Two of my nephews are ages 10 and 11, and they ride the bus together. This past spring, a neighborhood boy who also rides their bus, started making fun of the 10 year old, so the 11 year came to his defense, punched the kid. Right there on the bus. Makes you think about theContinue reading ““I got your back,” Watchmen, and distraction – Ezekiel 3:16-27, Part 1″
Tag Archives: Christian
When God feels like a dropped phone call – Ezekiel 2:1-3:15, Part 4
What does it mean to have a relationship with God? Is it just an intellectual concept that has little bearing on our real day-to-day lives? How do flesh and blood people have a meaningful relationship with invisible spirit? As a result, does God feel distant? Does it feel like God is something we read aboutContinue reading “When God feels like a dropped phone call – Ezekiel 2:1-3:15, Part 4”
The precarious business of telling the truth – Ezekiel 2:1-3:15, Preview
Do you tell the truth? Of course you do…or do you? Are there times when you might fudge a bit on the truth? I suspect that all of us struggle with lying here and there, but for the most part we are committed to telling the truth. I ask the question, though, because there areContinue reading “The precarious business of telling the truth – Ezekiel 2:1-3:15, Preview”
When God’s presence is gone – Ezekiel 1, Part 1
Think about the last time you encountered the presence of God. When was it? How did it happen? In a worship service singing a song? In Bible study? In nature? Maybe at a youth retreat around a campfire? Now think about how long has it been since you encountered the presence of God? Maybe aContinue reading “When God’s presence is gone – Ezekiel 1, Part 1”
Are you experiencing the dark night of the soul? – Ezekiel 1, Preview
Does God seem distant to you? Ethereal? Maybe even a mirage or a fiction? Many people feel that way and wonder if something is wrong with them. Many feel guilt or shame when they have doubts about God. They wish they had a closer relationship with God. They wish their experience of God was moreContinue reading “Are you experiencing the dark night of the soul? – Ezekiel 1, Preview”
What’s coming up on the blog: a study through one of the most bizarre books of the Bible – Introducing Ezekiel, Preview
If you’ve followed this blog, you might have noticed that my normal pattern is to blog through a book in one testament, and then move to a book in the other testament. (The blog actually follows along with what I’m preaching in my role of pastor of Faith Church in Lancaster, PA. I preach theContinue reading “What’s coming up on the blog: a study through one of the most bizarre books of the Bible – Introducing Ezekiel, Preview”
How to show hospitality – Colossians 4:7-18, Part 2
Editor’s Note: This week I welcome David Hundert on the blog. David is an MDiv student and member of Faith Church. He preaches for me 3-4 times each year when I am away, and this past week I was my denomination’s national conference. Thank you, David! Is hospitality just for hotels, restaurants, spas…or hospitals? CanContinue reading “How to show hospitality – Colossians 4:7-18, Part 2”
How to speak graciously [even when you don’t want to] – Colossians 4:2-6, Part 5
I recently heard a story from a Mennonite pastor in my local ministerium. Nearly 25 years ago, his wife tragically passed away. One year before she passed away, she made the decision to discontinue wearing the traditional Mennonite head covering for women. After she died, he got lots of support, but he also got twoContinue reading “How to speak graciously [even when you don’t want to] – Colossians 4:2-6, Part 5”
The transforming power of gratitude – Colossians 4:2-6, Part 3
Do you ever feel like, as a parent, you are running your own private family Uber? The kids call or text, and you pick them up from practice. You drive them to events, to their friends’ houses, and all over. Or did you ever get a call like this: “Dad, practice finished early, so canContinue reading “The transforming power of gratitude – Colossians 4:2-6, Part 3”
How to live your retirement years “as unto the Lord” – Colossians 3:22-4:1, Part 5
Christian…how are you thinking about your retirement years? The principle we’ve been studying this week, “work unto the Lord,” holds for retirement, even though in retirement you are no longer working a job. This principle can guide you as you retire if you answer the question: What is a distinctly Christian view of retirement? HowContinue reading “How to live your retirement years “as unto the Lord” – Colossians 3:22-4:1, Part 5″
Engaging Scripture 