Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving by way of daily thanks-living demands that we pray, yes; but it also demands that we "unload" our prayers at the doorsteps of those who are hungry, lonely and just plain without.
A Strong Determination
Feb. 28, 2010 Second Sunday in Lent Luke 13:31-35 When Todd Beamer boarded United Flight 93 on Sept. 11, 2001, he had no way of knowing what events would unfold that day. He took that flight regularly as a part of his job. His heroic words, "Let's roll," have become legendary and serve as an inspiration to millions. His heroism in overtaking the highjackers on that day and crashing the plane in Shanksville, Pa., evokes deep awe and gratitude from a shocked nation. I was serving in Washington, D.C., at the time; I remember the wife of a Congressional staffer saying through tears, "He very well may have saved my husband's life."
Passing the Test
Feb. 21, 2010 First Sunday in Lent Luke 4:1-13 Iron Eyes Cody is the Native American actor who did a TV spot for the Keep America Beautiful campaign in the early 1970s. He was an Indian drifting alone in a canoe. As he saw how our waters are being polluted, a single tear rolled down his cheek, telling the whole story. This public service announcement is so powerful it still airs occasionally.
Agony and Ecstasy
Feb. 14, 2010 Transfiguration Sunday Luke 9:28-43 Occasionally, I invite someone else to come preach. Today, I've asked Peter to come tell us about the Transfiguration in his own words:
Church Basics
Feb. 7, 2010 Fifth Sunday after Epiphany 1 Cor. 15:1-11 A coach called his team into the locker room after yet another loss. The team seemed to have forgotten the basics, much less the advanced techniques of the game. The coach looked over his team, then reached over and picked up the ball. Pointing at it he said, "Gentlemen, this is a football."
A More Excellent Way
Jan. 31, 2010 Fourth Sunday after Epiphany 1 Cor. 13:1-13 At last! Here are life perspectives that make sense. Today's passage of Scripture shows us a way to live that will grant peace with other people and with God. This is a more excellent way.
Animating the Body of Christ
Jan. 24, 2010 Third Sunday after Epiphany 1 Cor. 12:12-31a Life in the body of Christ-the church-is characterized by unity and energy. At least it should be. Paul looked at the church and knew full well that potential and reality often do not match. In the first 11 chapters of 1 Corinthians, he dealt with a host of problems in the church-divisions into various parties, sexual immorality by leaders, people suing each other in court, idol sacrifice, members getting drunk before worship and others. If anyone ever had the right to be pessimistic about the church, it would have been Paul!
Getting the Right Gift
Jan. 17, 2010 Second Sunday after Epiphany 1 Cor. 12:1-11 Ever have a problem finding just the right gift for someone-a spouse, child, grandchild, fiancé or parent? In the past, I would shop and shop months in advance and make sure I had the right gift for my wife for Christmas, birthday or anniversary.
Wanted: A Righteous Voice
Jan. 10, 2010 Baptism of the Lord Luke 3:15-17 The newspaper is filled with want ads. There are want ads for jobs, used cars, new cars, tractors, boats, airplanes, toys and more. However, I've never seen an ad for "a righteous voice." Maybe there ought to be because righteousness seems to be in short supply today, just like it was in John the Baptist's day.