Advent 2025, Week 2: Isaiah 9, Part 2 Matthew was there. He not only saw the light of Jesus’ peace change others, Matthew personally experienced what happened when Jesus light of peace enters the darkness of a person’s life. Matthew’s life was dark, without peace. He was a tax collector. Hated by his fellow JewsContinue reading “Peace in the midst of dark times”
Tag Archives: hope
How I broke our church’s candle lighter
Advent 2025, Week 1: Psalm 112, Preview Earlier this week I broke our church family’s candle lighter. Do you know what I mean by “candle lighter”? I’ve searched online numerous times to learn if it has an official name, but I can’t find one. It seems “candle lighter” is the official name. Or “candle lighterContinue reading “How I broke our church’s candle lighter”
Three actions that Christians should be known for – 1 Thessalonians 5:5-11, Part 3
What do the choices of your life say about what you believe? Observe your word choices. Observe your tone of voice, your body language, your spending habits, your food intake, your time alone, your media habits, your clothing. We make loads and loads of choices every day. Those choices are writing your biography. And notContinue reading “Three actions that Christians should be known for – 1 Thessalonians 5:5-11, Part 3”
Why I no longer emphasize the rapture (something else is far more important) – 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:4, Part 3
What will happen to people who are still alive when Jesus returns? Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 4, verse 15, “According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.” Paul is talkingContinue reading “Why I no longer emphasize the rapture (something else is far more important) – 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:4, Part 3”
Why Christians have hope in the face of death – 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:4, Part 2
Death sucks. I have pastoral colleagues who say they like doing funerals, not because a person died, of course, but because of the opportunity to have spiritual conversations. I’m really iffy about that. When it comes to rituals of the faith, I’d much rather do a wedding, baptism, or lead the celebration of communion. BecauseContinue reading “Why Christians have hope in the face of death – 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:4, Part 2”
The sleeping kind of death versus the sickness unto death – 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:4, Part 1
Have a listen to the Johnny Cash song, “Ain’t No Grave.” What is it about? Is Cash’s song about zombies? Turn in your Bibles to 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:4. Paul writes, “Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like theContinue reading “The sleeping kind of death versus the sickness unto death – 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:4, Part 1”
What should you hope for in a church? – 1 Thessalonians 2:13–3:13, Part 5
This week I once again welcome guest blogger, Kirk Marks. Kirk is a retired pastor of 35 years who now works in international fair trade. I was a denominational administrator for for 20 years. In that time, I sent a lot of letters to churches on behalf of the denomination. Those letters were communicating hopesContinue reading “What should you hope for in a church? – 1 Thessalonians 2:13–3:13, Part 5”
How to view life through the lens of joy – Advent Joy, Part 2
When I am going through a difficult situation, my #1 response is “I want this to be done.” It could be when I am out on a four mile run. I want it to be done. It could be a big project, like my forthcoming book. I want it to be done. It could beContinue reading “How to view life through the lens of joy – Advent Joy, Part 2”
Two words that transform our hopelessness – Advent Hope, Part 5
This week I once again welcome guest blogger, Kirk Marks. Kirk is a retired pastor of 30 years who now works in international fair trade. Are you feeling any hopelessness about something in your life? Maybe you feel you’re losing hope within. If so, even if just a little bit, you might resonate with theContinue reading “Two words that transform our hopelessness – Advent Hope, Part 5”
What to do when life feels hopeless – Advent Hope, Part 4
This week I once again welcome guest blogger, Kirk Marks. Kirk is a retired pastor of 30 years who now works in international fair trade. My favorite Old Testament minor prophet is Habakkuk. Habakkuk had a message of hope from God for people, but Habakkuk’s message doesn’t start out very hopeful. Here’s how Habakkuk begins,Continue reading “What to do when life feels hopeless – Advent Hope, Part 4”
Engaging Scripture 