I love the benediction for a Wedding in the United Methodist Book of Worship. Bear witness to the love of God in this world,so that those to whom love is a strangerwill find in you generous friends. That might be the essence of the faith at this point: who God is, how we’re supposed to be, a poignant take on the human dilemma, and what … Continue reading Wedded to God
I am using John Wesley’s Holy Club examen questions to examine my own life. 2) Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate? Honesty is one’s truthfulness to oneself. You deserve to know the truth about yourself. Truth sets us free. Sometimes the process is lengthy. With truthfulness to ourselves, we can see the truly unpleasant things within us: the … Continue reading Wesleyan Examen 011825
I am using John Wesley’s Holy Club examen questions to examine my own life. 1) Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am better than I really am? In other words, am I a hypocrite? I cannot even imagine ending my day with such a question. Isn’t the answer always ‘yes’. I don’t like to think of myself as a hypocrite. Few … Continue reading Wesleyan Examen 010225
This summer, I was invited to apply for an open position on our local school board. An elected official resigned her position, three of us applied for the position and were interviewed. I was selected over two other excellent candidates. Since then, I have jumped into the dense world of public school systems. Dense because I knew it was complex…but I didn’t really know how … Continue reading My First 100 Days: Highlights and Challenges as a Beginner on the local school board
Luke 1:5-20 5In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife was a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord. 7But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and … Continue reading Bible Leads: Luke 1:5-20: Zechariah
Matthew 22:15-22 Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us, then, what you think. Is … Continue reading Bible Leads: Matthew 22:15-22: Taxes
Mark 10:46-52 They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out … Continue reading Bible Leads: Mark 10:46-52: Blind Bartimaeus
24 October 2024 One of Wesley’s daily examination questions states: “Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?” Why yes I am! Thanks for asking. I recently heard of the concept of self-compassion. In looking at Wesley’s question, I find that perhaps self-compassion ought to be added to the list. There was a moment when I thought it ought to replace the entire list. As I examine … Continue reading Wesley’s Daily Questions: Self-what?
Preaching Leads are ideas for preaching on a particular text in the Bible. Today’s text is Matthew 10:1-15. I share both general techniques as well as specific applications. Today’s scripture is about Jesus sending out the 12 disciples to “proclaim the good news.” It is a rich scene with several opportunities for preaching. Scripture Outline These Newfangled Powers The first thing Jesus empowers his disciples … Continue reading Preaching Leads: Jesus Commissions the Disciples
11 October 2024 I’m in a season of discernment. I need a method to examine my life more closely. The Holy Club, the first iteration of Methodism, employed a method for daily examination. It can be found at the link below. If there is anything the church offers the world, tried and perfected disciplines are among the best. The questions below remain relevant. And I … Continue reading Wesley’s Daily Questions
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