Is God approachable? Though many of us, at least in this place, do not think about this question I think it is important to sometimes bring to the forefront what we may just assume as a “simple, easy” answer. God is approachable to all. This is I believe the answer of Scripture. How do we approach God?…

Who are you? I know I have asked this question at many times from the pulpit and in other settings. It is an important question. Identity is complex. Answer the question I started with is not always “simple”. There are nuances based on many factors of life. Race, socioeconomic status, religion, geography,…

Life is full of challenges. Each week provides an opportunity to learn to persevere. Yet, this is hard work. I am reminded of the words of Paul in Romans, Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.…

What is essential? Early on in the pandemic we had this question posed many of times; did we not? It was frustrating and liberating, at least to me, with some of the answers. Yes, it meant some of the things which were “important”, “crucial” and I would call “essential” ended up not being as essential…

What am I to do with my life? This is an almost universal question asked by all throughout their whole. Kids talk about what they want to do when they grow up. Teens talk about what to study in college. College students ask this in regards to employment. Parents who now have children. The person looking…

What is the best way to communicate? Have you ever thought about this question? Most of us to some extent have done so. Yet, it really all depends. Some of it depends on generation and capabilities. It also depends on the goal of the communication. Information does not always lead to transformation.…

Who gets final say? The basis of authority in our world is changing. Generally speaking we do not trust others nor those who we used to. Our world continues to change. Now that we are in another pandemic year this is even more evident. Does anything stay the same? This is what we may be asking. What…

The Christmas story is about journeys. We know this to be true. It starts with Mary and Joseph heading to Bethlehem. The Magi come and journey for probably up to 2 years to see the Christ. Yet, if I am honest this is where I see things essentially stopping. The Christmas journey is over. Christmas ends…

Word of the night: Present How do you say that word? What do you mean by the word? Wherever you are—be all there. Jim Elliot Yvette shared this quote with our teens this past week. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him…