My Ebenezer Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Jeshanah, and named it Ebenezer; for he said, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” 1 Samuel 7:12 Last week I attended the memorial service for a cousin of my father’s. It was at the Ebenezer United Methodist Church, 3 … Continue reading My Ebenezer
Tag: community
A Disturbing Intruder
A Disturbing Intruder What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you? If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill,” and … Continue reading A Disturbing Intruder
A Box of Chocolates
A Box of Chocolates Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common … Continue reading A Box of Chocolates
Giving Thanks by Giving
Giving Thanks by Giving What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you? If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill,” … Continue reading Giving Thanks by Giving
The You God Sees
The You God Sees For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:13-14a What are human beings that you are mindful of them, or mortals, that you care for them? You have made them only … Continue reading The You God Sees
The Trouble with Church
The Trouble with Church And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works; you have a name of being alive, but you are dead.” Revelation 3:1 I have issues with the church – … Continue reading The Trouble with Church
A Silent God
A Silent God O God, do not keep silence; do not hold your peace or be still, O God! –Psalm 83:1 I grew up in church, attending nearly every Sunday with my family. It was an expectation that I accepted, although church was never particularly meaningful to me. I assumed God’s presence and goodness, although … Continue reading A Silent God
Shifting Realities
Shifting Realities As he stepped out on land, a man of the city who had demons met him. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he did not live in a house but in the tombs. –Luke 8:27 My church family lost a precious member to depression last week. I am not … Continue reading Shifting Realities
Enigmatic Faith
Enigmatic Faith Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven. –Matthew 5:11-12a In his book, A Hidden Wholeness, Parker Palmer writes, “The deeper our faith, the more doubt we must … Continue reading Enigmatic Faith
Christian Values: Service
Christian Values: Service Render service with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not to men and women, knowing that whatever good we do, we will receive the same again from the Lord, whether we are slaves or free. -- Ephesians 6:7-8 You're gonna have to serve somebody, It may be the devil or it may … Continue reading Christian Values: Service
Contemplating Grace 