It’s far from easy.It’s stinking hard. It’s a hard and holy thing to die to self.And you aren’t the only one struggling with it. For many, who walk with Jesus, it’s a slow thing as we learn little by little, year after year, to die to things that don’t really matter and hold on toContinue reading “Struggling with dying to self?”
Tag Archives: go to church
Church Basements -Holy Places
Our family lost a great one this past week—Uncle Larry. As we sat in the same basement of the same church, my sweet mother-in-law reminded me of these words God had laid on my heart as we had gathered to bury Larry’s sweet wife three years ago— They are holy places.Church basements. As I walkedContinue reading “Church Basements -Holy Places”
I hope you have this gift…
I’m headed to a retreat weekend with my home church. My HOME CHURCH. I hope you have one.There’s nothing like people who love God loving you and you loving them. And especially in these hard days, church is such a gift. There have been so many times I was tired, weak, discouraged. I was, atContinue reading “I hope you have this gift…”
There at the small church…
I’ve learned to keep my eye out for a steeple. It often peeks above a hill as I turn the corner and finally see the small church. Oh, the Lord has had me share in some big churches with parking lots like theme parks, but mostly it’s been the small churches where I’ve found myselfContinue reading “There at the small church…”
Tuesday after Easter
About now, I think about those who only attend church on Easter and Christmas. Something draws them there—maybe it’s sweet childhood memories, maybe they are trying to check a box, maybe they are looking for God but are not sure if they can go “all in”. After all, there’s a lot about faith in aContinue reading “Tuesday after Easter”
It’s HARD to die to self!
It’s far from easy.It’s stinking hard. It’s a hard and holy thing to die to self.And you aren’t the only one struggling with it. For many, who walk with Jesus, it’s a slow thing as we learn little by little, year after year, to die to things that don’t really matter and hold on toContinue reading “It’s HARD to die to self!”
It doesn’t have to end!
It’s Christmas Eve. I don’t want it to end. The twinkling lights, the hugs from family, the familiar carols, the smell of cookies baking in the oven, the flickering candles, the beautiful presents wrapped in bright expectation….. The moments of Christmas-time are some of my favorites I have ever lived. I expect they will alwaysContinue reading “It doesn’t have to end!”
The small church in America
I’ve learned to keep my eye out for a steeple. It often peeks above a hill as I turn the corner and finally see the small church. Oh, the Lord has had me share in some big churches with parking lots like theme parks, but mostly it’s been the small churches where I’ve found myselfContinue reading “The small church in America”
Don’t run away in your DOUBTS!
Have you thought about the eight long days after Easter? Have you thought about Thomas? A Risen Jesus appeared to the disciples in the locked room (seemingly walking through a wall). Thomas missed that and utters the words he is famous for, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and placeContinue reading “Don’t run away in your DOUBTS!”
You aren’t the only one struggling…
It’s far from easy.It’s stinking hard. It’s a hard and holy thing to die to self.And you aren’t the only one struggling with it. For many, who walk with Jesus, it’s a slow thing as we learn little by little, year after year, to die to things that don’t really matter and hold on toContinue reading “You aren’t the only one struggling…”
Church Basements. Holy Places.
They are holy places.Church basements. As I walked down the stairs, my shoes clicked on the cold concrete floors, and I ran my fingers on the painted concrete block walls. This wasn’t the church I had grown up in, but it sure reminded me of, when as a child, I had clicked my patent leatherContinue reading “Church Basements. Holy Places.”
How do we “take heart” in this hard world?
Clearly there are lots of things to concern us about this world we are living in. The latest opinion polls show everyone, in just about every demographic, seems to be stressed about the political and economic climate. Stressed. And for Christ followers, this anti-biblical culture is greatly adding to our concerns-especially for our kids andContinue reading “How do we “take heart” in this hard world?”
This is YOUR sign. Go to CHURCH tomorrow!
Go to church.No, really, GO to church tomorrow.Plan right now to do this. No doubt, a fuzzy blanket, a cup of piping hot coffee, pajamas and a podcast have become “worship” for some. I know some people are in seasons of life where they are home bound for various reasons, but I’m not talking toContinue reading “This is YOUR sign. Go to CHURCH tomorrow!”
A CAUTION for those getting comfy at home
Some studies suggest 30 percent of church-goers have left the church during this pandemic. Many are probably cultural Christians who don’t truly know Jesus. But not all. Some of you, who truly know Jesus, have decided you like your church better on a screen because you prefer the edited, less-messy version. I get it. IContinue reading “A CAUTION for those getting comfy at home”