The dynamics of discipleship (part 26)

This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.

SPEAKING TRUTH: Do you like who you are?

Do you like who you are?I am sure all of us wish we could change a few things about ourselves. Even the most beautiful or handsome among us.But I am asking something deeper. Do you so dislike some things about yourself that you are willing to go to great lengths to change yourself?

OUT TO PASTOR: Have nose, will snore

Having been married as long as The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage and myself, there are very few things we disagree on.I run by the idea, “Do you want to be happy, or do you want to be right?”It doesn’t cost a person a lot to give in, even when they might be right.

The dynamics of discipleship (part 25)

Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: Breaking camp

Welcome all, to the “front-porch.” A Chronicle of Day 5 of our 2022 Yellowstone excursion: Thursday, July 13 There’s nothing like pulling up the tent pegs, loosening the ropes, and preparing to set off home.

OUT TO PASTOR: Why God gave me a tongue

One thing about getting older is that you begin to understand the old saying that you don’t know what you don’t know. It has been so true for me. When I think I know everything, something comes up that I never even thought about.

SPEAKING TRUTH: How to know what is right and wrong

Do you believe lying is wrong?What about stealing?If a married man has an adulterous affair with another woman, is that okay?How about when a person commits murder?I believe we would have universal agreement across all races, languages and nations that these are morally wrong.

OUT TO PASTOR: Who’s really in charge?

Living in the country, our family did not have a television in our home. Somehow we managed to entertain ourselves without TV, and of course, we did not have the Internet then.So, how we got along without Facebook and cell phones is more than I can remember.

The dynamics of discipleship (part 24)

“Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking.

SPEAKING THE TRUTH: Overcoming hate

Hate.This is an often-used word in our culture.Hate speech. Acts of hate. Hate crimes.Why do people hate? Sometimes it is aimed at others who are not like them and those who do not conform to their set of beliefs, values or convictions.