Allowing ourselves to encounter and express the love of Jesus, I believe, starts with humility. By saying, “I need more of you Jesus.” By saying, “I don’t have your love all figured out. I could learn more about it, maybe a lot more. I could live your love more in the day to day, hourContinue reading “Allowing people to disagree with you (even if you are convinced they are wrong) – Jesus’ love and peace, Part 2”
Tag Archives: fellowship
Why a priest was willing to break the law – 1st Samuel 21 & 22, Part 2
Here at Faith Church we have an unending stream of Tastykakes in our freezer because we happen to have an inside connection to Tastykake! If you’ve never had a Tastykake, you need to try Butterscotch Krimpets or Kandy Kakes. I especially love dark chocolate Kandy Kakes with cream filling. Mostly we use the Tastykakes forContinue reading “Why a priest was willing to break the law – 1st Samuel 21 & 22, Part 2”
How avoiding the “shoulds,” tapping in to the Spirit, and listening help us become the kind of people who…speak life to one another, Part 5
This week I welcome guest blogger, Kirk Marks. Kirk is a retired pastor, having served 30+ years in both local churches with his wife, Debbie, and in denominational administration. He has also taught theology and led a pastoral assessment center for many years. He and Debbie, along with their two daughters and son-in-law are membersContinue reading “How avoiding the “shoulds,” tapping in to the Spirit, and listening help us become the kind of people who…speak life to one another, Part 5″
What brings you life? – Speaking life to one other, Preview
What brings you life? I enjoy coffee. A good workout or run. Most any book. A great TV show or film, especially if it’s sci-fi. I could list many more activities that bring me life. What do you notice about the direction of what I’ve listed above? The activities I’ve listed all move in theContinue reading “What brings you life? – Speaking life to one other, Preview”
The power of “with” – Caring for one another, Part 5
I recently had lunch with a friend who has been going through a deeply difficult season of life for the past two years. It all started when his wife shocked him by separating from him, and likely turning his two teenaged sons against him. She cut off communication, and they eventually moved out. She refusedContinue reading “The power of “with” – Caring for one another, Part 5″
Delegation is discipleship that builds up the church – Caring for one another, Part 4
Though I’m a leader, I sometimes struggle with delegation, as there are times when I think it will be so much easier and faster if I just handle whatever matter is before me. Getting others involved takes time, and they might not do the work like I think it should be done. Maybe you knowContinue reading “Delegation is discipleship that builds up the church – Caring for one another, Part 4”
A powerful question for church families – Caring for one another, Part 3
My wife and I recently watched the television series, New Amsterdam. It’s about a public hospital in New York City. The main character Max Goodwin is the medical director, and he asks a question repeatedly in nearly every episode of the series. (He might ask it in every episode! I didn’t keep track.). His question, which I’ll revealContinue reading “A powerful question for church families – Caring for one another, Part 3”
The Bible’s helpful teachings about confronting others – Holding others accountable, Part 4
I hate confrontation. I think most people also hate confrontation. When I have to confront someone, I can delay and avoid like a champ. Then when I can wait no longer, and the confrontation actually happens, I can say far less than I ought to have said. My emotions and fears take over. I can physically shake. I hate it. But ifContinue reading “The Bible’s helpful teachings about confronting others – Holding others accountable, Part 4”
Cliques in the church are good thing? – Meeting together, Part 5
Over the years people in my church have expressed concern that there are cliques in our church family. The word “clique” reminds me of my high school cafeteria. You could look across the large space full of tables and see the cliques, the small groups of people, like the football players, the cheerleaders, the academics, the bandContinue reading “Cliques in the church are good thing? – Meeting together, Part 5”
An axiom to help Christians think about how to meet together – Meeting together, Part 1
As we learned in the preview post, the last 25-35 years, 40 million adult Americans in all religious traditions, left their houses of worship.[1] This does not include people who attend church infrequently. If they attend on Christmas and Easter, they are not counted in these numbers. 40 million totally gone. Of the 40 million,Continue reading “An axiom to help Christians think about how to meet together – Meeting together, Part 1”
Engaging Scripture 