich Toward God – Luke 12:13-21
How is your relationship with money? I wrote this question on the welcome board in our church lobby. We always have a question of the day, hoping to get people thinking as they walk in for worship. As I conversed with one person yesterday, we started joking: “My relationship with money? WeContinue reading “How to have a good relationship with money – Part 2: Be Rich Toward God – Luke 12:13-21”
How to have a good relationship with money – Part 1 – Love it or hate it?
Do you love money? This guy really does: As he’s hugging that money, he’s probably singing this song: Or do you hate money? Have you ever said “I hate money!”? I have. It’s usually because I actually love money, but I feel like I don’t have enough of it. I want more. I love moneyContinue reading “How to have a good relationship with money – Part 1 – Love it or hate it?”
Overcoming our fears, Part 2 – God’s role in calming our fears – Luke 12:1-2
People say that their two greatest fears are death and speaking in public. In Luke 12:1-12 Jesus talked with his disciples about these two fears. Perhaps what he said will help you overcome those fears! In Verses 4-7 he refers to the fear of death. Do not be afraid, but do fear God, he lovesContinue reading “Overcoming our fears, Part 2 – God’s role in calming our fears – Luke 12:1-2”
Overcoming Our Fears – Part 1: The Two Greatest Fears
What do you think are the things that people fear the most? Death is #2. What is number 1? Speaking in public. #1. More scary than death. I love what Jerry Seinfeld had to say about this: I think we see this fear at work at Faith Church during Sunday worship almost every week. WeContinue reading “Overcoming Our Fears – Part 1: The Two Greatest Fears”
Woe to you, Christians – Part 2 – How to stop the two main things that will cause your death
Imagine you have been invited to your pastor’s house for dinner and some leaders of the church are there. It is a nice meal with pleasant dinner conversation. Do you think you would take this time to point out all the things you didn’t like about the people around the table? Some of you might! Continue reading “Woe to you, Christians – Part 2 – How to stop the two main things that will cause your death”
Woe to you, Christians! – Part 1: How a woe oracle could save the church from death
“Woe!” but not “Woah!” What’s the difference? “Woah” is an utterance of surprise, or a command to “Stop!” But “Woe” is a wailing of sadness. In the Bible there are Woe Oracles in the Old Testament. That word “woe” was used in Israel primarily at funerals. People would loudly proclaim “woe” at the passing ofContinue reading “Woe to you, Christians! – Part 1: How a woe oracle could save the church from death”
What if we’re totally wrong about what it means to follow Jesus – Part 2
My son walked up to our pantry closet in our kitchen, looking for a snack. He quickly put his hand over his nose, uttering a muffled “Ugh! What is that smell?” I looked over at him standing there, and said “What do you mean? Is it the trashcan?” Our kitchen trash bin is right nextContinue reading “What if we’re totally wrong about what it means to follow Jesus – Part 2”
Engaging Scripture 