What one word comes to mind when you think of the United States of America? As I consider the past 250+ years since our nation’s founding, I propose that the one word that most defines our national project is “freedom.” Consider this famous line from one of our nation’s most important founding documents, the DeclarationContinue reading “The conflicted history of American freedom – Jubilee, Preview”
Tag Archives: Sabbath
A few ideas for applying the principle of sabbath, without legalism – Rest & Sabbath, Part 5
This week, I’ve been blogging about sabbath. While the New Testament does not teach that Sunday is the new sabbath day, Jesus teaches the sabbath principle for us in Matthew 11, verses 28-30, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you andContinue reading “A few ideas for applying the principle of sabbath, without legalism – Rest & Sabbath, Part 5”
The joy of giving your business and phone a regular break – Rest & Sabbath, Part 4
This past week I met friends for dinner. They live two hours away, were in town, so we met up for dinner on Tuesday night. We picked out a restaurant that we all liked. A couple hours before we were to meet, I got a text from them saying that they just looked up theContinue reading “The joy of giving your business and phone a regular break – Rest & Sabbath, Part 4”
The gift of sabbath is sometimes very difficult to receive – Rest & Sabbath, Part 3
If you are used to working hard and putting food on your table by working hard, then it can be very difficult to learn to rest. I am not just talking about ancient Israel. I’m talking about American life now. Especially in cultures like the one I live in, Lancaster County. We are work-oriented. Generally-speaking,Continue reading “The gift of sabbath is sometimes very difficult to receive – Rest & Sabbath, Part 3”
What do we do when we come to the end ourselves? – Rest & Sabbath, Part 2
I was outside this past weekend splitting firewood, and a very uncomfortable feeling came over me. The feeling was one part sick in the stomach and another part unsteadiness. I was afraid I was going to faint. I walked inside my house to get a drink of water, closed my eyes, and I saw aContinue reading “What do we do when we come to the end ourselves? – Rest & Sabbath, Part 2”
Playing sports on Sundays, and hunting, is now legal in PA – Rest & Sabbath, Part 1
The headline reads, “Bill that would end Sunday ban on football and baseball passes Pa. House.” Take a guess at what year that headline was published. Believe it or not, 2022. The article goes on to report, “The state House passed a bill Monday [September 19, 2022] that would repeal a…law that makes it illegalContinue reading “Playing sports on Sundays, and hunting, is now legal in PA – Rest & Sabbath, Part 1”
My Amish neighbors and their nonstop leaf blowing – Sabbath, Preview
My Amish neighbors are out there with their loud leaf blower at all hours of the day, blowing every speck of rubbish. Nearly every day. And their blower is loud. Why? They absolutely do not need to do that. Yet they do. I love Lancaster County where I’ve lived all my life. But I haveContinue reading “My Amish neighbors and their nonstop leaf blowing – Sabbath, Preview”
How to examine the condition of your heart – 1st Samuel 21 & 22, Part 5
When you come across a person standing at a busy intersection holding a sign that says “Homeless. Anything helps,” what thoughts go through your heart and mind? Here are some thoughts that go through my mind: Why don’t they get a job? They’re probably just ripping people off. They likely spend the money they get onContinue reading “How to examine the condition of your heart – 1st Samuel 21 & 22, Part 5”
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”
Does Jesus have authority to break the law? – John 5:31-47, Part 1
I often wonder if our church’s outdoor sign has any impact. While I think it is good to have a sign with basic information such as our name and website, we don’t need to have a sign with a message board. Most people learn about us online anyway. But the message board is a smallContinue reading “Does Jesus have authority to break the law? – John 5:31-47, Part 1”
Engaging Scripture 