Blog
Why ‘Showing Up’ Matters in Living Out Your Faith
As a long-time United Methodist pastor, whenever someone desires to unite with our church membership, I ask the historical questions that make up our membership vows. By doing so, we call Christian believers to an active faith rather than a passive one. When we vow to uphold the church with our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and testimony/witness, we commit to “show up” in tangible ways for God and His people. This act of showing up demonstrates our dedication to building…
Embracing God’s Promise in the New Year
As we begin a fresh new year, I’m reminded of Paul’s beautiful words to the church in Corinth. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17. What a perfect reminder that each new beginning is an opportunity to experience God’s transformative grace in our lives. The past year brought challenges for many people in our communities and worldwide. Yet through it all, we’ve witnessed countless…
Finding Hope in the Names of Christ: Reflections on Isaiah 9:6
When life seeks to challenge us, the words of the prophet Isaiah offer heartfelt comfort and reassurance, especially when we reflect upon the names of Christ. For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” – Isaiah 9:6. These four magnificent names of Christ speak directly to our deepest needs and longings. They remind…
The Promise Fulfilled: Tracing God’s Plan Through Scripture
As we enter the Advent season, I’m struck by the awe-inspiring way God intricately weaves the story of Jesus throughout the entire Old Testament. For 400 years after the last prophet spoke, God remained silent. But this wasn’t divine absence—it was divine anticipation building toward the most pivotal moment in human history. Consider this: over 300 Messianic prophecies, written centuries before Jesus’ birth, meticulously painted an impossibly specific portrait of the coming Savior. He would be born in tiny Bethlehem…
The Art of Caring: A Christian Response to a Self-Centered Culture
Today, we live in an era of individualism, self-promotion, and angry rhetoric. Where “self-care” often becomes a substitute for self-absorption, Christians are called to a radically different way of living. The Apostle Paul puts it plainly: Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too” – Philippians 2:3-4. The most Christ-like expressions of faith are not wrapped…
Woven Together: Nurturing Connections in Your Spiritual Journey
In today’s whirlwind of activity and distractions, many of us find ourselves drifting apart from the anchors of our faith, the warmth of our community, and even the core of who we are. But as followers of Christ, we’re called to a life of deep connection. This is more than just showing up on Sundays or occasionally opening our Bibles. It’s about weaving our faith into the very fabric of our daily lives. In part two of our post on…
From Comfort to Calling: Embracing Growth in Faith, Service, and Generosity
Living in an ever-changing and fast-paced world, feeling disconnected from your faith and church community is easy. But as followers of Christ, we’re called to a life of continuous growth and deep connection—with God, each other, and our purpose. But what does it mean from a biblical viewpoint to be growing and connected? In part one of this post, we’ll focus on the growing aspect of your walk with Christ by looking at practical ways to nurture your faith and…
The Choices We Face: Decisions Every Christian Must Make
As a long-time United Methodist pastor, I’ve witnessed countless moments where faith intersects with the complex realities of our world. Today, the choices we face as Christians in an ever-changing society affect all of us. We live in a time of change and challenge. Our world is increasingly diverse, interconnected, and complex. But as Christians, we’re often called to make decisions that test our faith, challenge our understanding, and push us out of our comfort zones. These could be decisions…
Embracing Kindness: Reflecting Christ Amidst Political Divisions
As we stand on the brink of another presidential election, the political landscape seems more fractured than ever before. The air is thick with tension, and the chasms that divide us appear to have widened into seemingly unbridgeable gulfs. Partisan rhetoric echoes through our communities, social media feeds, and even our places of worship. Yet, amid this tumultuous climate, we, as Christians, are reminded of our higher calling. Our faith beckons us to rise above the fray and embody a…
Embracing Possibilities in Everyday Life
Life is often described as a journey marked by unexpected twists and turns, presenting challenges and triumphs. It’s easy to feel stuck when faced with setbacks, yet the journey is often about embracing possibilities. Let’s explore how we can navigate our lives with hope, faith, and determination, using God’s teachings as our guide. Seeing Beyond the Failure Everyone encounters failure. Instead of letting it hold us back, we must shift our focus. Paul shares these words with the church in…
Being a Game-Changer: Steps to Embrace Change and Impact
From a spiritual point of view, being a game-changer means stepping up and making impactful choices that reflect your faith and purpose. Embracing change is not just about the choices you make; it’s about the drive that fuels those choices. Here are three key areas to consider when becoming a game-changer … Taking the Leap: How Faith Fuels Change Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see” – Hebrews 11:1.…
