FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: Saturday mornings and other things to be thankful for

Welcome to the “front porch.” Well, I wanted to come today – as the old-time preachers would say – and tell you things are not as bad as they seem. Truth is, if you want things to improve drastically immediately, turn off the news and don’t ever watch it again.

OUT TO PASTOR: Well, here we go again

I have lived long enough to know that the only change that has any kind of reality is the change in my pocket. I keep track of that change with great supervision and count it every day.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: 2020 is history, but 2021 is already looking good

Welcome to the “front porch.” You’ve heard it. “I’m so glad that 2020 is over and done.” How many times have we heard that? Maybe you’ve said it yourself.  But I’ve been thinking about it – and, yes, I understand that 2020 had its share of challenges.

OUT TO PASTOR: Red isn’t always the red I see

It is not that I am colorblind; I just am color indifferent. Red and blue and yellow are all the same to me. This, on many occasions, has challenged the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage, who is very meticulous when it comes to describing anything or anyone.

GOD BLESS AMERICA

How can we as Americans have the audacity to say, God Bless America? God’s blessings cannot be bestowed upon a nation that has rejected him and walks in darkness, blessings come through our obedience to God. Why would God bless any nation that has forced him out of that nation?

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: Carry the ‘Can’ Spirit with you into 2021

Welcome to the final “front porch” visit of 2020. It is funny that, as I sat down to write, the one biblical hero that inevitably seems to come to mind is the old statesman Caleb.

OUT TO PASTOR: Another Christmas tree in the bag

It’s hard to believe, but another Christmas has come and gone. It comes so slow but leaves so fast. I guess I’ll never understand that. When I was young, I remember those first Christmases; they were so slow in getting here.

Leaders who care

James Dobson tells the story of a university student who hanged himself in the basement of his dormitory. Tragic news indeed. To make it worse, no one missed the student until a search began... five days later.

HOPE FOR TODAY: The miracle of the virgin birth

The center piece of the Christmas season is the birth of Jesus. Popular Christmas songs, various figurine displays and holiday sermons all make it prominent. But what about Jesus’ birth specifically, makes Christmas, Christmas? His virgin birth.

OUT TO PASTOR: Tell Santa I tried to be nice

It’s that time of the year when the conversation around the dinner table in the Parsonage has to do with naughty or nice. I must admit it's not my favorite conversation because what is naughty, and what is nice? That all depends on who you’re talking to.