-
The Pastor’s Pen: Ignoring the barriers of the past
Every four years, the world’s attention turns to the summer Olympic games. For a few days, men and women from around the globe gather to compete against the best. Amazing records are broken and new ones are set at these games. The four-minute-mile Just a few decades ago, track-and-field experts proudly declared that no runner…
-
Telling the Story: Use your words
This week we are celebrating the fourth anniversary of my mom being with Jesus. I’ve been reminiscing and pondering all the good things about her. She was an amazing encourager. She used her words for good and the good of others. Don’t ever take your words for granted. Many times we tell kids (or adults),…
-
Notes from Calvary: God’s reaction to generosity
“And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. Send therefore to Joppa,…
-
The Pastor’s Pen: How do you measure a Christian?
A boy had been disobedient. His mother sent him to the corner and said, “You sit there,” to which he responded with folded arms slumped in his chair, “I might be sitting on the outside, but I’m standing on the inside.” That’s the way we are sometimes. Our hearts are full of willful stubbornness to…
-
Telling the Story: Appalachian funerals
A funeral in Appalachia is an emotional and wonderful thing. If you’ve never had the pleasure of attending a mountain farewell celebration, there’s much to be appreciated. Last weekend, the funerals of two of my beloved’s cousins were held back home in Belfry. At first, cousins from all over Kentucky, Ohio and New York hugged,…
-
Notes from Calvary: Grace Makes it Easy Part 2
“Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:” I Peter 5:5-6 God resists…
-
The Pastor’s Pen: The main thing
Norman Cates shared the humorous story of a guy who prayed this prayer every morning: “Lord, if you want me to witness to someone today, please give me a sign to show me who it is.” One day he found himself on a bus when a big, burly man sat next to him. The bus…
-
Telling the Story: Doing a new thing
In Isaiah 43:19, the LORD said, “See, I am doing a new thing…” But I don’t always love new things, new ways. At times, when things change, I’m dragging my Crocs on the way. These days I find myself praying often for the Lord to help me be flexible. Not bendy, but easier to adapt. I know not all change…
-
Notes from Calvary: Grace makes it easy
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 This…
-
The Pastor’s Pen: You will find Jesus there
Do you have hope for tomorrow if the doctor gave you bad news today? Did you know that unless you die in an accident or suddenly of a heart attack or stroke, every one of us is going to hear bad news from a doctor one day. Are you prepared for that day? The important…
