Today we celebrate the coming of God’s Spirit, the Holy Spirit. The Day of Pentecost is the day that the Holy Spirit of God (the breath and the power of God which created the earth) comes into the world to teach, guide, and comfort. The wind, the breath of God which came to that upper…
When I think of Jesus as the Vine and God as the Vine Dresser, I think of the branches being both churches as well as individuals. In January 1969, I was a junior in high school and president of the new UMYF (United Methodist Fellowship). Three church bodies, the Methodist Church (mainly white and/or from…
Good Shepherd, we are the sheep of your pasture, you know us by name. We offer grateful thanks for your loving care. Open our hearts and minds to the guiding of your Spirit in our lives. Lead us in right paths that we may serve you in truth and action. Amen. The Lord is My…
INTRODUCTION The scripture passage that Sharon just read is one of my all-time favorite stories in the Bible. Now I can see how you might be wondering why the story about ‘doubting Thomas’ could possibly rate as one of my favorites when there are so many other stories that are more interesting…
Come! Rejoice in our God. Let us give thanks, whatever life brings. May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy. Let us prepare our hearts and our world for the prince of Peace, who is coming. May all who weep come home with shouts of joy. Prepare the way of the Lord…
Scripture: John 17:18-26 CEB We learn from this passage, this prayer, that unity is of utmost importance to Jesus. As His followers, we are invited into the unity Jesus experiences with His Father. From within this relationship, we can then build unity with one another. Of course, this is easier said than done. Pursuing unity…
Scripture: John 17:1-11 CEB These words that Jesus prays to His Father reveal His eternal purposes and priorities. They go straight to the heart of our obedience as His disciples. We may not always want to hear this, but we must follow Jesus by putting aside what we want, by lifting our gaze to take…
Scripture: John 14:15-21 CEB This week we continue to look at Jesus’ teaching that he gave on the night before His crucifixion. In this passage, we see Jesus’ love and care for His disciples, and also hear some guidance for their future. Jesus tells them, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (v.15)…
Scripture: John 14:1-14 CEB Today we celebrate Mother’s Day. Even in this challenging season, we can take the time to honor the woman or women we love on this special day. A good mother exemplifies through her actions the kind of trust that Jesus is inviting us to have in Him as specified in today’s…
John 10:1-10 CEB This passage made me think about doors and how important it is to choose the right one. We must enter through the right door to get into the right place. But, sometimes we go through the wrong door and this leads us into wrong and sometimes embarrassing places. I will tell you…