OUT TO PASTOR: When is it okay to be snarly?

Normally (whatever normal means), I don’t get agitated by many things. I can keep my cool under the most bizarre circumstances. Nothing gets under my skin, and I can take everything with a grin.I’ve been married for over 50 years, so I have experienced everything that I possibly can experience.

The dynamics of discipleship (part 18)

And behold a certain lawyer stood up and tested Jesus saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” – LUKE 10:25The lawyer who asked the question about eternal life knew the answer but was testing Jesus to see what He would say.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: The wilderness is still a great metaphor

Welcome, all, to the “front-porch.”A lot of water had flowed down the river, as we say, since our last visit, both literally and figuratively.We completed our long-awaited second trip into the wilderness of Yellowstone in five days, from July 10-14.

OUT TO PASTOR: Do I need to repeat that?

Of all the holidays during the year that I like, my birthday is at the bottom of the list.Now that I’m at my current age, I prefer not to be reminded that I’m getting older. All a birthday does for me is tell me I’m just getting older.

The dynamics of discipleship (part 17)

“And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” – MARK 16: 17, 18God’s...

PROCLAIMING TRUTH: How to live in evil times

A new king took the throne in Egypt and looked upon the people of Israel with contempt.They had lived under the Egyptians in peace for generations, but things dramatically changed with the new Pharaoh.

OUT TO PASTOR: To ask or not ask is no option

You would think I would have learned all I needed to learn at my age.

The dynamics of discipleship (part 16)

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” – MARK 16:15The gospel of assimilation, meaning, to absorb into a cultural tradition has been spread to most of the known world, an obscure message that leads people to think because they showed up and went to church that somehow...

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: ‘How Great Thou Art’ timely for today

Welcome, all, to the “front-porch.”Well, friends, you’ll be glad to know my buddy Todd and I made it safely through our nearly 40-mile hike in Yellowstone.I know I’ll have more reflections, once my muscles and mind recover.But, for now, I’m just reflecting on the vastness of the Yellowstone we...

OUT TO PASTOR: Fool me once and you will be the fool

Recently, the A/C company we use came and did their yearly inspection.The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage took them around to the places that needed inspection.Everything turned out to be quite well and no problems.That got me thinking of what happened many years ago with another company that...