Monthly Archives: February 2016

Today marks the “heavenly birthday” of Martin Luther. He died in Eisleben, the same town in which he was born, on this date in 1546. On his deathbed Pastors Justus Jonas and Michael Coelius asked him, “Reverend Father, are you … Continue reading →

This morning I have been mulling over the word “faith.”  When I got up this morning I put on my brace and walked across the room, having faith that my brace would hold me.  I turned on the water, and … Continue reading →

In one of his last sermons at Joy, Pastor Ed told the story of a sea rescue team called to head out into a terrible storm and rescue a ship in trouble. A rescue team member noted that the storm … Continue reading →

These words have become familiar phrases in our speech but what do they mean?  Pay back may be as simple as returning a favor or paying a debt, or as sinister as “getting even” with someone who has hurt us … Continue reading →

Happy Valentine’s Day!  Today, reflect on the greatest love story ever: God’s story. Lately, I’ve been questioning everything from church traditions and long-held beliefs to who God is and what God wants.  Not that I’m wavering in my faith, but … Continue reading →

Life comes with ups and downs.  When times are good, it’s easy to praise God, but when times are difficult we sometimes find ourselves focused on the sorrows and troubles in life.  We may find ourselves looking at our glass … Continue reading →

Are you excited it’s Lent?  No?  Certainly, the journey to the cross doesn’t give the same warm, fuzzy feeling the baby Jesus does, but remember who your journey is with.  There is no commandment to observe Lent in the Bible.  … Continue reading →

Here’s how John R. Powers describes Lent in his humorous book, The Last Catholic in America. “Lent was a time of ‘give ups.’ At the beginning of the forty days, fathers would give up smoking and swearing, mothers would give … Continue reading →

Each morning I start my day by going out and  picking up the morning paper. This morning is a bit chilly, but normally Florida weather is pretty nice.  What a beautiful way to start the day. I hear the birds … Continue reading →

Some writers have speculated that the Old Testament writers often made God sound wrathful because they thought God had to be wrathful to control us. When they looked around at how people in power controlled others they saw power, fear, … Continue reading →