OUT TO PASTOR: The misconception of a new year

Christmas is the best time of the year, especially when it involves family. It’s the one time of the year that families get together to celebrate together.This year, we had a special new family member – our second great-grandchild – born a week before Christmas.

The dynamics of discipleship (part 36)

“Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” – PSALM 50:15King David, mighty warrior, the sweet psalmist of Israel, a man after God’s own heart, most likely the greatest military commander the world has ever seen was also a sinner in need of deliverance.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: Still the greatest story ever told

Good week. Welcome to the “Front Porch.”The Gospel of Luke, some say, is the loveliest book ever written. During these chilly, festive days of December I think we appreciate Luke’s gospel and the physician’s brilliant storytelling ability more than ever.

OUT TO PASTOR: The liar in the red suit

Around this time of the year, The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage and I revel in our family memories.Unlike me, she has some wonderful memories because of her large family. I came from a very small family and therefore don’t have that many memories let alone wonderful memories.

The dynamics of discipleship (part 35)

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” – LUKE 4:19To preach “The Acceptable Year of the Lord” is the time when God is willing to accept of people, or to receive sinners coming to him.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: Santa Claus is comin’ to town!

Good week. Welcome to the “Front Porch.”Well, by the time this column hits your mighty-well-lit and finely-decorated front porch Christmas will be in full swing.I never get to this place without some healthy December cravings.

OUT TO PASTOR: As luck would have it

Quite frankly, I do not believe in luck in any degree. Sometimes things happen that you can’t plan for, which turns out to be rather good. Luck has nothing to do with it.This past week my granddaughter went to the hospital on a Tuesday morning to have her first baby.The day was busy for me.

The dynamics of discipleship (part 34)

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” – LUKE 4:18Oppression means to crush by abuse of power or authority, to weigh down or to burden.

SPEAKING TRUTH: The darkest day of Christmas

In our modern celebration of Christmas, it is a joyous time of the year.But when we look at the origins of the holiday, we find a dark and tragic side.And when we go deeper, we discover how a little baby posed such a grave threat to one man’s power.

OUT TO PASTOR: Do I need to file a missing persons report?

Every week comes and goes, and some go faster than others.Such was last week. It started pretty well, but then everything went downhill.I had my semiannual doctor’s visit. After all, he has kids that need to go to college.After his complete examination of me, he said, “You’re doing great.