One of the greatest joys of being a pastor is performing wedding ceremonies. I have been blessed to be part of more weddings than I can count and I can promise you that each one was a special and joyous occasion. Jesus used the wedding motif as He spoke of His relationship with...
It has become very evident to me lately that the world we live in gives us a lot to worry about, viruses, tornados, wars, stock markets and political change just to name a few. So, I would like to take a moment to remind you of God’s cure for worry, found in Philippians 4:6-7. 6 Be...
Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. Luke 5:13a In the quiet hours of this week, I found myself considering Pastor Daniel’s sermon this past Sunday. In particular, the attention he gave this verse and the fact that Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man who was covered...
Considering it is only 7:38am as I begin to write, it is hard to believe that I have already handed out some bad advice. Unfortunately, it is true! On Thursday mornings I meet with a few friends for breakfast and fellowship. At the end of our time today, we shook hands and...
As I read through my devotion this morning I was struck by the simple nature of the short devotion and at the same time the huge challenge within the few short sentences. Author, E. M. Bounds titled this devotion “Wholeness Through Prayer.” The simple message was that the...
Joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness is liking the present moment because it pleases us. But joy is much deeper and more long-range. Joy appreciates the past, the present, and the future, not because the circumstances are pleasing, but because the heart is right with God.
If you live in the Pacific Northwest, rain is a normal part of your life. This is why people joke that the Washington state motto is: “Rain? What rain?” and why people claim: "We don't tan in the northwest, we rust!" The past several months have been some of the wettest...
Donald Barnhouse tells the story of driving with a friend and being asked to share the details of his favorite symphony. He thought to himself, "How silly it would be to try and convey the beauty and complexity of Brahms though mere words or by whistling as I...
