Romans 5: 3b-5: “…knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” Will Rogers had a saying about judgement that translates well into a saying about […]
When I first went to Burbank First United Methodist Church, in 1988, the pastor there, Larry Stamper, preached on the woman who gave two small coins to God, and Jesus remarked that she had given all. Larry said, “I figured if she had only those two coins, there were no men in her life at […]
“You will do even greater things…” John 14:12 I sometimes wonder if folks know what they’re doing when they end a prayer with, “In Jesus’ name.” For most, it may be habit; for others it may be to honor Him, but for some, it is a call on Jesus to keep a promise made a […]
“I lift mine eyes unto the hills. From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Ps. 121:1-2. Like for the Psalmist, it helps me to remember that God made these beautiful green (now) hills. I lift my eyes to them traveling across the Santa Clara bridge to Bardsdale. […]
“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builder works in vain.” Ps. 127: 1 We are busy people. We just finished our glorious Easter Celebration AND the Spring Yard Sale. The Mother’s day Tea is this month. Vacation Bible School is just around the corner. And practically right after that is the Heritage/Homecoming Sunday on […]
“Oh, Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder, consider all the worlds Thy hands have made…” How Great Thou Art, UMH #77 Driving up the coast road. What a blessing to be so close to the ocean. The great ocean. What is that song? I Hope You Dance: “I hope you still feel small […]
“My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?” Psalm 22: 1 Having just tried Several times to fill out and print an application for health insurance, and not being successful either in sending it in via email, nor in printing it out, I have given up. Again. I expect I’ll have health insurance (thank […]
“I can do all things, through Christ, who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13) It’s been a whirlwind couple of months: two Annual Conferences, both with their own struggles and triumphs. Two powerful Children’s programs, week-long, loving, Christ filled, fun, intensive. Nearly overwhelming. But I know that when I turn my life over to God; when I […]
No wonder so many of us are at the ends of our ropes. Reminded of the Message version of the Beatitudes: “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.” This actually translates from the Greek like this: “Blessed are the […]
“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God…” (Romans 8:28) There is a saying in America, an anonymous saying that is not actually in scripture, (that I know of), that says, “There is a reason for everything.” In Ecclesiates there is a scripture that says, “To everything there is […]