Transforming Your Communication Style
Communication is not just a tool for daily interactions but a powerful force that can transform our relationships and overall well-being. In a world often overshadowed by challenges and negativity, the transformative power of positive speech is not just a choice but a declaration of empowerment and hope. This shift in communication style doesn’t just foster a more encouraging and supportive environment; it sets off a chain reaction of inspiration and motivation. It empowers you to convey your thoughts and…
Walking in the Strength of the Lord
I walk in the strength of the Lord” – Psalm 71:16. Walking in the strength of the Lord means relying on His power and presence to guide, support, and sustain us in every aspect of life. This dependence on divine strength allows us to navigate life’s ups and downs with confidence and assurance that we are not alone. Throughout the Bible, we find numerous examples of individuals who relied on God’s strength to overcome seemingly impossible challenges. Moses is a…
Understanding God’s Will: Lessons from the Story of Jonah
The story of Jonah is more than just about a man and a giant fish – it’s a powerful narrative that helps us understand the importance of aligning our lives with God’s will. By observing Jonah’s journey, we learn that our choices carry significant consequences and that living in the center of God’s will leads to the best possible outcomes. As we explore this story, we view God’s unwavering grace and the importance of trusting in God’s purpose, even when…
Being a Disciple: Putting Jesus First in Every Area of Life
Have you ever wondered what it means to be a disciple of Jesus? First, it means following Jesus. Most Christians get that part. But it also means actively seeking to put Him first in every aspect of life, which can be more challenging. Being a disciple means embodying the teachings of Jesus in our daily actions, decisions, and relationships. Let’s explore some remarkable biblical examples and provide practical ways to live out these principles today. Peter’s Trust: Embracing Faith in…
Juneteenth and the Christian Call to Stand Against Oppression
Juneteenth, short for “June Nineteenth,” is not merely a date on the calendar but a powerful marker in American history. It signifies the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, finally learned of their freedom two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. This day signified the end of their bondage and the dawn of freedom. As Christians, it is essential to see Juneteenth through the lens of our faith. The Lord gives righteousness…
Avoiding Misinterpretations: Tools for Sound Biblical Interpretation
Understanding biblical texts accurately is essential for a vibrant and authentic Christian faith. It strengthens personal belief and fosters a harmonious and supportive community. Biblical misinterpretations, on the other hand, can lead to misunderstandings, conflict, and great harm. Understand How Culture Shapes Biblical Interpretation One key aspect of biblical interpretation is recognizing the influence of cultural context. When approaching challenging passages such as 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, where Paul states, “Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed…
Overcoming Daily Distractions: Lessons from Nehemiah on Focus and Determination
Distractions are everywhere. From the constant buzz of social media notifications to the demands of work, family, and personal interests, staying focused can feel like an uphill battle. However, the Bible offers timeless wisdom on overcoming distractions through the story of Nehemiah. Despite numerous attempts from others to derail his mission, Nehemiah’s unwavering focus and determination in rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall provide practical insights for us today. The Story of Nehemiah: Nehemiah was a cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia. Upon hearing…
From Law to Grace: How Jesus’ Sacrifice Changes Everything
The book of Leviticus in the Old Testament is a detailed account of laws and commandments given to the Israelites, known as the Levitical law. These laws ranged from dietary restrictions to ceremonial practices intended to set them apart as God’s chosen people. However, with the coming of Jesus Christ, a fundamental shift occurred. Jesus ushered in a new covenant, marked by grace and centered on love, freeing believers from the stringent legalities of Levitical law. This transition is essential…
The Power of Togetherness: Harmony in the Body of Christ
In our culture today, where individuality often takes precedence, harmony within the Body of Christ can lead to transcendent accomplishments far beyond what we can achieve alone. Harmony, in the Christian context, doesn’t necessitate uniformity of thought or action; rather, it embodies the idea of merging diverse strengths, perspectives, and gifts to fulfill a higher purpose. As represented in the Bible, this unity emphasizes the power of togetherness, teaching us invaluable lessons about collaboration, selflessness, and mutual respect. The Early…