In our church sanctuary, we display a large open Bible on the communion table located on the back wall of the stage. Can anyone read it from where they’re sitting? Nope. Neither can I, and I stand way closer to the Bible than the rest of the congregation. The print in the Bible is large,Continue reading “How the open Bible in our church sanctuary sets off my struggle with perfectionism – Ecclesiastes 7:15-8:8, Part 2”
Tag Archives: god
Can an ironic proverb help us make sense of our complex world? – Ecclesiastes 7:15-8:8, Part 1
Are you feeling perplexed? Confused by the world we live in? If so, you are not alone. How many of you are familiar with Veggie Tales? The creator of Veggie Tales, Phil Vischer has been making some fascinating informational videos relating to racial justice in the USA. One video answers the question why Black ChristiansContinue reading “Can an ironic proverb help us make sense of our complex world? – Ecclesiastes 7:15-8:8, Part 1”
The ancient secret to finding true fulfillment in life – Ecclesiastes 5:8-6:12, Part 5
Look at the joy on the girl’s face in the picture above. Isn’t it wonderful? We can only imagine how she got covered in paint, but there is no mistaking that she is feeling deeply joyful about it. Perhaps we adults should let our hair down and have a paint battle from time to time.Continue reading “The ancient secret to finding true fulfillment in life – Ecclesiastes 5:8-6:12, Part 5”
The Source of True Joy – Ecclesiastes 5:8-6:12, Part 3
If money can’t buy happiness, what can? In the previous post I mentioned that we humans can allow ourselves to believe that wealth is our hope, our savior, our peace, our life. As we continue this week’s five-part blog series on Ecclesiastes 5:8-6:12, open your Bible and read how the Teacher illustrates this false trust inContinue reading “The Source of True Joy – Ecclesiastes 5:8-6:12, Part 3”
What to do when money keeps you up at night – Ecclesiastes 5:8-6:12, Part 2
I never used to understand how people could struggle with restless nights. I understand now. For a number of years, I’ve battled anxiety and panic, and one of my triggers is money. Will there be enough? Are we saving enough for retirement? Can we do a better job with spending? How can we pay offContinue reading “What to do when money keeps you up at night – Ecclesiastes 5:8-6:12, Part 2”
Are the rich getting richer, while the poor get poorer? – Ecclesiastes 5:8-6:12, Part 1
What are you looking forward to? How would you fill in the blank in the following phrase: “I can’t wait for _______”? Here are some that I’ve heard recently, from myself and others. I can’t wait until we have a vaccine for Covid, so we can get back to normal. I can’t wait until thisContinue reading “Are the rich getting richer, while the poor get poorer? – Ecclesiastes 5:8-6:12, Part 1”
How to have the right mindset during the difficult times of life – Ecclesiastes 3:1-15, Part 5
There was a period of consecutive months where eight people from Faith Church died, at least one per month. I listened to and counseled their eight grieving families, officiating each of the funerals. This weighed heavy on me, as I was thinking about death constantly. I found that I couldn’t stop thinking about death, andContinue reading “How to have the right mindset during the difficult times of life – Ecclesiastes 3:1-15, Part 5”
Surfing, the Law of Undulation, and how to handle life’s extremes – Ecclesiastes 3:1-15, Part 3
I’ve never been surfing, but it looks really fun. Riding a wave must be thrilling. I imagine, though, that successful attempts only follow many failed ones. Ups and downs, like the waves. I suspect that surfing is a study in extremes, from the bliss of great ride, to the suffering of a rough crash. InContinue reading “Surfing, the Law of Undulation, and how to handle life’s extremes – Ecclesiastes 3:1-15, Part 3”
The answer to the meaning of life – Ecclesiastes 1:12-2:26, Part 5
At the beginning of this five-part blog series on Ecclesiastes 1:12-2:26, I showed you Ed Ames’ song, “Who Will Answer?”, a song that is really asking, who brings meaning to life? As we have seen all week long, while humanity tries to answer that question many way, it is only God who has the answer. Continue reading “The answer to the meaning of life – Ecclesiastes 1:12-2:26, Part 5”
The Good News principle I learned from selling mattresses – Acts 28, Part 5
Editor’s Note: This week we welcome Paul Mannino to the blog, and he will be discussing Acts 28. If you want to watch the sermon, it’s posted on Paul’s YouTube Channel here. My wife, Michelle, and I met Paul and his wife, Mary Kate, at the Evangelical Congregational Church’s Pastoral Assessment Center this past January.Continue reading “The Good News principle I learned from selling mattresses – Acts 28, Part 5”
Engaging Scripture 