Pastor’s Blog

Daily Devotional March 31, 2023

Posted on Mar 31, 2023 in Pastor's Blog |

Read Luke 18:9-14

Eleven years ago, I visited the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility in Lucasville, Ohio. I was part of a team that participated in a ministry conference within the prison walls. I recall doctors, teachers, businessmen, and pastors sitting and praying side-by-side with robbers, rapists, and murderers. Each of these men asked God to forgive them of their individual sins. No one feigned that he was any better than any other person in the room. As Blue Highway sings in their song, “The Ground Is Level at the Foot of the Cross.”

Daily Devotion March 30, 2023

Posted on Mar 30, 2023 in Pastor's Blog |

“Because of the grace that God gave me, I can say to each one of you: don’t think of yourself more highly than you ought to think. Instead, be reasonable since God has measured out a portion of faith to each one of you” (Romans 12:3).

The boys of summer are back. A new season opens today in Major League Baseball. The hope for success springs eternal for both players and fans.

Daily Devotional March 29, 2023

Posted on Mar 29, 2023 in Pastor's Blog |

“Make sure you don’t take things for granted and go slack in working for the common good; share what you have with others…” (Hebrews 13:16, MSG).

I once read about an old well located outside the front door of a farmhouse. The water was pure and cool to the taste. Regardless of how hot the summer or limited the rainfall, the well was a reliable source of refreshment.

Daily Devotional March 28, 2023

Posted on Mar 28, 2023 in Pastor's Blog |

“And I say, ‘Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest’” (Psalm 55:6, ESV).

I recently officiated a Celebration of Life service. Following the committal, white doves were released from a cage. I joined the participants as we took in the sight of these beautiful creatures taking flight into the sky.

Daily Devotional March 24, 2023

Posted on Mar 24, 2023 in Pastor's Blog |

“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue” .(Proverbs 31:26, ESV)

Ponder these two questions. Can a person be nice but unkind? Conversely, can a person be kind but not nice?

Being kind and nice are not the same. Many within the church today argue that Christians have become too nice. They argue that followers of Jesus don’t want to say something that might offend someone else or create conflict.

Daily Devotional March 23, 2023

Posted on Mar 23, 2023 in Pastor's Blog |

“Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out” (Colossians 4:6, MSG)

I missed it. So, allow me to wish you a Happy National Common Courtesy Day! Last Tuesday, March 21st served as an annual reminder that graciousness and gratitude are the virtues that keep our world from slipping into a sea of anger and turmoil. Though you won’t find the words common courtesy in the Scriptures, Paul contends that our goal should move us to bring out the best in others.